Claustrophobia

Posted , 3 users are following.

I am due to have an MRI scan in a couple of weeks and I know I won't be able to cope as I am extremely claustrophobic and anxious. I have had several before but felt increasingly terrified and the last one I had to fight myself to stay still, it was terrible. The advice seems to be to take a sedative but that worries me too as I don't know how I'll feel and I hate being out of control. Also I have no one to drive me home. I can't seem to find any proper advice anywhere.

Please please has anyone had experience of this problem – what sedative did you take, did it work, how did it feel, did you cope?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    My friend puts a bandana over her eyes so she cant see anything

    • Posted

      Gosh I wish it was that simple. The very idea of covering my eyes makes me panic!

  • Posted

    you can ask for an open MRI. So that you don’t feel claustrophobic. Don’t take any sedatives unless you have a driver. it’s too dangerous to drive that way. is it absolutely essential that you have an MRI?

    • Posted

      I will ring the department and ask if they have an open MRI but I don't think they do. I don't know whether it's essential, I expect the consultant would say it was or they wouldn't have organised it! I don't drive – I would be walking home, about 20 minutes. I am actually tempted just to cancel it and not go.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.