MRIs – I couldnt do it !!!
Question:
Hi Janers- I think the nurse had her open MRI pretty recently. Man, my fingers are starting to feel stiff and hurt when I try to type now. There is another MRI machine in a city near me- that is larger- for large people- maybe I could stand that one- with a good stiff drink – haha!! Tks!! Kim
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Kim > I just wrote you above about testing. LOL > Glad he ordered an MRI and did they not ask you if you were Clostrophobic??? > As far as OPEN MRI’s missing alot? Excuse me but that is a bunch of bull. I had all > mine done open, and ordered by the best neurosurgeon around. It caught the disk > degeneration big time as well as a ruptured disk hitting and pressing on a nerve in > lower back. Then one in the neck area that needed replaced and grafted immediately. > So if this nurse is saying NO to OPEN, tell her well demand you want one of them. > If none available have them give you a script for something to relax you before the > test, they do that, and offer music too with head phones. > But again, I have had 5 MRI, one first closed and like you paniced. Never never > again. So the rest were open, and on the back and head and neck at different times > in my old life and I am 56 young. So tell that nurse to do some research or contact > the Radiology docs for some information. She must be old fashioned or old to say the > least. OR uninformed of the new types of open ones. LOL > YOU stand your ground on this one. > OH, how long ago was that MRI on the nurse….they do it different now than even 5 ys > ago. > It is your health and you have to tell them just what you think. > janers > sorry to be so blunt..but sometimes them docs make me angry or worse is the staff > they have. well ok, SOME of them..
Response:
Here are a couple of links that discuss the accuracy problem. The lower Dr. Byrne quote is from the 2nd link Don W. Dr. Richard Byrne would disagree. He’s vice chairman of the Department of Radiology at Desert Regional Medical Center and is a huge fan of MRIs, but not the open MRIs. "They’re just not as powerful," said Byrne. "Life is a compromise. It might be more comfortable, but you could miss something. You just run the risk that you’re not going to get all the information out of the exam." http://cbshealthwatch.medscape.com/cx/viewarticle/229927_3 http://www.thedesertsun.com/news/stories/features/944006543.shtml
Response:
>Yes, it was this trapped feeling- it was
>horrible. If it had just been a little big >larger- but seeing that tube almost up >against my face was too much! Yep, that’s the feeling alright!!! Was the most horrible and terrifying feeling I had ever had in my life!!! I, also agree, that if the tube was a bit larger, wouldn’t have felt so panicked!!! I have done a million CT scans and it doesn’t bother me one bit to be in that tube because the inside isn’t right smack dab against your nose—you at least have a little breathing space between you and it! Makes all the difference in the world to me!!! If you do end up going to another closed machine facility you can get a prescription for either a sedative or an antianxiety med at a low dose. This does help some!!! Also have them cover your eyes with a towel or washcloth so you can’t see what is going on—this is surprisingly helpful at calming you down as well. I always say I’m going to just keep my eyes closed, but then I open them and freak so using a towel helps even when you do open your eyes—you still can’t see!!! Good luck to you Kim!!! Donna G
Response:
Janers, No way can open MRI equipment compete with the closed ones for accuracy. Incidently, be careful of what is called "open". See below link. http://www.stjohnshealthsystem.org/images/publications/feb00spiritpdf… Don W.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Kim > I just wrote you above about testing. LOL > Glad he ordered an MRI and did they not ask you if you were Clostrophobic??? > As far as OPEN MRI’s missing alot? Excuse me but that is a bunch of bull. I had all > mine done open, and ordered by the best neurosurgeon around. It caught the disk > degeneration big time as well as a ruptured disk hitting and pressing on a nerve in > lower back. Then one in the neck area that needed replaced and grafted immediately. > So if this nurse is saying NO to OPEN, tell her well demand you want one of them. > If none available have them give you a script for something to relax you before the > test, they do that, and offer music too with head phones. > But again, I have had 5 MRI, one first closed and like you paniced. Never never > again. So the rest were open, and on the back and head and neck at different times > in my old life and I am 56 young. So tell that nurse to do some research or contact > the Radiology docs for some information. She must be old fashioned or old to say the > least. OR uninformed of the new types of open ones. LOL > YOU stand your ground on this one. > OH, how long ago was that MRI on the nurse….they do it different now than even 5 ys > ago. > It is your health and you have to tell them just what you think. > janers > sorry to be so blunt..but sometimes them docs make me angry or worse is the staff > they have. well ok, SOME of them..
Response:
Kim.. I don’t recall, only that it wasn’t a sedative. I recall it as being a hypnotic, but it might have been merely something like Valium.. anyway.. worked very well. — Bruce, Michigan WG ‘97
Response:
Don, I’m afraid I have to go with Janers on this one!!! I, too, have had several MRI’s and have had to do open MRI’s because of being claustrophobic of the closed machines. The newer open MRI machines are much better than they used to be and can be quite accurate. Every MRI that I have ever had showed exactly what the doctors needed to know and were very clear. The last one done on my spine, the physical medicine doctor even stated what a nice clear picture it was!!! Closed machines may have some advantage, but for many, many people who just can’t handle the closed machine, the open machine is a viable option!!! I even got my insurance to pay for it as an in plan facility by writing a letter to them and explaining that I couldn’t handle the closed machine and that without the test, I would likely end up in the hospital and probably in surgery which would be far more expensive to them. They agreed and authorized me to go to the open machine facility and paid it as in plan. Donna G
Response:
I thank you Donna, Sorry Don but I am just saying what is done in this area, and other bigger hospitals around the country. Yes you can be sedated if you want to be so go with that route if desired…but not me LOL I had no problem getting insurance to even ask if it was open or closed..never… I have to say that for me there is no other option unless of course they knock me out for 24 hours and some of them hours are way before the test.LOL janers
Response:
If one cannot take a closed mri machine, then ok the open one is the choice. And it _may_ be "good enough" to define the problem. But herein is the tradeoff, who knows if "good enough" is good enough vs the best approach one can use. I did write those people in the link and asked for comparative accuracies. If I do get data I shall post it here. Don W.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I thank you Donna, > Sorry Don but I am just saying what is done in this area, and other bigger hospitals > around the country. > Yes you can be sedated if you want to be so go with that route if desired…but not > me LOL > I had no problem getting insurance to even ask if it was open or closed..never… > I have to say that for me there is no other option unless of course they knock me out > for 24 hours and some of them hours are way before the test.LOL > janers
Response:
How long does it take to complete the MRI? John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi- >I’ve posted here a little while- and got lots of help. >I have RA- and back problems- (degenerative disc disease). >Going to a Ortho Nov 7. he wanted me to get a MRI before >my appt. >Well, I went for the MRI. It was a closed one. >And I freaked out!! I could NOT do it!! >They had my head in- and I told them I couldnt do it- to >please let me out. >My RA doc is going to maybe get me an appt >at this other place that has a bigger MRI machine- >My RA doc’s nurse told me that the "Open" MRIs miss >alot – she had a broken knee and it totally missed it. >Anyone else not able to have MRI done? >Guess I’m claustrophobic. >tks- >Kim
Response:
Don’t laugh. It’s been done. (put under) There is no way my DH would go near one of those machines conscious! We tried. It’s not like he didn’t tell the doc up front that he is severely claustrophobic. Gets sent anyway, with no orders for any kind of medication, and then they give him a really hard time that HE is messing up their schedule and should just do it anyway. Even went thru some cr*p after cause they billed it anyway and the insurance of course wouldn’t pay and they took a while to understand that we weren’t paying for it either. Jo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Bruce, > What type of hypnotic? > I dont think a valium would do it for me- I’d > need to be put under! haha! > tks > Kim > Kim.. I couldn’t either. Second time they gave me a hypnotic.. no > problem.. > — > Bruce
Response:
Depends on what they are doing. I’ve been inside as little as ten minutes and as long as 1 1/2 hours. Of course that one was when they tell we half way thru that they are going to do it again with contrast and are going to inject something for the contrast. Those idiots thought they were going to find a vein on me in that condition? Finally had to send out for the best Vampire in town. (A really sweet white haired old guy that I think could find a vein on a grapefruit. He just had BOTH knees replaced and I’m so happy for him) Jo
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> How long does it take to complete the MRI? > John >Hi- >I’ve posted here a little while- and got lots of help. >I have RA- and back problems- (degenerative disc disease). >Going to a Ortho Nov 7. he wanted me to get a MRI before >my appt. >Well, I went for the MRI. It was a closed one. >And I freaked out!! I could NOT do it!! >They had my head in- and I told them I couldnt do it- to >please let me out. >My RA doc is going to maybe get me an appt >at this other place that has a bigger MRI machine- >My RA doc’s nurse told me that the "Open" MRIs miss >alot – she had a broken knee and it totally missed it. >Anyone else not able to have MRI done? >Guess I’m claustrophobic. >tks- >Kim
Response:
Kim I just wrote you above about testing. LOL Glad he ordered an MRI and did they not ask you if you were Clostrophobic??? As far as OPEN MRI’s missing alot? Excuse me but that is a bunch of bull. I had all mine done open, and ordered by the best neurosurgeon around. It caught the disk degeneration big time as well as a ruptured disk hitting and pressing on a nerve in lower back. Then one in the neck area that needed replaced and grafted immediately. So if this nurse is saying NO to OPEN, tell her well demand you want one of them. If none available have them give you a script for something to relax you before the test, they do that, and offer music too with head phones. But again, I have had 5 MRI, one first closed and like you paniced. Never never again. So the rest were open, and on the back and head and neck at different times in my old life and I am 56 young. So tell that nurse to do some research or contact the Radiology docs for some information. She must be old fashioned or old to say the least. OR uninformed of the new types of open ones. LOL YOU stand your ground on this one. OH, how long ago was that MRI on the nurse….they do it different now than even 5 ys ago. It is your health and you have to tell them just what you think. janers sorry to be so blunt..but sometimes them docs make me angry or worse is the staff they have. well ok, SOME of them..
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Anyone else not able to have MRI done? >Guess I’m claustrophobic. >tks- >Kim > I used to feel the same way and then I got some wonderful advice. If you have > to have an MRI done in a closed unit, insist that they put you in feet first. > Then get a small towel and cover your eyes. It’s amazing what a tremendous > difference it makes. > Anne > AAC/AAF/AFBV62.0844.AZ > http://www.tckworld.com/opfoot
Thanks Anne, What good advice and that will be passed on. Harv
Response:
I asked if I could be put in feet first- and they said no I had to go in head first- and it’s just for my lower back– Why couldnt they do that- as long as my lower back is in the middle what does it matter which way I am ?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Anyone else not able to have MRI done? >Guess I’m claustrophobic. >tks- >Kim > I used to feel the same way and then I got some wonderful advice. If you have > to have an MRI done in a closed unit, insist that they put you in feet first. > Then get a small towel and cover your eyes. It’s amazing what a tremendous > difference it makes. > Anne > AAC/AAF/AFBV62.0844.AZ > http://www.tckworld.com/opfoot
Response:
Bruce, What type of hypnotic? I dont think a valium would do it for me- I’d need to be put under! haha! tks Kim
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Kim.. I couldn’t either. Second time they gave me a hypnotic.. no > problem.. > — > Bruce
Response:
Yes, it was this trapped feeling- it was horrible. If it had just been a little big larger- but seeing that tube almost up against my face was too much!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Kim, > Don’t feel too bad, you are not alone!!! I couldn’t do it either and > ended up being sent to a facility with an open machine. I still ended > up taking a small dose of a sedative plus had the tech put a hand towel > over my eyes so I couldn’t see when I was going in. This all helped, > but the first time I went for my MRI I totally freaked out!!! I think > this not an uncommon happening and that they see an awful lot of it!!! > Good luck to you on your next try!!! > Donna G
Response:
my sister is extremely claustrophobic and has mri’s because of MS. here is what she does. her GP prescribes xanax. she takes 1/2 mg the night before, then 1 mg the morning of the procedure on an empty stomach. it completely knocks her out. of course, someone else has to drive you, but she just sleeps through it all. you might ask your doc about it. diane
Response:
It is claustrophobic. The best hints I can provide are to: ask for a washcloth placed over your eyes Ask if you can have a peppermint or some hard candy in your mouth during the procedure meditate, or hum music to yourself my hubby cannot tolerate an MRI without having a valium before the procedure.This is fairly common it seems. And they seem used to having people ask for it. Hope this will help you.I admit an MRI isn’t the piece of cake the technicians make it sound. Lots of luck to you……. barbtoo
Response:
I’ve had several. I shut my eyes before they push me in and never open them until I am out and then I pretend I am on an old fashioned prop plane flying to the Caribbean. It works for me but you are not alone in having a fear of that particular closed space. I know it bothers alot of people. Duckie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi- > I’ve posted here a little while- and got lots of help. > I have RA- and back problems- (degenerative disc disease). > Going to a Ortho Nov 7. he wanted me to get a MRI before > my appt. > Well, I went for the MRI. It was a closed one. > And I freaked out!! I could NOT do it!! > They had my head in- and I told them I couldnt do it- to > please let me out. > My RA doc is going to maybe get me an appt > at this other place that has a bigger MRI machine- > My RA doc’s nurse told me that the "Open" MRIs miss > alot – she had a broken knee and it totally missed it. > Anyone else not able to have MRI done? > Guess I’m claustrophobic. > tks- > Kim
Response:
Kim, Don’t feel too bad, you are not alone!!! I couldn’t do it either and ended up being sent to a facility with an open machine. I still ended up taking a small dose of a sedative plus had the tech put a hand towel over my eyes so I couldn’t see when I was going in. This all helped, but the first time I went for my MRI I totally freaked out!!! I think this not an uncommon happening and that they see an awful lot of it!!! Good luck to you on your next try!!! Donna G
Response:
>Anyone else not able to have MRI done? >Guess I’m claustrophobic. >tks- >Kim
I used to feel the same way and then I got some wonderful advice. If you have to have an MRI done in a closed unit, insist that they put you in feet first. Then get a small towel and cover your eyes. It’s amazing what a tremendous difference it makes. Anne AAC/AAF/AFBV62.0844.AZ http://www.tckworld.com/opfoot
Response:
Hi- I’ve posted here a little while- and got lots of help. I have RA- and back problems- (degenerative disc disease). Going to a Ortho Nov 7. he wanted me to get a MRI before my appt. Well, I went for the MRI. It was a closed one. And I freaked out!! I could NOT do it!! They had my head in- and I told them I couldnt do it- to please let me out. My RA doc is going to maybe get me an appt at this other place that has a bigger MRI machine- My RA doc’s nurse told me that the "Open" MRIs miss alot – she had a broken knee and it totally missed it. Anyone else not able to have MRI done? Guess I’m claustrophobic. tks- Kim
Response:
> Well, I went for the MRI. It was a closed one. > And I freaked out!! I could NOT do it!! > They had my head in- and I told them I couldnt do it- to > please let me out.
My sister just went through a whole series of MRIs and she took an aromatherapy eye cover with her. She put it over her eyes and never looked at the machine. She does yoga and she said deep breathing exercises was really helpful. Might try it with eye cover. — MZ — website: http://members.home.net/mzuschlag
Response:
Kim- All I can suggest is that you close your eyes, cover you face and don’t look for the entire time. Closed MRI is beter. Good luck. Jan in KC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Well, I went for the MRI. It was a closed one. >And I freaked out!! I could NOT do it!! >They had my head in- and I told them I couldnt do it- to >please let me out.
Response:
Kim.. I couldn’t either. Second time they gave me a hypnotic.. no problem.. — Bruce
Response:
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