MRI v CT Scan?
#201349 - 08/01/05 09:00 AM
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HL33
Reged: 06/12/05
Posts: 97
Loc: Essex, UK
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I've been told I need a MRI scan for a prob in my neck, I def have a trapped nerve but they all want to check out the disks etc the only problem is I'm very claustrophobic & the one my hospital uses is the old fashioned narrow tube type & the thought is terrifying me  I may be able to have a CT scan but wondered if anyone has had both or any input on either?
Helen
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I've had several of both. I did my first MRI scan cold, with no idea what I was getting into. I do have claustrophobia and it was pretty bad. I did the next two with IV valium which helped. If I need another, my doctor has suggested I try Ativan and lots of it. If you doctor really wants you to have an MRI, I suggest you discuss your fears with him/her frankly and arrange for sedation. So long as you have someone to drive you home this shouldn't be a problem.
I do much better with the CAT scan. You are not in a tube, you are in something that looks like about a 2 foot section of a huge storm sewer pipe. This means that even though you're inside, the space is large, part of you is always sticking out, and you could - if necessary - get yourself the rest of the way out. Also, you always see daylight. You'd probably do okay even without drugs, but I don't see why you couldn't request some type of mild drug like Valium even for this. Again, you'd need someone to drive you home.
Whichever test you do, explain to the techs that you're claustrophobic and you need to know they're always there. Ask them to talk to you from time to time and tell them you want to know they'll answer if you talk to them. Most of the ones I've encountered are very understanding.
BTW, I tried an open air MRI for a head scan once and it freaked me out totally. It might be better for a shoulder or torso or something, but for the head MRI they still wanted to position a huge machine right over me and there was no way I could hold still for that. I got up, walked out, and told my doctor I'd rather he just drill a hole in my head.
Having said all this, please do have whatever tests you need. The machines are great for figuring out what's going on in there and heaven knows there are enough drugs in the world to let you pretty much just sleep through the process.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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Well I spoke to the consultant this morning & was basicly told that If I did not have the MRI scan then there was nothing he could do & would have to discharge me from Rheumatology & I'll " Just have to get on with it" were his very words    just don't know what to do now spent the last hour crying, I just can't understand how a doctor can be that cold to someone
Helen
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It's so simple but you HAVE TO CLOSE YOUR EYES the whole time so you don't see what little room you have. It's sooo easy and only took 20 mins. They told me I could stop and take breaks if I needed to but I never did.
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Not to apologize for doctors, but they look at things differently. What your doctor is thinking is: Here is a tool that could make all the difference in getting her well, so why is she refusing to use it? People who don't have phobias don't understand them. And, sadly, even people who have phobias sometimes think their phobias are perfectly understandable, but everyone else's are silly.
Did you ask him about sedation while you take the test? As long as you can get someone to drive you - or take a taxi - I don't know why they couldn't sedate you pretty well. (I prefer having a friend or relative go with you - it can help with the anxiety.) Also, if the doctor ordering the MRI is such an SOB that he won't consider sedation, talk to your primary care physician. Explain the problem and ask for a strong sedative - like valium or, if your doctor is willing, a bigger gun like Ativan - to take before the test. Try it at home beforehand so you'll know it will take the edge off.
Also, ask the doctor prescribing the test - or the MRI facility - how long it takes. My shoulder MRIs never took more than about 15-20 minutes.
And Sara-Sage is right: don't open your eyes. Take your drugs, lie down, close your eyes, and keep them closed until you're out. And, as I said before, ask the techs to talk to you. You can do this. Get all the help - chemical and human - you can and remind yourself that this is the test that might let them fix what's wrong with you.
One last thing to remember: you can always bail out even after the test starts. I don't think you'll need to if you take something to help, but that is always an option. Keeping that in mind might give you the courage to at least give it a try.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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