They are truly problematic for me. Drugs help. So does having someone there, my wife there rubbing my feet for support and talking to me is a huge plus. So does not opening your eyes ever. so does making sure you know exactly the schedule so you can count down the schedule. so does a more modern system to reduce scan times (the open ones suck so just don't do that)
So does doing it late in the night so you are normally with lower anxiety.
Good luck. I hate them.

 
3mg of Lorazepam. My Dr. prescribes just the 3 tablets, not a whole bottle, for any time I need to go into a tube and hold still.
 

Thanks Guys for the replies. My problem is this: Have had SEVERAL over the years & have actually developed claustro. The last one I had, the Dr agreed to "put you to sleep" (whatever that means).... but I know one thing: I knew NOTHING until I had been out of the tube for several minutes. Now however the Drs are talking like there is no way in hell they would put me to sleep (again - whatever that means). I'm to the point now where I am going to offer to sign a release (absolutely NO ONE will be blamed by me if something goes wrong). But it is the STRANGEST feeling: I KNOW that the inside of that tube is only about a half inch away & I start panicking... can't help it. I hear what you're saying about "open" MRIs... I've heard the same things. There MUST BE a solution. But I KNOW deep in my heart of hearts that I cannot face going into one of those things again.... Pretty pitiful, huh?

A sedative worked great for me. Couldn't have done it otherwise. It worked good.

quote:

Thanks Guys for the replies. My problem is this: Have had SEVERAL over the years & have actually developed claustro. The last one I had, the Dr agreed to "put you to sleep" (whatever that means).... but I know one thing: I knew NOTHING until I had been out of the tube for several minutes. Now however the Drs are talking like there is no way in hell they would put me to sleep (again - whatever that means). I'm to the point now where I am going to offer to sign a release (absolutely NO ONE will be blamed by me if something goes wrong). But it is the STRANGEST feeling: I KNOW that the inside of that tube is only about a half inch away & I start panicking... can't help it. I hear what you're saying about "open" MRIs... I've heard the same things. There MUST BE a solution. But I KNOW deep in my heart of hearts that I cannot face going into one of those things again.... Pretty pitiful, huh?

I am familiar with what you are talking about. Claustrophobia is a REAL MEDICAL CONDITION, although it may be caused by psychological factors. PTSD is caused by similar things. It is a phobia, pure and simple.

Conscious sedation, IV Diprovan is safe and can be used. The same drug is used for kids and adults for endoscopy etc. Your insurance may not want to pay, but from what you are writing this is the option you should chose. It will require an nurse anesthetist or Anesthesiologist to be present. No big deal. You will need a driver. The radiologist can order this no problem. You will have no memory of the event. That is probably what they gave you before. IT IS NOT PITIFUL. In fact it is iatrogenic. GOOGLE IT.