MIR What to Expect

Petrified

I just saw my breast surgeon today for the first time. She overwhelmed me with information about my diagnosis and is sending me for more tests. I am having a bone scan tomorrow and will have to go for an MRI in the next week or so. I've never experienced an MRI and am scared as I suffer with claustrophobia. Is is that bad?

Unbreakable01

Its not that bad. They put an iv in you, I was face down, and you have to stay still, that's the hardest part. The machine is noisy, but they'll give you ear plugs and tell you how long each scan lasts. They'll let you know when the iv starts. It helps not seeing how tight the mri machine is.

Trvler

I was extremely claustrophobic. I went the first time and had to leave. The second time I took Xanax, asked for headphones with music and specifically asked for 70's music. I had to keep my eyes closed so I didn't see how confined I was but I got through it. Ask your doctor to prescribe some xanax. Only your GP can do it. The BS won't do it, usually. Good luck.

micronancy

I am also extremely claustrophobic (hate elevators !!), Had to have an MRA -- a special MRI for the heart. I was in the machine for almost an hour, but I just kept my eyes closed, and concentrated on the instructions. It's doable.

MinusTwo

I definitely take a Xanax - the only time I ever do except for a PET/CT where you have to lie absolutely w/o moving for an hour. I've had Xanax prescribed by my BS, my MO and my OB/Gyn. I believe any doc will prescribe if they understand what's going on. Good luck.

trish01254

I just kept my eyes closed and tried to picture myself somewhere else. Concentrated on the image rather than the awful racket of the machine. And like the others took Xanax Best wishes on your journey.

Warrior4sararyan

It really was not that bad. I also took a xanax and I used my favorite essential blend of oil, peace and calming, and placed a few dabs under my nose. Just view this test as gathering important information for you and your doctors to make decisions about your situation. I also use the trick of pretending I am at my "Happy Place"Big Sur when I have to do things that I don't want to do.

Good Luck

Meow13

I think the MRI machine is kind of fun. I was envisioning a high tech way of killing cancer cells. You know something out of star trek. Wouldn't that be great if we could go in and come up with no cancer. We can pretend anyway.

Luckynumber47

Its funny you mentioned claustrophobia. I never had any sense I was in anywhere tight. They had me lay face down and warned me not to move or I'd have to come back another day. Normally I'm tough as nails but that darned MRI nearly did me in. It was the noise. I felt like I was in an imploding nuclear power plant. I mentally walked down every one of my favorite beaches and managed to get through it. Unfortunately they found another tumor and I had to go back for an MRI guided biopsy. Great, an already bad experience and now we're adding needles. The tech taking me back mentioned they had to sedate another patient. And I was like, wait, what? I can be sedated? Bring it on! So between the Xanax, a double set of ear protection and lots of positive imagery the second MRI was much easier.

The short answer is MRIs aren't easy but you can get through it. It's a powerful tool to find anything else that might be hiding in the breasts and I'm really happy my dr ordered one for me.

dtad

I also recommend asking for xanax. It really dos take the edge off. Good luck...

Anonymous

Unlike other MRIs, during a breast MRI you are face down, and your head is at the open end of the machine, so it is NOT closed in. It is noisy and you have to lay completely still for about 30-40 minutes, but it is not a closed in feeling. There's a mirror, so you can see the technician thru the window in the room, also your hands and the floor.

anne