Ladies I hate to trouble you for prayers once again but here goes I am going to see the specialist tomorrow morning & to have yet another MRI. You may remember how awful it is for me to go through this machine as I am quite claustrophobic, as it happens I am without a family physician so not able to get a prescription for an Ativan (helps me relax a bit) so when they called about my appointment I reminded them of this fact & they called me back to let me know that they will make sure that someone there is able to get me a pill before I go inside. I know it is silly to be afraid of this noisy machine I have done it so many times already but each time I remember my first experience which was not a good one, so if you wouldn't mind saying a wee prayer for me it may just make it easier to get through it. TIA

Thinking positive thoughts for you

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by pldc 22 May 2015

thank you Caroline so very much. ~hugs~

Thinking of you. I certainly understand anxiety.

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by pldc 22 May 2015

thank you very much. ~hugs~

I so understand- My MRI's are generally brain to butt or tail bone & take 4 1/2 -5 hrs, that is IF I do not need to come out of the tube, except when they need to add the cage apparatus around my head etc, so I really have to try to keep myself calm. What I do is, get them to put the wedge foam under my knees, Ear plugs in, I cross my arms across my stomach where each hand is holding the other lower arm, which helps to keep my hands warm, then they put a light blanket over me, once I am situated, I close my eyes & do not open them again until I am back out of the tube, after that section of the test is complete. I remember the inside of the tube from before I learned these tricks & most of the tubes do have a mirror, so if you ever do happen to open your eyes, be sure to only look in the mirror & stay focused on watching the technician, but these were times I generally still panicked so I have just learned to NEVER open my eyes, so that when I open my eyes I see myself in the same lg room & try to keep telling myself that I am still in that lg room. If you can not trust yourself to keep your eyes closed, then I would recommend using a eye mask but for me the mask would make it even worse, since we are suppose to stay still. If I am struggling with the pain of laying on the table, which is really almost as bad as the claustrophobic aspect for me & trying to stay motionless so they can get good images, so yeah, mind games are how I spend those hours. If I am struggling not to go into panic mode, then is when I practice my breathing techniques. I call it square breathing -breath in for 5 seconds, hold it 5 seconds, breathe out 5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, and then repeat the cycle. This does help you to not hyperventilate plus it occupies your mind in counting & focusing on your breathing. The key is the slowly breathing in, slowly breathing out. Just whatever time you are using whether 5 seconds or 10 seconds you are trying to keep each time the same for all 4 parts which is why I think of it as square breathing. I am also so stubborn that I can handle anything for several minutes, where if I need to come out of the tube, it just means I will need to go back in again to finish the testing which would make it take even longer. My other thing to do in those times is counting. The technician will usually tell me that this next part will take so many minutes and I will count to myself and see how close I can get to the actual time for the test which causes me to focus on my actual counting. I also find if I am very tired when I go in for the test I do better. Then because you can not have any metal on you and changing into a gown is lots more difficult for me, I make sure to wear clothing that I won't need to change out of, so I usually wear sweats or light knit pants with elastic waist and no bra or I wear a sport bra so there would be no metal hooks, shirt with no metal decorations on it, so I am all set to go into the tube after removing just my glasses and outer jacket. I hope something of the things I do may help you through this test tomorrow. I have a difficult time sleeping, so I have practiced laying still, pretending to sleep and focus on just the square breathing which occasionally will also let me fall asleep, though I have never managed to sleep during my MRI's, though I am still hoping I may eventually be able to do so, since these tests will be every couple years likely for the rest of my life, so I need to continue improving on how my body handles them. I will continue keeping you in my thoughts and prayers from now until you let us know you are home again after your test tomorrow. I would try to get your doctor to order just a couple pills so that you have them on hand, to take before difficult procedures for you. Dental was another area I needed to take something and found it helpful to have the meds available since you are likely stressing everything about the procedure and medication even when in route to the appointment would likely be helpful as long as you are being driven and not driving yourself. It is worth checking with one of your doctors. Hugs and I will be praying many times tonight for you, as I am now up for a while. Pam

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by pldc 22 May 2015

I do the light blanket & the wedge & I cross my arms but I keep them close as I get to hold the button to bring her to me if need be. Like you I do my best so as not to come out because it takes that much longer if they have to start again. I will do what I can to prevent this. Normally Pam I would have a couple on hand but @ this moment I am without a GP so relying on them to get it for me. I remove all my jewelry & all my nail & toe polish no makeup... & I feel exposed & naked without my armour lol. By they time it is over I am usually drained & that's ok because tomorrow is another day & today I will rest & feel better as I have come through the hard part for today. My sister will drive me there & drop me off & come back to pick me up. This is the sister who was fighting lung cancer so I am ever so grateful. It is my first time without Hubs so that explains a lot lol. Thank Pam I know how challenging this note was for you & I am thankful to all my cutie friends who have taken the time to bring me comfort. You are all so wonderful people & I hope that each & everyone of you know this!~hugs~

The last one I had was a piece of cake compared to the first one I had. I hope your facility has the latest equipment. Good luck!!!

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by pldc 22 May 2015

thank you very much Kay. Positive thoughts~hugs~

Will pray for sure!!

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by pldc 22 May 2015

Thanks so much Gerry, hugs

Loralye, I can totally relate. You will be in my prayers all evening and tomorrow. I agree with Haleymax, a cloth covering the eyes helps, added with medication. Hugs, Joyce

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by pldc 22 May 2015

thank you very much Joyce a great idea. ~hugs~

I had a hard time with the first MRI, but the tech was very helpful. He suggested a rag over my eyes to help me keep them closed. It helped.
Maybe it might help you. Prayers for you on this day.

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by pldc 22 May 2015

thank you very much. ~hugs~

Prayers to you!
Cindy

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thank you Cindy, ~hugs~

Wish you did not have to go through this machine again, I
am happy to offer you a prayer! Hugs, Suzanna

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by pldc 21 May 2015

Suzanna thank you, ~hugs~

I've been on that carnival ride and it is unsettling, at the least. I will be praying with you and our friends, now and tomorrow.

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thank you very much, ~hugs~

You are not troubling us.. It is a privilidge to be able to pray for someone.
The only time I had to have a MRI the technican was so kind and calming, he would say something like," Now you are going to hear...." and I'd try to imagine what it was-a train coming down the track, a fog horn, lots of kids on a playground, etc and before I knew it they were pulling me back out. Good luck to you.

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thank you so very much, I am glad that you only had to do it once & pray that you don't have to repeat it~hugs~

keep in mind all the good things in your life,,,,like how much all your cutie friends care for you. I will say a prayer that you will get through this with as little discomfort as is possible!

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thank you so very much, ~hugs~

Loralye, I know exactly how you feel. My sister and I are both very claustrophobic. The last time I told the guy I wanted to try without meds, that I would close my eyes and not open till done. He said just to let him know if I needed out.That was reassuring to know, if I wanted out I could get out. I made it and you can too! I have faith in you! No trouble, to ask for prayers, that's the only way we can help. Hope everything checks out fine-Toogie

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by pldc 21 May 2015

Toogie thank you so very much, ~hugs~

My thoughts are with you. I know just how daunting these machines are. Hope they can give you a pill to help you to relax. Hugs Shirley

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by pldc 21 May 2015

me too Shirley thanks I do so much appreciate the prayers on my behalf

I totally understand. Rest well tonight and know any discomfort will be temporary.

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by pldc 21 May 2015

won't rest much tonight but once I get home again tomorrow I will. Thanks Christine

That I will for I have bee through it. Had quite a few through the yes but one day they put me in one and I had a come a larger as my daughter calls it. I told them to get me out NOW. They did and now I always ask for an OPEN MRI , this way it's all open and you do not get shut in. They put ear phones in my ears now and play music so all the noise is not bothersome. Don't know where you are but ask for an open MRI and see what they say. Lots of people who are claustrophobic, the pill doesn't even help/Lillian

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by lbrow 21 May 2015

Yes should be yrs larger should be pSorry/lillian I've got to get use to this tablet. Sorry

by pldc 21 May 2015

no worries & thanks Lillian I will ask about this open MRI. I have never heard of it so here's hoping they have

Hi

I am praying for you. I have the same problem, extremely claustrofobic and it is horrifying going into the tunnel.

Try this: Close your eyes AND DON'T OPEN THEM until you are done. Then concentrate on imagining you are in a huge room. Just keep on thinking you are in that room until you come out of the tunnel. It work for me, and I am EXTREMELY claustrofobic.

Good luck!

Anneliese

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by anssmile 21 May 2015

Oh, and imagine you are embroidering in that room...

by pldc 21 May 2015

I will keep my eyes tightly shut since my first time I opened them just as it was closing in on me, I had a panic attack & have been scared ever since. I will try to follow every ones advise & think happy thoughts in a very large auditorium sewing my heart away lol

Ask for a relaxing music station . Deep breath and put yourself in another happy place. It is for a short time.

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thanks I will do my very best

You and yours are in my prayers, Lynn

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thank you Lynn I do so much appreciate the prayers. It brings me great comfort......

by pldc 21 May 2015

welcome to our cute family, we are happy to have you here with us

Just think of your embroidery machine and all the projects your going to do. LOL! Prayers your way. Sandy

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thanks Sandy I do have a few projects to do... maybe I could make a mental list.....or pretend I am on the beach

I have complete and utter confidence in you, Loralye.......my mom was clastrophobic so I understand this issue and it has to be terrifying for you....just sing to yourself to take your mind off.....prayers are being sent..

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thanks Vicki, it really is a mind thing & today I can talk myself into believing it will all be fine but I know that when tomorrow comes the irrational fear will take over & all I can say is that I am thankful for the prayers of all of you & the pill lol

I feel for you dear Pldc. All I can say is just relax with the help of that all important tablet. Go with the flow, concentrate on your breath as you breathe in calm white, breathe out the grey. We are all with you in our thoughts and prayers. Big Hugs.

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thanks Deb I will do my best to try to remember my breathing from yoga, if I do it would most likely help

We'll be with you, Loralye...holding your hand all the way...

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by pldc 21 May 2015

Thanks Kim so very much. ~hugs~

I will pray for a calm experience for you. Think about all the things you love and hopefully it will pass quickly for you. Hugs, Mary

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thank you Mary I will certainly try ~hugs~

You have my prayers. Remember to breathe...deep breaths..it seems to help. ;-)
Hugs, Nadyne

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thanks Nadyne, I have been relearning to do yoga so maybe the deep breathing techniques I have been learning will be a perfect thing to use. Thank you for reminding me of this. it is calming

Sending prayers your way. Hope everything turns out okay.

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thank you Lynn me too. It is stressful but I hope that all is ok & if not well then they will find it early. I just have to stay calm & positive

I will pray that you will be totally relaxed and that it will be over faster then you thought.

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by pldc 21 May 2015

oh yes that would be the best thing to happen. ~hugs~

My thoughts are with you as you undergo this procedure. I have also had numerous MRI's and one technique that helps is to ask to have the radio put on and have the voluume up as loud as you like so that you can use it to project you to someplace else.......soothing ocean sounds, rainforest, or violin, whatever sooths you. I bring my own cd's and they put them in for me.
Good Luck
Laurie

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by pldc 21 May 2015

I used to do that when I go here in town but going to the big hospital in a big city away from here so that option is not unfortunately available to me sigh..........I used to have Enya on very loud lol made it easier to get through it

prayers going out for you. I echo what others have said, think of your wonderful family and of all of the good times you've had.

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thank you so much for your kind words

praying for you to stay calm.. think about all those nice things you still need to sew XXX take care

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by pldc 21 May 2015

a very good idea as my list to do is ever growing lol

He will hold you in his hands and comfort you think about your beautiful family that will be waiting for you

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thank you

Praying for you. It helps to try and recall memories or to pray. "Be still and know that I am God."

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by pldc 21 May 2015

I do try to focus on my prayers but sometimes I get so nervous I forget the words

by sewdoctor 21 May 2015

prayers do not need words, God understands!

by noah edited 21 May 2015

Well my prayers ALWAYs have words and lots and load ones ,yes i will pray hugs

I am the same way. Just as soon as you lay down, close your eyes....don't open them again. Pray for the Lord to give you peace during the process. He will be there with you. When the sound starts, I always try to think of the craft that I am working on, or want to work on. This keeps my mind focused on something else. Let God do His thing. He knows what He is doing. It is not necessarily being afraid of closed MRI. It is psychological. You are born with it. You just have to learn to deal as the situations happen. Hope this help some. Praying!

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by pldc 21 May 2015

thank you for your encouraging words....Welcome to our cute family we are very happy to have you here with us!~hugs Loralye~