MRI scared anyone?!how do you overcome it?

[Ab_ms]

I am 26and got diagnosed with ms one year ago! I wasn't scared inside the MRI machine the first time! After my diagnosis I have been terrified of more things than before! I think it has to so with dealing with the diagnosis and I feel so silly for having fears ...
I have my 3rd MRI tomorrow...first one -no fear= diagnosis ms
2nd one=terrified almost panic attack = no active lesions -great
Now I am at home writting this and I am terrified of my next MRI-what will the results be and actually terrified of lying there for such a long time -not being able to move or get out!!
Anyone scared? How do you cope? It will be a procedure I have to have throughout my life and I don't know how to cope with the diagnosis and the MRI terrifies me!! Appreciate all the advice
26 ab ms

[kwarendorf]

Congrats :-)

[Ab_ms]

Hi all:)
I got through the MRI with help from some anti anxiety.
Thanks again for all your advice .
X

[kwarendorf]

Hi A-M Welcome to our group.

It's wise to try and get in fromt of this early. As you said, MRI's are a part of life with MS. I know that many people take some form of anti anxiety med before MRI's. I'd ask my doc about it. As you initially had no problem, you may just need the meds temporarily to get back to your original mindset.

Kyle

[Ab_ms]

Thank you for your comments :) it helps hearing all your advice. I am gonna try to ask for a sedative just to take the edge off and hope I keep calm!
Ab_ms

[immisceo]

I agree with everything said above.

The intercom (how they speak to you while you're in there), is two-way. They can hear you. Make sure the nurse points out the alarm cord to you. At no time will the MRI continue if you don't wish it to. You can always get out. You can always stop it. You are in control.

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome to our little MS community,

In a way the MRI could potentially cause a post traumatic response, IF the MRI has become unconsciously symbolic with being dx-ed, the MRI provided evidence that made MS your reality and the MRI becomes an anxiety trigger. The closer you get to the event, the higher your anxiety escalates, and the more you identify the MRI as something to be afraid of.  

It's possible your fears may actually be with being diagnosed......not knowing how to accept and cope with what's happening is one of the hardest hurdles to get through!  

What helps in many ways can often take time and dedicated focus - developing a very solid support group, learning about your MS, learning 'new' coping skills, finding positives, focusing on full filling your life goals etc Getting through tomorrow's MRI may require prescribed medical assistance (eg sedative) so IF you strongly believe you can't control the fear, please contact your doctor about needing help with your MRI tomorrow and consider seeking additional help with how your coping with being dx!

HUGS..........JJ  

[4happygnomes]

Hi, I am still in limbo, but in the past 5 months I have had 4 MRI's...and I get very nervous beforehand and during...what has helped me work thru it is reading up on the science behind the MRI...like what the actual process is and how it works.  Breaking it down mechanically like that helps me makes sense of something that I can't physically see happening,  but can hear happening.  I also ask for the music to be turned WAY up and focus on the words of the song.   Wish there was an easier way to get the pictures taken (or "selfie's"  as I jokingly call them)!    You are stronger than you realize, and that is proven every day that you fight MS!  Wishing you strength and peace at your next appt!