Forum Discussion

PaulaN's avatar
PaulaN
Member
10 years ago

Worried About Bone Scan

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

mri
  • Carol22's avatar
    Carol22
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Paula, I didn't like the plate over my face it does come down very close, they had to redo my head as I was moving too much, so I asked if I could turn my head to the side so I could see out which they said was ok, it made it much more bearable. If I ever have another bone scan will be asking this right at the start...

     

  • Twilightgirl's avatar
    Twilightgirl
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Paula I was worried about u .as you never replied to my messages then I saw this post so glad u are ok

  • PaulaN's avatar
    PaulaN
    Member
    10 years ago

    I think I will tell the people there that I'm really worried & self medicate (shhh) before I go

    Paula

  • PaulaN's avatar
    PaulaN
    Member
    10 years ago

    I'v actually been thinking about taking some Valium Brenda.  I'v heard that the bone scans we're like you said that's why I'm so worried.

    Paula

  • adean's avatar
    adean
    Member
    10 years ago

    Brenda I felt your pain, sorry girls I freaked out with bone scan ,my poor daughter ran in and said what are you doing to mum. The nurse ended up not putting it so far down, I felt like an idiot, nothing else fazed me cat scan or MRI was fine.

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    10 years ago

    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.

  • PaulaN's avatar
    PaulaN
    Member
    10 years ago
    Thanks ladies, I'v had MRI's before & have been OK with them, so you've put my mind at rest
  • skitzy's avatar
    skitzy
    Member
    10 years ago

    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

  • Chixon's avatar
    Chixon
    Member
    10 years ago

    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.

  • Nadi's avatar
    Nadi
    Member
    10 years ago

    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