what about something like a valume do you think that might help?

I had the same problem as you - big time claustrophia - when I went into the open MRI the 1st time, I panicked and had to let me out and I ran out of there. I called my neuro and he did prescribe 2 valium - I still didn't think I could do it but honestly they relax you so much that the fear totally goes away. I hate taking pills also but last week I also has him prescribe 2 valium for the spinal tap. It's the only thing that works for me.

I'm claustrophobic too but at this point, I've had so many MRI's it's not an issue. You just have to look at it as a necessary evil. Just close your eyes and breathe deeply. Fortunately they don't take too long.

Ditto what April and Carolgirl said.

Usually they have earphones with music to take your mind off the procedure.

It will be woth it Sunny when your questions are answered, and you begin tretment if necessary.

The only other option is fear......of the un-known!

Your not alone sweetie, we have all been in your soes, keep talking we'll help ya through it!!

Lovingly~
Sheila

Great response Kalli! that's what i did!

Yes, I know. I had my neuro give me valium once, but not since then. When I was in Fla, they had the music, but in Knoxville, they don't. Just earplugs, so I kinda sing to my self. Again, I've had so many, they don't bother me anymore. I have more of a problem with sinus drainage from lying on my back so long. But again, take some deep breaths, and close your eyes. Some will even put a towel or washcloth over your eyes if you want so you don't have to see yourself in the tunnell thing. Good Luck, though.

they have plenty of drugs that will helpyou just inform them of your fear. I closed my eyes and didn't open them until it was all over.

Well, I guess I fear taking a sedative since I have my 2 autistic kids to care for. How long does the effects of the valium typically last?? My doc wanted me to take xanax, but I heard stories where that doesn't help quick enough, sometimes days! And Carol, that's exactly what I did at the open MRI *hee he* I screamed "let me out.. LET ME OUT", and the tech was so rude, he's like yeah, go take your Xanax, make that two. Everyone is so sweet with your thoughts.

Thank you!

I also have the same issue. i once almost broke the helmet thing because I was trying to get it off!! When I have mine done. They do it at the hospital. I get an IV and they knock me out.. Other times i was alrrady in the hospital and I was already druged..

Because I took 2 valium, by the time I got home it was around Noon, I had something to eat and slept until 7 that evening so that could be a problem for you with the children to take care of. And don't feel bad for running out of MRI - the tech was so nice to me - she told me it happens all day long. My Dr. also told me if I wasn't able to do it with valium, they could put me in the hospital and put me to sleep - that seemed a little drastic to me but if the valium didn't work I would have done that.

Sunnygirl... i think we are soul mates...rofl

i have tried the open MRI.. felt like an oreo cookie.. and i was drugged for that one..grin.. guy claimed i moved..ha,, bull.. there was no way i could move with that slap of metal on me...rofl
Then i decided that i would do the tomb..aka body bag.. type... for that i asked for more valium...grin.. yep they went okay.. all i remember was seeing the little teddy bear in the mirror once she got the head gear on...lol.. dont remember laying down or nothing...
my advice... take the valium... get a sitter and have a nap when you get home...grin..

Hi Sunny- yup yup yup! Go through that same claustrophobic thing. Yes-I have the open MRI too and that helmet thing is crazy. I have ended up falling asleep in those, but then I move because I'm not comfy and you can't do that. lol. The worst part for me is the IV for the contrast. I'm the worst for getting an IV. It's pure torcher. It's quite interesting to see what MRI's show. Just think of it as an answer to a puzzle. It's a missing piece and embrace finding the answer. Let me know when you're going. I'll be with you in thought & prayer. Olivea

I don't know if this will help you but I thought I would tell you anyway..I'm also claustrophobic. I was in a test group so I had MRI's monthly for 2 years. What finally helped me was:
The tech would tell me when the next session was to start. The test is working when it makes all the clank sounds. (I would make sure to take deep breaths in between) So he would say, this one will be 4 minutes..etc. I was able to start counting like I was counting minutes. sometimes I would loose track, but if I started panicking again I would start the counting over. The last one was always 10 min. I really needed the counting on that one, it seemed to go on forever. It sure helped me though. I didn't take the drugs, and they didn't have music for me to listen too, just the ear plugs. So I always counted on the Tech to let me know what was going on! My way of surviving!

Tell your neuro! Claustrophobia is common in MRIs. There are meds to settle you down .I did it. That got me an MRI. That got me answers. No MRI, no answers. Alternate is a spinal tap. Choose one. The alternative is never knowing. And closing doors - forever.

I hated it. I just did the I am in a happy place thing and got through it. The 'Open' MRI is a joke. What is less closed in NOT.

I too hate the I.V. part. my vien colapse then they roll then I have contrast all swollen in my arms (yes last time BOTH arms) and I am locked in the helmet so I can't smack the woman poking me. Hubby was so mad at having to ice my arms that he says he will come back to make sure 'they' know what they are doing.

It was the deciding test though that showed all!