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Step 1
Talk to your doctor about having an open MRI. Not all open MRIs are exactly the same. Sometimes and open MRI just means that there is an opening at the head and feet but you are still in the tunnel. Your health insurance may not cover this expense so be sure to call ahead before you get stuck putting on your credit card.
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Step 2
Ask your doctor for a prescription to help calm your nerves. Even if you are not the type to take prescription drugs, this may be one of those times you chose to do so. If your fear of small enclosed places is very strong, this may help reduce your anxiety during the test. Xanex, Ativan and Lorazapam are narcotic drugs so if you have a history of drug dependence or drug addiction, this option is not for you. These drugs are generally covered by your prescription drug plan. If not, just ask your doctor to give you a prescription for one pill or the whatever the minimum so that you can save money and not have to put this on your credit card as well. Medical bills can really add up and saving money where ever you can may make a big financial difference at this time.
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Step 3
When you get to the testing room, be sure to talk to your technician about your fears. Do not be afraid to talk about your claustrophobia, they see people with your condition all the time and understand your fears and anxiety. Be sure that you explain to them the need to see the way out and how to get out. While this may seem silly to those who don't suffer from this disorder, it is an absolute must for those who do. There must always be an emergency exit in any situation. Again, your technician has heard this before and will explain exactly how to get out.
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Step 4
When you get into the MRI machine, look at the openings and your exit route. Memorize the opening because during the test you will not be able to move to look at them again until the breaks between pictures.
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Step 5
Ask your technician to tell you exactly how many minutes each session will take and how long the entire test will take. It may help you to count down each minute. The counting will actually help take your mind off your claustrophobia fears.
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Step 6
During the test, close your eyes and think of happy things. Don't think about cancer tumors and other health conditions. Certainly do not think about your mortgage payments or credit card bills. You will only add to your anxiety if you do. Think about your wedding day, the moment you first held your child in your arms or a really great vacation you once had. Really absorb yourself in that happy memory. It will help you get through that test.
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Step 7
If you start to feel the panic come on, take slow deep breaths. Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Concentrate on these breaths. Then start counting down the minutes till the end of the session.
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Step 8
Your technician will ask if you are doing alright between pictures. If you need to get out and take a break, now is the time to ask. Remember, if you get out and take a break, you may not want to get back in so try very hard to stay inside the MRI machine. Remind yourself that these technicians are in the business of helping people not hurting people.
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Step 9
At the end of the test, be sure to congratulate yourself and give yourself credit for not chickening out!
Comments
justaskme22 said
on 9/23/2009 'Close your eyes and think happy thoughts'??????? It's obvious you have no grasp of what it's like to have claustrophobia. This article is totally worthless.
nofearmri said
on 2/10/2009 Great article. I would like to put a link to it on my website: www.nofearmri.com. It is just the kind of info that patients can use to successfully complete their exam.
Also, some facilities allow patients to bring in a CD to be played during the exam. This can be very helpful to "put yourself in a different place".
RustyPrimitives said
on 12/4/2008 AWESOME article, you did a great job explaining what to do when you freak out ;0 , like me i had to take deep breaths all the way thru it. but i survived thanks girl! 5☆'s
yessharon said
on 11/28/2008 I would be claustrophobic having a MRI. Thanks for the advice in case I would ever need one.
swilso1 said
on 11/28/2008 This article is right on. I had an MRI and talked to him about being closed in. Just knowing that he was aware of the problem and was willing to help was great. Discussing a problem ahead of time always helps.