Start off with I’m 71 currently. Up until about 10-15 yrs ago no problem at all. Worked in my younger years as an electrician and did all the tight small spaces without a problem. Also was a Firefighter for many years again even suited up and sometimes running the air low not a problem. Now… getting me into the tube for a scan means almost knocking me out with Valium . Today went in for a crown installation and it was all I could do to stay down while the Dentist applied moderate pressure while the glue set!!! Getting real tired of this. It seems according to another retired FF who is similar affected,age must play a part. As we both had zero problems in our younger days. Anyone in the brain trust have a fix/cure/solution ?

No, but at 56, I'm right there with you. Don't like tight spots at all, and if I have a nightmare, or a bad dream, tight spots are always involved.

Valium or Xanax; plus if an option, an open MRI. A window helps. Lately I just require those sleeping blinders with relaxing music. (I needed the higher resolution of the closed tube.)

For dental work, I refuse a bite block. NOX works for some people.

I wish I had a cure/fix for you.

Similar to your situation, I woke up one morning about 15 years ago and realized I was now claustrophobic, like it literally happened almost overnight. Around this same time I was also diagnosed with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and I am assuming there is some connection, but no one can give me a any medical reason for the connection.

The SAD issue has got to the point to where I hardly notice it when it pops up, but the claustrophobia is still a problem albeit not as severe as it was initially. At least now, I can think about enclosed situations without going into meltdown.

I might add, I was in my mid 60's when this all started.

I to have noticed as I age a couple of phobia's are really intensifying. Only thing for claustrophobia is stay out of tight area's. For me I never know when a claustrophobia attack is going to hit. Elevators seem to be the place. But, I've only reacted really negatively to one. Never been put into an MRI machine, and don't think I will without serious drugs. Acrophobia is my issue and as being a life long Colorado driver who has done it all the then some with mountain driving today if I get above timberline I start to really freak out. Doesn't matter if I'm driving or not.

Hypnosis?

I have no experience with it, but was always curious.

Absolutely correct, especially on the fear of heights. I spent a lifetime being unbothered by even extreme heights and now I'm uncomfortable on a step ladder. My mild aversion to tight spaces has become something akin to a panic attack if I feel confined.

Clinical psychologists treat phobias all the time. Your insurance should cover the bulk of the cost.

Same. I noticed it on airplanes a few years ago. Never had a problem previously, and I am aware that they’re making plans a bit smaller, so that may have something to do with it. I always choose an aisle seat now - even if I have to pay for it. I wonder if this is a mortality thing, because it seems like I’ve found the older people get, the more those little quirks dig in and become real concerns.

Can’t help you, but I can certainly relate.

I’m not crazy about tight places, but they’ve never really bothered me, until the last few years.
I’ve had several MRI’s, with no problem. Had one about 4 years ago, and I couldn’t stay in the tube. They tried 3 times and it wasn’t gonna happen. Finally one of the techs put a white wash rag over my eyes. I could have my eyes open, and see the light, but not the tube. I was able to stay in there with no problem.

I’m 70 now, and it doesn’t seem to be getting worse, but it’s not getting better either. There’s a couple Monk episodes, one where he’s trapped in a coffin, and one where he’s buried in a car, and I can’t watch those. I get up and leave the room until that part is over.

Hopefully you can find something that works for you.

^^^ Same here… Not seeing the tube 1.75” from my face helps a lot.
I just get my relaxation on.

I have panic attacks when public speaking. It almost feels like vertigo and I would say it feels exactly like when I have a fear of heights. At suggestion of this forum I got prescribed propanolol. It basically blocks the adrenaline rush caused by the panic attack. It has hardly any other side effects. You don’t feel it at all. It does lower blood pressure a bit. I am willing to bet that claustrophobia panic is the same response and would likely be helped by propanolol. I would ask your doctor.

Interesting. Mrs. Flash and I aren't experiencing this at all.

Perhaps when we're in our 80s it'll appear.

quote:

Originally posted by irreverent:
Same. I noticed it on airplanes a few years ago. Never had a problem previously, and I am aware that they’re making plans a bit smaller, so that may have something to do with it. I always choose an aisle seat now - even if I have to pay for it. I wonder if this is a mortality thing, because it seems like I’ve found the older people get, the more those little quirks dig in and become real concerns.

That's one phobia that has gone the other way for me. Younger I was really afraid of flying. Now I can get away with it much better now. Still don't like turbulence, and still can't sleep on a flight.

That's interesting,
I also had no fear of small spaces. . . . .
Until I hit 58 y.o.

Now at 65 y.o. I get real anxious if they close the door in the little room while waiting for the doctor

I guess I'm lucky! I'm 65 and tight spaces have never bothered me, now heights are a whole nuther story. Had a eaves repair to do on the the house I built, couldn't do it, wife said she would do it and I wouldn't even let her!

The number of documented phobias is well over one hundred. There is no correlation with age. Getting older does not lead to more phobias.

And I respectfully ask you to read what us older guys have said in this post. You think we made up what we have written? Or maybe we’re just confused?? I think you know not wherein you type.

Cite some sources. Dr. Freud. The sample size here is quite small. Read up on the scientific method. I do think you are misinformed and as you say possibly confused.

As I suggested earlier see a Clinical Psychologist if you wish to get better. Medicare will cover the bulk of your cost.

How about you cite some sources! All I know for sure is I had never, ever been bothered with Claustrophobia and literally almost overnight I couldn't even think about tight,enclosed spaces, couldn't even go in swimming without having a meltdown. Scientific method be damned.