[tpetralia]

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.

[bebop]

I too hate those things. I have managed to do them without sedation so far. I am a large woman so the last one I had I was touching the sides with my arms. *shiver* anyway what got me thru it was to focus on something else and keep my eyes closed. slow deep breaths. you don't want to take too much valium. you do want to be able to walk out of the place. take care hon and remember slow deep breaths. maybe learn some other relaxation technics

[wanttoheal]

(((((((((((((((tpetralia)))))))))))) I'm so sorry for what you've had to go through. The thing with taking too much valium or any other kind of relaxer drug is that you have to be aware enough to not move during the MRI. So if you took too much, you might jerk your head as you fall asleep or your head might slip to the side.

Perhaps you can talk to the dr beforehand and explain the situation to him and ask if you could try to take more at home before the procedure so that you will know how it will affect you?

Also, like bebop said, focusing on something else can help. I also sing every single song I can think of during them (usually my head ends up singing children's songs). Best of luck to you and please keep us posted.

[January]

Hi,

Welcome to PC. Thank you for your valiant service as a police officer. It is greatly appreciated.

I've had brain MRI's. I highly suggest the open tube. Don't let them tie your hands. Interlace your fingers on your stomach. Always keep in mind that if you have to, you can crawl out of there at any time. Try thinking of your favorite things while you're in there if you can't sleep. Perhaps you can list things. Praying for everyone I know helps me pass the time.

I have to take a xanax before I get in the machine, so I don't blame you for needing valium. Call your Dr. back and tell him your concerns about the dosage and see if he won't agree to the increase.

I wish you the best,

January

[Catherine2]

My thanks also for your service...

My last one was in the open one, had to wait an extra week for the appt but it was worth it.
I also took a mild sedative, kept my eyes closed, and concentrated on my breathing...it helped.
It's not the worst test in the world but I still hate it.
Personally, I would check with your physician about the dosage...the 15 may be what you need, and I'm sure you know that no matter the dose--have someone drive you there and back.

Best wishes for it to go all right...and that the results are normal.

Catherine

[Beholden]

I just read the above posts and agree with the others about the Valium...you really need to let your doc aware of how you don't think the Valium works very well for you.

There are other kinds of medication that could be used.

I had an MRI on my brain and my sense of humor is like yours, I said something about , "so you didn't find anything, HUM"?

You'll do just fine in an open type MRI - I'm sure of it. Thanks for your service too.