BREAST MRI & SCARED

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ophelia
ophelia Member Posts: 337
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer
BREAST MRI & SCARED
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  • ophelia
    ophelia Member Posts: 337
    edited November 2007

    Hi ladies, I have an MRI scheduled for thursday and I'm scared. Not about the results but the actual MRI. I think I'm being a baby but I had one about 10 yrs ago for my head and they had to pull me out twice.  I had this cage around my head and my whole body was inside the unit. I got through it but I think I must be a bit claustrophobic.  Can anyone tell me if their head was inside or out.  Are you able to see  out of the unit?  I'm trying to decide whether or not to take a happy pill.  I realize this is stupid.  I should be praying for good results and not worring about the rest.  As always thanks for your help.

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  • 12954
    12954 Member Posts: 374
    edited November 2007

    Maria

    I've had two in the last month. I had to lie face down on "bed" with a spot for my chest and a pillow for my legs. My arms were up over my head. and yes they did move the bed  completely into the unit. There wasn't any cage  around my head.  Because I was lying face down I couldn't see anything. I closed my eyes largely because there didn't seem to be any point in keeping them open. It took about 30 minutes. They can give you something if you are claustrophobic. Ask before you go. It wasn't painful just unbearably loud.

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  • yellowrose
    yellowrose Member Posts: 886
    edited September 2010

    I had a breast MRI in September.  I am also claustrophobic but it really wasn't too bad.  The breast MRI is face down and I was able to tilt my head to the side and support it with my arm.  Almost like I was getting ready to sleep on my stomach.  The arm with the IV extended out of the unit.  I was given earplugs to wear.  The hardest part was lying still for about 25 minutes but being on my stomach made it so much easier to handle the claustrophobia.  I was pulled out once for an adjustment.  All in all, it wasn't too bad.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2007

    Ophelia-----I think you'll find the breast MRI a lot easier than one of your head.  They give you  headphones with music or earplugs, then just close your eyes and do deep slow breathing.  I nearly fell asleep the first time I had one, I got so relaxed.   Other than the IV, it was a relatively easy procedure.  Praying for benign results for you.  I go back for my repeat MRI in March.

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  • ophelia
    ophelia Member Posts: 337
    edited November 2007

    Thanks ladies, I appreciate your input.  I'll try to relax. Thanks awb for your prayers.

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  • vicliz
    vicliz Member Posts: 159
    edited November 2007

    Hi,

    I didn't make it through my first breast MRI.  Between the loud knocking and the cramping in my shoulders from my arms being over my head I got close to freaking out.  The second time I was prepared with 2mg Larazepam and they were able to let me have my arms at my side.  It worked so well they had to wake me up when it was over!

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  • Kimber
    Kimber Member Posts: 384
    edited November 2007

    I think it is a good idea for you to take a happy pill if you have one! I am not claustrophobic, but the position you are in is very weird, and it is hard to stay still. I had to have my face in some sort of contraption that was supposed to be "memory foam", but all of the pressure on my cheekbones and forehead I found to be uncomfortable. They give you a button to push if you need anything, but for the most part I just tried to make my mind go somewhere else. I didn't have any happy pills, but I did when I had my MRI guided biopsy. You'll get through it - you will be surprised what you can get through when you need to!



    Good Luck!

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  • ophelia
    ophelia Member Posts: 337
    edited November 2007

    Hi ladies, well I got through MRI thanks again for your kind words of advise.  Kimber I did not take your advise but I wish I had.  I decided last minute to tough it out.  I had forgotten how unnerving that clanking and banging is.  Also I had to keep reminding myself that the back and front was open and I was not completely closed in.  I told my husband I'd rather do a another biopsy than have an MRI. He thinks I'm crazy.   I'm just glad it's over.

    Take care everyone...

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