Bone Scan & CT Scan - major claustrophobia

Hi Mimmy,

I can see you've had some very useful suggestions. I've had quite a few scans and its never easy. I would go to your GP and ask for valium as others have suggested - this is a very sensible thing to do.

Also, make sure that someone goes with you.

Tell the staff that you are very anxious - its important for them to know.

I had one painful experience with an ultra sound on the breast, hurt like ..... and I understand now that I should have said something and also insisted that my friend sit with me. That technician had no people skills! I've never had a repeat of this in the years since and I have four heart scans a year. Sometimes they play music and you could ask for this.

When I had my MRI I asked if I could suck a mintie and the sweetness helped. I also asked her to keep talking to me - anything, and she did.

Ask and let them know.

Beryl

Hi Mimmy I'm pretty sure everyone has an increased aniexty level we just have different things that trigger us mine is being a pin cushion for scans if you have someone that can take you you can ask dr for anti aniexty tab just to get through it do whatever it takes to get yourself through it xxx I've had lots of scans and only the results scare me but I go into meltdown weekly bloods out of one vein and accessing the port weekly I go mental its the only time I vomit xxx much love keep posting you are not alone xxx 

Hi Mimmy,

for the bone scan the machine was fairly open but it does come near you. I also had my headphones and some music on my iPhone which was bearable. I also downloaded a meditation cd for my treatments and tests that help heaps. 

The CT scan wasn't so bad either as it didn't go over my full body. 

Check the machines and what you can do for relaxing music or meditation.

all the best, you'll get through it.

cheers

kym

Hi Mimmy

I suffer pretty bad with these things, I feel you, lol.

On my operation day I chose not to ask about the nuclear injection and scan for the lymph node biopsy as I didn't want to take anything. I had a melt down, but eventually my daughter stayed beside me, holding my hand. I listened to Christian music and got through it.

In saying that, I would of had a Valium if I wasn't about to have surgery.

In the past I have had 3 MRI's.  I have gone to my doctor each time and was given valium (2mg). So I was told I could have either 2, 4 or 6 mg if needed. I got through with 2 mg's each time.

It wasn't a big deal to have this and took the edge of my fear. I would definitely take it again for future scans.

Maybe try that as it is hard to go through the fear and trying to tough it out. I've done the tough it out in the past, now I'm like I'll have the mild valium, thanks, lol. And I rarely take anything.

The scripture I also say is "God did not give me a spirit of fear, but of love, power and sound mind",.

Godbless& have a briliant scan. Sometimes you end up quite relaxed by the time you settle in to it. You will do good...xxx

I suffer from severe claustrophobia and didn't have a problem

During the CT scan it was a bit close and I closed my eyes.

Not as bad as having an MRI

Hi Mimmy

You are not alone here. The bone scan was easy, but i panicked for the CT scan as I had to have whole body and lie face down.  They gave me a head set and tuned to my preferred station as the machine is noisy, but I was too panicked so the lovely technician stayed with me at my head end and talked to me for the first 15 minutes until I calmed down and they could do the final tests on my own. Dont be concerned about discussing it with your GP or radiology department before the big day.  You'll be fine.

Maree

I didnt go through the ring but they do have large flat plates which sit very close to your face. I just closed my eyes and nearly fell asleep but saying that, I am not claustrophobic. The staff will help you. Before you go into the scan ask for something to relax you. You can buy something over the counter at the chemist which is a natural product. Good luck, it won't be as bad as you think. It's the unknown that worries us. Xx

Hi Mimmy  Glad someone else is like me.   The staff should explain the scans and ask you if you will have any trouble.  So speak up if you are worried. The bone scan I had was a big flat slabby thing that would be going over my head about an inch above my nose !!!! Then over the rest of me. No way could I of done it, so I told them and was knocked out for the scan.  They gave me a drug which put me to sleep just for the 20mins or so.  As I had the CT scan and the bone scan on the same day It actually was wonderful, that little nap helped a great deal.  The CT scan was a large ring that I had only a blip of panic in - by the time you thought its covering my head, it was already out the other side. coped just fine - you were never enclosed, and I never felt enclosed.   I panic if I get my head stuck in a jumper so thats how much I don't like enclosed spaces.  

Pam

Hi Mimmy

I know how you feel - I was really worried about going into that tunnel.  You can ask for valium before you have the scans if you are worried - it helps to take the edge off the fear.  I went in face down which wasn't as bad I don't thing - or else the drugs really did work... The bone scan isn't a problem though - it's not the least bit scarey.  Good luck with it all.  Big hugs RosG

Hi Mimmy, it might be worth a visit to your GP to talk about this. There are some medications that may help.

Having said that, when I had my bone scan & CT, my head didn't go into the cylinder bit, if that helps at all.

Take care, Lyn