Breast MRI..claustrophobic??

erika-canada · May 2008

erika-canada · May 2008

Hi Ladies:

I need to have an MRI of my right breast. If it wasn't so important, I would definitely refuse it. I have extreme claustrophobia, and then get severe panic attacks.

Could someone explain this exam in detail?

Are you constantly in the drum; do you see any light while in the drum?

Does every patient get contrast injection? I'm on many pres. drugs worried about interaction or allergies.

About how many minutes would it take to do one breast?

I would rather feel pain than fear!!

Perhaps someone else with extreme claustrophobia had one done?

My Dr. said to take 1 mg. of Ativan, 1/2 hour before and I'll be fine. I took Ativan before each chemo, didn't help.

Please, help me in any way you can.

If you were me, would you refuse to take this exam?

Many thanks and hugs,

Erika

jonimb · May 2008

Hi Erika,

I was in the same place as you 1 1/2 years ago...Jan 2007 I had my first MRI, I was sweating bricks. I took .5 mg of Ativan and I was fine.

They put you so far in the tube that your head is almost out he other end...and yes you can see some light. They give you a head set as they make you take breaths and then hold them. They also give you a panic button that you can use if you find yourself getting too frightened.

I have now had 4 or 5 MRI's and each time I find them easier. They are much easier than a CT scan and having to drink all that Telebrix. I have had all of my MRI's with the contrast except 1 where they could not get a vein to put the IV into.

I did hit the panic button once on my 1st MRI, but since then, I find that I just keep my eyes closed and try to think of some of my favorite things...like beaches, baby animals..etc.

Good luck to you....Joni in Alberta.

Beesie · May 2008

I'm claustrophic and I just had my 2nd MRI a few days ago. I was terrified before the first one, but it was fine. This time, it was a breeze - despite the noise, I almost fell asleep as it was going on.

For breast MRIs you lie on your stomach. In my case, I got myself into position on the table outside of the tube, and then the table was moved into the tube with my feet first. Because of this, I never saw the tube go over me and I never got a sense of being in a tight enclosed space. During the testing, my head was at most 1 foot inside of the tube; I was lying with my arms in front of me and my chin resting on my arms. In this position, I was able to look out the whole time.

The MRI is noisy, but I was given earplugs. The most important thing is to find a very comfortable position, since you can't move at all once the MRI is started. I was given the panic button too, but never needed it, either the first time or this time. My MRI took about 40 minutes - I had both breasts done but they were done together so I don't know if the time would be less if you have only one breast done.

I did get the contrast injection; they ask all sorts of questions before hand but didn't ask about any drugs I'm taking, so I don't know if there are concerns about possible drug interactions - it doesn't seem so. But it's probably a good idea to tell them about whatever other meds you are on, just in case.

Hope that helps!

Jellydonut · May 2008

Erika,

You can do it with ativan or xanax and a sleep mask. I refused all MRI's and scans, even a bone scan for five years due to deep fear/panic/claustraphobia, but last year I could not put it off any longer. My family doctor wrote for ativan and I purchased a cloth sleep mask (about $10.00, money WELL spent) and it was a go. Had PET scan, a few CT scans and two MRI's with no problems.

Just be sure to have someone drive you if in fact you decide to take ativan or xanax.

You can get through this. Sending you good wishes.

Jelly

erika-canada · May 2008

Thank you my B.C. sisters, once again you came through for me.

I feel a bit better, seeing others have this problem, and came through. I can only do my best, if it needs to be cancelled...so be it. Must say have had problems sleeping since...I guess very anxious.

I always seem to need more meds. than the average person.....I wonder if 1 mg. of Ativan would help enough??

Thanks my ladies, warm hugs all around,

Erika

Breastless · June 2008

I found I was just a little claustrophobic and actually used the panic button right at the beginning with the first scan. I felt like I couldn't breath so they pumped oxygen in right next to my face and this made a tremendous difference so that I was able to complete the MRI without further trouble. They take numerous scans but tell you how long each will be so you don't move throughout. The scans varied from 30 seconds to 9 minutes.

Anonymous · June 2008

I took Ativan as well and it helped. I second what Joni said in the first post. Keep your eyes closed and try to focus your mind on some happy story in your life. Keep playing it over and over and ignore your surroundings. In my case, I had just finished house/pet-sitting for a friend and I played over the moment I came home from work and my friend's dog was so happy to see me. I continued the story to taking the dog for a walk, coming back to the house, playing with a toy, having the dog snuggle in my lap, etc. Prepare what you want to focus on ahead of time.

DFOnt · June 2008

I just came from the hospital and my scheduled MRI. I couldn't do it. Didn't think I was claustraphobic but I guess I am! I just did a search to see if I could find suggestions to make it tolerable, and found this forum and topic. Going to my dr tomorrow to get an rx for Ativan then try again on Thursday. My problem was the face thing. I felt like I couldn't breathe, or I was breathing in my own warm air. I think I would be ok if there was an opening under my face. I really didn't think I'd have a problem but I don't think I even lasted 1 minute! I'm hoping the Ativan helps but I don't know. I'm still taking deep breaths.

Anonymous · June 2008

Erika,

Ativan is a good option - but I don't know what dose will work for you. If Ativan doesn't work, you may be able to go to a facility where they can give you an IV of Versed. That is what I had to do.

You're not alone in this! I have talked to a lot of women about this and found it is common.

Good luck!

Jellydonut · June 2008

My PET scan is in two weeks and I picked up my ativan tonight, 3 of them. Can't do the test without them. The sleep mask is absolutely worth the purchase and protects me from seeing anything!! If it weren't for these two items I would never have any of these tests.