Helping someone who is terrified of MRIs get an MRI
February 8, 2022 6:41 AM Subscribe
This person is claustrophobic. Help?
A very good friend of mine needs to get an MRI, ASAP. I know MRIs well, and unfortunately have had to have a few, but found them no big deal but it is a HUGE DEAL for her.
My offer of help and going with her has been accepted -- yay! But the terror is real and she says she can't even say 100% that she will be able to go through with it.
She is extremely well-educated, actually works in the medical field, and knows this is completely irrational. She has always been afraid of heights but became particularly claustrophobic a few years ago after being stuck in a rickety elevator for just a few minutes.
We HAVE to do this next week, so major time for therapy. Her doctor is aware of the fear but hasn't made that many useful suggestions. (I'm not sure how honest she has been about how deeply she is afraid of getting stuck in that machine.) Unfortunately, she will not be able to have the Open MRI.
Anything I can do to help make this easier for her?
A very good friend of mine needs to get an MRI, ASAP. I know MRIs well, and unfortunately have had to have a few, but found them no big deal but it is a HUGE DEAL for her.
My offer of help and going with her has been accepted -- yay! But the terror is real and she says she can't even say 100% that she will be able to go through with it.
She is extremely well-educated, actually works in the medical field, and knows this is completely irrational. She has always been afraid of heights but became particularly claustrophobic a few years ago after being stuck in a rickety elevator for just a few minutes.
We HAVE to do this next week, so major time for therapy. Her doctor is aware of the fear but hasn't made that many useful suggestions. (I'm not sure how honest she has been about how deeply she is afraid of getting stuck in that machine.) Unfortunately, she will not be able to have the Open MRI.
Anything I can do to help make this easier for her?
After I unexpectedly freaked out in my first ever MRI and had to push the "please stop let me out" button, my doctor prescribed some valium for the next try without hesitation, which kept my anxiety and uncontrollable shaking to a minimum and I was able to get through it. I'm surprised that wasn't immediately brought up as a possibility.
It's not really something you can reason yourself out of. I wasn't even getting my upper body imaged (it was my knee) so I was only in the MRI up to about my waist. I had never experienced anything like that before; I don't have any extreme phobias or anxiety. I had music in the headphones, I had already planned on some mental tricks to kill the time like imagining myself running through my favorite park after my knee was fixed, but it all went out the window. My brain couldn't focus on anything, and my body would not stop trembling. It was so weird, but valium took enough of the edge off that I could make it through on the second try.
posted by misskaz at 6:52 AM on February 8, 2022 [4 favorites]
It's not really something you can reason yourself out of. I wasn't even getting my upper body imaged (it was my knee) so I was only in the MRI up to about my waist. I had never experienced anything like that before; I don't have any extreme phobias or anxiety. I had music in the headphones, I had already planned on some mental tricks to kill the time like imagining myself running through my favorite park after my knee was fixed, but it all went out the window. My brain couldn't focus on anything, and my body would not stop trembling. It was so weird, but valium took enough of the edge off that I could make it through on the second try.
posted by misskaz at 6:52 AM on February 8, 2022 [4 favorites]
If would help your friend to know that she's in good company, the This American Life podcast just had an interview that's relevant - https://www.thisamericanlife.org/757/the-ghost-in-the-machine/act-two-16
Jean Hannah Edelstein: Yeah, I had a panic attack and they had to take me out. And then the guy tried to comfort me. And I was like, I know. My father literally invented this. It's not dangerous.posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 6:55 AM on February 8, 2022 [8 favorites]
Ira Glass: That's right. If I had to summarize this story in a sentence, the sentence would be, "inventor of MRI has claustrophobic daughter," though I want to be precise. Strictly speaking, her dad wasn't "the" inventor of the MRI.
Jean Hannah Edelstein: So yeah, my dad was part of the team that built the first full-body MRI in 1980, which was in Aberdeen, Scotland. And if you're in Aberdeen, you can go and see the original machine in a museum, and it's pretty janky looking.
Yeah, unless there's a really good reason for not requesting a prescription for a sedative, that seems like an obvious choice. One little pill would most likely to make this waaaay easier. And with you there to help her out she doesn't need to worry about having to drive herself home, etc., afterwards.
posted by mskyle at 7:04 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by mskyle at 7:04 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
when a claustrophobic friend of mine needs an mri, his partner goes with him and keeps their hand on his foot/leg, so they know someone is there to "pull them out" if need be, and to act as an anchoring calming presence.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 7:07 AM on February 8, 2022 [11 favorites]
posted by misanthropicsarah at 7:07 AM on February 8, 2022 [11 favorites]
You can get an open MRI. You can also take a sedative or a beatablocker. If your friend's MD is a dick, just reach out to your friend group. Someone is going to have some Xanax or Valium or Ativan or whatever.
posted by DarlingBri at 7:14 AM on February 8, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by DarlingBri at 7:14 AM on February 8, 2022 [4 favorites]
Do you know what size machine it will be? I get most of mine at a facility that has a spacious MRI to accommodate larger patients. It's not an open MRI - it's a regular machine - but it's much less claustrophobic and lets in outside light. I just looked it up and I think they are called "large bore MRI."
posted by beyond_pink at 7:19 AM on February 8, 2022
posted by beyond_pink at 7:19 AM on February 8, 2022
Have her start using a silk eye-mask to sleep at night, starting now. She will associate it with calm, quiet, serene... and hopefully wearing it before and into the MRI will bring those feelings back as well as block out the scary visuals. She can lie there and imagine she's in her bed at home.
Tbh never tried it with an MRI but it works wonders for needle phobias! Inexpensive and worth a try.
posted by nkknkk at 7:21 AM on February 8, 2022
Tbh never tried it with an MRI but it works wonders for needle phobias! Inexpensive and worth a try.
posted by nkknkk at 7:21 AM on February 8, 2022
The person who ordered the MRI should be able to prescribe 1-3 tablets of some benzo. I do this all the time for my patients. Comment that there's someone else to drive when calling.
(Open MRI is not an option per OP; they are lower quality machines and not readily available nor can they do all types of studies because of the weakass magnet in them. )
posted by cobaltnine at 7:23 AM on February 8, 2022 [7 favorites]
(Open MRI is not an option per OP; they are lower quality machines and not readily available nor can they do all types of studies because of the weakass magnet in them. )
posted by cobaltnine at 7:23 AM on February 8, 2022 [7 favorites]
She should ask her doctor to prescribe a single dose of valium for the procedure
posted by Jacqueline at 7:23 AM on February 8, 2022
posted by Jacqueline at 7:23 AM on February 8, 2022
I had a similar problem and had to be pulled out of the machine just seconds after being put into it. First time I ever felt such extreme and panicky claustrophobia. My dr rebooked me for an “ open” MRI machine. Night and day difference. I had no problems at all completing the procedure, and did not need sedatives or any kind of prescription.
posted by Rapunzel1111 at 7:23 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Rapunzel1111 at 7:23 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
I want to emphasize Darling Bri's mention of the open MRI. Sometimes these are at private centers not mentioned by the physician who always orders tests from the same facility, but insurance still covers it. It's up to the patient or their advocates to find it in many cases. This made a big difference for my loved one who was claustrophobic.
On edit: Also as Rapunzel111 says above.
posted by nantucket at 7:24 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
On edit: Also as Rapunzel111 says above.
posted by nantucket at 7:24 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
Sedatives have been mentioned but depending on the reason for the MRI and other potential risk factors, they also can do general anesthesia for MRIs. When my daughter (~6 years old) needed an MRI that was going to be ~60 minutes the plan was for that but when the actual techs talked to her they could tell she wouldn't need it so, luckily, we skipped it. I did a bit of searching again now and it seems like in general anesthesia is suggested for children for MRIs and is also done for adults. So that is another thing to ask about if it's appealing option.
posted by skynxnex at 7:36 AM on February 8, 2022
posted by skynxnex at 7:36 AM on February 8, 2022
I accompanied my severely claustrophobic friend to many, many MRIs over the course of a major illness and I echo what someone said above: you can go into the room with her (dress appropriately - no metal) and rub her feet and legs the whole time. My friend would take off shoes and socks and I'd bring lotion and give her a full-on foot and lower leg massage the entire time. Like, so long and strong that my hands would get very tired. Sometimes I'd bring a light hairbrush and also brush her legs gently to give my hands a break.
You can also tell the technician that you want a lot of communication -- generally they are happy to break the entire thing down into discrete bits so you know "this one will take 10 minutes" and "this will take 12 minutes" and the like.
posted by BlahLaLa at 7:36 AM on February 8, 2022 [3 favorites]
You can also tell the technician that you want a lot of communication -- generally they are happy to break the entire thing down into discrete bits so you know "this one will take 10 minutes" and "this will take 12 minutes" and the like.
posted by BlahLaLa at 7:36 AM on February 8, 2022 [3 favorites]
Came in to say ASK for a sedative. Where i live (Austria) this can be requested at the facility where the MRI is done (but must be requested in advance, so they can plan for it). Not sure how this is handled in US. Have you booked the appointment yet? If not ask them. I was told it is a common issue, and can be planned for.
posted by 15L06 at 7:38 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by 15L06 at 7:38 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
I recently got my first MRI and was booked at a very new facility. I was surprised that my MRI was loaded with screensaver-type slides of tropical beaches to look at and a mirrored viewing area that tricked the eye into thinking that it was very spacious inside. I found it very effective. So, if your friend can ask around and find out if there's an imaging place that has this newer technology, she might appreciate it.
posted by xo at 7:47 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by xo at 7:47 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
Hello, fellow claustrophobic person and MRI hater here. Nth-ing the suggestion for a small ativan prescription or similar; it takes the edge off a lot.
The other thing that helped me through my first MRI was suggested by the tech - ask for a dry washcloth to place over the eyes! Not seeing what was going on was GREAT and I've made the same request for every other MRI I've had since.
posted by sencha at 7:49 AM on February 8, 2022 [2 favorites]
The other thing that helped me through my first MRI was suggested by the tech - ask for a dry washcloth to place over the eyes! Not seeing what was going on was GREAT and I've made the same request for every other MRI I've had since.
posted by sencha at 7:49 AM on February 8, 2022 [2 favorites]
Xanax, Valium, Ativan, pick one. It's not okay that her doctor didn't ask better questions and offer this. She may be able to listen to music; some people want calming music, but I think really distracting, familiar, engaging music is good.
She can learn a form of relaxation breathing; this helps and is also distracting. If there's time, hypnosis and lessons in self-hypnosis, and affirmations. Every time somebody says I can't do it, it reinforces that a tiny bit. Realistic affirmations - This is really important, and I will do relaxation breathing and get through - can help a little. Also, a reward, like a favorite dessert or some new thing.
Tell herb that strangers on the Internet are rooting for her.
posted by theora55 at 7:58 AM on February 8, 2022
She can learn a form of relaxation breathing; this helps and is also distracting. If there's time, hypnosis and lessons in self-hypnosis, and affirmations. Every time somebody says I can't do it, it reinforces that a tiny bit. Realistic affirmations - This is really important, and I will do relaxation breathing and get through - can help a little. Also, a reward, like a favorite dessert or some new thing.
Tell herb that strangers on the Internet are rooting for her.
posted by theora55 at 7:58 AM on February 8, 2022
Nthing straight-up asking for a sedative, that claustrophobia is real and anticipating it can make it worse.
Another thing that may or may not be possible depending on your facility (but if she has the choice of facilities and can go to one that works with pediatric patients, it may be more likely to have this), when my son needed multiple MRIs, the hospital had a viewer he could wear (kind of like scuba goggles) that combined with the standard MRI headphones let him watch a movie during the scan. It's worth checking ahead of time whether that's an option.
posted by Mchelly at 8:00 AM on February 8, 2022
Another thing that may or may not be possible depending on your facility (but if she has the choice of facilities and can go to one that works with pediatric patients, it may be more likely to have this), when my son needed multiple MRIs, the hospital had a viewer he could wear (kind of like scuba goggles) that combined with the standard MRI headphones let him watch a movie during the scan. It's worth checking ahead of time whether that's an option.
posted by Mchelly at 8:00 AM on February 8, 2022
Response by poster: Wow, this is so helpful! The drugs sound like exactly what she needs -- I really suspect that she downplayed it for the doctor while internally freaking out. Now I have to get her to really admit it to the doctor . . . I imagine this is something she would have to get in advance, right?
(This is the NHS so probably not very fancy facilities, but I could be wrong.)
posted by heavenknows at 8:32 AM on February 8, 2022
(This is the NHS so probably not very fancy facilities, but I could be wrong.)
posted by heavenknows at 8:32 AM on February 8, 2022
I'm claustrophobic and have had several MRIs. Definitely get a sedative. I will also second two other suggestions here that have helped me. The washcloth over the eyes was way more calming than I thought it would be. Opening your eyes is the worst and this makes it so you can't do it even if you are tempted. It is easier to bear if you can't see it. Also seconding some form of breathing exercise. It helps if it is a counted breath, with a longer exhale than inhale, i.e. count of four in, hold for four, count of eight out. Not only is focusing on the counting a way to distract yourself, but the longer exhale helps to calm the body down.
I like the suggestion of having a trusted person there touching/soothing the patient.
posted by Preserver at 8:34 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
I like the suggestion of having a trusted person there touching/soothing the patient.
posted by Preserver at 8:34 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
Seconding sencha. My first MRI, I hit the panic button. They gave me a cloth to put over my eyes, and it was better because I couldn't see how close I was to the top of the tube. I always ask for one now.
posted by pangolin party at 8:41 AM on February 8, 2022
posted by pangolin party at 8:41 AM on February 8, 2022
Yup, I got a benzo for my needle phobia the last couple of times and boy does it make a difference. It didn't take away the fear, but it totally took away the escalation into panic that tended to make things traumatic.
You will probably need a prescription beforehand, I was advised to take my pill a couple hours in advance. Will vary hugely depending on gp, but mine was doing quick email consults and was willing to prescribe me one pill with no problems.
posted by stillnocturnal at 8:47 AM on February 8, 2022
You will probably need a prescription beforehand, I was advised to take my pill a couple hours in advance. Will vary hugely depending on gp, but mine was doing quick email consults and was willing to prescribe me one pill with no problems.
posted by stillnocturnal at 8:47 AM on February 8, 2022
Yes to sedatives and someone in the room keeping physical contact.
One possible other option might be to ask whether the facility has (or can refer her to somewhere that has) an MRI simulator. I used to run MRI scans for a research study and we gave all our participants twenty minutes or so in a mockup of an MRI machine ahead of time so that they could get used to the sensation in a lower-stakes, less-scary environment. I don't know if clinical MRI sites have such a thing, and/or if they have one that is adult-size, but if your friend had access to one I'd consider some practice time in it to accustom herself to the experience.
posted by Stacey at 8:56 AM on February 8, 2022
One possible other option might be to ask whether the facility has (or can refer her to somewhere that has) an MRI simulator. I used to run MRI scans for a research study and we gave all our participants twenty minutes or so in a mockup of an MRI machine ahead of time so that they could get used to the sensation in a lower-stakes, less-scary environment. I don't know if clinical MRI sites have such a thing, and/or if they have one that is adult-size, but if your friend had access to one I'd consider some practice time in it to accustom herself to the experience.
posted by Stacey at 8:56 AM on February 8, 2022
I used to hop into an MRI no problem, for years and years. Then I experienced a non-medical trauma that led me to feel more claustrophobic in various spaces. The first time I went in an MRI after that, I panicked within minutes. It took me a few years but then when I next needed a scan, I mentioned this history to my (US) doctor, and without hesitation, they prescribed me 2 doses of the smallest dose of xanax to take if I needed them. I took one a few hours before my scan, and as I entered the scanner, I wished I'd taken the 2nd, but very quickly was fine without it. As many said, if your friend can contact a doctor beforehand and say "I'm feeling quite anxious and claustrophobic, and I worry it'll interfere with the procedure," the doctor is likely to agree to a pharmaceutical treatment.
posted by knile at 8:57 AM on February 8, 2022
posted by knile at 8:57 AM on February 8, 2022
(This is the NHS so probably not very fancy facilities, but I could be wrong.)
It's irrelevant. She calls her GP's office and requests a sedative and picks up the prescription, fills it, takes it with her, and swallows it when she gets to the radiology clinic (ask the chemist about more precise timings.)
(And it's none of my business why she can't have an open MRI, but I want to make sure you know she can self-refer and it's £400 or less! There are open MRI services all over the UK.)
posted by DarlingBri at 8:58 AM on February 8, 2022
It's irrelevant. She calls her GP's office and requests a sedative and picks up the prescription, fills it, takes it with her, and swallows it when she gets to the radiology clinic (ask the chemist about more precise timings.)
(And it's none of my business why she can't have an open MRI, but I want to make sure you know she can self-refer and it's £400 or less! There are open MRI services all over the UK.)
posted by DarlingBri at 8:58 AM on February 8, 2022
Response by poster: Thanks all! And Darling Bri I meant by NHS that I don't think the facilities will have fancy movies and headsets, but I have no idea actually. For some reason, she can't have Open MRI (regardless of cost) but I'm not sure why. But hopefully useful for future searchers . . .
Drugs and me in the room with her sound like the solution. I will report back!
posted by heavenknows at 9:02 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
Drugs and me in the room with her sound like the solution. I will report back!
posted by heavenknows at 9:02 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
Nthing a million times the sedatives. You do have to ask, however.
I've had more MRIs than I can remember, and although I'm not claustrophobic what gets me is the "dont move or we have to do this again!". You can always ask the tech running the machine (the one on the other side of the window / mic) to tell you how long each scan is going to be before they run it. I find this very helpful because then I can focus on just counting seconds in my head. When I don't know how long it is, I just count the "kerchunks". Gives me something else to focus on while in the tube. Breathing exercises if you know some would probably achieve the same result. And keep your eyes closed, for sure.
posted by cgg at 9:03 AM on February 8, 2022
I've had more MRIs than I can remember, and although I'm not claustrophobic what gets me is the "dont move or we have to do this again!". You can always ask the tech running the machine (the one on the other side of the window / mic) to tell you how long each scan is going to be before they run it. I find this very helpful because then I can focus on just counting seconds in my head. When I don't know how long it is, I just count the "kerchunks". Gives me something else to focus on while in the tube. Breathing exercises if you know some would probably achieve the same result. And keep your eyes closed, for sure.
posted by cgg at 9:03 AM on February 8, 2022
My super-claustrophobic mother is able to get through the MRI with prescription sedative. Best of luck!
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:46 AM on February 8, 2022
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:46 AM on February 8, 2022
Sedatives
Ask for the help button (I didn’t get it until I had to do contrast during a scan and wasn’t aware it was an option.)
Remind them that the staff can hear them speak if needed
Headphones if possible
Make silly songs out of the sounds. It sounds like a silly nightclub if you try.
CLOSE THEIR EYES BEFORE GOING IN THE TUBE and keep them closed. Helps trick your brain that you’re still in a big room.
Oh and I forgot to mention, telling people about the anxiety is really helpful. Anxiety lies and tries to convince you it has to be a secret or it’s embarrassing. It’s not. They deal with this all the time.
“Hi, so you know I’m very anxious about this and may have a panic attack. What can we do to help?”
posted by Crystalinne at 10:19 AM on February 8, 2022
Ask for the help button (I didn’t get it until I had to do contrast during a scan and wasn’t aware it was an option.)
Remind them that the staff can hear them speak if needed
Headphones if possible
Make silly songs out of the sounds. It sounds like a silly nightclub if you try.
CLOSE THEIR EYES BEFORE GOING IN THE TUBE and keep them closed. Helps trick your brain that you’re still in a big room.
Oh and I forgot to mention, telling people about the anxiety is really helpful. Anxiety lies and tries to convince you it has to be a secret or it’s embarrassing. It’s not. They deal with this all the time.
“Hi, so you know I’m very anxious about this and may have a panic attack. What can we do to help?”
posted by Crystalinne at 10:19 AM on February 8, 2022
I'm a claustrophobic MRI hater who has had to get a good number of brain MRIs, but, bonus, my husband's college roommate is a radiologist who has helped me strategize.
So here's an info dump:
1. Yes, drugs. When you check in, let the front desk people know you'll be taking a sedative. That way they can tell your friend to pop the pill at the right time. (Far enough ahead for it to kick in, not so far in advance it wears off during the procedure.)
2. There are three kinds of MRIs. The old-timey tunnel MRIs, open MRIs (those kind of look like hamburgers where you're the meat), and wide bore MRIs (a big tube). When possible, get the wide bore. The image quality is better, the ceiling is further away, and the test often goes faster because the tech can get what they need more easily with a better machine.
3. Sometimes you can bring your own music, which is super helpful.
4. You can call ahead to tell the techs you're claustrophobic, and ask them to walk you through what the experience will be like.
5. Some people find it comforting to cover their eyes, etc, I find it disorienting. It's ok to try it one way, change your mind, and switch.
6. Seriously, everyone who gives MRIs knows about claustrophobia. They're not going to be fussed about it.
posted by champers at 12:09 PM on February 8, 2022
So here's an info dump:
1. Yes, drugs. When you check in, let the front desk people know you'll be taking a sedative. That way they can tell your friend to pop the pill at the right time. (Far enough ahead for it to kick in, not so far in advance it wears off during the procedure.)
2. There are three kinds of MRIs. The old-timey tunnel MRIs, open MRIs (those kind of look like hamburgers where you're the meat), and wide bore MRIs (a big tube). When possible, get the wide bore. The image quality is better, the ceiling is further away, and the test often goes faster because the tech can get what they need more easily with a better machine.
3. Sometimes you can bring your own music, which is super helpful.
4. You can call ahead to tell the techs you're claustrophobic, and ask them to walk you through what the experience will be like.
5. Some people find it comforting to cover their eyes, etc, I find it disorienting. It's ok to try it one way, change your mind, and switch.
6. Seriously, everyone who gives MRIs knows about claustrophobia. They're not going to be fussed about it.
posted by champers at 12:09 PM on February 8, 2022
I had to have one and hated it (with no sedative) and the worst part was that the images couldn't be used, because I was so anxious that I couldn't keep completely still. Definitely get the sedative. I also felt like it might have helped if only my head could have been in the tube, while the rest of me was sticking out. Not sure if that's possible.
posted by pinochiette at 12:14 PM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by pinochiette at 12:14 PM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
I had to have an MRI this summer. I was really nervous about it and got a prescription from my doctor for a light sedative, though once I arrived there the process moved too quickly for me to take the pill. But here's the thing: I needed an MRI on my breasts and I hadn't realized that I'd be face down the whole time. My face was in one of those massage head-cradle things and thus I couldn't see how close the tube was to my body. I wouldn't say I was relaxed but I was more fine than I thought I'd be. So I'd echo sencha's suggestion about your friend covering her eyes and BlahLaLa's suggestion for communication. It helped me a lot to know five minutes here, ten minutes here, etc.
posted by fiery.hogue at 1:04 PM on February 8, 2022
posted by fiery.hogue at 1:04 PM on February 8, 2022
Before my MRI last week I saw a neurologist who advised the MRI, and asked if I was claustrophobic (yes). She offered me a choice of either Ativan or Valium, explained that Ativan leaves your system faster, Valium sticks around a little longer. She offered me the choice of one pill or two pills (I chose 2 Valium). I took the first Valium about an hour before the procedure then took the second one about 1/2 hr before the procedure. My wife drove me home after the procedure was done.
As I was getting tucked into the machine they gave me warm blankets, earplugs, a padded wedge thing for each side of my head (functioned as another noise block and movement-preventer).
It's probably the meds, but the whole time I was in there I visualized that I was an astronaut in an astronaut helmet, and the noises were just the engines of my spaceship getting ready to take me out for a scenic drive. Which is a little weird because deep space is far more terrifying to me than an MRI tunnel, but in this case it was comforting, so there ya go.
posted by mcbeth at 1:56 PM on February 8, 2022 [4 favorites]
As I was getting tucked into the machine they gave me warm blankets, earplugs, a padded wedge thing for each side of my head (functioned as another noise block and movement-preventer).
It's probably the meds, but the whole time I was in there I visualized that I was an astronaut in an astronaut helmet, and the noises were just the engines of my spaceship getting ready to take me out for a scenic drive. Which is a little weird because deep space is far more terrifying to me than an MRI tunnel, but in this case it was comforting, so there ya go.
posted by mcbeth at 1:56 PM on February 8, 2022 [4 favorites]
Benzos for the win. I managed to endure a complete spinal MRI, thanks to Klonopin. I am claustrophobic myself.
posted by Goofyy at 2:00 PM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Goofyy at 2:00 PM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
Based on how you describe her, she sounds like a person who is likely to downplay her physical needs and comfort. If she can psych herself up (and you be there in the moment to egg her on), there is a lot she can ask for to help make the experience better.
In addition to the sedative and/or benzo, techs will give you blankets (it's cold in there!), they will give you little heating pouches for your hands to keep them warm, or little ice pouches for your neck for nausea. I don't even know what else, but I think if she lets the techs know when she's going on that this is really hard for her, hopefully they will have the knowledge, skills, and patience, to make her feel cared for - which can make a big difference.
Also I've had a few MRIs with no problem, and then my most recent one I got super nauseous and actually had to interrupt it to go throw up and wait an hour and start again. Turns out it was a terrible idea to drink a carbonated beverage AND eat a large breakfast shortly before lying face down pushed up on my sternum (breast MRI). But no one ever specifically told me that and it never came up before, and I didn't think to ask. So maybe worth finding out before hand what position she'll be in and if there are any tips to be as comfortable as possible. Not so much that comfort would necessarily help directly with the phobia, but it might give her some more sense of agency and also hopefully make the experience a little less hellish for her.
posted by Salamandrous at 3:34 PM on February 8, 2022
In addition to the sedative and/or benzo, techs will give you blankets (it's cold in there!), they will give you little heating pouches for your hands to keep them warm, or little ice pouches for your neck for nausea. I don't even know what else, but I think if she lets the techs know when she's going on that this is really hard for her, hopefully they will have the knowledge, skills, and patience, to make her feel cared for - which can make a big difference.
Also I've had a few MRIs with no problem, and then my most recent one I got super nauseous and actually had to interrupt it to go throw up and wait an hour and start again. Turns out it was a terrible idea to drink a carbonated beverage AND eat a large breakfast shortly before lying face down pushed up on my sternum (breast MRI). But no one ever specifically told me that and it never came up before, and I didn't think to ask. So maybe worth finding out before hand what position she'll be in and if there are any tips to be as comfortable as possible. Not so much that comfort would necessarily help directly with the phobia, but it might give her some more sense of agency and also hopefully make the experience a little less hellish for her.
posted by Salamandrous at 3:34 PM on February 8, 2022
Just like everyone else, I recommend better living through chemistry.
I'm fine with MRIs if my head is sticking out. You couldn't get me in head first without drugs though. I didn't realize how claustrophobic I've become (I went spelunking once in my younger years which was freaky but deal-able) until trying to get an upper body MRI. It makes no sense, but I was on the verge of complete panic as they slid me in.
The tech was completely unsurprised and understanding, which makes me think they see it all the time.
Anyways, rescheduled, got an Ativan and had a great time. It was entirely peaceful. I could have hung out in there for another hour easily. It's a lovely drug for me. It felt like day 6 of a really nice, relaxing two week vacation when you've finally distanced yourself from all the usual stuff you worry about and you know you won't have to worry about it again for a while. IIRC there was some paperwork that came with the Ativan advising not to sign any contracts or do other important things after taking it. My memories of the day were pretty hazy afterwards. Just plan on being useless for the rest of the day.
posted by DrumsIntheDeep at 8:11 PM on February 8, 2022
I'm fine with MRIs if my head is sticking out. You couldn't get me in head first without drugs though. I didn't realize how claustrophobic I've become (I went spelunking once in my younger years which was freaky but deal-able) until trying to get an upper body MRI. It makes no sense, but I was on the verge of complete panic as they slid me in.
The tech was completely unsurprised and understanding, which makes me think they see it all the time.
Anyways, rescheduled, got an Ativan and had a great time. It was entirely peaceful. I could have hung out in there for another hour easily. It's a lovely drug for me. It felt like day 6 of a really nice, relaxing two week vacation when you've finally distanced yourself from all the usual stuff you worry about and you know you won't have to worry about it again for a while. IIRC there was some paperwork that came with the Ativan advising not to sign any contracts or do other important things after taking it. My memories of the day were pretty hazy afterwards. Just plan on being useless for the rest of the day.
posted by DrumsIntheDeep at 8:11 PM on February 8, 2022
I am so glad that there are many claustrophobic MRI failures besides me.
posted by Cranberry at 1:20 AM on February 9, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Cranberry at 1:20 AM on February 9, 2022 [1 favorite]
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posted by FencingGal at 6:45 AM on February 8, 2022 [31 favorites]