Have any of you even had a cat scan?

Question

It's a MRI I know. I'm scared of going in a tube. I'm claustrophobic. What does it feel like? Is it scary?

Answer 1

When I had a CT scan there was no tube. It was more like a doughnut and wasn't really confining at all. Below is a link to to a picture of a CT machine and more info.

Answer 2

A CAT scan (CT for short) is not the same as an MRI.  

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) is basically a special type of Xray that can creat detailed images using ionizing radiation.  Sometimes in 3-D with the newer machines and computer software. It is best looking at bones and some organs.

CT is quick and quiet.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses an electromagnetic field to stimulate Hydrogen atoms in the body water. It is best looking at muscles, tendons and ligaments and gives very detailes images.  The thing to know about MRI is that it takes longer than a CT, the machine is very noisy, and some people get claustrophobic being inside a noisy confined space for a length of time.  Your doctor can help you with relaxation techniques, or sometimes a small dose of Lorazepam.

Answer 3

It goes pretty quick, and its not that bad

Answer 4

there is nothing to worry about. ct scans are usually very short and consist of the nurse telling you to hold your breath about 3 times( well that's how it was in my experience anyhow) and before you know it your out. I'm claustrophobic too and  i been trough a bunch of them,and if  you get really anxious talk to one of your nurses and they will most likely give you some medication to take the edge off.hope this helps.

Answer 5

They can give you meds to keep you calm while you are in the MRI machine.

Answer 6

Tell the Tec's that are doing the test they are used of people who do not like closed in spaces.

if you are having a Cat scan it is  Donut shaped not a tube

you will not fell closed in at all.  

if you are having one on your head you should talk to your doc who ordered it as they will have to put a strap over your forhead.

s/he can order some med's to calm you down.

depending on what part of your body they are looking at is depending on what they are going to do before hand.

if they are looking at your lungs or tummy  they will most likely have you drink or eat some prep.

if you are having a MRI

that is the one that is in the tube.

it is loud and can take some time

depending on what clinic you get it done at.

phone them first and tell them that you are claustrophobic

some places have music that they can pipe in

keep your eyes shut and picture yourself in a place that you are relaxed in .

they can also talk to you during it.

if it gets too much for you / you can ask to be let out.

knowing that has helped lots of people.

if they know that you have trouble in closed spaces

some clinics have people there just to talk to you.

again depending on the clinic they may let you bring a friend in (they stay in the booth) and they can talk to you.

I would phone the clinic that you are to go to and see what can be done.

for both tests (depending on what part of your body they are looking at) you may have to hold your breath several times.

Answer 7

its feel like fun going in but they make you take off your clothes so its kinda uncomfortable but not so scary because you have to keep your eyes closed

Answer 8

It's a CT Scan but pronounced "Cat". Not a big deal at all! I don't like closed in spaces either but I ALWAYS fall asleep during CT Scans! Think lovely thoughts.

Answer 9

No its not scary, but it is abit claustrophobic, but what you can do, which is what I did, is keep saying to yourself that your ok and its not going to take long and breath. Oh and it doesn't really take long to have the MRI.