A Blog for Healthcare Consumers

Great article! I would add that the more a patient can learn about the test beforehand, the better prepared they will feel about the test. Some clinics will allow patients to come in before their appointed test day and see the scanner. I have created a website that explains MRI in detail and even have samples of the MRI noises. I created the website www.NoFearMRI.com) to address some of the fear issues that patients have with MRI.

I just had my MRI for Left Knee yesterday( 9/23/09),it was my first time doing such and did all the research I can possibly think of but it was quite an experience. To my knowledge I didnt know I was claustrophobic until I was inside the tunnel...my heart was beating so fast...but I managed it but the worst part was I was told to keep still- but in the middle of the session my left leg was doing its own uncontrollable movements,twitchings,heavyness feeling, it was strange. The radiologist had to do 3x of re-take because of the movements. But if I have to do this again nexttime..I prefer to be sedated....even if only half of my body was inside...it was scary for me..

Sorry, I won't ever do an MRI again. End of story. If one is open I want to see how open is open before I give my consent. If open means not very open, tell the manufacturer and the doctors and the technicians where I would like them to stick the machine in one large piece. Never again!!! and I really mean it.

I had a MRI scan yesterday and it was by far the worst experience of my life .To be honest i mistakenly thought it would be like the cat scan ,how wrong i was .Once they put the cage thing over my head and put me inside MRI scanner i became aware of where i was and the panic set in .I was so frightened i couldnt move ,my heart was going ten to the dozen .I had to close my eyes and count . The noise was not a problem .I was never so glad to get out of machine i was shaking like a leaf .My husband knew straight away i was upset .I will never do that again ,unless i got to use one of the open machines and i would rather pay to use that ,then go through that again.

Over the past few years I have a had a number of MRI's due to multiple herniated disks. I have been scanned on both the tunnel system and an open. I have been told by two physicians that open scanners are poor image quality. That may have been the case a few years ago but I was recently scanned on a new high field open system called the Oasis. 
 
 
 
It was very wide open, a little noisy but very comforatble. I wanted to learn more about this MRI and the technologist gave me this web site. 
 
 
 
hitachimed.com 
 
 
 
No more tunnels for me!

I had an MRI last week. I too thought it would be like a cat scan - a bigger machine. The technician did not say much, I put on the loud music and I couldn't stand that, so I had ordinary earphones to dull the noises. I started to panic the moment the table started to move. I am not normally claustrophobic, but after 10 minutes I was panicing. Then I was told I had to start again because I was moving too much. I only lasted about 5 minutes; I felt like I couldn't breathe so I pressed the button. I still feel uneasy just thinking about it.

I see in my post at the top I mistyped my website. www.nofearmri.com.  
 
The Open scanners are a great option. Even better are the wide bore 3T scanners. They offer superior resolution at the same price and have waaay more room than most standard scanners.

can I have a MRI of my lower back with me entering the machine feet first? I had a very scary couple of experiences with MRI's previously and have to have another.

Charles, yes you can usually have an MRI of your lower back going feet first. It is highly dependent on the make of machine though. Siemens MRI's, in addition to being larger/wider also have the best flexibility for scanning in different positions. What you request can be done on a GE scanner but it's more difficult and some techs don't know how to go about doing it. I believe it is also possible on Phillips. Beyond that I'm unsure.

I had my first MRI today for problems with a herniated disc. The tech brought me back and asked if I was claustrophobic. I told him no, and they showed me the machine. I said it was absolutely fine. I put the towel over my eyes and in I went. My wedding ring started feeling strange, so I asked the tech if I should've taken it off. He told me it was fine. At this point I opened my eyes to look at my hand and realized how small the space was! I completely flipped out! I had no idea I'd react that way, but they couldn't get me out fast enough! Luckily, the open MRI was available and I was put in it. It was still only about an inch from my face, but I could turn my head and look out the window. That was fine with me! I never knew until this experience that I was even mildly claustrophobic!

I am severely claustrophobic, and sked to be put in the machine as a test before I was strapped down, and I lasted 10 seconds. For the extremely claustrophobic a MRI is not a diagonostic tool, it is a torture chamber. I would rather be waterboarded.

I had an MRI today this morning in the tiny tube of torture! I was in 10 seconds and the panic attack set in and so did the tears! Awful having 2 inches of breathing room! Went to another site with 6 inches of breathing room and I was fine. The techs were great at both sites and were so helpful and empathic. Open MRI's should be a must in all hospitals!

I went for my first brain scan MRI today. I'm pretty claustrophic. I'm a big guy (6'3 250).First, they put the helmet/cage thing over my head and clamped it down (that was bad enough). Then they tried to stuff me in that little tube. I can't describe it any other way than trying to stuff an oversized cigar into a small cigar tube. They rammed me in (my arms and shoulders were compressed) up to my waist. I told them to let me the hell out of there and left. The tech was pissed and ripped the IV out of my arm...For me, open MRI with sedation is next. If you are claustrophobic and/or big, do yourself a favor and go with open MRI the first time..

I have had 3 MRIs in the last 4 months on my shoulder and neck. I am 59 years old, and I have never been claustrophobic. The first MRI in the small machine I lasted about 2 minutes before they had to get me out. It was the worst experience in my life. The last 2 times was in a bigger machine - still a bit scary, but I could see daylight behind me and in front, so it was OK. Just ask to go into the bigger machine for obese/claustrophobics, you will be fine.

The only thing open about an open MRI is the sides. You still have to deal with the top of the unit 6 inches away from your face and nearly covering your entire body. Sure, you can look out the sides, but you still know that your stuck like a hog in a slaughterhouse if you were to freak out. The only way I'll eve get one is if they knock me out, period.

I had my first MRI today and it was HORRENDOUS. Do not attempt this without sedation if you are claustraphobic. I got locked in a small toilet once when the door handle fell off and had to work my way out of a tiny window sideways to escape.The MRI was far worse than that experience. I panicked, I cried, I shook so much that all the scans were all blurry. Nobody asked me if I was claustraphobic until I got there. They ended up giving me sedation and that was okay becuase I then had no awareness of what was happening. I did have to arrange for someone to pick me up, drive me home then catch a taxi back to their car. Don't put yourself through it. If you know you have the mildest hint of claustraphobia simply insist on sedation. End of story. Good Luck.

This lab had an open MRI scanner that they said was not available that day. Did that mean that smarter people had already reserved it? How come they didn't offer it to me in the first place. The one they used on me was like being in a steel trash can with guys banging on it with a stick. Medieval. I have lung congestion and couldn't lie still for 25 minutes in that darn thing. I am feeling swindled.

I read all the scary posts yesterday, before getting my MRI today. No one is more claustrophobic than me with MRI; I guarantee it. My story is one of confronting the demonds and winning! My first closed MRI was in 2002; it was a nightmare. The tubes were smaller and longer then. I was in it for over an hour and I had a panic attack which I fought through because I didn't want to do it over. I had the cage over my face and wasn't supposed to swallow during the process. After that day, I was one of those who said never again and kept my word until today. I wa up at 3am reading these comments; I was in fear all day before finally going to my appointmetn at 5pm. I was hell bent on getting through it and I SUCCEEDED! I was very scared as it started, but I made it through my cervical; cage and all and I didn't swallow once! Here's what I did: I spoke with the technician beforehand; asked lots of questions. I asked hime to talk to me often; telling me when each segment would begin and for how long. There were six. They were about 3 to 4 minutes each. This gave me a sense of time. I also noticed that the machines used today are actually slightly taller, wider and not as long. That slight increase in space made a HUGE difference. Believe me. I was lucky to get headphones with music; I brought a CD, my "MRI Anxiety Mix," but the player didn't recognize it. It made be scared, but I picked on of the technician's Stones CD's. It was OK and helped. I studied the machine; even walked around it before starting. I was convinced that if I absolutely had to, I could get out of it on my own. Therefore, I had some control which reduced my anxiety. I asked him to place a small towel over my eyes and kept them closed throughout which wasn't really hard to do. I opened them from time to time and only noticed that there was plenty of light, which was OK too. I had to breath shallow, but took slow long breaths. When the machine isn't making noise, you CAN swallow and take a couple deep breaths. That helps big time. The technician told me when he was starting the next segment and how long it would be. I swallowed, took my big breath and was ready to go. By staying still and getting my racing heart to slow after the first ten minutes, I knew I was going to make it and there would be no do-overs. I beat the devil! I really think I can do it anytime now. My confidence is definitely back. Do yourself a favor; DON'T read all the negative stuff; pay no mind to it. Although I'm sure their stories are true, they are speaking of a negative outcome. You, however, will make it. If you have to force yourself to show up, do it. Do as I did; ask plenty of questions. Control the conversation and make sure your technician appreciates your phobia. Most actually do. You'll be treated well and they'll support you. You will overcome. I never thought I could and here I am. While in the MRI today, I made it my duty to come back here and tell all those in fear my story. You WILL make it. I promise. Do as I did. Set your mind. Close your eyes and make sure your technician communicates often wtih a blow by blow. Feel free to contact me. I'll help you get through it!

You can overcome dueds. You do have controel over yhour minds, man...

Hi All - Here's a happy MRI story from the most claustrophobic person on the planet! When the neurologist ordered a brain MRI and MRA, I went into a week-long freaked out anxiety attack. There was no way I could spend 60 minutes in an 8 foot long tube that I barely fit into. It also wasn't an option to NOT have the tests. Being an otherwise intelligent and rational person, I knew I had to figure out a way to get through it. 
 
 
 
1. I talked to my doctor who offered to prescribe any drugs I needed. Not a good option for me since I have as much anxiety about sedation as closed in spaces! It must come from the same need to be in control. 
 
 
 
2. I figured I could get through the scans with an open sided MRI. Unfortunately, the doctor said they do not provide an adequate image quality for brain MRIs and MRAs. Rats!! 
 
 
 
3. Maybe if I lost 100 pounds, the tube wouldn't feel so confining. OK, probably not something I could do quickly enough to be a realistic option.  
 
 
 
4. During one of the many sleepless nights, I was online researching MRIs. Eureka! I found information about a Siemens MRI that was only 4 feet long (1/2 the usual 8 foot MRI.) It also was a roomy 2.3 feet in diameter. Best of all, it was a high field 1.5 Tesla, exactly what the doctor ordered for quality! I got out my tape measure - 48 inches long meant that I would just be 24-30 inches into the tube. For me, that was just from the waist up. The 2.3 foot diameter (27.6 inches) was wider than my couch! The wider diameter also meant there would be at least a foot of open space above my nose. Now that sounded like something I could deal with, even if I had to drive to another city or state to get it done. Fortunately, when I googled 4 foot short bore MRI, the Minneapolis Diagnostic Center came up - just 20 minutes away. I called & talked to a tech, who confirmed everything I had read online and who also said the scan times would be shorter because it was superior technology - just 25 minutes for the MRI and another 12 for the MRA. 
 
 
 
I made an appointment and got the first good night's sleep I'd had in a week :-)  
 
 
 
I went in for the tests on Tuesday this week. When I walked in the room, the MRI looked even shorter and more open than all the photos I had googled online. I was still a little anxious about the helmet, but it turned out to be a very light, airy thing that was completely open at the bottom & you could just slip right out of if needed. I came prepared with a special mix CD with my favorite songs (Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah, Apologize, etc.) When they slipped on the headphones, I closed my eyes and relaxed. There was plenty of cool air circulating during the MRI and the tech talked to me to tell me how many minutes each scan would take. I had read that you couldn't swallow, but you can! You just need to keep your head still so the picture comes out clear. It was very comfortable and relaxing. The noises didn't bother me at all since I was listening to my favorite music. Best of all, I didn't feel at all confined & also knew I could easily get myself out if I wanted. It was really very relaxing.  
 
 
 
When the MRI scans were done, they slid me out & took me to another room to put in the IV for the contrast MRA. This time, when the put the helmet back on, there was another piece that attached under the neck. I started to feel a bit closed in, but was able to deal with that by asking the tech how I could take it off if needed. Turns out there is a button on each side where it attaches that you just have to press to release. Once I knew I could get out if I wanted, I was back in control. This time, the scans were very short - the longest being a 6-minute scan.  
 
 
 
Before I knew it I was driving back to work & it was all over. My tests came out great & I'll never worry about getting an MRI again. At least not as long as I can go back to the little miracle 4-foot machine!  
 
 
 
I'd be happy to talk to anyone or answer questions if it would help you through the procedure. I'm so grateful I found this solution and hope it will help others.  
 
 
 
Take care!

I forgot to mention that you can also ask about going in ahead of time to look at the MRI, ask questions, etc.

yesterday i left without having a mir brain scan as i was faint with fear, 
 
my head was in a cage and as soon as entered the tunnel i just had a panic attack and had to get out. 
 
the male nurse who was operating the trolly was very understanding, he tried to talk me through it to no avail. 
 
he told me not to worry ( because i felt like i had wasted a appointment that somone else could of had) he told me it was a common problem afecting many people, he told me to go to my g.p and get a perscription for a mild seditive before i go back. 
 
maybe if i had seen this mir scan & head cage before hand i would of been prepared .

Hi everyone who is nervous regarding an mri.. I want to tell you that I have severe anxiety attacks am very nervous and made myself sick before going in for my 1st MRI !!! PLEASE dont do this to yourself!! I didnt freak out or faint... I actually didnt mind it at all!! i didnt hear the loud noises because the techs had loud calm music , I had ear plugs in, I kept my eyes closed at all times .. you will be fine!!!

Everyone listen to me: no matter who you are, no matter how bad your last attempt was, you CAN and WILL get through it. I did the cage and the tight old rig too. I swore I never would again and I decided to confront the demond. Get some music, keep your eyes CLOSED and breath. If your heart starts racing, just kick-in your mind to settle your self down. You WILL get out of there. You CAN'T get hurt while in there. It is truley a mind over matter experience and once you finally get through it once, you WILL be cured. I got through it and I'm sure I'll be a little nervous on the next one, but I'll just remember what I posted here and I'll get through it again! Keep your eyes closed and focus on the music!!!

I have to have an MRI AND MRA of my brain. I am so claustrophobic, I just know I cant do it, I freak out in a ct scanner

went for the mri and had taken 2 vailium from doc. and while i was waiting for them to get me into machine i noticed the doors to the room had dead bolts on them. tech said you cant open door for er- we will open it for you. and that did it for me- i could'nt go through it- more worried about being locked into the room than the machine

My mri was to be for a cardiac problem. I am a big guy (6-4, 280) and a friend who had had an mri before told me I was going to have a tight fit and suggested I should try to have a dry run. I was able to do that the day before my appointment. I had fiberglass or ? pads strapped to my back and check so that I fit very tightly all around. I couldn't help but open my eyes once I was all the way in and I had about 1" of clearance above my face. I yelled at the technicians to get me out of there, which they did to my immense relief. I told them there was no way I could stay in there for 3 or 4 hours which was what I was told would be necessary. In addition, I was told I could not be sedated, because the testing for me required me to be responsive. I told them I could not do it and to tell the cardiologist. I ended up getting a cat scan which was not a problem.  
 
I never knew I was claustrophobic until I went into that mri machine and now try to avoid any situation (i.e. elevators) where I feel I might get trapped in a confined space. Even if it was a matter of life and death, it would be extremely difficult for me to go into another closed mri.

Hi Jim - Did you try checking for the 4-foot short bore MRI? I'm 5"5 and 260 and the most claustrophobic person on the planet. Please give this one a try. It has plenty of room and about 1 foot clearance above your head. It's also comfortably wide. You could easily pull yourself out if you wanted since you're only part way into the roomy chamber. It didn't even feel like a tube it was so open. Seriously, it could save your life and is worth at least taking a trial run if you can find one close by. I'd love to hear what you think if you do. I'll never worry about MRIs again, having found this little lifesaver! Sami

Just reading these comments gets my heart rate and breathing going faster. When I had my MRI, the first two times I went, I couldn't even get in the machine. I felt totally embarassed. I went home and I practiced for it. I know, I know, that sounds crazy. It is crazy but it helped. At first I would go under the big stone coffee table for one minute and I was uncomfortable with that. Then I started to increase the time underneath and then I would raise my head by having a pillow under my head and then towels so i got to the point where my face was just a couple of inches from the table. Then I put things around my head to close it in a little. I know this all sounds totally irratinal and it is BUT it helped but not quite enough. At my doctor's suggestion, I bought a lavender eye pillow to put over my eyes to relax and sooth me. The lavender scent helps people with anxiety, stress and insomnia. I went to a touch of satin http://www.atouchofsatin.com and bought a lavender eye pillow. That did the trick for me. It calmed me down because it was cool to my eyes and face and the flaxseed just surrounded my eyes and temples and almost put me to sleep. I can't recommend them enough. It made all the difference in the world. Give them a try!

Had my first MRI yesterday, an ab MRI to take liver and kidney images. Made the mistake of opening my eyes a few minutes into it...OH MY-, only a couple inches of clearance between me and the machine and the machine. Couldn't see any outside light. Felt very trapped- an IV in my arm, cage over my belly, huge earphones on, and my head was propped on a pillow thing, so I couldn't look back to see the technician. To make things worse, I was asked to hold my breath for 20-25 secs at a time several times. Not easy when you're nervous. I started to panic- almost squeezed the emergency squeeze-ball, but talked myself out of it. Will definitely take a valium next time!

I'm 55 and always felt safe in tight spaces; I flew airplanes in the Air Force and the cocpit was small with 5-point restraints and this made me feel safe. Then I had back surgery and now can't lay on my back for more than a few minutes; during a back MRI I had severe spasams and nobody was monitoring me...a totally terrible experience, I thrashed around inside that damned tuve and nearly broke my nose trying to get out. The nurse/tech who was supposed to be monitoring me was scared when I pulled myself out of the tube and basically started to choke her..she deseved it.....I have been in 2 wars and must say: the closed MRI experienec was the worst experience of my life....tried a repeat exam with max dose of Xanax, no help at all..I trusted medical professionals, until now.....

I had my first MRI last week. It was for my brain. It lasted 20 minutes. The tech told me that it was very important the I kept my eyes closed... the whole time I was unexplicably tempted to open them... came close a few times. The noise was unbearable and I did feel minor panic building in me. Somehow I survived the 20 minutes without stopping it... never want to go through that again!

From an old claustrophob who has severe panic disorder for years, I'm here to say that you CAN do it. Just make sure you are sedated ask your Dr for Xanax before hand, it is made for panic attacks and certainly does the job. Dont put yourself thru the pre-test terror and read negative posts online, it only builds up the anxiety for you. Ask for an open MRI, headphones, and ask the tech to talk you thru the whole process. What a great feeling knowing I actually DID IT.

When I first found out I had to get an MRI I didn't even think about claustrophobia. It wasn't until they called to schedule it and asked, "Are you claustrophobic?" that I realized what I was getting myself into. The technician told me that I should get my doctor to prescribe something to calm me. She prescribed Ativan. In the intervening days, I started searching the internet for MRI and Claustrophobia and came upon this site. From the comments, I thought it was going to be the worst experience of my life. Well, I had the MRI yesterday and survived. Here's my advice. 1. Get medicated. The Ativan was subtle but it did calm me down a bit. 2. Get them to give you a warm blanket or sheet. Get as comfortable as possible. 3. Get them to cover your eyes. This is CRUCIAL! I tried going in without the washcloth. I made them take me right out. I didn't think I could do it. 4. Realize that you are not really trapped in there. If you had to, you could wriggle right out of there (knowing this eased my mind a lot)--plus they give you a panic button. 5. Think about something else. I started counting--visualizing the numbers. The trying to remember in order the first CD's I ever bought. Anything that will get your mind off of it. 6. Don't move when it's scanning. They do the scans in intervals of about 5 minutes. If you have to adjust yourself do it when the machine is quiet. 7. Breathe and relax.  
It was hard, but if I can do it then you can too!

You can do it!!! 
Just had MRI number 3. I was never a claustrophobic person until I was put in that damn tube 2 years ago. To say it was torture was an understatement! I weigh 250 pounds so it was a little tight, couldn't rest my arms by my side, they had to be sort of on top of me, thus adding to the claustrophobia. I also hate that little cage they lock your head in with. 
Last year I had my second scan. It was an OPEN MRI and it was still AWFUL! I think I don't like the top right in front of my face.  
Alas, MRI number 3. I asked my doctor for drugs as I was dreading it all week. Was given 10mg of Valium which I took 45 minutes prior. They say it takes 15-30 minutes for it to kick in. I wasn't going to take that chance and wanted to make sure it was in full effect when I went in. 
Guess what? It was totally fine. A non event! I was laughing at myself for being so ridiculous. There was plenty of room, and I didn't go in nearly as far as I thought. I even had them roll me in farther when it was over just to see. No problem, I could've sat there all day! 
My suggestion: VALIUM VALIUM VALIUM!!! Also take a good look at the machine before you go in. It's not as small as you think. 
You CAN do it!

I had an MRI scan last week and, being claustrophobic, it was the most horrendous experience I've ever gone through. What is particularly annoying is that it didn't have to be. I didn't do any internet research before the scan as I didn't want to read any horror stories which would make me worse - what a mistake that was. My experience was so bad that I have emailed a letter of complaint to the hospital involved which is being taken very seriously as I had a call within 10 minutes of sending the email. You can find my letter on: 
 
www.ittraining.net/MRIScan1.rtf  
 
if anyone is interested in reading it. 
 
 
 
Having said this, I have today visited a website created by 'joe' who has blogged here earlier and so wish I had come across this before the MRI experience. When I attend a meeting with the Hospital Managers regarding my complaint I will be recommending that anyone who is about to have an MRI scan visit his page. I will also be recommending that the Technicians are directed to his page to see how it should be done.www.nofearmri.com 
 
 
 
If you are due for an MRI, I recommend you read Joe's site so that you know how it 'should' be done and yell at every stage during the procedure if you are experiencing anything less than what is outlined there.

I decided to give you an account of my 2nd MRI which i had on 4th April midday . 
 
I had already blogged on here Jan 2010 and those of you that read it will know i had a pretty frightening experience . 
 
I am now keen to tell a more positive experience that i had with my 2nd MRI . 
 
I learnt many lessons from my first bad experience .To my horror my consultant recommended i have another MRI ,he said i would have to wait 4-6 weeks before i would be seen ,that in mind i thought great i have time to prepare .How wrong i was just over a week after consult i received a letter telling me to call to arrange an appointment ,that was wed 30th March and before i knew it i had an appointment for 4th April . 
 
I told the woman on the phone i was claustrophobic and she told me to visit my GP and get meds to help . 
 
I went to my GP on the friday and explained the problem she gave me 4 tablets to be take 2 when i woke and 2 an hour before i had appointment .I left feeling a bit positive ,but still tense about what was ahead . 
 
The day arrived for my MRI and i took meds as perscribed ,but to my horror no change in anxiety level .I asked my husband to change into clothes so he could come in with me . 
 
On arrival at hospital i was greeted by a nurse who asked me to come into a side room to fill out some details ,i asked if my husband would be allowed in and she said no .My next thought was to just leave ,but i explained my fears to her and she seemed to be listening and said not to worry she would talk me through it . 
 
When i entered the room i started to ask questions about machine etc ,she showed me around machine and even inside tunnel . She showed me how far i would go in .Asked if i wanted a nurse to stand at the back of machine so i could at least se someone ,i refused that . She got me to practise the buzzer .She showed me the cradle that would go over my head and the mirror that was attached to it showing outside of the rear of the machine ,it showed all the objets it the room and how light it was.She explianed the noises i would hear .She offered me a sleeping mask for my eyes .I lay down and tried on mask for eyes but it made me panic a bit so i said no to them .She asked me what radio channel i listen to and put that on .I had the cage etc put on and she slowly move the bed into position talking to me all the time .She put on a fan which she asked if i could feel it ,this was a good thing to feel as the first time i had an MRI i felt i couldnt breath . 
 
She had told me a light would be put on inside machine so it would be brighter in there then it was when i was looking in prior to starting . 
 
All the way through it when there was a break in scan she talked to me asking if i was ok etc . 
 
The mirror was great it felt like i was close to rear opening ,i just kept my eyes on it and the few of the objects in the room . 
 
I had no fast heart beat ,no panic breathing ,i felt more in control. 
 
I could not believe that just by taking my time to ask question ,ask to have things explained and seeing around the machine just have different it felt . 
 
We can all feel intimidated by white coats ,people in uniforms etc .Also we dont want to come accross stupid or child like ,but take it from me ask questions ,take your time get to know your surroundings ,it worked for me .I am not suggesting i can now go pot holeing and my fear of enclosed spaces is still there ,but on this occasion the few tips i mentioned worked for me and hopefully they make help others .

For those of you with a Kindle ( or a PC/Smart phone with the Kindle app) there is a book(let) called "An Insider's Guide to having an MRI". It is authored by the same person as the No Fear MRI website. In fact much of the information is the same. I bought it because I prefer to read away from the PC monitor (and it was super cheap). Now if I lose the link I still have all the info I need. I don't have MRI's very often so it may be years before I need the info again. 
 
If you don't have $3, I'd say the website is perfectly fine. I just prefer to have my stuff with me when I need it...and my Kindle is ALWAYS with me :)

I just got back from having a mri done for my right shoulder. I never thought of myself as claustrophobic but this was 20 minutes that was not fun! apparently I moved so they had to do something over. Twice I nearly squeezed the bulb to end it but had to keep in mind that the eventual diagnosis would make it worth it. 
I thought about my cat...I visualized how big the room was..even thought of a meadow. 
After it was finally over I made the mistake of telling the nurse my bad experience. Unfortuently the other lady in the room was next in line for a MRI. Apparently I made her very nervous as I heard the nurse having to reassure her as they were walking towards the mri machine. 
I'm proud of myself for making it through but not something I would look forward to doing again. 
You Can Do It!!!

I had an MRI scan in England and it seems way different to what I'm reading here, apart from the claustrophobia! For a start, you don't get a panic button or any option to be let out of the damned machine. Nothing was asked beforehand about whether I was claustrophobic - to be honest, I wouldn't have been able to answer that one as I didn't know before I went into that tube that I was. 
 
I didn't have any problems with the noise but it was just the fact that I was stuffed in a tube only an inch or so bigger than my head for 5 minutes or so (I know, a short time compared to many on here). I wasn't even told whether I should open my eyes or not (I've since read I shouldn't). I didn't anyway as I thought it would have been even worse seeing how close the tube was to my face than it was to imagine it! 
 
I hope to never have to have one again! But one thing I did think after I came out was, "That's how those poor lab monkeys feel when they're stuffed in plastic tubes which they only just fit into for regular (and often excruciatingly painful experiments)!"

I had my first MRI this morning and had no idea I was claustrophobic until I opened my eyes. When the adrenaline surge hit a few seconds later, I felt the urge to run and that I needed more Oxygen. I begged to be let out of the tube. Once out, I caught my breath and went back in and knew that the only way I could make it through was by shutting my eyes tightly and resisting all urges to open them at any time, as well as imagining relaxing songs in my mind. I could do it again, but it's not pleasant. My body's response is stronger than my mind's ability to talk it down, unfortunately, so the only answer for me is to eliminate the visual stimulus that causes the response by keeping my eyes closed.

I hear all the 'you can do it!' here, and I think it's great... for those who can do it. But we're not all the same, and we've had different past events in our lives that make us who we are. 
I'll tell you that I am a male that is extremely claustrophobic. I know I had a bad experience(s) as a kid but I can't seem to remember it - once I get to the experience, it's a 'blank'. Anyway, I say to make the point that perhaps (or maybe not) that unknown event has made me this terrified. But I tried. Twice. So no one can say I didn't try. And I couldn't do it. Twice. And I'm not ashamed to admit it. 
Oh, and this was with valium. 
The first time, I was halfway into the tube and I was pushing that apparatus they give you in case you panic so hard - and telling them to get me out. Now. Fast. It was essentially like being buried alive.  
So we went for the open MRI. For some, it's a lifesaver. For me, not that different. And the worse part is doctors/nurses that look at you like you are taking up their time and you are just a wimp. Thank you for the compassion. Fortunately, most are not like that. Then again, I'm convinced most get into the medical professional to help. But what about the few that just might enjoy watching others suffer? I knew a psychologist who indirectly worked with one of those. They're out there. 
So - the solution was to put me out. Wouldn't you know it, while in the tube, I suppose the 'dose' wore off and I started to come to. I remember saying 'Hey, Hey' and fortunately they knocked me back out again. Next thing I knew, it was all over when I came to. 
HOWEVER, I have one set up for this Friday. Was hell finding a place that would sedate (I mean totally)... and I'm still nervous. 
Well, freaking out is more like it. Because what if I wake up in the midst of it again? 
It's Wednesday night, and I have a lot of thoughts of canceling. But the pain is the motivator. 
I'll tell them to make absolutely, 100% sure I am out from before it starts until it's over. No more traumas for me, had enough in other areas of my life to selectively add more. I'll be the PTSS poster face.  
I am not a martyr, nor want to be. And I don't mind being called chicken, coward - anything you want. 
Because I know if I had a coffin and pushed Mr. Courageous (or Ms.) into the hole, and covered them up and told them to 'think happy thoughts' for an hour, most of would leave a big smelly mess to clean up after. 
That's my story. I never liked John Wayne - he made me feel inferior. But no more. I won't go through that again awake - and I'm proud to say it.

I have had 2 of them done for the head so I go in pretty far. The first one they had a digital clock in view so I knew how much time was left. The technician was there talking into a mic every couple minutes letting me know the time and how I was doing. Was given a freak out button as well just in case. That MRI was a pretty easy. 
 
 
 
The recent one I was given a freak out button but no clock or no one talking during it. It was at a hospital and the other one was done at some MRI specialist place. So I could really tell the difference between the two. The one w/o the clock or someone talking every couple minutes letting me know how much time was left I was feeling a little nervous and my mouth would get really dry. 
 
 
 
I wish they all had at least the acknowledgement that someone was watching because you start to have that fear that they forgot about you (even though it is never true) and you are going to be stuck in there. Plus without someone letting you know the time it really drags on and on. 
 

I had a appointment for a MRI on my knees and it was my second attempt to do this. 
 
My Doctor prescribed a sedative but when they moved me toward the machine I could not handle it and decided to leave. NOT GOING BACK

Ohhhh my God,today I had the worst expirience in my life.I wake up very good with good mud and went to my MRI.the only thing I was worry about is the sound because the time I was waiting I hear the very loud sound and I thought this is the worst part about MRI.But after she put me inside this horror tube I forgat about everything accept to get out of this place.ohhh my God even now after couple of hours relexing at home my heart is still jumping just when I think about it.I don't know how I gonna make this again and which sedativ is the best one because I'm not going inside the (grave to be burried alive)without sedativ.is valium the strongest one or????please people wish me luck to finish it without having heart attack.

So sorry you had that scary experience today, Merima. I understand completely, as I have gone through it myself. Fear is a very powerful emotion. Please understand that just because you feel it, it doesn't mean it's there. It is the response of adrenalin triggered by the eyes' perception of tight quarters. The first time in the tube I got out right away, shaken. Realizing that it was seeing the inside of the tube that made my body go into panic (because I felt too closed in/trapped), I resolved to not open my eyes no matter what because I knew if I did that I would have to be taken out again. It was tempting to open my eyes, especially with the loud noises, but no matter what I kept my eyes shut and forced myself to think of only calming things. I thought of songs in my head that calmed me, prayed, and thought about all of the good things I had to look forward to once out of the tube. I only had to be in for just under a half-hour, and while that feels like an eternity in there, it is not that long compared to the rest of your life. If you feel you truly need a sedative, take one that your doctor recommends, but still close your eyes next time. It will help a lot. And remember--as soon as you're done, you don't have to go back in anymore and can enjoy the wide-open space that exists everywhere else. :)

@Merima good luck. I did have a bad experience but they wanted to do another one and I went to a different establishment. The next place had a mirror on the brace that goes around the head. Wow, what a different that mirror made. It looks out the hole so it makes you feel like you are looking out and I had less anxiety. It was a night/day difference.

I just got home from one, still shook. couldn't complete the tube or the open one, and I have never been claustrophobic, at least until today. I hate chickening out, but the sensation was SO uncomfortable, not sure what's next..but I will need serious sedation/sleep for the next one.

I just had an MRI yesterday. The only thing that got me through was that a second technician held my hand through the whole thing...all 90 minutes. She was my life line. In my mind I could logically assume that if I was holding her hand, I wasn't completely confined. Of course I had the rag over my head, and I pulled my arms in close so I wouldn't feel the walls. Somehow I survived, but wouldn't do it again.

From the most claustrophobic person in the world had my MRI Brain scan today had been really nervous for a few days, but with sedation that help a lot they gave me a mask to wear over my eyes, no music just ear plugs with the cage over your head, never open my eyes took deep breaths the tech talk to me the whole time lasted around 25mins and I made it. If I can make it everyone can just believe and pray and you will do fine, good luck to everyone.

Literally read this and the above comments before heeding into my first MRI, which was about and hour ago. I'm back in my room now, and was more comfy in the MRI. I was near asleep when she came over the headphones and told me it was done. It was like a cocoon. I was worried because of the experiences mentioned above, but shouldn't have been. It wasn't an open MRI either. Headphones on, tray with me on it went in, and i just relaxed. The ends are open, at your head and feet, so that fear of claustrophobia for me was absent. If it was closed, different story for sure, would've felt like a sardine. Otherwise, shut your eyes, pit on the headphones, and chill out. Imagine you're in a sci fi movie if it helps. You'll be out before you know it.

I was suppose to have a MRI of the RT knee 20 minutes ago. It went terrible! I got the feeling that I could not breathe, my heart started racing and my hands were shaking. The Tech try to calm me with earphones with soft music playing and a blind fold. To no avail, I was still afraid, the tears ran down both sides of my face. The Tech let me get out, so I could possibly pull myself together. I walk around for a couple of minutes called my husband. I went back inside with what I thought was new found courage..... I tried and tried but I could not complete the MRI. My knee is painful and I really want to know what is going on with it but I can't. I am terribly afraid of the MRI Machine!!!!!! I am at home blogging and the tears are still falling. I hate feeling like this......

I had an open MRI yesterday, and boy oh boy!!! I thought open meant open...I kept wondering why the nurse kept asking me about being claustrophobic. I am severely claustrophobic and I thought open MRI meant open...I freaked out when they moved me in between the hamburger buns of the MRI machine. Talk about anxiety :-O! I had headphones on and thought I would be okay listening to Sade, but oh my God! The sound of the machine absolutely terrified me. I made them stop and I thought earplugs would be better...wrong! Had to stop again and went back to the headphones. I refused the eye mask because I need to see what I’m doing. I tried to relax in between the MRI buns but I was riled w/ anxiety. Being enclosed between the buns became okay after a while, but the noise of the machine kept me laced and riddled with terror and anxiety. I hate loud noise and I hate tight spaces. I tried to calm myself down and I was doing okay until the end when I started to shake badly due to the anxiety. I didn't think the test would ever end. Once it was done, I was so stressed out that I had a major anxiety attack after the procedure was done. I could barely drive myself home, and once I got home, I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I just felt terrified and kept crying and shaking. MRIs are mentally and emotionally traumatizing (for me). In the future, the only way I would have another MRI is if I'm given propofol or if I'm dead. MRI machines are a great substitution to waterboarding.

I have read several "Horror" stories as narrated above in this forum. I thought I needed to share my experience, which may help calm some one. I had to had 2 MRI's (Orbit and Brain ) in one session and I was inside this narrow tube for 70 minutes. 
I knew all along that I was "somewhat" claustrophobic. Staff at the MRI center was very good in explaining the whole process and warned me that it will be a LONG test, as 2 MRI's were being done, The suggested that I keep eyes closed, and also gave me a panic button to push to get their attention and be pulled out, if needed. 
 
As soon as a cage was placed on my face, I felt like I needed fresh air and a fan blowing air on my face could help. But apparently there is No fero-negative material fan available. Moments after they pushed me in to the narrow tube, I started breathing faster, and my heart was pounding. I kept my eyes shut and forced myself to think of only calming things, and trying to distract my anxiety by singing my favorite songs in my head, and counting numbers backward etc etc ...... ! 
 
But BELIEVE me, these distraction don't work when you are stuck in this narrow tube and the MRI cage is only one inch above your nose. Suddenly I thought of a near claustrophobic situation but in an extremely pleasant setting. I replayed that sweet and memorable experience in my vivid imagination. We were in 69 position, and her pussy was right on my face, legs separated but hugging my face, and this is the coolest claustrophobic experience I had, and wanted to relive in this over and again. This was the best thought that happened to me while being in this machine. I know I had sustained erection, but they had already covered my whole body with sheets and room is only dimly lit, so I don't know what was the observation of staff. My tongue and lips were certainly moving but my head remained still, therefore technologist did not bother me. 
 
My conclusion; in the MRI tube, imagining yourself strolling in the garden, a frolic on the beach, noise of waves crashing on the rocks and seagulls crying overhead, blah blah....... certainly won't help, unless you can believe that such crowded surroundings at your face can have a pleasant alternative ...........

didn't think it would be a problem ... might have coped if i'd been allowed to go back in the machine but when i freaked i was just told to go out of the room and get dressed .... no explanation, no seeing if i could cope when i knew what to expect ... then told that i had to rebook with sedation. when i did go back i tried to explain they could probably talk me through it but no one bothered to try. i took a relaxation cd, but the cd player wasn't working. have bad sinuses and always feel panicky breathing when it is bad - even with sedation keeping calm with difficulty breathing was hard ... they didn't like it but did let me out a few times to clear my nose (took 2 1/2 hrs for the scan).

Have had one MRI about 1 year ago & was a little freaked out, heart racing, sweating but I am going for another one next week & I am about 70 lbs heavier now & very apprehensive. I am going to call them tomorrow to talk to them about it.

Thanks to all of you sharing your experiences (some of them very funny though unintentionally), I got through my MRI today intact... I think. My anxiety level for the last few days has been very high so this morning, I went to the gym to channel some of it. It helped a little as did watching a couple of short Eckhart Tolle videos on YouTube that reminded me that I'm just a formless piece of cosmic dust anyway. The MRI center was very nice...professional in every way. I'd brought a Beatles CD with me but the tech said ear phones would make my head space too tight so there was no music and no chatter from the tech to calm me down. It wouldn't have mattered if there was music because it would have been drowned out by the thunderous sounds of the machine. They were indescribably loud and seemed to permeate my body. The sounds changed and I began to listen to them as if they were a machine playing a symphony... WOPWOPWOPWOP,UPUPUPUPUPUP, QUACKQUACKQUACKQUACK (it really sounded like a flock of ducks were trapped in the machine for a long time). Then there were sounds of semi-automatic rapid fire, clanking, clunking, popping, and War of the Worlds mechanics. Throughout, I kept reminding myself to breathe and with every exhalation, to let the stress out. I had my eyes closed throughout though part of me wanted to open them. I knew I'd be dead sausage casing meat if I did that. Even with the panic button in my hand, opening my eyes was asking for a primal scream. After awhile, the tech rolled me out and injected me with dye...I guess I wasn't colorful enough. That took just a few more minutes in the machine and I was done. SO VERY DONE. I got a big boost from reading all your emails and felt the collective courage of all... even though I'm a big candyass when it comes to all things medical. Now, there's nothing to do but wait for the test results (I have a CD to bring to my doctor) and have a very big glass of wine.

Went today for my 4th mri. First 3 were progressively worse as concerns claustrophobia. I had never experienced claustrophobic feelings until the first mri. I could not go through with it today -- even in the open mri tube. It is simply a terrible anxiety attack production. I would have to be completely knocked out and unable to even be aware to re-enter any mri. I agree with others -- never again.

I was very nervous before one of my last MRIs. Brain scan. I was scared of the outcome and because of claustrophobia. Can not tell of what more.. I knew it was going to be a long one about an hour. I was trying to prepare myself for it. Even though i had two MRIs before and I manged somehow, this time i was exceptionally nervous.  
Here is what helped - maybe it will also WORK for YOU: 
I tried at home to practise.. laid down and put something over my head .. i think i tried to use a chair and hanged something over it to simulate a close space. When trying to arrange all, i figured out that actually if i only knew i could get out of the machine by myself (without being dependent on that panic button) would be fine..! I tried to crawl on my back, feet upfront ... and it worked! .. then i only needed to try it in the machine. Next day went for my scan very nervous till the last moment. When i was asked to lay down on that moving table, i asked the technician to hold on.. checked if i can move .. and i could! even that cage over my head did not make my head being stuck in there! When i realised that nothing kept me in the machine apart from my won will, i got nearly euphoric and let them drive me in with pleasure... Knowing that i can get out whenever I really want..at times i had my eyes open, and at times i had to close it as i did have a bit phisical reaction .. not moving is challenging ... well, what was also difficult was my nose was itching! LOL so, i had to struggle with that too!! 
good luck to everybody!

I too freaked out during my first MRI and I have it rescheduled for next week so I am researching info to better prepare myself. My situation is a bit different though because I have severe pvc's and shortness of breath when I lie on my back so being in the MRI provokes those involuntary reactions that are definitely not something I control with pleasant thoughts or not there is just something about lying on my back that causes my heart to act up. I panicked so badly I developed hives on my chest which I have never had happen to me before. I am praying a sedative will somehow keep my pvc's under control this time if not does anyone know of an alternative to being on your back?

Had bilateral scans of my knees. I had informed the MRI center that I was not claustrophobic because I did not know that I was. However, when the table moved me into the tunnel and my whole body was inside that narrow tube, I told the technician that I didn't know if I could do it. I asked him if he had a valium pill; he did not. I asked to use the bathroom, and removed my shoes before resuming my position on the sliding platform. The tech helped by giving me the panic button and reassuring me that he would come if I pressed it. He gave me earplugs, without which I would not have been able to do it because the buzzing was so loud and ear-piercing. Before I went back into the tube, he put a soft blindfold over my eyes, which made all the difference in the world. It seemed to get a little darker, and I stretched my arms out back behind me to feel the cool air on my hands near the outside of the tube. I was still shaking a little nervously, but I was able to make it through the 2 twenty-minute segments for each knee. The second knee went better than the first because it seemed that the tech wrapped my knee more securely with the blanket, which helped it not to twitch as the first knee had done several times. The tech told me that the images came out fine, though. By the time the second imaging was done, I had overcome my fear and actually felt that the lights were a little too bright when he took the blindfold off me. I had become quite relaxed by the time it was over with.  
 
 
 
I can hardly imagine going into the machine head-first, which is what the tech informed me people have to do for any imaging of the body much above the knees. I felt myself very lucky for that. I think I might have to request complete sedation for that. Key to being able to do it is having a sense of confidence that one is still in control through the whole process and that he can get out any time he wants.

A week ago I went for an MRI, it was a half bore machine, told the receptionist and radiographer I was claustrophobic although experienced in self-hypnosis and they said no worries it'll be fine, well I lasted 3 minutes then couldn't breathe, sweating, shaking, full panic attack and hit the panic button, radiographer was great and got me out immediately, too shaky to try again. Rebooked into open MRI, explained what had happened and took 7.5 mg diazepam. Radiographer took me to show the scanner, leant inside it and got me to do the same, agreed to let me be moved inside and out again when on the table before any coils on so I could get my bearings and work out where I wanted to look. Decided eyemask was the best for me, as a neck scan so had to look up at the scanner. Earplugs provided and music. Lots of encouragement and explanation from radiographer, had to keep mind concentrating on something else but the scan went fine and I'd do it again if I had to. So don't give up it can be done!!