Hi, can you lovely ladies please tell me what's involved in the bone scan. I asked the people at the radiologist place if it was like an MRI with a plate coming down close to your face, which is what I had heard. She said "no its not like an MRI but a plate does come down close to your face", but I couldn't get her to elaborate any more. I'm claustrophobic and I'm having my bone scan next week. I really need to have it explained to me as I'm becoming more and more anxious about it and I also suffer panic attacks. If I know more I'm hoping that I can prepare myself a bit more but I must say I'm really worried about it. Thanks in advance for your comments. Paula

Hi Paulan, I don't like confined places and found the bone scan to be fine. When I had this a small square plate did come close to various parts of my body (legs, arms and chest) but it wasn't claustrophobic at all. It didn't come near my face when I had it. It's like when you stand up for a chest X-ray you have to stand next to a plate where they put the X-ray film. The rest of your body is not confined. I didn't find it uncomfortable and you can breathe normally. Re the panic attacks, they will tell you what they are doing every step of the way. Mention your concerns to the radiographer and maybe relaxation breathing will help. Hope it goes ok for you. Take care, Nadine

Hi Paula. Having a bone scan is no where as confined as an MRI...the machine is more open. I have had both...and had no problems with the Bone Scan. Good Luck. Chris.

Hi Paula I too was worried about the bone scan as I am also claustrophobic. I have to say it was not as bad as I expected as you are not in a confined space like with an MRI. The metal plate is square in shape & I found if I closed my eyes it did not bother me at all & the radiographer will be talking to you telling you about the procedure as it happens. I am sure you will be fine & wish you well with your treatment. Eileen xx

Thanks ladies, I'v had MRI's before & have been OK with them, so you've put my mind at rest

You girls must have had good nurses mine told me nothing, and yes the plate did cover my face and she toddled off up the hallway chatting with her mates while I sat tied hands and feet under there for 40 minutes. I got an absolutely throbbing headache and rather than hyperventilate I slowed my breathing myself and counted to 100 in 2's over and over and over until it was done. Next time I will be taking a sedative before I go.

Worried About Bone Scan | BCNA Online Network

lrb_03
Member
10 years ago
I'm glad you did, too, and glad for you that that's another test behind ypu
PaulaN
Member
10 years ago
Hi Lyn yea I did take something. Im really glad its over Paula
lrb_03
Member
10 years ago
Well done. Glad it's behind you. Did you end up taking something? I would have! I'm lucky not to suffer from claustrophobia, but I get the anxiety side of things.

Take care, Lyn
PaulaN
Member
10 years ago
Thanks Brenda yes it is good they don't do many but at least now I know what I'm up against

Paula
Brenda5
Member
10 years ago
Well done Paula, at least they don't do too many of those scans.
PaulaN
Member
10 years ago
Well I had the bone scan. The plate did come down really close to my face but I survived it. I did find the whole thing confronting & compared to an MRI it was terrible. I am glad its over but also Im glad to say it was nothing like I expected
Twilightgirl
Member
10 years ago
Sent u another message just to you so hope u get it. I go in for my double mastectomy and reconstruction Wednesday and two weeks after that on 8th of April I have my first chemo treatment need 4 rounds of chemo all up. I jave my operation at Queen Elizaneth hospital and my chemo at Royal Adelaide hospital.
PaulaN
Member
10 years ago
Hi I'm not sure if it's me or what, but I haven't seen any messages from you. Like you I'v been wondering how you've been going. Hope everything is OK with you. Paula
lrb_03
Member
10 years ago
Hi Paula, if you're that concerned, and you have some Valium at home, take a small dose, but do tell them you've done it, & why.

Take care, Lyn
Lindyloo
Member
10 years ago
The plate came down at an angle on me, it was quite close, if fact having a big nose I worried they might hit it, but they didn't! It is all over and done in less than five minutes. First of all I was lying on my back then I had to turn onto my stomach. The nurses go into a room next door so if you are concerned about anything, just shout out.

best of luck,

Linda xx