I:m a 55-year old retired Baltimore City Police Officer. Next week I am scheduled for an MRI on my brain. I explained to the technician that if it;s for my brain, that shouldn't take long at all. He just starred at me not understanding the joke. My question, after have 4 previous MRI's in the past, 2 traditional machines and 2 Open Style. Each of these were due to automobile accidents on and off duty. The first time was due do an almost fatal accident with me as the fatality. Scared them all and came beck to work 9 months later. The MRI's have just gotten worse to me. I can't stand lying on my back, hands tied and having that plate placed just above my face.

My family doctor suggested taking 10mg of Valium several hours before the testing. Being 210 pounds, has anyone else used Valium for this reason? My wife is an R.N. and has seen how Valium had little effect on me in the past, suggests I take 15 mg. My hope is to be comatose or just plain sleeping.

Any response will be greatly appreciated. T.P. Bel Air, MD.