COMMENTS
Scheduled for open MRI. When I saw the machine and laid down, I realized I would not be able to complete the test. Having the top so close to my face, and the heat generated, were too much for me; let alone the coil thing! I just couldn't do this unless they put me to sleep!
I have never been clostrophobic, but after they got me situated on the table, strapped, propped, etc.etc. and that huge thing came down on my face, I didn't last 1 minute, I PUSHED THE PANIC BUTTON!!! Now I'm still in pain with my original problem and scared to go back and try again. That was an awful feeling.
Iam having a scan done with an mri open scan as i tried to have one done in the london hospital and could not go through with it. i am very worried about having it done does anyone have any ways to not be worried please
Chrissy,
There is no way to keep you from worrying, but I eventually now have had 3 MRI's since my first diasterous attempt. The first two they gave me Valium by mouth and the last one they gave me IV Ativan and things worked out well. Talk to your doctor and insist that they give you a sedative to relax you and help you get through it. Good Luck!!!!
I agree with Rebecca Dunn re sedatives. In addition to being unable to complete an MRI, I've been unable to complete a catscan or bone scan. I was given oral ativan and I had to take so much I went to sleep, or it didn't work and I could not complete the testing. Then, on a recent trip to the emergency room with my first break out of shingles and a lot of intense stomach pain (since I hadn't broke out in the shingles rash yet, the doctors didn't know what was going on) they wanted to give me an MRI. I said I couldn't, and the doctor in emergency suggested the Ativan IV. It was just what I needed and I was able to complete the open MRI without any trouble. Talk to your doctor about prescribing an IV sedative, maybe Ativan? Or, whatever may work for you. It helped me a lot. I don't think it would ever help me get in the enclosed tube tho! Good luck!
Is an open mri different then going through the other mri ? is it better or does it feel alomost the sam?
Cass,
I have been through both a closed and an open MRI and have found the open MRI much more comfortable and tolerating. Although I am not claustrophobic I get anxious in tight spaces.
I recently was scanned on a new open MRI system called the Oasis, the technologist told me this is a new generation of open systems that use high field magnet strength. you can check it out here
hitachimed.com
Tried to have an open MRI just today. Suspected of having multiple sclerosis that is affecting the function of my eyesight and causing optic nerve disruptions. As an English teacher, I kind of need my sight. But I just couldn't do it. I was okay until she put that coil thing around my face, then it was as if my lungs said "Well, we're done working today. YOu're gonna die in there." Logically, I know that's not true, of course, and I feel silly but I couldn't bring myself to do it. In addition, I'm post menopausal, so the heat is a factor too. I'm rescheduled for Friday, April 9 and my stepmom is going along to hold my hand, and the dr. is prescribing Valium. Still, I fear I won't be able to do it!
Mama K: Tell you doctor you need a sedative....preferably Ativan in an IV. Worked realy well for me. Good luck!
I am scheduled for an open mri are there different open ones I don't want anything near my face.
Lorette,
Most open MRI scanners look like the pictures above. There is a stand up MRI but very few imaging centers have them.
i had a closed mri scan last tuesday for decompression of the shoulder. lying down in the tunnel was quite eerie but the noise wasnt as bad as i thought. i just meditated until i was let out. pnly pressed the panic button once as the pain in my arm was getting to me but as i only had a feww minutes to go i just gritted my teeth. the staff were very nice and i would recommend it if you had to have one
Ive had an open mri scan..nd i felt a little uncomfortable..mainly because i am claustrophobic.. but i can say that open ones is much better..
I have a stage 4 macular hole in my
right EYE. Can this open MRI cause problems with the MRI??
Is it necessary to do a scan of my head?
Hi Patricia,
Not sure what your question is. Could you clarify?
I tried to have a MRI today and could not have the test. I developed a bad headache after wards. I had to reschedule to have an open MRI.
I had an MRI done on my upper spine on 07/12/10. The MRI machine was an older Philips model with a small tube. It felt rather confining in the tube but the tech gave me a damp washcloth to cover my eyes and earplugs. That caused sufficient sensory deprivation to get me through. Needless to say, it felt really good when they pulled me out the tube.
I did the closed MRI, it was 20 minutes as the open is 60, went ok
not too bad, went alone, drove myself. my husband passed away and know that it would have been better with him there.
Had had some neck problems with numbness in the arm. Getting an OPEN MRI tomorrow night with 2 ativans ( 1 mg. each). Very clostrophic and have seen these pictures. Hope it will be okay.
Iam having an OPEN MRI tomorrow night and am scared to death. Will be taking two ativan after paperwork. Very clostophobic so they say this will not be bad. Please advise. Thank you.
I couldn't go through with my first M.R.I scan so it was rebooked for tonight. My gp has prescribed 5mg of diazepam which i took an hour ago, as yet i've had no effect from the drug and the closer my appointment gets, the more nervous i'm becoming. :-(
I'm claustrophobic and very scared because i now know what to expect and they can't do it without the mask over my face.
Ihave had both mri's in the past
however this last one for severe headaches was in a closed machine.
Every thing was going good, mask in place. tech said move your head
a tiny bit to the right. well my positional vertigo kicked in. I grabed my daughters long hair, grabbed the tech some where and screamed let me up loudly. Do you think I could get thru an open mri.
I am 71 with lots of problems.
Hazel,
Give the imaging center a call and ask to lie down in the scanner before you are scheduled for your test. Many will do this for very claustrophobic patients. Good luck on your test.
I had an open MRI today. I am claustrophobic from having a closed MRI years ago. I will say the open machine is better, but to me still confining.It was of my thoracic spine and the coil was wrapped around my shoulders upper arms. I didn't like tht strapped feeling but I did tolerate the whole test. I kept my eyes shut, started counting 99 bottles of beer in my mind. I was better than the closed one by far. Was concerned about hot flashes during the test as there was no fan--am post menopausal. Luckily a flash didn't happen. It is tolerable even if claustrophobic with eyes closed that is.
I HAD A CLOSED MRI LATE AUGUST,THEN JUST HAD TO HAVE ANOTHER ONE THIS PAST JUST YESTERDAY..I TOLERATED BOTH OF THEM ,BOTH WERE CLOSED,BUT LET ME TELL YOU I AM NOT CLAUSTERPHOBIC,BUT IT REALLY TAKES A LOT OF NERVE TO DO ONE.MINE WERE 45 MINUTES EACH,AND I HOPE I NEVER HAVE TO GO THROUGH ONE AGAIN..THEY ARE TOO CONFINING,THE ONES I WENT TO WERE BOTH NEWER MACHINES AND IT FELT LIKE THEY A FAN WAS BLOWING ON YOU THE WHOLE TIME,BUT THE TRICK IS TO KEEP YOUR EYES CLOSED,AND LOTS OF PRAYERS
prøvede forleden en lukket Mr-scanner, men kan IKKE ligge på ryggen, før jeg ikke kan få luft, og får frygtelig mavesyre.Var i dag igennem 1´ste del i en åben scanner, hvilket OGSÅ var rædselsfuldt, og IGEN døjede jeg med vejrtræknings-problemer og mavesyre.Skal bl.a ha scannet øverste del af ryg/nakke på fredag, og skal dermed have hovedet langt ind i scanneren, så det vil da virke som en lukket? Jeg er allerede PANISK, og kan hverken sove eller fungere.
Ligger ALDRIG på ryggen, da jeg så ikke kan få luft, hvad gør man?
I have had several MRI's but today was really bad. It was open as shown in the pic, but could not tolerate. It was for the thorcic spine which is the middle of the back. The tech was very nice. She told me that this test is more difficult than the lumbar as the coil is wrapped around you and you can't move your arms. She said I will put you in for a minute and take you out. I have Trigeminal Neuralgia and after a recent car accident my left ear hurts and is totally clogged, so I feel like on side of my head is abnormal. I always have pain in my left side of my mouth. I asked the tech for earplugs or headphones as any loud noise sends me into a panic. She said she would bring them in a minute. I went in the machine for about 6 minutes and was pretty relaxed. However, my ear and head started to hurt, as well as my mouth. She came back and took me out on her own. Then she said you will be in there about 30 min. I asked again for the headphones. She said yes. When she brought them they were very thin, had music playing. She put them on me and they fell out of my ears. Then she tried to fix them and they weren't all the way in, they were very loose. She put me back in the machine and I started to panic. I tried to calm down, now my mouth hurt so much I was so anxious I wanted out. This was after taking 1/2 5mg valium and a whole vicodin for pain. I told her to stop the test as I was so nauseaus. She told me to go to my dr and get a sedative and try again. I have had a closed MRI last yr. The tech kept coming over touching my shoulder and talking to me. I got thru it but couldn't do this one. I still have mouth and ear pain several hrs later.
I had a closed MRI yesterday and could not finish it because I got panicked. Now I am scheduled for an open MRI in two weeks I hope I do better with it
I had an closed MRI today, it was quite a challenge. I tolerated the test but it was hard at first. My arms were above my head that was the hardest part. I closed my eyes and prayed and quoted scriptures, said poems. I think that the open MRI is best especially with someone standing next to you. The atmosphere described in this article with the outdoors affect is great. Before anyone goes, it should be explained thouroughly to them and perhaps they should take a sedative. When my patients get nervous about having an MRI, I will offer them a sedative and try to prepare them from now on. The tables are too small too. Researchers need to develop some bigger machines and a systme that is more open when you are to take the closed MRI.
my mother needs a mri scan and is clostrophobic. We have in the past been able to have a scan using the open scanner but this time they want to try with diazepam which will be of no use at all as have tried this before. I have contacted her consultant's secretary and explained the situation and asked to go to the open scanner but have been told this will cost extra money. So far we have had no reply as to what they are going to do. My mother was surposed to have this scan with in 3 weeks of going to see her consultant it has been 6 weeks so far.They say they would have to take her into hospital overnight to sedate her so that she can have her scan and they dont do that very often. iam desperate now and fed up with fighting the system.
I have a very large body frame
6'5" 385 lbs. my shoulders are too wide to fit in mri even open
machine is low for waist?
Does a mri that you stand up in have more space ??
Bill,
Stand up MRIs are fairly narrow. If there is one near you, ask to try the machine in advance.
MRIs are of great medical benefit to those who must have them. Try and mentally decompress as much as possible and relax as best as possible. If your claustrophobia, ect. does not allow for a closed MRI, perhaps an open MRI is your best option. Otherwise, you are best talking with your doctor who can perhaps offer other relaxation tips.
Tried to have a closed MRI for the first time. I am 52, and I could not go thru with it. Hopefully the Opensided MRI is better, but thepicture above is not very promising.
i know what you all mean but i was in a tube and i was freaking out and it is loud to me
Today I had my first "open" MRI and the open part didn't matter a whit.The first MRI I ever had was 13 years ago for a head issue. I was astonished at my reaction when they put me in the tube. I was panicked out of my mind, had no idea I was claustrophobic. God bless the tech who got me through by standing with her hand on my foot after they put headphones and an eye mask on me. I toughed my way through a knee MRI and a shoulder one 3 years ago. I have a small (benign, thank God) tumor on my parotid gland in front of my ear that we discovered 8 months ago. For that MRI I had to have the whole headgear set up ...AWFUL. I made it through the first half...thought I would make it and then they put in the contrast. Viola - huge allergic reaction. I went back a couple of weeks ago for the follow up and simply couldn't do it. They scheduled me for the "open" in a new lab their company opened 45 minutes away. I drove there today . No way Jose. Tried, but no way. I rescheduled and have phoned the doc and asked for drugs as they suggested. I am a 56 year old female who has been though everything, and a stage 4 ovarian cancer survivor of 6 years as well I love my Lord and prayed my way into the first 10 minutes and then - just couldn't. I can't explain it and it bothers me. My sister will go with me next time. All you other fellow claustrophobics at least help me know I am not alone. Keep fighting the fear - we know it is all in our heads! And KEEP THOSE EYES CLOSED!!!
My first MRI was a closed MRI some years ago for a knee problem. I knew then I was going to have problems as I can't stand anything close to my face and I am very claustrophobic. Currentlly have a back problem with constant pain. I went to get the MRI done but apparently even though I asked for an open MRI, I was sterotyped and the closed MRI was attempted. I was asked to lay on the table. Positioned correctly and started into the tube. I started praying and hyproventanting. I thought I would die. And then I was asked the question; are you all right in there? Needlesstosay, I did not complete the MRI. I have lived with this pain now for over a month and it is getting worst. Today I go for an "open MRI". I am very upset because I am going back to the same place I was before. It appears to me as if the office people are more concern as to if the insurance will pay and I the difference rather than about me. I have been praying and praying and I am asking my husband to go in with me. Thanks for the many comments. I must fight the fear, and I will keep my eyes closed.
I just got home from an appointment for an open MRI on my knee. I couldn't do it. I started to have an anxiety attack when the table started moving me into the machine. They said it was an open MRI but it was a large circular cylinder and they had to move me into the machine up to my head. I just felt so locked in and unable to control myself. I will now have to reschedule. This is the third time I have tried to go for an MRI. The first two were closed MRI's. The second time they drugged me and woke me up to walk across the hall to the MRI! Hello! I'm awake now so I couldn't do the MRI. Worst part is, I keep getting charged for them even though they don't do anything! I'm not sure I'll ever get my knee fixed and will be in pain forever!
I read prior posts and they had me totally freaked out. I am claustrophobic and had to have an MRI on my head. I took a very mild sedative - actually I really couldn't feel the effect of it - and I was fine. It took about half an hour, they gave me a washcloth to put over my eyes, which helped, and it was not nearly as bad as others have said. It did not feel hot at all. If you have to have this done, get a mild sedative and relax. Put something over your eyes and it is over rather quickly.
I tried a closed MRI and paniced. I had to get out quick. Now I am scheduled for an Open MRI and looked at the pictures thinking this could be better. But after reading the comments on this page I don't think I could even do an Open MRI. Isn't open suppose to make you feel better? Did anyone out there have a good experience?
i have had major panic attacks on the two occaisions they have tried to scan my neck, leading to my doctor saying he will refer me for an open scan, but just looking at the pictures and knowing they will put something over my head is already freaking me out, i can't even watch someone else have this done on tv without shaking and having nightmares. can they not just give me a general anaesthetic? my pain is getting worse but the thought of having to do this is really making me ill. very relieved though that i am not alone out there as i was made to feel very small and stupid the last time,as i had wasted their obviously valuable time.
Just been for my first MRI...panicked seconds in and had to stop the procedure. Now have an appointment for open MRI tomorrow but not sure that will work either without taking several Bacardis before I go in. Think a general anesthetic is about the only thing that will get me through this!
I KNEW IT!
I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO SUFFER FROM THIS I WAS JUST IN THE RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER A GREAT! CLEAN NICE
FRIENDLY STAFF WOMEN STAFF HOSPITAL, TYPE OF FACILITY,I GOT A RIDE THERE AND EVERTHING,THEY WERE A GREAT TEAM! "except"they were in my opinion NOT at all HONEST!
no one inform me or my family i am goin 2 be in a EXTREME-PINCH"Type
Machine where i can not even breath
at all i feel like it anyhow,as soon as i was "sliding in"i was cool at first,but then SEEING me enter it"without any room to itch,
to MOVE, to BREATHE as i feel so close in i was FRIGHTEN TO DEATH.
i had met a VERY nice nurse lady
or medical asst.help some until i 2nd time attempt it again and soon as i was "having my FACE smush like
"with this lower"thing and just the side was all cramp TIGHT i was like NO! I LEFT,AND I TOLD HER I HAVE TO HAVE A VALIUM,STRONG! SLEEPIN PILL
or IV something to make me be pass out i am NOT goin to have a MRI at all done THAT TIGHT.
i had a CAT SCAN I BREEZE Right thru within barely 10 second! i love it. no biggie,this was from a previous accident 1992 out of high school but THIS IS TOTALLY DIFF,
they should have LEGALLY had up a type of disclosure"before"patient
go to the place,how it work so we
are all able to make a INFORM decision.
my driver even saying Hannah your right."and others are saying they just want 2 b PAID"do not CARE!~ at all bout us patients so NATURALLY they are NOT! goin to tell us your canned into the maching"close in" like a pack of tuna,or sardine!
i was shock,mad angry,but i will NOT! do it like this,mad just at the "attorney"suing for me from car accident,and the REFERRING medical doctor did not TELL ME how it was going 2 b,so they either get me the MRI,without a TIGHT CLOSE type big machine like that,since i am a claustophobic,or something else i am hopin'they can do.
i am NOT goin 2 b awake like that.
MAYBE at a hospital i can go to sleep while they do it,for 15 20 min neck and back that is TWO test
and i can't do it this way without being under sedation,and or maybe i do not need it after all.
i will find out.not doing this MRI this way.no way.
am going for an upright scan next week, no scanner on myhead and not lying down for it. costing a fortune but totally worth it, i will let you know how it goes
Couldn't do the closed MRI. Went for the open MRI. Felt like I couldn't do it with the top soooo close to my face. BUt I had a great person working there that worked with me. I went in on my stomach so I could look out the back since my arm had to be in the coils--but I did have to keep my arm straight for an hour. Being able to see out the back helped a lot! When they put in the contrast I wouldn't wait for the 8 minutes to be over--then it was! Done--but I hope I do not have to do it again.
Went today for my MRI.and i just couldnt do it.I have had a mri 8 years ago and it was fine.But this time the hospital had one of the smallest mris i have ever seen.I got all fixed and the tech started putting me in when my arms were absolutly getting tore off.I told her to stop and take me out,which she had a hard time even getting me out.I dont mind the closeness,but i couldnt even get my friggin arms and shoulders in at all.I am a short very over weight person,this could be the reason why.My arms are still very sore.Going for the open mri next week hope it works out well.If a person is 250lbs or around,a closed mri is NOT for them
I recently had an open M.R.I. on my right hand and wrist, My question is how do I understand the actual c.d. given to me afterwards? I know this c.d. is for my Doctor or and my records but I was told its for me and if I want I can give it to the family physician for my records if applicable. I popped it in my P.C. and have no clue as to what I am looking at even after googeling M.R.I. methods of detecting or deciphering xrays and such. Also, my experience was tolerable..although I had a migrain afterwards which is due to the stress. Don't drive if prescribed any narcotics like valium or ativan and sedatives.
David,
The MRI is read by a doctor who has specialized in interpreting X-rays, MRI, CT, Ultrasound etc - a Radiologist. 5-7 years of training after medical school.
in three days I have an open MRI I am nervous after reading how many people had so many issues with it I am claustrophobic and have requested Valium although I believe it is not going to be enough did they decide the dosage or did the patient I have a tolerance for most drugs usually it takes twice to three times the normal dosage for me to be affected I believe Adivan is a drug I have never tried and going to request it in place of Valium
i had an upright MRI last week and it was great,had a little wobble when i first went in but they were brilliant and the whole thing is not at all claustrophobic. you just have to keep still, but you can watch the tv or dvds that they have, recommend to all
Ravi ,Thank you very much for responding to my question and my scan came back negative!!! So generally its just a severe sprain which requires me to be careful as to my activities but to be on the safe side I wanted to go to my appointment at my orthopedics , thanks again for answering. I also wanted to comment to Shanes blog...I wouldn't rely on Ativan seeing that its the weakest of the benzodiazepeins here is the list of medicines starting with strongest to weakest 1.Zanax 2.Klonopin 3.Ativan ...But remember I am just a patient with real life experience taking all mentioned medications. Google the medications and also google methods to avoid stress during the procedure. Good luck Shane!!
I am extremely claustrophobic and subject to panic attacks. I had an open MRI Friday, and I have to say,........it wasn't too bad at all. I got all nervous for nothing. It was of my knee, so my head was free from the machine. I could look out the window or around the room. The technologist talked to me and let me know how long each scan would take. Several were 3 minutes and several were 6 minutes. All together, it took about 40 minutes, but really not too bad. I could also see a digital clock/counter on the machine, and it was helpful to see it count down each scan. It did generate some heat at first, for about 2 minutes, but went away. Just remember, YOU are in control. All you have to do is call the technologist, and she will take you out. If you are worried she doesn't hear you, you can take a family member with you. They can sit in the room with you!
i am sorry. i did the first MRI in my life.i hate it. i was too claustropho
bic,to finish. i get scare in three to five seconds.Once my head was in there i lost it,kickin'screamin as if i am still a child! lol i did get out
i did not return.
FIND out a OPEN MRI,ONE WAS Available in my local area had no clue,right at the hospital. i did it.a OPEN MRI was alot better, i can twist,scratch wen need be. i was so happy,easier,bigger, larger.
i was in and out within 45min.was no big deal,was not cramp,or scary
nothing like the horrid of taking a CLOSE MRI.
the MRI Pix from my car accident is
crystal clear.no issue. so i am now happy i did the MRI OPEN.not close.
The Pix quality with close v.open mri really is the same,dr. lie to say otherwise,but my physician was telling me. THEY ARE ALL THE SAME
so take a MRI OPEN,if your able.
DO NOT LET THE GIRLS AT THE OFFICE AT THE CLOSE MRI Unit say your not able to.TRUST ME i did and i am happy and the pix were just as clear and no prob.
from constanza.
(connie)
ConniesChildren@ymail.com
I was told today I must have an MRI. From what I am reading an open one is not that great. I was wondering what they cost if you can find a stand up one?
Marje,
MRI exams "cost" the same regardless of the type of machine. Of course if you're paying out of pocket then it depends on what the cash price is. But from an insurance company's perspective the payments are the same to the facility. Stand up MRIs are far and few between. Best bet would be to google it for your local area.
I just got back from having my first open MRI. I was very nervous about having it done, as I can't stand being in closed spaces. When she got me all ready and moved me in the machine, I started to panic a bit, but I just closed my eyes and pretended I was somewhere else. That seemed to work out pretty well for me, but it was hard to lay there and not move, got a pain in my neck and back, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.
I am scheduled for an open MRI of
my lumbar spine has anyone had one
in the open machine, I had a closed MRI years ago and cannot ever do that again. how long are
you in a machine is it scary?
I had the open MRI on my lumbar spine, it wasn't too bad, took 30 minutes. It isn't scary like the closed machine.
Hi, Going for a Lumber Spine this afternoon. I am petrified . My husband went for one and was there 5 mins and my ex husband would,nt even go in there. Not looking forward to it. Let you know the outcome.
well, i went in for an MRI brain scan this morning....i have low testosterone and my doctor wanted to make sure that i dont have a tumor on my pituitary gland.........
i got strapped in, IV in, headpiece on, was placed head-first into the machine.....
as soon as the nurse closed the door i knew i was in trouble....
i have NEVER, EVER, EVER felt PANIC, TERROR and outright FEAR like i did this morning......
i made it five minutes and was squeezing the panic button for all i was worth........drenched in sweat, shaking like a leaf and exhaused, not being able to breathe.....that was the most terrifying five minutes of my life.....
I (until today) never thought i was claustrophobic, panic stricken....today changed all that....
i am a very strong willed person, but five minutes in that tube and i was reduced to a bowl of Jell-O...
i will LIVE with low testosterone before i ever go back and try that again, even with valium or xanax.....
a totally HORRIFYING experience......
never again for me....
bruce 1lmfao what a riot i want to say
to each party here. i have a car accident that the driver hit nj taxi ride i m,so i am suing,for any amount
i will settle lol over FIVE grand!
mONEY Tight these days but atty say i get at least around for six month
of chiropractor for my injury and
the OTHER driver in nj fault I GET
ABOUT offer usually 1st attempt by insurance company low around 10 g's
to 20k i tell him i will take it and this he say without CLOSE MRI
but if i hold out up to 30 k.
since after all i was not at fault
naturally i was driving IN the taxi
i dont know i just know i am scare
of a CLOSE MRI we try we fail lol
i will pay for a OPEN if atty do not.
in south jersey are serveral place i go to and i will pik one of them soon to get more cash i am told by atty. my accident happen last year
so i am schedule to take one OPEN
any day now,since i still have such bad pain at times.
good luck to all do NOT! let other
dr. tell u CLOSE IS NECESSARY LEGAL etc. nope a OPEN MRI is just as
great i m doin this for sure soon.
as i just want wat i am entitle to.
money is tight,and my accident i am entitle to i am told compensation i will take a reasonable amount naturally NOT 5 grand was only a joke there,since i know i deserve and will get more.taking MRI soon as i am still at times in alot of pain.
Heather NJ
39 y.o.
It's really unfortunate that a test that's completely painless and non-invasive, yet so beneficial, wreaks sheer terror on an invidividual's psyche. It shouldn't have to be that way at all. If more patients (ie; customers)start requesting (demanding)open MRI's instead of closed MRI's, facilities will get the message that patients don't want the closed MRI's and will replace them, or add, an open MRI to their facility. You can also contact your insurance company prior to an MRI and request they approve and cover for the same cost, an open MRI. I've had two closed MRI's and will say the facility and technician make all the difference in a closed MRI experience. My experiences were night and day. The first facility ONLY did MRI's and the room was decorated beautifully with soft lighting, birds chirping and soothing murals painted on the walls and ceiling. The technician was outstanding and had empathy towards my fears and made the experience much more tolerable. The second facility was in a large sports/occupational/rehab facility where the MRI machines were old and the room was completely sterile looking. The techicians acted robotic and offered no empapthy, as if they were counting the minutes and patients until their shift ended. Needless to say, my second closed MRI was a horrible experience and have never before experienced the fear that I encountered on that day. The technicians could have cared less as all I did was slow down their schedule for that day. I will be having another MRI soon and will request (demand) that it be an open MRI as I AM THE CUSTOMER!
I tried a closed mri today and as soon as the helmet went on,icame out.i am either m=going open or stand up
Went for an open MRI Tue. No way even having night mares. Dr wants me to try it with valume. I'm a big guy 400 lbs. My chest rubs on the top of the damed thing. Thinking Iwwon't be able to ddo it even with the drugs. If I were a smaller guy and the top diddn't touch me I think I wouldd be ok.Any large people ever maade it through?
Bruce
I am scheduled for tomorrow and scared. Thanks for the great information. I am having am open MRI for first time. Had a CAT scan a few years ago and that freaked me out. Now the MRI is for my knee. Will they put coils on my neck or just on my knee?
Had the open MRI and not as scary as closed MRI. But, took Xanax before test. I was still scared but made it through. Then they told me that I needed a bone scan. Money money.
I experienced a closed Mri for the first time 4 days ago. I am normally level headed and work in medicine have had numerous ops and procedures done in my life (40yrs), but i have to say this was the worst thing i have ever had done!!! I lasted 5 mins majour panic. I too am not skinny and felt cramped. I have an open one booked for frid and am very nervous about it, these comments arnt helping lol! Wish me luck .
I had an Open MRI just this morning..for my brain..and I couldn't go thru with it!! As soon as she wheeled me in, I opened my eyes and freaked out.the top was literally an inch from my face..and I felt like I was buried alive..what a horrible feeling...open or closed it doesn't make a difference if it's a brain MRI..so now I don't know what to do..she pulled me out three times I kept saying let's try again but then she said she had other appointments and that she didn't think even valium would help..I don't know what to do now..that was crazy!!
I did it!! I had an open Mri a few days ago after failing having a closed one. I am glad to be able to put some good feedback on this topic as i was extremely nervous after reading these comments! It was absolutely fine! Yes the scanner is near your face but there are no sides which makes it more tolerable, my husband was able to come in and sit at the side of the scanner and hold my hand. The feeling of being trapped like it was in the closed one had completly gone in the open one. I could have stayed in there for another hour! It was my neck being examined and i am soooo proud of myself. All you people worrying, dont! Go for an open one definately think positive thoughts and take someone in with you, they even put the radio on for me. Good luck .
I found it interesting that the ones who had mri on thier knees were totaly inside the machine. I had a mri done today on my right knee, but only my chest to my feet were inside, my head and shoulders were outside. Mabey because im 5'10. This was my forth closed mri and I found that the technition makes all the difference. If he or she is careing and contiues to talk to you let you know whats going on, Im much calmer in the tube.
I went for a closed MRI scan on my Heart today, after 2 tries I had to stop,I am no chicken and was not worried about it at all until I was put in the scanner, it was so small and felt like I was being buried alive, I have never felt panic like it,not good for the Heart at all. I have been trying to book for a scan in an open one all day but none that I have contacted so far do them for the Heart,no way will I go back to the closed one.