by Kay Lobegeiger

Created on: January 02, 2010

We do have some marvellous technology today and the MRI scan is up there with the best of them.   Unfortunately, in my case, an MRI scan will always be linked with claustrophobia.   I find standing in a lift for more than a few seconds starts my heart racing and the perspiration begins to run down my face. 

I have had three MRIs and would rather not have anymore if I can help it.   The first one wasn't so bad as it was only on the lower part of my legs, therefore I was not forced to experience the suffocating feeling of having my head in the tunnel.  However, the second one a few years later, in much more sophisticated machinery, scanned my lower back and my whole body was enclosed in what I considered the feeling of being buried alive.  The technicians were very kind and considerate, but  this didn't make any difference to the way I felt, having to lie perfectly still in this cocoon, which was bearing down on me each second I stayed there.   They gave me head phones and assured me everything would be fine.   I had a button beside me to press if I needed the process to stop, but I kept telling myself it was for my own good and tried to visualize the nice things in my life.   Christmas carols played over the noise of the machine, but I was not  feeling very festive.  It is very hard to keep your eyes closed when you have to and I really had to or I would have gone crazy watching that small opening at my feet getting smaller (in my imagination).

My third visit for an MRI was the ultimate in panic, but unfortunately there was no other procedure which could give the doctor a clearer diagnosis.  I knew I needed to have a positive attitude towards this monster, so, while I sat in the waiting room I tried to act nonchalant. However, by the time I was called  in I wasn't feeling very brave. This time the technician gave me a list of music to choose from, which included some of my favourites and I received a more comprehensive explanation of the procedure.  I started to feel a bit more relaxed and even though I still had my eyes closed very tight, I managed to get through the experience without increasing my blood pressure too much.

I am not sure what made the third time easier to handle, but experience and better advice from the staff did play a role in it.    Little things like being able to listen to music of my choosing may have helped, although I still kept my eyes tightly closed.  I have read reports on the size of these machines and why they can't be any larger for reasons of receiving a clearer picture.  However,  I hope technology can improve more in the near future because there are so many people who suffer from claustrophobia and they shouldn't have to go through torture to receive good medical treatment.

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