Nervous about MRI scan

Please don't worry about the MRI. The staff are always wonderful and kind putting you at ease. Like you, I was absolutely terrified when I had my first one but as is so often the case, the apprehension is the very worst thing about it. All the people in the department have vast experience in dealing with nervous patients. Please try not to get yourself into a state about it: you need it and once you get there you'll be on your way home in no time.

Your anxiety is understandable, and many people experience anxiety before medical procedures such as MRI scans. However, it's important to remember that this exam is performed to learn more about your health, which can be an important step to accurately determine your condition and develop a treatment plan.
Here are some tips that can help you manage your anxiety:
Familiarise yourself with the procedure: Learn more about how the MRI goes, what you can expect, how long it takes and how you might feel. The more you know, the less room there is for the unknown, which can reduce anxiety.
Discuss your concerns with your doctor: If you have specific concerns or questions, be sure to share them with your cardiologist or medical staff. They can provide additional information and explain the process.
Use relaxation techniques: Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or listening to music to reduce your stress levels before and during the procedure.
Tell the staff about your concerns: When you come in for your MRI scan, tell the staff about your concerns. They are often experienced in dealing with people with anxiety and can offer additional support.
Bring someone with you: If possible, bring someone with you to support you during the procedure.

Today’s the day!! We are going to get a cab to the hospital. My appointment is 1.30. I’m trying to stay as calm as possible (dreading the journey into London)! I will report back later. Missing my morning cuppa - no caffeine allowed!! 🙏

Hoping it’s all nowhere near as bad as you fear. Think how you’ll enjoy that cuppa when it’s over. Looking forward to you reporting back,

Good luck for today, though you really will be fine.

Grandyma
When you under concentrate on your breathing. Deeply through your nose for 5/6 counts. Hold for 4 slowly out for 5/6. If you loose concentration come back to it.
You’ll be fine 😀

Good Luck

Enjoy that first cup of tea when you are allowed!

Good luck grandyma, you will be fine. Honestly.

Good luck, grandyma. I'm just off for my brain MRI. It's not pleasant, but necessary

Thinking of you right now knowing that you should be at least half way through. Very much looking forward to hearing how you got on with the process.

Grandyma

Thank you for your replies. I just wish I was braver. It’s the thought of being inside that tube for so long that is worrying me.

I was like you when I had my first heart scan. They give you a button that you can press just in case so it won't be as if no-one can hear you if you need help. I also had earphones on so they could talk to me. I shut my eyes and held on to the button and did my best to think of all the good things in my life. With your rational head on there is nothing to be scared about and if my cardiologist referred me for another scan I wouldn't be bothered in the slightest. Good luck and you will be fine.

We have literally just got home after leaving home at 11.30am. I’m going to have a cup of tea, finally!!!!
I’ll be back later when I’ve recovered 😂

Enjoy that cuppa ☕️

And a biscuit (or three) for being so brave.

Grandyma glad you where able to go through and have the MRI. Just rest and hope you feel very pleased with yourself. It's not easy going into the machine but you did it. And you will get a very detailed report when you see your cardiologist.👏⭐🏆

Well done Grandyma it's done. Enjoy your tea.

The MRI wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined. The unpleasant bit was the chemical stress test, necessary I know but hated it. It was all over in about 45minutes. The radiologist said they’d got some very good images. Thanks to everyone for your support. HowVeryDareYou2 I hope your MRI went well 💐

Glad to hear it wasn't as bad as you had feared, and at least that's it over and done with now.

Grandyma Glad your MRI went well. You must be very relieved to have got it over and done with. Mine was 45mins too, the only unpleasant bit was having a mesh type of cover about 1 inch above my face.

You will be fine. I have had them in the past and it is best to know what is going on. Prevention is better than cure my mam used to say. Love and hugs.

I came back to see how you got on Grandyma, glad to see you survived. The waiting for results is the hard part, but it will help your clinicians form the best treatment plan. 💐

Glad you got through it OK Grandyma. I hope you don't have to wait too long to get your treatment sorted.
The mesh thing sounds horrible HVDY.

I took duazipan the minimum dose. I thing 4mg. It was only just enough. Good luck

if you follow the advice to close your eyes as you lay down and not open them until you are ready to sit up, you are not aware of the mesh cover. And that is only used for head scans I believe. I had it and had my eyes shut!!

Best to tell yourself it has to be done and doesn't last long.
Glad Grandyma found it not that bad. The anticipation is worse than the actuality.

Well done Grandyma ! All over now. If you ever have to have another one it won't be so bad.
Bet you slept well last night.
Wishing you good results.