MRI and Claustrophobia

Hi I have had symptoms for over 2 years, that had got worse. It took this time and changing GPs and seeing a optician and being told I had failed a field vision test, to get to see a neurologist, this was back in August, she said about she suspected MS and wanted me to have a MRI, now I have very bad claustrophobia, I would of had a MRI in my local hospital 3 weeks ago, but asked to go to a open scanner due to severe claustrophobia, so got one of those booked but will be another 2 weeks. This is also at a scanner 2 hours train ride from home so will be a 4 hour journey, and I am practically house bound. I had a very bad time yesterday and realised I had lost control of my bowel, That hadnt happened before, bladder has happened but not bowel. Eye pain and vision loss is worse. I am thinking of going to out of hours or my GP or maybe a and e tomorrow as I cant feel my legs or feet and pins and needles also. if they send me for a MRI here any help or tips with the claustrophobia?. It literally scares me even thinking about it. I went in for one years back for my back and the electric went out and the man in front of me was stuck for 45 mins in the complete dark. I know that is rare but it effected me, I am also over weight too. x

My neurologist said the min I loose control of bladder or bowels to go straight to a&e. I know they can give sedation for the MRI but personally I didn’t have any as I had to drive myself to my scan and drive home. I would go and get yourself seen to and express your claustrophobia when you get there it’s better to be safe :slight_smile: xx

hi emma

i would ask for a cushion under your knees.

it’s much more comfortable and helps you keep still.

maybe your gp could give you a prozac to see you through the MRI.

make sure that you tell the person doing the MRI about your fears.

if you have your own way of calming yourself down, do it.

believe that you will be alright - tell yourself that it will be alright.

good luck

carole x

Local MRI + diazepam might be a solution. Worth discussing sedation options with the GP or the clinician who has commissioned the scan?

Whatever sort you end up in, a pillow under the knees is a great help, as someone else has already said.

Alison

Hi. I agree a pillow under your knees. I found closing my eyes and picturing being somewhere else helped. At first I tried a beach, but it is very noisy so I pictured the noise was a band playing. I also concentrated on my breathing, taking slow steady breaths. It helps to remember that it isn’t going to hurt and nothing bad can happen. All the best x

My first scan (private) was in an open frame machine, so I got used to the noise.

You have two problems:
The continence problem
The claustrophobia problem

The second is the easier one to deal with. Prozac, Valium or similar; the operators can fit a small mirror so that you can look out (sort of), and the knee support (as above) should get you nicely relaxed. Now you want something to exercise the brain. In my case, I wrote (mentally of course) a complete paper for an overseas conference. The next day I typed it up for real.
You could try “writing” the complete story of your scan, starting from the hospital car park. You may have to go back and start again more than once but if you can do it, it will make you forget where you are.

The continence problem is a matter of planning. Plan everything. The hospital I attend has toilets at a side entrance. The radiology is only 50 yards away and has its own toilet for the MRI patients. You plan what you have to eat and drink (remember you can catch up later), and the planning will give you confidence.

OK, now you can go for the local scan - right?

Geoff

Thank you all. I have the open scan booked for this Thursday, my main worry is for that it is two hours away on a train, changing three times, and then two hours back. I have no one who can take me there in a car. (or no offers I should say), I am seeing my GP wednesday but dont think there is anything she can do apart from prescribe a sedative, until after the MRI. Been so tired and in pain lately, so hoping the MRI can see whats going on x