Topic: Breast MRI..claustrophobic??

I'm claustrophic and I just had my 2nd MRI a few days ago.  I was terrified before the first one, but it was fine.  This time, it was a breeze - despite the noise, I almost fell asleep as it was going on. 

For breast MRIs you lie on your stomach.  In my case, I got myself into position on the table outside of the tube, and then the table was moved into the tube with my feet first.  Because of this, I never saw the tube go over me and I never got a sense of being in a tight enclosed space. During the testing, my head was at most 1 foot inside of the tube; I was lying with my arms in front of me and my chin resting on my arms.  In this position, I was able to look out the whole time.  

The MRI is noisy, but I was given earplugs.  The most important thing is to find a very comfortable position, since you can't move at all once the MRI is started.  I was given the panic button too, but never needed it, either the first time or this time.  My MRI took about 40 minutes - I had both breasts done but they were done together so I don't know if the time would be less if you have only one breast done.

I did get the contrast injection; they ask all sorts of questions before hand but didn't ask about any drugs I'm taking, so I don't know if there are concerns about possible drug interactions - it doesn't seem so.  But it's probably a good idea to tell them about whatever other meds you are on, just in case. 

Hope that helps!

Thank you my B.C. sisters, once again you came through for me.

I feel a bit better, seeing others have this problem, and came through. I can only do my best, if it needs to be cancelled...so be it. Must say have had problems sleeping since...I guess very anxious.

I always seem to need more meds. than the average person.....I wonder if 1 mg. of Ativan would help enough??

Thanks my ladies, warm hugs all around,

Erika

I took Ativan as well and it helped. I second what Joni said in the first post. Keep your eyes closed and try to focus your mind on some happy story in your life. Keep playing it over and over and ignore your surroundings. In my case, I had just finished house/pet-sitting for a friend and I played over the moment I came home from work and my friend's dog was so happy to see me. I continued the story to taking the dog for a walk, coming back to the house, playing with a toy, having the dog snuggle in my lap, etc. Prepare what you want to focus on ahead of time.

Erika,

Ativan is a good option - but I don't know what dose will work for you.  If Ativan doesn't work, you may be able to go to a facility where they can give you an IV of Versed.  That is what I had to do.

You're not alone in this!  I have talked to a lot of women about this and found it is common.

Good luck!

Just came back from my Pet scan.  2mg of Ativan worked for me.  The bottle said 1 or 2 but I went for 2 since I didnt want to chicken out on another scan.  Worked like a dream, was totally relaxed and never had the sense that I was in the scanner.  They are quiet unlike the MRI machine.  I also stayed distracted by praying for everyone I know who is ill or grieving.  That took the focus off me.  Yeah!  I got through it!

You can do it too!  Good luck.