MRI....can't do it

Fromnytovegas
Fromnytovegas Member Posts: 9
in Breast Cancer #1

So here's my dilemma.

I had a lumpectomy this past February. Three months later, I had a chest x ray and mammogram and ultrasound. The mammogram and ultrasound showed something. I then had three biopsies. The radiologist was concerned with inconclusive results. The problem is that my surgeon wants me to have an MRI. Due to claustrophobia, I CANNOT do it. Don't even go to the valium thing because I'd have to be in a coma to go through that tube. 

In desperation I have decided to have a double mastectomy. That was last week. Now I'm thinking that it's too harsh of a decision. I wanted to do a wide bore MRI which I had before but the surgeon is telling me it's not a good enough image. 

 

 

 

 

I don't know what to do anymore. It's really just too much.

Can anyone tell me if they have had the same problem?

Thank you

Comments

  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    #2
    tough one

    I do not have your problem luckily but I hate the noise though they are very accommodating about music optuions. I draw on meditation techniques in many situations but do you think they would consider a twilight sleep kind of thing?  My brain tumors would have never been found last year and now I have an MRI every 6 months distateful as it is.

    I wish I could offer more concrete options for you but having had the double mast also, PLEASE try to find a way to do this

    Sherry

  • Fromnytovegas
    Fromnytovegas Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2016 #3
    I can't. I was already taken

    I can't. I was already taken out of one for my back. Thank you for your concern though.....

  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    #4
    Fromnytovegas said:

    I can't. I was already taken

    I can't. I was already taken out of one for my back. Thank you for your concern though.....

    Breast MRIs

    I had breast MRIs yearly for 5 years.  You are on your stomach with your breasts hanging through some holes.  You don't know you're in the tube, especially if you close your eyes (and I did).  I was worried about claustrophobia, but had no problem.  I thought you should know this.  There are also open MRI's that many people use because of the problems you describe with the tube.  Please have a frank talk with your oncologist.  There could be options available to you.

    Suzanne

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #5
    hugs-thinking of you...

    hugs-thinking of you...

    My phobia is stitches...I can't get past it, no matter how hard i try. My Dr even wrote a letter to my insurnace once that it is a debiitating phobia, so I can totally relate-though different.

     

    HUGs and pixie dust on your way.

     

    Denise

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    edited July 2016 #6
    MRI

    It seems a bit harsh to decide on extensive surgery just because you don't want to take a diagnostic test. I have claustrophobia too and I worried for two weeks before my MRI. Finally what I decided was to not open my eyes during the entire test! I sang all the different songs I knew in my head and finally the machine moved me back out. I never opened my eyes even once to peek. I don't know if that would help in your case. Best of luck going forward, Anna

  • Kats2
    Kats2 Member Posts: 126
    #7
    Afraid of MRI

    Hi...I agree with DoubleWhammy. You don't feel as if you're in an enclosed space when you're lying on your stomach with your boobs hanging down through the holes. It may be a little uncomfortable, but I think you'll find it tolerable. Don't be afraid. I think they give you headphones and ask what type of music you'd like to hear. I've had 2 MRI's and didn't mind them at all. I would NEVER consider doing any type of drastic surgery in place of having an MRI! Ask your doctor for an anti-anxiety pill to take before you go. That should help. Good luck!

    Kats2

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #8
    I get claustrophobic

    My last head mri I did in an open air one, no issies, I could see outside all over the room, it was really easy.  The. Hest mri was easy, as my head was out the other end, it was just my chest/torso in.

    It is only the head ones that mess with me, they also have put an expansion thing in it which allowed the scanner to be further from my face which and that worked.  I would ask if there is an open mri in the area.

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #9
    I pray for peace for you.

    I too am claustrophobic.  I tried the open MRI and to tell you the truth it was more nerve wracking and took longer.  I sucked it up and did the closed.  I closed my eyes and went to my happy place in my head as best I could.  When I got anxious,  I kept whispering Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.  

    I will keep you in my prayers.  Fight, Fight, Fight like a girl!

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