Getting Through an MRI When You're Claustrophobic
And needle phobic and for those who hate everything about it
Before my MS attack, I would see people on TV getting brain scans and think, “I really hope I never have to do that because…I just can’t!”
Well. As I say often these days, you can actually do A LOT more than you think you can.
When you have multiple sclerosis, you have to get regular MRIs of your brain and spine, usually with contrast. Mine has three parts and takes a little over an hour. That means staying completely still (something I’m bad at), getting an IV in my arm (something I had a panic attack about the first time, especially when they shoot saline in to clean it and then the contrast, itself, feels so darn weird), and having a small cage over my face during the brain part. Not to mention being inserted into a narrow machine, which is something claustrophobic people (yo) struggle with.
But I don’t have a choice now and will have to get an MRI once or twice a year for probably forever.
The first few times were extremely challenging. They always put some anti-anxiety meds in my IV cocktail, but last time I managed to do without. The drug makes me feel really strange and I’d rather not have to take it.
I’ve made a list of things that can help make your MRI easier, if you’re claustrophobic like me:
1. A wider machine
This isn’t always possible, but since lots of people are claustrophobic, wider MRI machines have become more available. They give you the feeling of a bit more space - next to you and above you - and are often open on both sides. This lets me look up and out the other side, at least while my spine is being scanned.
2. A safe person in the room with you
In the US, they always bitched about my husband staying in the room during my procedures, but in Sweden they seem to want the patient to be as comfortable as possible, so they’re fine with it. This helps me A LOT. I can see his face in the mirror they put over me and I can feel his hand touching my leg. It’s just so much better.
3. A nice, patient technician
MRI techs are often rushy about getting your scans done, but it helps tremendously to have someone who is nice and understanding. In the US, they were very mean; strapping me down and not releasing me for a long time after I pressed the panic button. Treating someone like that does not help them get over their fear of MRIs. But when I came to Sweden, they do not tie me down and sometimes give me a small break between the sections they need to scan.
4. An anti-anxiety pill
If you need it, you need it. As I said before, I don’t seem to need the IV anti-anxiety medication anymore, but I still pop a low-dose Oxazepam (a less potent Xanax) before going in.
5. Mirror above my eyes
When you get a brain scan, or sometimes other scans, there can be a mirror positioned above your eyes. This makes the area around you seem a bit bigger. Often, it shows a reflection of my husband, down by my feet, and it’s nice to be able to see his face.
6. Closing my eyes, but not covering them
Some people prefer to close their eyes the whole time or even have a towel placed over their eyes. I don’t because I want the option to see. But I try to close my eyes for as long as I can when I’m in there. It’s just good to be able to alternate, in my opinion.
7. Singing songs in my head
To pass some of the time, I slowly sing random songs in my head from start to finish. Tip - American Pie is a nice long one!
8. Counting as slow as I can after an update
Sometimes I start slowly count in my head if they tell me “Ok, you have 15 minutes left for this part”. It gives me a small goal to reach.
9. Meditating to the sounds of the machines
MRI machines are loud. Oh yeah, wear ear plugs (they’ll probably give you some). But the sounds are repetitive and, if you try, you can focus on the bleeps and grating scrapes and attempt to let it lull you into a relaxing, meditative state.
The alphabet game
Remember before phones, on roadtrips with your family? We played the alphabet game where we picked a category and then took turns naming something that starts with A, then B, then C…and so on. I play this with myself in my head to pass the time. Avocado, banana, cantaloupe.
I would love to know how MRIs are for you and the things you do to get through them!