Claustrophobia and an "Open" MRI?

Question

Has anyone that suffers from acute claustrophobia had an "Open" MRI and if so how did it go? I am scheduled to go to Buffalo MRI from Ontario, Canada as I cannot do the traditional MRI, I tried twice and both times had a panic attack. I need some support from some other sister "claustrophobia's" or you can be a "brother" one.

Answer 1

Well, you may not like my answer.

I had a open MRI done several months ago and it was h**l. I almost didn't make it threw the first set of pictures, it was of my neck so they had a brace around my neck and this thing over my face. I was starting to flip out and pushed the 'panic" button, thank god, as I pushed it, that scan was finally over with!

    For me, the MRI was torture, not only because of thepanicc feelings but because of how long I had to lay there for each scan.

   I couldn't finish the whole scan. They did one more on my middle back and that was all I could take, more so because of the pain I was in.  

   I went back the next day to finish the scan but this time, my doctor gave me Xanax to take before the scan was done. That did help with me being so panicky and I was able to finish the scan with out feeling like I was in a coffin.  

Answer 2

I'm very claustrophobic, but the other day I went in a chairlift and I was able to get through it by telling myself that I'd soon be out. That's one thing to remember about the MRI, as confined as it may be, there's no chance you'll be trapped in there for longer than you have to. Just close your eyes and think comforting thoughts, maybe imagine yourself in a wide open field or something, and before you know it it will all be over.  

Answer 3

it will be no problem for you.  mri's can be scary even for people without claustrophobia.  with an open mri it is just lying on a bed and having the bed move forward with a round ceiling over you about 3 feet above you.  no walls or tunnels