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(JD) · Sep 26, 2009, 05:33 PM

((((Tree))) If you are claustrophobic and it is a closed MRI machine, call your doctor and ask if you can have an OPEN MRI instead. That will still give you trouble, but it will be doable with help.

Sorry to sound gloom and doom about this, but there's no sense in you going in and not being able to do it, with all that pressure from the tech and all. Tell your doctor about your claustrophobia. If doctor blows it off, then call the tech and talk honestly with him/her. The tech can suggest to the doctor about calming meds.

If you can put the MRI off and work with a therapist about calming and visualization that can help you too, even with the open MRI. With an open MRI sometimes a worker will sit and hold your hand etc, and talk to you...and keep you from realizing where you are at. Keep your eyes closed before you are moved into the machine. Tell them to take you out as soon as you begin to feel overwhelmed... it may take them a minute or two to get to where they can.

Some machines (like for children) have mirrors so you can watch a video and not feel like you're in one.

This is important. I understand the fear of being closed in, and you surely will in a closed MRI. I developed such a fear after being trapped under that shelter that caused my disability. With virtual reality and other therapy I have had two successful MRIs (one closed, one open) with some issues, but did them since.

PM me if you want to talk further, ok?