FabSwingers.com forum: MRI scan

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I'm having an MRI scan tomorrow on my neck. I suffer very badly with claustophobia and am petrified about this scan and being encased in a tiny metal tube with loud noises for any length of time. Im worried i will have a panic attack or heart attack.

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?

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By *gnitemybodyWoman
over a year ago

Onestepoutofthedoor

Can they not give you a sedative,I'd be the same.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ask to go im feet first and ask for your head to be raised slightly (if they can)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm having an MRI scan tomorrow on my neck. I suffer very badly with claustophobia and am petrified about this scan and being encased in a tiny metal tube with loud noises for any length of time. Im worried i will have a panic attack or heart attack.

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?"

Close your eyes and just listen to the music, it will be over before you know it x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?"

Tell them as soon as you get there, preferably earlier than your appointment as they take time and they can give you a sedative... it's very common but make sure you go with someone that can drive you home

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They can give you a slight sedative and headphones to listen to music to dull down the noise. Weird but I actually found it therapeutic focussing on the noise of the machine it took my mind off what was going on.

As for claustrophobia I just closed my eyes and imagined I was laying on a beach. I’ve had 2 or 3 MRIs now and each one gets easier. CTs are much better if you freak out ask if they can do q CT instead.

Also don’t bottle all this up. Tell your technician or radiographer your feelings. They can talk you through things.

Good luck and hope the results are ok for you too.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i wouldnt worry to much.

ive had a few of these from various accidents and stuff it will all be explained and they will be talking to you.

easier said than done. but relax, your in good hands.

good luck

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Can they not give you a sedative,I'd be the same."

I can't have a sedative

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Get a sedative from your GP (although it might be too late now).

Do breathing exercises and keep your eyes closed.

Take your breath right down into your lungs and focus on the letter L in the word relax, in your mind.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Ask to go im feet first and ask for your head to be raised slightly (if they can)"

Ooo good thinking

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By *omesticated_VixenWoman
over a year ago

sw London

My Daughter has had 2 now 1 with me in the room with her the other with my hubby, they will talk you through itand give you headphones with music on. Just try to relax it is not as bad as you think just very noisy

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?

Close your eyes and just listen to the music, it will be over before you know it x"

I wish it was that easy

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By *ed-monkeyCouple
over a year ago

Hailsham

"Can they not give you a sedative,I'd be the same.

I can't have a sedative

Still tell them your fears ... they are very good at dealing with these things ... you won't be the first ... or the last

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By *kynyrd64Man
over a year ago

Carlisle

I need another one soon.

It's not scary, my problem is stopping awake !!!

Good luck

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?

They already know. Sadly i cant have a sedative. Plus that dept doesnt give sedatives anyway, my GP would have to have given it, but i cant have one anyway

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I moved during my shoulder one and they had to do it again! So an extra 30 mins! Just stay still so you can get out sooner!

I had to have a contrast MRI on my shoulder safe to say that wasn’t fun but only because they put like a heavy sand bag on my hand to keep my shoulder in place. Dead arm after almost an hour.

Not sure if your into them but apply some essential oils like lavendar to your skin before you go in to help relax you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I fell asleep during my last mri. Remember it will be light in there and the tube won’t cover your entire body.

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By *ross-eyed MaryMan
over a year ago

Salisbury

I found the sensation that I'd pissed myself took my mind off it.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"They can give you a slight sedative and headphones to listen to music to dull down the noise. Weird but I actually found it therapeutic focussing on the noise of the machine it took my mind off what was going on.

Also don’t bottle all this up. Tell your technician or radiographer your feelings. They can talk you through things.

Good luck and hope the results are ok for you too. "

They dont give sedatives and i cant have one anyway

They do know about my fears. Iv had an MRI on a knee and i panicked at that even though the top half of my body was out the machine. Iv also been to Burton hospital where they have a more open machine but i panicked and didnt have it done

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Can they not give you a sedative,I'd be the same.

I can't have a sedative

Still tell them your fears ... they are very good at dealing with these things ... you won't be the first ... or the last"

They know my fears

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I need another one soon.

It's not scary, my problem is stopping awake !!!

Good luck"

Thanks. Iv had them before and they were awful ... see above comments from me lol.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Also don’t bottle all this up. Tell your technician or radiographer your feelings. They can talk you through things.

Good luck and hope the results are ok for you too.

They dont give sedatives and i cant have one anyway

Oh no sounds like you’re genuinely petrified then. My next question would be to ask if you really need the scan or is there any alternatives.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I moved during my shoulder one and they had to do it again! So an extra 30 mins! Just stay still so you can get out sooner!

I had to have a contrast MRI on my shoulder safe to say that wasn’t fun but only because they put like a heavy sand bag on my hand to keep my shoulder in place. Dead arm after almost an hour.

Not sure if your into them but apply some essential oils like lavendar to your skin before you go in to help relax you.

Oh dear an extra 30 mins isnt fun ! I have Essential Tremors so im never still so not sure if the scan will work lol.

Will try the Lavendar

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By *erry bull1Man
over a year ago

doncaster

Not as daunting as you think ,just relax and listen to the music

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Also don’t bottle all this up. Tell your technician or radiographer your feelings. They can talk you through things.

Good luck and hope the results are ok for you too.

They dont give sedatives and i cant have one anyway

Oh no sounds like you’re genuinely petrified then. My next question would be to ask if you really need the scan or is there any alternatives. "

I think il ask them that tomorrow or see if they can quicken up the scan

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Not as daunting as you think ,just relax and listen to the music "

Iv already had them and they were horrific

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By *reamytitwankCouple
over a year ago

Cardiff

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?

Close your eyes and just listen to the music, it will be over before you know it x"

I've had two. No music just loud noises x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Close your eyes before you go in and sing songs in your head. Imagine the words of the songs in your head and read them as you sing them.

Remember to breathe in and out deep through your nose.

They will give you a button to press if you really have to get out but remember it's open both ends and you can get out easily if you need to.

Try counting down in 60s as you breathe; anything to occupy your mind and remember to keep your eyes closed.

If you do open your eyes look towards the light if you can.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Close your eyes before you go in and sing songs in your head. Imagine the words of the songs in your head and read them as you sing them.

Remember to breathe in and out deep through your nose.

They will give you a button to press if you really have to get out but remember it's open both ends and you can get out easily if you need to.

Try counting down in 60s as you breathe; anything to occupy your mind and remember to keep your eyes closed.

If you do open your eyes look towards the light if you can."

Thank you

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I take a 100% blackout eye mask in.

I don’t look at the machine at all, just lie down and put the mask on. So far it’s worked for me (I’ve had 4 MRI’s)

Good luck x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?"

Get some diazepam from your GP ...good luck

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By *loswingersCouple
over a year ago

Gloucester

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?"

A year ago I had a heart attack .

Before I left the hospital they told me I would need a stress mri scan at some point as they couldn’t tell how much damage had occurred at the back of my heart . I didn’t think much of it until a few months later and I turn up for the mri .

I get told I’m going to have adenosine injected at ten minute intervals and will be in the machine for about an hour ! I too am claustrophobic and I hadn’t thought about how all this was going to go until faced with it .

Well they needn’t have injected the stress hormone as I was proper panicking as I went in but I just thought , if I don’t have it I may regret it big time . They aren’t doing it for nothing are they . They were talking to me through headphones all the way through , telling me to prepare for the adenosine which put me under massive stress physically on top of my already stressed out mind and it was the worst hour of my life other than having the bloody heart attack itself ! Infact my wife said I looked worse when I came out of the room than I did when I had the heart attack .

But the results were ok , and I’m glad I did it and would be worried sick if I hadn’t . So my advice is to bear it . It won’t be nice , you’ll hate every second of it , but it can only be good to go through with it can’t it ?

And to my knowledge no one has died from having an mri scan , but plenty of people have by not being checked out by one !

Good luck

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Good luck for tomorrow, find your headspace, think of your happy place.

I'm seeing the cardiologist on Wednesday for an echocardiogram. I'm dreading it, but I'd rather have it, and know what is wrong. It is a means to an end

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I take a 100% blackout eye mask in.

I don’t look at the machine at all, just lie down and put the mask on. So far it’s worked for me (I’ve had 4 MRI’s)

Good luck x "

Ah good idea, thank you x

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?

Get some diazepam from your GP ...good luck "

Sadly i cant have that but thank you x

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?

A year ago I had a heart attack .

And to my knowledge no one has died from having an mri scan , but plenty of people have by not being checked out by one !

Good luck

Ah yes thats exactly how i need to think about it. Thank you.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Good luck for tomorrow, find your headspace, think of your happy place.

I'm seeing the cardiologist on Wednesday for an echocardiogram. I'm dreading it, but I'd rather have it, and know what is wrong. It is a means to an end"

Very true. Thank you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If you have a USB flashdrive. Put some if your own music on there and they will play it. If it's like my hospital they won't have anything you like. Just try and relax. Good luck

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’ve had loads. I got fascinated about how they work and it lead to me doing a degree in physics.

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By *hongguyMan
over a year ago

heckmondwike

take a blind fold then if you do open your eyes its still dark you cant see your enclosed in the machine just relax and stay calm it just a big xray machine yes noisey but not gonna hurt you is it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I need another one soon.

It's not scary, my problem is stopping awake !!!

Good luck"

This was me too! I loved the sensation and the white noise made me so sleepy.

I don't suffer with claustrophobia though, so feel for the OP

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thank you everyone x

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By *uke olovingmanMan
over a year ago

Gravesend

Try to fall asleep...yes. The scanner is noisy...but it totally painless...try to imagine that you are sunbathing . You will emerge totally unharmed when the scan is over good luck...best wishes

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thank you.

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By *abs..Woman
over a year ago

Good luck with it. I understand claustrophobia only too well and I know it’s not something you can just switch off to.

It will be a challenge as these things are but focus on the end. I have only had one in my lifetime but I counted the time down. I made the time my focus but in a positive way. It worked for me but everyone is different.

Keeping the panic at bay is what you will be trying to do. You can do it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ask to put the music on and keep your eyes closed you'll be fine it not bad now good luck

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've had a few that also required my head to be inside a cage. Luckily I'm not claustrophobic.

Someone mentioned Bob the builder to me before going in and I had to try hard not to laugh all the way through it with the noises the machine made. In the end I was wiggling my toes in time with it.

Good luck.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?"

There's no way through. It's only open one end. Bring a ball of wool. You'll find your way back out easier.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've had about 15 mri brain scans and I hate every minute of them. My head is clamped and I can't move and I have to have an injection of dye to enhance the blood vessels in the brain halfway through. I keep my eyes closed and try to think of happy things and tell myself over and over that these scans are essential and not be a wuss. I've never pressed the buzzer to say get me out of here, but I've come close. Tell the staff your fears, they will understand and good luck today x

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By *abs..Woman
over a year ago

"I've had about 15 mri brain scans and I hate every minute of them. My head is clamped and I can't move and I have to have an injection of dye to enhance the blood vessels in the brain halfway through. I keep my eyes closed and try to think of happy things and tell myself over and over that these scans are essential and not be a wuss. I've never pressed the buzzer to say get me out of here, but I've come close. Tell the staff your fears, they will understand and good luck today x"

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just make them aware of it when you arrive and they will make it as eady for you as they can do.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I can't be funny anymore on this thread. Not that i was in the first place anyway!

MRI. I lay back, close my eyes and they play Classic FM for me. It's over before i know it. Last time i remember being annoyed i had to come out. It was in the middle of a symphony!

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By *agicfingerslovelyMan
over a year ago

Rugby

Had loads.

Try to be tired before you go and imagine you are laying on a nice cosy bed and you might doze off.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Good luck with it. I understand claustrophobia only too well and I know it’s not something you can just switch off to.

Keeping the panic at bay is what you will be trying to do. You can do it

Thank you x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have had a few and tunnel is open either end so you don’t feel trapped you can’t wear anything metal in the tube so they will ask you to remove any jewlery if it’s just your neck they are scanning won’t take long only lime 5 mins

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes they can do that as ive had it done twice like that !

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By *tella HeelsTV/TS
over a year ago

west here ford shire

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?"

How did it go?

I don’t mind them now

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By *ce WingerMan
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

"Had loads.

Try to be tired before you go and imagine you are laying on a nice cosy bed and you might doze off."

Doze off? They don't take that long ya know

I've had one or two in ma time, there's nothing much to be worried about, believe you me

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By *risky_MareWoman
over a year ago

...Up on the Downs

Yeah, just close your eyes and listen to the music.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Well it was ok ish ! They were annoyed my GP refused to give me a sedative to take. However they used a very new, fairly open type machine in a cheerful, bright room rather than the dour rooms iv been in for them before. I did have a panic attack but no heart attack ! Id have another if it was using that machine. It lasted ages, plenty of time to doze off. Very loud so the music was pointless. Nice staff.

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By *tella HeelsTV/TS
over a year ago

west here ford shire

Glad it went ok for you xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Glad it went ok for you xx"

Thank you x

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By *abs..Woman
over a year ago

"Well it was ok ish ! They were annoyed my GP refused to give me a sedative to take. However they used a very new, fairly open type machine in a cheerful, bright room rather than the dour rooms iv been in for them before. I did have a panic attack but no heart attack ! Id have another if it was using that machine. It lasted ages, plenty of time to doze off. Very loud so the music was pointless. Nice staff.

Well done!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Well done!

Thank you x

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By *oan of DArcCouple
over a year ago

Glasgow

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?

A year ago I had a heart attack .

And to my knowledge no one has died from having an mri scan , but plenty of people have by not being checked out by one !

Good luck

Brilliant advice

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By *uke olovingmanMan
over a year ago

Gravesend

Well done....carry the success of today with you to the next time..if God forbid there is a next time

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Well done....carry the success of today with you to the next time..if God forbid there is a next time"

Thank you

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By *loswingersCouple
over a year ago

Gloucester

Well done

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Well done

Thank you

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By *ELLONS AND CREAMWoman
over a year ago

stourbridge area

Well done ..... you did it

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By *agicfingerslovelyMan
over a year ago

Rugby

Well done

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By *moothCriminal_xMan
over a year ago

Redditch

Any helpful ways of getting me through it ?"

I've had about a dozen. The modern system has a mirror head set so you don't feel as enclosed and headphones too with choice of radio station. It's never nice but my advice is tell them you're anxious whole you're there.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thank you everyone. Your comments were all helpful. I actually feel proud i did it despite a panic attack

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By *Nm19Couple
over a year ago

notts

I’m waiting for a date to come through for lumbar MRI (lower back) anyone ever had one?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 25/11/19 16:13:12]

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"I’m waiting for a date to come through for lumbar MRI (lower back) anyone ever had one?

I've had three.

My whole body went in the scanner, after the first one I asked them to put me in feet first which made it easier for me.

I found keeping my eyes closed and concentrating quite hard on thinking of anything but where I was helped.

I can honestly say that the thought is worse than the reality but if you feel really nervous see your doctor and ask for a sedative.

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By *r TriomanMan
over a year ago

Chippenham Malmesbury area

I've had quite a few. The one I go in has a massive sunny beach scene on the wall that can be seen from wihin the machine. I really love the sound it makes - very ravey.

Relax if you can and treat it like a theme park ride.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I’m waiting for a date to come through for lumbar MRI (lower back) anyone ever had one?

When they did mine they weighted my legs down to stop them moving, which made me want to move them more.

I stared at the roof of the scanner and did my deep breathing exercises.

For my neck one I took Lorazepam and Amitriptyline.

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By *pursChick aka ShortieWoman
over a year ago

On a mooch

I’ve had a couple of full body ones.

The tip I was given, is keep your eyes closed and the loud noises are normal.

It worked for me, so much so both times I relaxed so much I fell asleep

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You can request music in your head phones. It’s fine just relax and know you’re doing it for a reason x

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By *Nm19Couple
over a year ago

notts

Thanks everyone

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By *DreamOfGenieWoman
over a year ago

London

"I’m waiting for a date to come through for lumbar MRI (lower back) anyone ever had one?

I have - deep breathing, eyes closed and turn the noises into a kind of rhythmic instrumental track in your head. You'll be fine, promise

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By *Nm19Couple
over a year ago

notts

Has anyone had to take piercings out for the mri, I heard you have too?

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