Terrified

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  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #22
    Abk said:

    anxiety and scans

    Hi! maybe this might be helpful. One thing I've learned is that ativan (just 1/2 of one) makes the anxiety go away and I didn't have any side effects. The other is that one year I had to go for an MRI every 4 months and they let me bring my own music and played it for me, if I asked on their player. My friend gave me something I loved to listen to and I brought it for every session, closed my eyes, and imagined that I could see the notes. I had both abdominal and pelvic scans and was there for over an hour and a half each time, but it helped a lot. I hope this time is easier for yuou since you're familiar with the procedures. The last time I went, I actually fell asleep in the machine.

    Fondly, Alison

    Wonderful

    That is good to know.  My last MRI the speakers were broke so it was tough getting through the scan.  I'd be happier if it was my music though.  Glad that you found this out and shared with us because this is very good advice.

    Kim

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #23
    Mikenh said:

    My surgeon always wants an

    My surgeon always wants an MRI while everyone else seems fine with a CT scan. The MRIs are tough as you're in a dark tube and have to hold your breath many times for a while. My manager won't do one - she's tried to do them and they wind up canceling. I find it stressful but can manage it but could see how challenging it can be mentally and physically. My manager is in great physical shape but claustrophobic. I'm afraid of heights. We all have our little fears.

    Insurance

    Insurance is very reluctant to give the go ahead on MRI's because they are so much more expensive than CT's so you must have very good insurance.  My insurance wouldn't pay for a lot of stuff they should have.  They usually fight you so I'm glad that you get an MRI cleared.  Insurance now is tough on everyone.

    Kim

  • Beachlace
    Beachlace Member Posts: 37
    #24
    So far I am waiting to hear

    So far I am waiting to hear if I can do a stand up MRI.  They are more open than the "open" ones.  The radiologist at stand up doesnt think its strong enough to get a good pic but my surgeons PA thinks it might be.  They wont do a PET scan because they are "ruling out a tumor" and if not a tumor, then they will assess if it's a cyst or what.  A PET scan will only give thumbs up or down to cancer with not enough info.  

    Stomach in knots while the Stand up MRI folks talking to the PA on the phone.  damn. 

  • Canadian Sandy
    Canadian Sandy Member Posts: 784 Member
    edited September 2018 #25
    Wishing you luck on that. I

    Wishing you luck on that. I once had a stand up thyroid scan, I was fine but a lady tech was not very happy with me. haha

  • Beachlace
    Beachlace Member Posts: 37
    #26
    Update****   Ive been

    Update****   Ive been approved for teh stand up MRI.  Its a weaker magnet so the scan will take 1hr 45 mins - 2 hr.  They couldnt give me an appt until Oct. 23  Soooooo I have an appt this morning for the open MRI again.  If I cant get through it, at least I know I have the other one scheduled. 

    Taking Xanax and my sister with me to sit with me.  Praying I get this done......

  • Beachlace
    Beachlace Member Posts: 37
    #27
    Beachlace said:

    Update****   Ive been

    Update****   Ive been approved for teh stand up MRI.  Its a weaker magnet so the scan will take 1hr 45 mins - 2 hr.  They couldnt give me an appt until Oct. 23  Soooooo I have an appt this morning for the open MRI again.  If I cant get through it, at least I know I have the other one scheduled. 

    Taking Xanax and my sister with me to sit with me.  Praying I get this done......

    DONE

    YESSSSSSS  I was finally able to do the open mri and will cancel my appt for the standup.  Xanax, my sister and God (not in that order lol) got me through.   Im sooooo relieved.  Now I wait for the results.  Should come either tonight or tomorrow.  They post them on the patient portal.  

     

    Still praying..........

  • Betsydoglover
    Betsydoglover Member Posts: 1,248 Member
    #28

    I am chaustrophobic,  MRI's are intolerable withought a sedative.  I've tried "open MRI's" and they were not open enough for me.  However, my last MRI was at a facility that has a "wide open MRI".  Way less confined than a CT or PET or a so-called open MRI.  Check around to find a facility that has one of those.

     

    Take care,

    Betsy

  • beaumontdave
    beaumontdave Member Posts: 1,289 Member
    #29
    Trubrit said:

    Great advice, Alison

    I have very special music, and if (hopefully not) I ever have to have another PET scan (or an MRI, which I have never had), I will ask for them to play it. I'll even bring my own music box, if necessary. 

    Tru

    IF I ever have another MRI, I

    IF I ever have another MRI, I'm taking Pink Floyd with me, specifically "Time", because that song pops in my head when the noise of that machine starts up, every time......................................Dave

     

  • beaumontdave
    beaumontdave Member Posts: 1,289 Member
    edited September 2018 #30
    The only way my wife would do

    The only way my wife would do an MRI was with me holding her hand, which meant Iwas bent over at the waist with my arm extended all the way into the machine. Exhausting........................................Dave

  • Canadian Sandy
    Canadian Sandy Member Posts: 784 Member
    #31
    Bless you for helping her out

    Bless you for helping her out.

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