Discomfort during MRI

[Faith in Him]

I am going in Friday for a MRI on my good breast. I have a really hard time in the machine. It is enclosed and the noise, even with ear plugs, drives me bonkers. Any suggestions, ladies?

[Patb]

My surgeon gave me valium because I am claustrophobic. It helped but
still loud.
patb

[Jean]

Yes, see my post on Dilon....this could be just perfect for you.
You will have to find out who has the machine near you. Not all hosptials have it. Read the links that I attached to the post.

Best Wishes,
jean

[Gerri]

Dear Faith in Him,

I had my first breast MRI in September. I was very apprehensive about being in such a tight space for 45 minutes FACE DOWN and it certainly lived up to my 'expectations' - I especially liked the machine gun sound effects. My facility plays music through ear phones, but even that was drowned out by the noise. I wanted to try the first time without any drugs just to see how I would do. I made it through to the end without moving a muscle. I told the technician that the MRI was the WORST thing I had experienced through this entire journey. So, I'm thinking, if this is the WORST that I have gone through, than I have been pretty darn lucky. I get to do it again in April and while I am not looking forward to it I know I will do okay.

My advice: Keep your eyes closed at all times, and your mind focused on ANYTHING except where you are and what you are doing and PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. I just kept repeating: Please get me through this.

Best of luck to you,

[Colleen007]

I also take Valium beforehand. I have heard of others who have taken Ativan as well. Some places have headphones so you can listen to music, but for some reason, whenever I have had a breast or back MRI, they have my head pointed to the end opposite of where the headphone jack is! In between all the banging, I count forward and backward to 60. The tech usually comes on and tells me "this next part will take X minutes", so the counting helps to figure out how much longer before you can make a slight movement.

[fauxgypsy]

I just close my eyes and try to make the best of it. I make plans for the week, plan paintings, anything that will help keep my mind off of the space I am in. Valium does help some. I felt like I was in the defrost cycle of a microwave. And it was a lot noisier than I expected. I am not sure quite what I expected but it was not that. Just make sure that you are as comfortable as possible, that you are not having to tense up to keep your arms in place, etc.

Leslie

[Mary Anne in TX]

It is noisy no matter what! But I use a technique that I learned in a "self-hypnosis" class 30+ years ago. I use it when I'm "beyond afraid", under great stress, or doing a new medical proceedure or surgery, etc. I close my eyes the minute that I lay down and they have me ready to go in because I don't want to give the ol' machine one moment of dominance over my mind! The first few minutes I talk away the temptation to open my eyes and panick and then begin to talk to my feet, legs, body, arms, shoulders, etc. "With every breath I take....I relax deeper and deeper". I just keep repeating the phrase until my body believes it! Usually doesn't take very long! Then I place myself in another setting, usually a beach setting with lots of sunshine, soft breeze, and a cozy lounge chair with a view of the ocean. I "pretend" that the machine noise is killing anything bad around me and that it is relaxing me and making me peaceful. Well, does that sound crazy enough? I've done this for so long in stressful settings, that my body begins to cooperate no matter how much resistance it tries. I used it when I thought I had lost my son to drugs (didn't), my husband was having a heart attack and we were waiting for the ambulance, my dad came over and had a heart attack, well....you know....life!
I don't know if it will do for you what it does for me, but you might try it a few times before. I just don't want to count on drugs and then have them not work for me. Not that I don't take whatever I am given, I just want to be part of the process of being in charge of my insane fears (I have a ton)!
You can do this! Remind yourself of the purpose and that it is "only temporary"! I'll be thinking good thoughts for you on Friday! mary anne

[Believe51]

I most surely agree with the girls advice thus far. Eyes closed, something to help you relax, pain meds if you will be uncomfortable that way, and most importantly....a focal point. Try to keep those eyes closed and think of something that brings complete joy to your life. Hubby always thinks of Mookie, our Mine Wave cat. At first I said, "You do not think of me??". Of course he said "NO" and we chuckled as I realized how I rate!!! If he visualizes and concentrates, especially with the medication he barely hears the noise. Although I have a powerful mind, I am not that good!! Good luck Sweetie and keep us posted with the results. Prayers are going out to you special.>>Believe51

[StillHere]

I have to agree w/ everyone else. I close my eyes and fight the urge to open them until I am out of whatever scan I am enduring. One tip I have for those having whole body PET scans is to ask for a pillow to place under your arms (your arms have to be above your head). The first PET scan all I could think of was the terrible ache in my shoulders. The following PET scan was much easier w/ the addition of 1 Pillow, 1 Percocet, and 1 Ativan (Pls don't drive yourself home). Hope this helps someone. I certainly have used hundreds of tips from you all and always welcome any tidbit you can think of to share. I do plan on using the self-hypnosis next time.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Just like Maryanne, I begin at my toes, feet, ankles, shin bone, calf and work my way up SLOWLY -- relaxing ea body part. one at a time. This includes chin, cheeks, lips, you get it... Then I imagine that I weight 5 tons! LOL. I feel my cement self laying there, then -- I a a feather! I drift up, in to the stratosphere. Able to look down at the whole scene, removed -- The Witness, serene. Then I visit a special place. I like this field with knee high grass and wild flowers of purple, coral, red blowing in the breeze. I am beside a waterfall, strong yet gentle. I hear the water surging and hitting the pond which reflects the magnificent trees surrounding it. The mirror image mesmerizes me. Like a Monet painting... The sun is glorious and sky that heavenly blue. I am in the clouds and on the ground. I bring Andrea Bocelli's Romanze to listen to -- his voice transports me with ease... Everyone at the Imaging Center thanks me for the treat. They play him for ALL to enjoy. I am SOMEPLACE ELSE. Eyes closed. The noise pretty much obliterated. I nap. The noise annoying awakens me from time to time as I drift in reverie. OH, AND I TAKE 1 1/2 ATIVAN THE NIGHT BEFORE. AND 1 1/2 ATIVAN AN HOUR BEFORE W/2 BENEDRYL (TO CONTERACT ANY POSSIBLE ALLERGIC REATION TO THE CONTRAST) -- doc's orders, as I am a panic attack claustrophic. That's my system and it works divinely without incident. I wish the same for you. And good results too. DO NOT DRIVE. GO HOME AND PLAN TO *REST* COMFORTABLY FOR MOST OF THE REST OF THE DAY. I always take the first available appointment...
Andi

[Bev]

Ativan for me on the 3rd one. Eyes wide open. I think I'm getting comfortable with it now. Maybe I can do # 4 or 5 on my own. If you do something enough times you are going to be OK with it.

Somewhere on the web you can listen to MRI sounds if it helps. We have had so much thrown at us. I can understand the anxiety. But I think at some point we'll be OK with it. If you're not OK with it this moment, either get the drugs, try the visualization or do a bloody mary lunch.

Remember at any point during the MRI you can say stop

Hang in there, Bev

[dajawood]

Same here. My doctor gave me a valium...helped some. I just keep my eyes closed and try to think of something peaceful. Good luck.

[Faith in Him]

Thank you for letting me share my fears. I'm armed with all of your great suggestions, so I am feeling more comfortable about tomorrow. My husband and I went to Maui last month for the first time and without the kids. I think I'll transport myself back there and relive some very sweet moments.

You are all such a caring group of ladies. I feel so at home with all of you.

Hugs.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

So right Faith. This IS home...

[sassy]

I take a Ativan, then warn my techs that I will be singing during the procedure. I don't sing very loudly--just loud enough for myself. I treat it like singing in the shower---it helps me get thru. Not sure how well the tech's enjoy it!

[Hazel Joyce]

I take an Ativan and wear those things that cover your eyes when you're sleeping (like a blindfold). They have some that are cloth with elastic - no metal.

[Faith in Him]

Just wanted to let you know that your suggestions worked. I did the MRI and believe it or not, almost fell asleep. Maybe it was the anxiety pill I took but in any event, it went well. So thank you again.

Now, the waiting part. I am afraid to answer the phone until after Thanksgiving. Just one more day.

[Bev]

Glad to hear it went fine. I didn't hear for 2 weeks, but my latest theory is it's good if you don't hear from them.

Best wishes, Bev

[Faith in Him]

Just wanted to share that I got the all clear on the MRI. I learned the news yesterday but waited until Thanksgiving to share with my family.

Thank you again for all your suggestions. You guys are the best.

Hugs

[lexigirl]

Awesome News!! I am so happy and relieved for you! Thank you Lord!

Hugs,
Lexi