Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

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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