MRI

allychase · January 2013

Okay so I'm pretty claustrophobic and need an MRI for painful sharp headaches I've been getting. I already chickened out of the closed MRI last week and made an appointment for the 24th for an open MRI, the soonest available date. However I'm quickly realizing I can't wait that long and need an answer for these headaches sooner than later.

Long story short, I moved my appt up to tomorrow for a closed MRI. Any suggestions for getting through the procedure calmly?

misshart00 · January 2013

I'm the same way. For my MRI, I just closed my eyes and tried to think about anything else. It wasn't fun but it wasn't too awful either.

thejucheidea · January 2013

Ativan.

tiny speck · January 2013

I'm not claustrophobic, but I found it was better when I kept my eyes closed and tried to just concentrate on the music from the headphones (you might be able to bring a CD if you want).

ETA: I hope they'll be able to figure out how to treat your headaches

CALEO · January 2013

I've had one. It is weird but just know this - hold really still so they don't have to do it again

. If you freak out mid way through just say - I need to stop, please let me out. They can hear you and they will stop (especially if you warn them ahead of time).

Good luck!

Maggie0829 · January 2013

If you are really claustrophobic I would let your doctor know. Sometimes they can give you a mild sedative to relax you before your MRI. The only issue with this is that you will need someone to take you since after the sedative you will be in no form to drive.

courtski2004 · January 2013

I was an idiot I kept my ponytail up during the MRI. After about 10 minutes of my head resting directly on it, it hurt SO badly that I almost made them stop the process. Whatever you do, be sure to take out any soft ponytail holders and just let your hair free. I don't know why in the world I kept it in, or why the tech didn't mention it, but it was the worst pain I've ever experienced. I know it would have clicked in my mind to take it out if any part of it were metal, but it is one of the 'ouchless' ones. Yowza.

TeddiD34 · January 2013

I always get a valium IV when I get MRI's, and it's lovely.

Try that

Drugs are good for blocking stuff out.

allychase · January 2013

Okay I just called my neurologist and the receptionist on a power trip told me I'm not allowed to be sedated during the procedure, procreeding to shout at me "No! no! no! The doctor will NOT prescribe you anything and you should have told us if you were claustrophobic."

I am currently searching for a new neurologist because these people are so unprofessional beyond belief. Did I mention the neurologist was a woman wearing leather high heel boots and a cheetah print sweater, and cared more about wondering if I'm a model (wtf??) than my symptoms. She also prescribed me an antidepressant and I was told it's like aspirin for the brain and don't worry. What in the holy hell...

Thanks for all your advice ladies, hopefully I can get in contact with a more reputable doctor before my MRI tomorrow am.

JaxInBlue · January 2013

Agree that you should talk to your doctor. I have claustrophobia so they prescribed an incredibly strong dose of benadryl to get through the test. It made the experience much more bearable.

[Deleted User] · January 2013

They offered a towel over my eyes, a heated blanket, headphones with my music selection all before going into the tube. They were nice enough to let me lay there for a few minutes before sending me in. HTH

brittany634 · January 2013

Ally- What'd they perscribe you? I have chronic migraines, so I feel your pain- They tried topomax on me and it didn't work- they're tried numerous anti-depressants, they are used for treating migraines as well.

as for the MRI- Since it's measuring brain activity if it's for headaches, it is possible a sedative isn't allowed, I know I couldn't have one when I got one.

allychase · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_mri?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:f19472a2-ab92-4d1c-8b23-092312cc5863Post:06186e29-2efa-49fc-9dbf-d5487e2817ef">Re: MRI</a>:
[QUOTE]Ally- What'd they perscribe you? I have chronic migraines, so I feel your pain- They tried topomax on me and it didn't work- they're tried numerous anti-depressants, they are used for treating migraines as well. as for the MRI- Since it's measuring brain activity if it's for headaches, it is possible a sedative isn't allowed, I know I couldn't have one when I got one.
Posted by brittany634[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>They prescribed me elavil. My SIL is a pharmacist and did confirm that it's also prescribed for headaches but that doesn't change the nasty possible side effects that come with it, like thoughts of suicide. I'm not depressed and feel they should have asked me if I have any history of depression, thyroid disorder, heart disease, ANYTHING before just writing down elavil and sending me on my way. I even made a point to ask what it was before doing my own research and the words anti depressant never came out of their mouth. I can understand if it serves multiple purposes but you NEED to warn people before giving them that stuff. </div><div>
</div><div>I understand if a sedative isn't allowed, but as stage put it, good lord the man did NOT need to start yelling at me for asking. FFS.</div><div>
</div>

allychase · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_mri?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:f19472a2-ab92-4d1c-8b23-092312cc5863Post:906b6865-2e58-4b88-a131-546a49c97b61">Re: MRI</a>:
[QUOTE]They offered a towel over my eyes, a heated blanket, headphones with my music selection all before going into the tube. They were nice enough to let me lay there for a few minutes before sending me in. HTH
Posted by IamTheMommaOfTheBride[/QUOTE]

<div>I hope they do this for me, I think it'd really help.</div>

brittany634 · January 2013

I agree with you, I was just offering insight.

Thats odd they didn't tell you what it was for. Especially if you asked. Do you have anyone in your family that maybe has a nurerologist and you could get a good one from them

or I think they have a rate your doctor type website- kind of like rate your professor but for doctors

allychase · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_mri?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:f19472a2-ab92-4d1c-8b23-092312cc5863Post:eaa7f408-46ff-42ba-912b-724bee5ff649">Re: MRI</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with you, I was just offering insight. Thats odd they didn't tell you what it was for. Especially if you asked. Do you have anyone in your family that maybe has a nurerologist and you could get a good one from them :) or I think they have a rate your doctor type website- kind of like rate your professor but for doctors :)
Posted by brittany634[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I'm sorry I must have come off sounding irritated at you, sorry lol I'm just annoyed at their response. </div><div>
</div><div>I've googled some doctors and some have reviews and some dont, but I haven't really found an end all be all solid review site, KWIM? It's all various reviews from yahoo and some other medical sites. I'll just keep searching, I don't have much of a choice... I just can't believe how difficult this is for something that seems really simple. Professionals acting professional... too much to ask!

</div>

misshart00 · January 2013

In Response to Re:MRI:[QUOTE]In Response to Re: MRI:Ally What'd they perscribe you? I have chronic migraines, so I feel your pain They tried topomax on me and it didn't work they're tried numerous antidepressants, they are used for treating migraines as well. as for the MRI Since it's measuring brain activity if it's for headaches, it is possible a sedative isn't allowed, I know I couldn't have one when I got one.Posted by brittany634They prescribed me elavil. My SIL is a pharmacist and did confirm that it's also prescribed for headaches but that doesn't change the nasty possible side effects that come with it, like thoughts of suicide. I'm not depressed and feel they should have asked me if I have any history of depression, thyroid disorder, heart disease, ANYTHING before just writing down elavil and sending me on my way. I even made a point to ask what it was before doing my own research and the words anti depressant never came out of their mouth. I can understand if it serves multiple purposes but you NEED to warn people before giving them that stuff.nbsp;I understand if a sedative isn't allowed, but as stage put it, good lord the man did NOT need to start yelling at me for asking. FFS. Posted by allychase[/QUOTE]

I agree with you on them not really questioning anything when giving you an antidepressant. I have chronic migraines too and for a little while, I was on Prozac. The pharmacist have me more information and talked with me about it more than my neuro.

brittany634 · January 2013

I was going to a nuerologist that a family member reccomended, I went once a month, in a year I saw the ACTUAL dr 2 times. the final straw was when I had an apt for 2pm and didn't get seen until 6, so I understand.

I hope you find someone better, and you're headaches get better.

Do you think they're stress related, I had alot of issues in the months leading up to the weddding, and most of the issues went away right after!

mcda04 · January 2013

Thank you Ally for this thread. I've been feeling a burning sensation type headache and have an appt with my Dr. on Thursday but she said I will more than likely be referred to a neurologist.

allychase · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_mri?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:f19472a2-ab92-4d1c-8b23-092312cc5863Post:d3a1cf8c-5943-49ad-8253-a2bb46282e5b">Re: MRI</a>:
[QUOTE]Thank you Ally for this thread. I've been feeling a burning sensation type headache and have an appt with my Dr. on Thursday but she said I will more than likely be referred to a neurologist. :(
Posted by mcda04[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>My headaches started out as sharp, severe pains that lasted anywhere from 3-30 seconds and started getting more and more frequent and it's getting to the point where it's migraine type headaches in the back and side of my head. It is very scary. My grandmother died of a brain aneurysm so they definitely wanted to rule out any issues with that with the MRI. Headaches are caused by so many different things it's easy to get worked up over it. I do have TMJ disorder so I'm hoping that's simply the cause. Good luck at the neurologist! They will probably schedule an MRI for you, that's usually the first step.

</div>

button6004 · January 2013

Ally, good luck. I had an emergency MRI during a hospital stay last year and I just kept my eyes closed the whole time. I was admittedly in pain and I think it came after they had given me morphine, but closing my eyes REALLY helped.

allychase · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_mri?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:f19472a2-ab92-4d1c-8b23-092312cc5863Post:a0cfd34c-38c9-4952-a3a6-596a06394b0c">Re: MRI</a>:
[QUOTE]Ally, good luck. I had an emergency MRI during a hospital stay last year and I just kept my eyes closed the whole time. I was admittedly in pain and I think it came after they had given me morphine, but closing my eyes REALLY helped.
Posted by button6004[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Thanks.. I am DEFINITELY keeping my eyes closed and going to see if they'll let me put a towel or something over my eyes cause I'll be tempted to open them. It's at 8:30 am so hopefully I'll even be able to try and fall asleep in there. My FI is taking me cause I'm a big fat wuss lol.

</div>

MrsGandthebeag · January 2013

Last time I had an MRI, there was a mirror on the ceiling that was angled in such a way that it made me feel I wasn't closed in. Maybe they'll have one of those.

Dreamergirl8812 · January 2013

Ok I've never had an MRI and I'm only mildly claustrophobic. But. When I got my wisdom teeth pulled, they gave me valium and let me lay down in the dentist chair for 20 minutes. They turned the lights down really low, put a warm blanket over me and played gentle music. Seriously a wonderful experience despite the fear and horrors of dental extractions.

FMIL12 · January 2013

Another consideration might be to see if there is a large bore machine available. I have had multiple MRIs recently and my MRA had to be in a closed machine. I was very nervous but the tech told me it was large bore with a 500 lb weight limit and it was not so close. They also let my husband go in the room with me

LeenieLane · January 2013

xoxo Ally! We are a hot medical mess. Good luck!

allychase · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_mri?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:f19472a2-ab92-4d1c-8b23-092312cc5863Post:46056b5e-8dfd-410d-80ef-ed2b0c10db2b">Re: MRI</a>:
[QUOTE]Last time I had an MRI, there was a mirror on the ceiling that was angled in such a way that it made me feel I wasn't closed in. Maybe they'll have one of those.
Posted by MrsGandthebeag[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>My mom said they had this when she went. Hope it's still there!

</div>

allychase · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_mri?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:f19472a2-ab92-4d1c-8b23-092312cc5863Post:8a520f9e-69ae-4773-800c-e1b37fd876ab">Re: MRI</a>:
[QUOTE]xoxo Ally! We are a hot medical mess. :) Good luck!
Posted by LeenieLane[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>Ugh for real. I am a slew of medical problems with every system in my body. Although this one is the scariest because idk what's going on. Like I said hopefully just my TMJ, which still has to be treated, but at least that's not horrible lol.</div>

reppunzel · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_mri?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:f19472a2-ab92-4d1c-8b23-092312cc5863Post:567e1720-e1df-4bb3-b351-af63b069424c">Re: MRI</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: MRI : My mom said they had this when she went. Hope it's still there!
Posted by allychase[/QUOTE]

Oh good! This is what I was going to suggest. I've had several MRI's and this was my favorite help / coping technique -- I could see the room outside the tube, and it made the whole thing seem bigger.

Also, think ahead to the procedure and visualize yourself feeling calm and spacious while in the machine. Practice mentally for it to be a good experience -- "I will feel relaxed and comfortable during the MRI"; "the machine may be loud, but I will be warm and sleepy". Project success for yourself rather than failure ("what if I freak in the middle of the test?!?") and your mind will focus on the potential for a reasonably good (not fun, but good) outcome.

Best wishes, and I hope you can get relief from your headaches soon! I dealt with chronic headaches for years -- chronic headache, I should say, because it was constant pain.

allychase · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_mri?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:f19472a2-ab92-4d1c-8b23-092312cc5863Post:61f251c8-03e3-4826-885a-2c6765282a92">Re: MRI</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: MRI : Oh good! This is what I was going to suggest. I've had several MRI's and this was my favorite help / coping technique -- I could see the room outside the tube, and it made the whole thing seem bigger. Also, think ahead to the procedure and visualize yourself feeling calm and spacious while in the machine. Practice mentally for it to be a good experience -- "I will feel relaxed and comfortable during the MRI"; "the machine may be loud, but I will be warm and sleepy". Project success for yourself rather than failure ("what if I freak in the middle of the test?!?") and your mind will focus on the potential for a reasonably good (not fun, but good) outcome. Best wishes, and I hope you can get relief from your headaches soon! I dealt with chronic headaches for years -- chronic headache, I should say, because it was constant pain.
Posted by reppunzel[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Wonderful advice. I am my own worst enemy with getting panic-y thoughts in my head sometimes.. Trying to prepare myself mentally. I can't believe I'm more freaked about a simple MRI than the endoscopy I need in a few weeks. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-undecided.gif" border="0" alt="Undecided" title="Undecided" />

</div>

J&K10910 · January 2013

FYI, Elavil is rarely prescribed for depression anymore. It was kind of a crappy antidepressant. It works a lot better as a sleep aid and a pain prophylactic. I was on it for awhile for migraines. I think it's odd that they didn't tell you more about it, but she probably didn't mention it was an antidepressant because of the above and because that's not why it was being prescribed.

With that said, I do think they were unprofessional and I would be finding someone else as well.

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