Any medical people out there? Need MRI advice
Wed Apr 16 11:38:26 PDT 2008
Neighbor105338 Wrote:
A very dear friend of mine is supposed to have an MRI scan on his liver. (He does not have any problems with alcohol; this is for an entirely unrelated matter.) However, he is severely claustrophobic and is agonizing over the procedure, saying it will make him feel as though he's in a coffin. Due to other medical issues, sedation (even a Valium ) is not an option. I suggested some relaxation training but this takes time, which he does not have. But the MRI absolutely must be done. I had an idea but don't know if it's feasible at all, so wanted some input before I offered my thoughts to my already-anxious friend. My Q: is it necessary that his head be enclosed in the MRI bore for the test? I know the liver is situated about midpoint in the torso, but couldn't he just be placed in the MRI tube part-way, sufficient so that his liver can be scanned but his head is not inside the tube? I don't need an official medical opinion, just something from your general knowledge about the procedure. Thanks
A very dear friend of mine is supposed to have an MRI scan on his liver. (He does not have any problems with alcohol; this is for an entirely unrelated matter.) However, he is severely claustrophobic and is agonizing over the procedure, saying it will make him feel as though he's in a coffin. Due to other medical issues, sedation (even a Valium ) is not an option. I suggested some relaxation training but this takes time, which he does not have. But the MRI absolutely must be done. I had an idea but don't know if it's feasible at all, so wanted some input before I offered my thoughts to my already-anxious friend. My Q: is it necessary that his head be enclosed in the MRI bore for the test? I know the liver is situated about midpoint in the torso, but couldn't he just be placed in the MRI tube part-way, sufficient so that his liver can be scanned but his head is not inside the tube? I don't need an official medical opinion, just something from your general knowledge about the procedure. Thanks
Wed Apr 16 11:39:52 PDT 2008
Neighbor105440 Wrote:
The technology is improving. Check out Stand-Up MRI and Open MRI http://www.washingtonopenmri.com/stand_up.htm I don't think there is any MRI without some kind of enclosure. http://www.openmriofne.com/index_small.htm
The technology is improving. Check out Stand-Up MRI and Open MRI http://www.washingtonopenmri.com/stand_up.htm I don't think there is any MRI without some kind of enclosure. http://www.openmriofne.com/index_small.htm
Wed Apr 16 11:41:50 PDT 2008
Neighbor105428 Wrote:
Have him close his eyes (cover them is better so you can't accidentally peak and "freak") and count. They usually put earphones on you and I find if you close your eyes before you ever go into the machine it helps. Hope this helps.
Have him close his eyes (cover them is better so you can't accidentally peak and "freak") and count. They usually put earphones on you and I find if you close your eyes before you ever go into the machine it helps. Hope this helps.
Thu Apr 17 09:34:25 PDT 2008
Neighbor105403 Wrote:
A claustrophobic friend of mine with the same problem recently had an MRI. They suggested and provided a blindfold and she said it helped a great deal. There are also MRI facilities that have "open" MRIs but some say the quality is not quite as good for head and neck, not sure about other organs. You might call around to find a facility with this type of machine. AFAIK, it is NOT possible to only go part way into the machine. HTH, Diane
A claustrophobic friend of mine with the same problem recently had an MRI. They suggested and provided a blindfold and she said it helped a great deal. There are also MRI facilities that have "open" MRIs but some say the quality is not quite as good for head and neck, not sure about other organs. You might call around to find a facility with this type of machine. AFAIK, it is NOT possible to only go part way into the machine. HTH, Diane
Thu Apr 17 09:35:32 PDT 2008
Neighbor105528 Wrote:
I've had many MRI's over the years. I will offer the following advice to your friend. Tell him to take along some soft (beige) foam ear plugs into the room. Have him put them into his ears after receiving instructions from the staff. Some facilities offer them. (Even if he uses a headset USE THE EAR PLUGS! He'll be happy he did.) It's gotten to where I lay down in the MRI I go to sleep within 3 minutes! I call the MRI the "Boom- Boom Machine." Regarding Open MRI's - Before your friend inquires about different places that utilize this kind of equipment you might find out if his doctor(s) have preferences of facilities to use. My neurologist doesn't like to use them because he feels the resolution is not as good. I wish your friend the VERY BEST of Luck.
I've had many MRI's over the years. I will offer the following advice to your friend. Tell him to take along some soft (beige) foam ear plugs into the room. Have him put them into his ears after receiving instructions from the staff. Some facilities offer them. (Even if he uses a headset USE THE EAR PLUGS! He'll be happy he did.) It's gotten to where I lay down in the MRI I go to sleep within 3 minutes! I call the MRI the "Boom- Boom Machine." Regarding Open MRI's - Before your friend inquires about different places that utilize this kind of equipment you might find out if his doctor(s) have preferences of facilities to use. My neurologist doesn't like to use them because he feels the resolution is not as good. I wish your friend the VERY BEST of Luck.
Fri Apr 18 09:52:29 PDT 2008
CatWoman Wrote:
Hi -- instead of all-out relaxation training, how about just getting him to use his imagination? Anything from imagining he's at a favorite concert (headset and an iPod full of music can help - unless he's into dancing to the music!); to imagining he's in a meadow, or on the top of a mountain, or out on water - anywhere that is open; to imagining his favorite centerfold is - urm - 'enclosng' him (I would not recommend having *too* good an imagination if he uses the latter image!). I'm a bit claustrophobic - but with clinging things (blankets, sleeping bags), so I wasn't too bothered - and in addition, even without any sedative, I kept dozing off. Tell him to ask for a pillow under the knees - will help his back, so he can stay still more easily, and his knees won't wobble.
Hi -- instead of all-out relaxation training, how about just getting him to use his imagination? Anything from imagining he's at a favorite concert (headset and an iPod full of music can help - unless he's into dancing to the music!); to imagining he's in a meadow, or on the top of a mountain, or out on water - anywhere that is open; to imagining his favorite centerfold is - urm - 'enclosng' him (I would not recommend having *too* good an imagination if he uses the latter image!). I'm a bit claustrophobic - but with clinging things (blankets, sleeping bags), so I wasn't too bothered - and in addition, even without any sedative, I kept dozing off. Tell him to ask for a pillow under the knees - will help his back, so he can stay still more easily, and his knees won't wobble.
Mon Apr 21 08:59:27 PDT 2008
Dr. Joe Musich Wrote:
As a Chiropractor who refers patients or MRI's regularly, I would suggest that your friend find an open MRI unit. Not like the normal tube style MRI units.
As a Chiropractor who refers patients or MRI's regularly, I would suggest that your friend find an open MRI unit. Not like the normal tube style MRI units.
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