MRI

Hi @Spiv1803, so sorry to hear you had a rough time with your first MRI. It can help to plan for your next MRI and have some tools up your sleeve that you can practice prior to your MRI. 
Here are a couple of links for ideas on how to manage anxiety about MRIs. 
https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/6-ways-to-keep-calm-during-your-mri-scan
https://thebrainlady.com/articles/how-i-averted-claustrophobia-during-an-mri-exam-mindfulness-skills-saved-the-day/
You can also see a counsellor to assist you with preparing for your MRI. Speak to your care team regarding a referral or you can contact one of our nurses on our Helpline for support too. Our Helpline Number is 1800 500 258
All the best
Marianne

I kept my eyes closed and thought of my favourite place, on a beach in the sunlight when I had scans, radiotherapy etc. This helped me to cope with stressful situations. Take care, I hope it's a bit easier next time. x 

I focus on my breathing in those types of situations, in for 4 slow counts, hold for 2, out for 4 slow counts, hold for 2.  That way I can zen out, other times I'll sing songs to myself or picture myself on the beach.  Good luck for the next one :) 

Oh crap @Spiv1803 , these things always happen on a weekend.

Rescheduling is a pain, but never mind. If you are seeing a counselor, get an appointment with them first and have a chat about some coping strategies for when you get stressed. If you aren't seeing a counselor, start.

I use a very complicated breath counting exercise when I'm being subjected to any surgical or diagnostic monstrosity. It  takes me out of the immediate situation and can keep me mentally busy for up to an hour. There are lots of different 'hack' to help you cope. And they do help--- I can do champion grade stressing and my little box of mental tricks has seen me through some shitty stuff. You just need to find the one that works for you. Marg xxx

Ok so I went today. The tech doing the MRI  was my neighbour, much to my surprise! I was fine, but after 5 minutes I started to freak out. Had to ask her to get me out of there.
The noises were like danger and my head didn't want to go there.
Had to reschedule. Felt like a weak loser. 
Now my boob has a big lump on it and I don't know if it's because I was laying on my front for the first time in weeks or I've developed a seroma! FFS!!

Im realy claustraphobic and was fine face down for me and l sang along to the songs

Thanks everyone,  you ladies are the best  xxx

I am claustrophobic but mri was fine as your head is at the open end its not too bad just noisy You will b ok. Xx

Face forward so best to close your eyes. I just took my mind somewhere else like a walk on a beach or something like that. 

I am claustrophobic and shut my eyes reciting in my head a mantra of my kids names - it is noisy but doesn't last long and is not painful. For me the worst part of any test is always the waiting for results