ABOUT ME: I am over 60 years of age and claustrophobic. I was scheduled for my initial MRI exam Jan. 9, 2002. The reason for my initial MRI scan was that my CT Scan results indicated that I had a tumor (golf ball size) on one of my adrenal glands.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this web site is too inform individuals who are apprehensive about their forthcoming MRI exam how to cope with the situation. Hopefully the following information can help some of you who are encountering the same apprehensions, anxiety, and fears that I encountered. NOTE: I found it ironic that I was worried about my forthcoming MRI experience more than the results it would yield.

When I tried to explain my feelings to those who never had an MRI before, or who were not claustrophic as I am, I did not receive much sympathy. Some of the people looked perplexed as to ask me, "what is your problem?" However, when I talked to people who had MRI experience before, almost everyone I talked to had some level of apprehension prior to the MRI exam. Almost all of them required some sort of medication to get them through the experience. They also showed empathy and talked to me about their exam.

I am displaying a photo of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machine (MRI) that I used. Keep in mind that there are several kinds of MRI machines so the one that you use may not look like the one I'm showing.

BEFORE THE DATE OF MRI EXAM: I was scheduled for my MRI exam about four weeks prior to the event giving me ample time to worry about it. I was worrying so much that I was experiencing anxiety attacks while waiting for the exam date to arrive. My anxiety attacks always occured when I layed down on my back to sleep or take a nap. (For some reason my anxiety was not as severe, or did not exist when I layed on my side or stomach????)

I have a penchant for putting myself in other peoples "situation" to understand their problems, dilemnas, etc. Because of this I had an idea that I was claustrophobic, but not to the extent that I found out I am. My claustrophobia is probably made worse by my sleep apnea. My wife has said that when sleeping I sometimes don't breath for a minute or so and then take a big gasping breath. On some occassions that gasping breath is coupled with me springing to the "upright sitting" position becoming wide awake. (My doctor believes I have sleep apnea and is scheduling followup diagnosis with Sleeping Specialists).

DATE OF MRI EXAM: My Doctor prescribed anti-anxiety medicine to help me. I was told to take it 45 minutes prior to the MRI exam. This medicine was: Ativan 1 mg tablets - quantity 2. (total - 2mg of Ativan).

On the day of the exam I got up at 4:30AM. My appointment was scheduled for 5:00 PM so I had about a 12 hour wait. I did not lay down or rest, because I wanted to be as tired as possible before the exam. As directed by my Doctor I took my anti-anxiety medicine 45 minutes prior to the scheduled exam.

About 5:00 PM when the technicians were getting me ready for placement into the MRI machine, I realized that I did not have that feeling of dred, or "pit in the stomach" feeling. I can't explain exactly how I felt, but something was going on, and again I was not fearful (The 2mg of ativan was working)! The Technician then gave me two small yellow spongy items to put in my ears to help eliminate some of the noise. Before being pushed into the tunnel I placed a mask over my eyes to help eliminate the visual feeling that contributes to claustrophobia. The technican kept talking to me - giving me instructions when to breathe normal and when to hold my breath. Near the end of the procedure they slid me out of the tube and injected me with a solution - then pushed me back into the tube. Shortly thereafter, the MRI episode was over and I was taken out. When I got off the platform, I realized that I needed help walking because I was groggy.

My wife indicated the entire procedure took only 45 minutes. To me it seemed like 10 or 15 minutes (the anti-anxiety drug was working - smile). Keep in mind that I was almost a "basket case" when my MRI date approached, and now I am telling you how easy it was and how fast the time seemed to pass.

AFTER MRI EXAM: Groggy yet quite aware of what was going on. Having a difficult time speaking properly and also having a difficult time walking correctly (woozy feeling). My wife drove me home and I was eating a Subway Sandwich and that's the last I remember. I intended to watch the Spurs play the Celtics on Television, but I must of zonked out. Woke up in the morning and found out that my Spurs won.

CONCULSION: This procedure can be managed by claustrophobics such as my self if you:

1. Use anti-anxiety medicine prescribed by your Doctor (I used Ativan 1mg - 2 pills). These pills eliminate apprehnsion and fear to the point that you "almost" become oblivious to the whole procedure. Other words that I would use to describe the effects of the anti-anxiety medicine is "apathy, or indifference." about the MRI experience.

2. Sleep mask (Walgreens usually has them), or a small towel/wash cloth to place over your eyes. I have heard that a wet towel/wash cloth feels more comforting. These item prevents your eyes from seeing the inner chamber when your in it, and eliminates the panic factor often encountered when your eyes are not covered or closed. I have heard that it is better to have something over your eyes because when the technician talks to you, some people have the tendency to open their eyes.

UPDATE: June 2005. Just went through my second MRI. This one lasted two hours. Again, I took 2 - 1mg ativan pills and it worked again. I was in the MRI tube for 1 hour (feet first), and then they took me out and placed me in head first for another hour. It was quite cool inside the MRI machine (which is nice), but I had to go to the bathroom between the body position transfers.

Again, the ativan coupled with the sleep mask did the trick. I knew I was in the MRI machine for a long time, but it did not seem like two hours.

I have placed a guest book here so those who would like to convey their experiences with MRIs may do so. Maybe some of your comments and/or suggestions might help some one who is encountering the same fears and anxieties we had. Thank you.

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