[socaltrojan]

I have been having pain, pins and needles sensations, and numbness over my entire left leg out of the blue starting 3 weeks ago. I saw a neurologist and had a nerve conduction test, but he said that I needed to get a MRI.

I am freaked out about getting a MRI, because I am claustrophobic.

I know that I shouldn't be scared because I am in the medical field, but I can't help it. Since I haven't ever gotten one done, the idea of being inside the machine is making me nervous. Plus medical school has been extremely stressful lately with class and clinic and this new issue is just adding to everything.

A friend of mine suggested wearing a blindfold, so I think I will try that.

Does anyone have any experience getting a MRI and if so what did you to stay calm?

Thanks for the advice!

[Bella]

Good luck sweetie. I have had one and I can completely relate. It is a tight space. The best advice I can give is to close your eyes before you enter, imagine a relaxing location or experience you've had and do not open your eyes until it's done. Great idea, wear a blindfold if you can. You will be fine.

I wish you the best.

[BigPurseSue]

Breath deep. Remember it's no big deal, you're not going to feel a thing. Ask the techs to play your favorite radio station over the head phones. And ask your doctor to prescribe valium. But don't take it until a few minutes before you actually go into the thing.

I'm terribly claustrophic too. I hate MRIs. They're always a trauma and I feel like a baby acting the way I do. But if I close my eyes, and try to imagine I'm someplace else they usually pass quickly.

Good luck! I feel your pain!

By the way, there are hospitals that offer "open" MRIs that don't have the tunnel. If you're having a leg X-rayed they're an option. See if you can find one at a clinic or hospital in your area.

[BigPurseSue]

By the way, one trick I use for getting through nasty medical procedures is that while it's happening I envision myself doing something I really enjoy. Like, well, shopping. I promise myself that after it's done I will do that thing. This always works like a charm for me.

[noon]

Oh I feel for you! Goodluck! I too am claustrophobic, and I have had 2 MRIs. The first one was in the open one, which is A LOT better if you can have that done, as you dont feel enclosed. The second MRI was in the closed one, and I wont lie to you I was scared. All I can suggest is to remember, its open from the back, close your eyes, if you find prayer comforting I suggest you pray, or sing a song in your head or get them to play some music you like so you can sing a long to it. Remember to breathe deep and keep your eyes closed. It will all be over before you know it, and if it gets really bad you will have a panic button so they can remove you from it asap. The funny thing was I was panicking a bit, and I was trying to control my breathing and this song came on and it went something like breathe deep breathe deep in a pop 80s music sort of way and I couldnt help but want to laugh! It calmed me down a lot. I wish you all the best, and try not to think about it too much!

[Prada Psycho]

I've had FOUR closed MRIs in the past 18 months, the last three were contrast MRIs. That's where you go into the tube for the first set of pictures, then they bring you out, inject dye into your arm and back you go. It's about 40 minutes for one of those puppies.

The first time I had one, I was taken by how it reminded me of flying (and NYC street construction noises!). The material of the inside of the tube looks like an airliner, the noises, how you could hear the music on the headphones, but it was muffled by the noises) and such. That was my key to making it relaxing: imagining I was taking a trip some where. So far I've gone back to Quebec, then to Italy, Greece and the last one it was Paris. I even visualized seeing the Eiffel Tower as we were landing.

I'm sort of claustrophobic, but you can still see out the of the machine when you look down to your toes.

My biggest worry was staying still because if you move, they don't get clear pictures and back you go.

Please post the verdict of the MRI. From your symptoms, it sounds like it could also the curse of MY life: herniated L5-S1 disk. I'm staring surgery #3 in the face, probably sooner than later.

[ImASadGiraffe]

From my understanding, a nerve conduction test is a lot more painful and uncomfortable than an MRI. Wear a sleeping mask and imagine yourself doing something enjoyable and you'll be ok! Good luck!

[boxermom]

I may not be much help, because I'm not claustrophobic. As Prada Psycho said, my biggest concern was remaining still so the pics would be as clear as possible. (I've had at least 6 MRI's, all but one closed)

Some people get a little something to take the edge off the anxiety--I suppose it would be a valium or xanax. The machines have a way to flow fresh air through--I wondered about that the first time--it doesn't feel stuffy at all. Also as PP said, they can be very noisy--they'll give you ear plugs, but it's still loud intermittently.

Open MRI's were advertised as the answer for people anxious about the closed method, but an ortho dr. told me those don't produce the precise results they need.

Best wishes--you're doing what has been recommended for your health; it won't be as hard as you're imagining.

[merika]

I've had a MRI but it was after a head injury so I was very woozy and out of it most of the time. I am claustrophobic but I don't recall being so. I think I was looking down, so I could see out between my feet.

[Jill]

I kept my eyes CLOSED...and listened to music..it was a bit scary.....but u will be fine!GL!Let us know how u r!

[bnjj]

When I had mine I just kept my eyes closed the majority of the time and listened to the music (over the racket the machine makes). I think wearing an eye mask may help you so you don't see that you are in such a tiny space.

[aklein]

Dress warmly. I was freezing when I had mine done. I had to have an MRI when I injured my knee. I only had to go in up to my waist. I am not clausterphobic, but I did find the experience made me a little anxious. I wish I had brought earplugs and a blindfold. I think that would've helped.

[socaltrojan]

Thanks everyone for your well wishes and the advice!

You would think being a medical student would make me less nervous, but I think it makes me more scared because I think about all the crazy and unlikely diagnoses that probably happen to only a handful of people. Sometimes, too much info isn't the best LOL!

[hmwe46]

You will be fine!!

Lots of great advice: the music was key for me They will let you pick something out that you like.

The hardest part will be staying still

[mcmahan706]

As a previous poster said, you may go in feet first and then up to your waist, depending on the MD order.