MRI for the Claustrophobic

TriDeltaSallie · #1 02-25-2012, 04:45 PM

I would also choose Xanax over Valium. I've had both for procedures and the Valium was worthless. OTOH, the smallest dose of Xanax can make me so relaxed I can't move. (Yes, my body is THAT sensitive.)

That said, I'd rather be out. It would be even worse to be so relaxed by the Xanax that you can't communicate clearly that you are panicking.

Those of you who aren't super claustrophobic probably think this is a strange conversation, but I totally get the crying tears of relief comment upon seeing the alternative MRI machine.

But if you can move your head and look out, you will probably be fine with just the Xanax or Valium.

PM_Mama00 · #2 02-25-2012, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honeykiss1974

PM Mama, I TOTALLY relate to you. On Friday, I attempted to get an MRI of my abdomen so I thought going in feet first, that my head would still be out...umm NO. It had to go in the "tunnel" and I freaked out. So much that I had an asthma attack. lol I'm now on the search for an Open MRI too. There was no way I could stay in there for 45 minutes.

If I HAD to go the route of a traditional MRI, I'd have to put out with general anesthesia. Valium or Xanax wouldn't cut it.

Look for the Open Bore MRI. That's the one that is 4ft long and a wider hole.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TriDeltaSallie

I would also choose Xanax over Valium. I've had both for procedures and the Valium was worthless. OTOH, the smallest dose of Xanax can make me so relaxed I can't move. (Yes, my body is THAT sensitive.)

That said, I'd rather be out. It would be even worse to be so relaxed by the Xanax that you can't communicate clearly that you are panicking.

Those of you who aren't super claustrophobic probably think this is a strange conversation, but I totally get the crying tears of relief comment upon seeing the alternative MRI machine.

But if you can move your head and look out, you will probably be fine with just the Xanax or Valium.

Ok now I'm freaked out about being so relaxed I can't communicate! My prescription is only .25mg.

TriDeltaSallie · #3 02-25-2012, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PM_Mama00

Ok now I'm freaked out about being so relaxed I can't communicate! My prescription is only .25mg.

I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you freak out. That is the same prescription I had and I only needed half a pill. Have you ever taken Xanax? Do you have a history of being sensitive to meds? If you are concerned, take a Xanax as a trial run a few days before to see how your body responds.

PM_Mama00 · #4 02-26-2012, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TriDeltaSallie

I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you freak out. That is the same prescription I had and I only needed half a pill. Have you ever taken Xanax? Do you have a history of being sensitive to meds? If you are concerned, take a Xanax as a trial run a few days before to see how your body responds.

Yeah my doctor prescribed them for me when I had a minor bout with insomnia. Sometimes it kicks in right away, but sometimes it takes a while.

AOII Angel · #5 02-26-2012, 10:04 AM

The bigger problem with these sedatives is NOT that you won't be able to move, but that you become disinhibited and can't stop moving. These drugs are like alcohol and make patient's behave like they are drunk. When they take to much thinking that it will make it better for them, the procedure is worthless. Take just enough to be comfortable with out being a squirmy mess that can't take orders. Also, stop thinking about it too much...the more you obsess and work it up in your mind, the worse it will be. Trust that the Xanax will work. Keep telling yourself that it will work and that the open bore MRI won't bother you. Remember that you can get out of the bore at anytime during the procedure that you want. At no time are you trapped or stuck. You can turn your head and look out. Take a slow deep breath and realize that you are SAFE. The key is the controlled breathing. Good luck, PM Mama.

PM_Mama00 · #6 02-26-2012, 01:13 PM

Sooooo it was a breeze! I took the Xanax but I think all it did was make me sleepy. It didn't relieve any anxiety. However, I was in far enough that my head was in but I had it tilted so I could see out. The noise wasn't as loud as I thought but maybe it was the headphones. The worst part was my lower back hurting from laying on a flat board for so long.... which didn't even seem like the 30min I was quoted. Not bad! Thanks for all the help!

TriDeltaSallie · #7 02-26-2012, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PM_Mama00

Sooooo it was a breeze! I took the Xanax but I think all it did was make me sleepy. It didn't relieve any anxiety. However, I was in far enough that my head was in but I had it tilted so I could see out. The noise wasn't as loud as I thought but maybe it was the headphones. The worst part was my lower back hurting from laying on a flat board for so long.... which didn't even seem like the 30min I was quoted. Not bad! Thanks for all the help!

So glad it worked out well!

Honeykiss1974 · #8 02-26-2012, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PM_Mama00

Look for the Open Bore MRI. That's the one that is 4ft long and a wider hole.

Thanks for the tip. Glad to hear it went well for you.