This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

I've had two successful mris in my life and six failures. The first one I was able to tolerate occurred after being awake the 40 hours prior and I was given two valiums. The other one I was sedated via IV with versed.

I thought versed was the answer, but I've switched hospitals and this new one will only do versed if I'm also intubated. That sounds rather extreme but I've already tried a Xanax/Ativan combo this morning and freaked out when they put that cage mask thing on, before I was even in the machine.

Anyone have severe claustrophobia and maybe can think of something else I can try to make it through an MRI? The admitted me to the hospital yesterday because of new symptoms (my whole right side in numb, head to toe) and won't let me go without an MRI.

some of the key nutrient deficits seen in ms patients have strong links to anxiety. low normal zinc and low normal magnesium come to mind as low hanging fruit. if you would like research links just say.

there are a variety of ways you can address these and i'll go from lowest to highest capacity here:

i) analyze intakes (food, fluids, drugs, supplements - including combinations and timing) to look for gaps and conflicts where zinc and magnesium inputs and absorption are concerned.
ii) redistribute intakes to optimize nutrient retention. common recommendations such as food avoidance related to dairy, sugar, gluten etc tie in here
iii) intensify intake of nutrient dense foods rich in zinc and magnesium
iv) purchase and use high quality zinc and magnesium products (ensure that any zinc products are balanced with copper, and ensure the magnesium is bioavailable - magnesium glycinate is a good one)
v) have your levels tested to ensure that your regimen is achieving (and not exceeding) serum targets. be aware that healthy levels are distinct from 'normal'. results interpretation in the mainstream is often faulty.

I used to dread mris but I got over it.
The trick is to never open your eyes once on the table. Wear an eye mask if it helps.
Also ask the people at the controls to constantly talk to you and tell u how long each scan is going to last so it's broken into chunks.

Take someone into the scan room with u and ask them to hold your foot whilst u r being scanned.

I promise it gets easier, it's all in the mind. Imagine u r laying in your bed or in the car or something and just never open your eyes till your done xx

it really does help when they tell you how long each one is. mind you for myself i'm more bored than anxious at this point

From my admittedly non-claustrophobic perspective, the MRI process is very repetitive and boring. I mean, how many times can those stupid sounds seem interesting? I fell to sleep during one once.


I wish you well,
THX1138

I tend to imagine them being sampled and worked into odd electronic music, to be enjoyed (for lack of a better word) in the context of raves and altered states of consciousness not typically experienced by those actually undergoing the procedure :S

jimmylegs, now that IS interesting and not so sedating either:)

;)

I'm mildly claustrophobic, but one ativan solves the problem for me.

If I needed a stronger drug for that purpose, I would ask a doctor, preferably a neuro or a psychiatrist.

The most sedating non-prescription substance I've taken is the herb valerian. But, if you are in hospital, aren't you dependant on doctors/ nurses for whatever you might take?

Here, is my 2 cents about Valerian Root: It is really weak compared to the benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, etc.)

I'm certainly not saying it is a bad sedative, just that it is relatively weak. If you're going the sedation route, look elsewhere. I have taken both extensively.

omg valerian kills me!

omg is right, I've taken up to 5 of these: http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson- ... g-120-caps and was only mildly to moderately sedated. I did not think these were weaker than others I had taken either.

I will never assume that others are even remotely similar to me again.
I always thought I was a little different.

Although hard to find, an upright MRI is very open has been specifically developed to help those with claustrophobia

Ive had 4 mri's now, and you get used to them after awhile. I was apprehensive for my first few and the doctor gave me a cloth to cover my face so I could not see how close you are inside. My last one was a week ago without the cloth, and was in the that monster for almost 3 hours. I actually got bored and decided to open my eyes. Didn't bother me at all.
Like someone else said, have the operator talk to you once in awhile between sets seems to help.

i had to go for hypnotherapy on the exasperated advice of the dentist when i was a kid, due to needle phobia.. was sort of worthwhile but then the dentist gassed me anyway. hmm, have they ever tried nitrous on you? just be aware that the nitrous can affect your b12 status, so don't make it a habit