IF you are told that you MAY HAVE a torn rotator cuff & that you absolutely need an MRI to confirm; and IF - after having 12 or 13 MRIs in the past you find that you absolutely CANNOT face going into that tube another time (that's right - claustrophobia) -> what do you do? I'm getting conflicting info here... THANKS in advance for your input........ Fred

IANAD, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.....I have an MRI coming up this Wednesday. While I'm not claustrophibic, it IS a tight space. I just close my eyes and try to get into nap mode before they roll me in. Maybe try a sleep mask and think about something else other than you're in a tight tube. Hum a song...anything to get your mind off of the conditions.

Not a MD, but have you discussed with your doctor the option of an Open MRI? There may be an imaging service in your area that has those available.

They are a different setup that's much less cramped. No tiny tube to squeeze into.

Not an MD...married to one...had more MRIs than I can count


Have you tried an open MRI?

They are designed basically for what you describe

No tube

http://www.openmricenters.net/..._services1%20(1).jpg


Think you could do that?


Edit: Great minds and all

Not an MD.

My 6 year old needed an MRI recently (turns out everything is fine).

Have you ever tried to get a 6 year old to hold perfectly still with nothing to do?

They gave her anesthetic gas and propofol.

Glue some hair around the opening, and use your imagination!

If you do have it done, make sure you have the dye injected MRI. I've had two shoulder surgeries and made the mistake of having an MRI without dye. It was inconclusive and from what I was told, even with the best MRI, an orthopedic surgeon won't completely know what he's in for, til he's in. Maybe BoneDoc will chime in. But definitely ask about the dye injection....or you may be doing it twice.

Two options; Open MRI or sedation.

Good Luck,

RMD

Just request a mild sedative. Not all locations will have open MRI's.

Open MRI image quality usually suck compared to closed tube MRIs....

Ask for a Valium or Xanax or Ativan to take the edge off...

Andrew

Alternative is a CT arthrogram, painful, unless the radiologist takes great care, but not claustrophobic. Also, higher chance of missing a torn labrum, at least of certain flavors, but if that is not a concern you can inquire about this.

This may help.

Schedule it early in the morning. Stay up late.

You'll fall asleep as soon as you lie down on the table.

As mentioned, open MRI sucks at what they are intended to do. Particularly on larger body parts or larger people in general. Most manufacturers have sunseted their open product lines. The best thing you can do is find a new MRI. Older MRI's are slower, louder and likely 60cm bore. A newer or higher end MRI will scan you a lot faster and may also have noise reduction technology all wrapped in a 70cm bore. Rather than have your MD simply refer you to his go to imaging center, call around and ask some centers in your area the following questions about their MRI:

Bore size

When it was installed

Average scan time for a shoulder with and without contrast

You pick the one you want to use and tell your doctor to write the referral. Remember that you are the consumer and you have choices about the care you receive. Also, ask for a prescription for a valium and take it 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

Cover your face with a washcloth.

I've had 4 MRIs for shoulder in last 6 years. Multiple before that for neck, shoulder and othe sports injuries. Like you I went from "not a big deal" to "you could not put me in that tube and gunpoint. I think just before I had a plate put in my neck they strapped me do you could not move and put me in. Pretty much freaked me out and no one really gave a crap - I was strapped down so "just a few more minutes, try not to move."

Anyway - open MRI since then for shoulders. If not that I better be out. Never been claustrophobic - I am now. My orthopedist guy works with me.

Don't complain too much. You may end up having to watch Oprah Winfrey reruns while that midget bangs on the tube.

I've had two MRIs. First try I panicked as my hands hit the sides of the tube. Next time I was prescribed two 5mg of Valium. I took ne before and one there. Next morning my daughter, who had driven me, said "Gee Dad, let me drive next time too. I didn't know you knew so many dirty jokes.
Years later, another MRI. Started with 10 mg of Valium, and had lost 30 pounds. Wet washcloth over face. They offered earphones for music and a panic switch. Was run in. "OMG! TURN THE #%*£> MUSIC DOWN!" About broke my eardrums.
No music, return, went to sleep. It was over.
Drug yourself.

I am the same way. Once I asked and tried it, so I knew for sure, I was OK. You can get out of there, if you were to panic. The table will move. Once I knew that I was better about going in.

I hate those things. I grit and bear it, but it's an awful feeling. Thankfully I'm really tall, and they were imaging my lower back, so my head stuck partway out the back of the machine. If my head had been completely in the tube, with nothing to see but the side of the tube an inch from my face, I don't think I could have handled it.