MRI freakout
 

So yesterday I was all set to get an MRI on my failing hip. I told them in advance that I'm usually Ok if you put me in feet first. On the way there I was nearly run off the road by a rager that cut across the front of my 996 after I passed him. So I was fairly amped up when I got there.

I noticed the machine tube was not very large but when the tech put me in, my head was partially out and I could see the ceiling. I thought all was well, especially since she also told me that this is a very good/powerful machine and the scan would only take 17 minutes.

Within a minute or two, the machine automatically moved me into the tube about 5 inches. Now my head is in and the top of the tube is fairly close to my eyes. Oh, and they didn't have music in the headphones that kept falling off...

So I squeezed the thing and in came the tech. I had to call it off. My plan is to ask for a referral to an open sided unit that is just down the street. I'm so freaked now that I can't even imagine taking a Valium or whatever and getting into that tube.

Anyone else had this happen? The tech says it is very common. I've had multiple MRIs in the past and never had this occur. But I also always ask for the largest tube or open sided.

I've had a lot of MRIs. First one in 1991, it was like going into a 8" diameter tube, no problem. Over the years I developed claustrophobia. I had one a year ago and they gave me a pair of prism glasses, it tricks your brain in to thinking you're in the open as you can see behind you. Now I take a Klonopin and I bought a pair of prism glasses, not so bad.

Open MRI does not give as detailed of images as the closed systems.
Open is often, but not always detailed enough for the needed diagnosis.
I would check with the surgeon you are using- and use whatever MRI he prefers.
Not that I know anything about it.... but a lot of patients self medicate with some po valium or something. You can not drive, but it does help get through the scan.
gary

Is it mandatory your head has to go in?

Gives me the creeps thinking about it.

I may be over simplifying but can't you just close your eyes and hum a tune for 20 seconds ? I have had several closed tube MRI's and just closed my eyes . But everyone is different .

If you think about it nothing can really happen . It's not going to collapse on you . I don't think it can fry you . But fears/phobias are real and you deal with it the best you can . Good luck on the next one .

I've had two MRI's in the last two years...both with my head in.
They gave me headphones and asked what type of music I liked. I almost fell asleep in both of them.

Not to the level you experienced, but I do understand and appreciate your reaction.

I have one in a week but I have been to the particular scanner twice before so I'm GTG. I was fortunate to have had the same tech both times and she was the deal...they had Sirius piped in and I listened to Show Tunes :D

As they say, the only easy day was yesterday. You got this.

I’ve had a few and I can definitely see how they could make some people uncomfortable. Everyone is wired the way they are wired and I find it uncomfortable to be in the middle of a row in a movie theater, (who goes to those anymore?), or any auditorium type gathering. MRIs I just find tedious but not anxiety producing.

I had one for my prostate and it was hell. Almost did not last the entire time, the claustrophobia, which I usually don't suffer from and the noise. Longest 35 minutes of my life, good thing I never had to give birth....

I had hip replacement, and the x-rays were enough to convince the surgeon and my insurance it was needed. Seems like a ton of cost and inconvenience for something that an x-ray will show if it's a degenerative thing.

I have had a few and find it about the same as laying under a car on your back swapping out some heavy parts! I think I would fall asleep if it wasn't so damn loud! Just think your under your car fixing that exhaust leak that has been bothering you!!

I tried closing my eyes but my brain just took off. I told a friend I'm no longer 10 feet tall and bullet proof. I can lay under a car working all day long but for some reason this now is a problem.

First time I've not been offered music. I already had my radio station selection made but was never asked.

Thank you.

This is actually ordered by my 2nd opinion Doc. First guy came into the room pretty much to just schedule surgery after his resident did the exam. Second opinion doc couldn't believe there hadn't been an MRI and ordered it saying, 'there may be something I can salvage before we go nuclear'. He's supposed to be one of the best in town, we weren't sure if he takes my insurance otherwise he would have been the first guy I saw.

Thanks everyone.

Sorry you had a bad day Matthew. But it could have been worse. You could have been going in for a colonoscopy.

Overstimulated going into the situation.

I had one a couple months ago in a semi trailer. Heard the rain hit the roof and then thunder. Chalk it up to nerves. Your next one will be better.

If you don't mind me asking how old are you? Hip replacement is a family tradition here. My sister had her 1st one done in her late 30's, second one in mid 40's. She was a runner so she wore them plum out. My pops had his both done early 60's. I had my right one done 2.5 years ago at 57. Too many miles walked inspecting paving projects & genetics did mine in.

My left one is starting to hurt some, but nothing like the one that was replaced, the last year I could hardly walk. I'm 59 now and will likely try to get the left done before I'm 65 and on Medicare. My insurance is too good to not consider it if it's even close.

The recovery from the procedure itself is so quick why kick the can down the road. Unless a minor orthoscopic is all ya need, just get the titanium installed..:D

Yes. Happened to me. I wasn’t feeling well to begin with, half nauseous and just not feeling good. They tried to stuff me in one of the 60cm tubes. I’d had half a dozen MRIs in the past with no problem, but this particular morning was different somehow. I just couldn’t do it.

In my negative experience, having my head in wasn’t the problem, it was having my arms trapped by my side.

The most difficult thing about a colonoscopy is the prep, drinking that stuff. The actual exam is a breeze, I’ve never even been aware that I’ve had one. Every time, I wake up in a strange place and some nurse is telling me, “it’s all done!”

Biggest nothing ever. :cool:

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I am 60, but still feel like 30 in my mind.

The hip is a result of milage more than age, 22 years in the Army. I had a ski wreck in 2002 in Austria. It was an epic day and I fell out of bounds in some deep powder, ski didn't come off and leg was behind me and twisted. The result was a knee scope and torn hip labrum. Add to that, a natural fusion of S4 and S5, and the nearly fused S5 to S1. Plus a butt ton of arthritis in the SI joint. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the torn labrum in the other hip. Hard living...

So Doc #2 is interested in a clean up job vice straight replacement. He's done 3 other family members, to include my 91 yo FIL's knee about 4 years ago. Imagine being in your late 80s and your knee replacement blows up and you have to get a new one, that's exactly what happened.

Haha I agree. The last time I had a colonoscopy the prep was this horrible concoction resembling lemon juice and the floor cleaner used in public bathrooms. The last round before I headed into the shop I tossed in some vodka (clear liquid) for good measure. My first proceedure years earlier they used stronger sedatives. Wife had to drive me home that time. It was the most wonderful day, she made me a plate of breakfast and I had most peaceful nap ever. Now they use a sedative that blacks you out for 1 hr and you are totally clear and can go to work after. I prefer the older stuff.

Back on topic, I don't really have any claustrophobia tendencies so MRI (head or feet first) are easy for me. However 20 years ago I took a fall on my head resulting in a halo skull fracture and seizure. They put me into tube that made horrible banging noises to inspect my skull which resulted in a headache that lasted a week and could not eat for days.

Bt Im al bter kno. :)