Question:
My doctor ordered an MRI for me to further investigate a medical condition I
have, and yesterday was to be the day. Although I thought I'd (probably) be
okay (mind over matter; after all, didn't that work when I was able to have all
three of my children med-free?), I wasn't. Using visualization to overcome
pain isn't the same thing when it's panic! I wasn't in that (supposedly open)
MRI machine but one minute, when I started having a panic attack. They got me
out, and rescheduled me for week after next. This time I will be given Xanax
(but not enough to knock me out, since I will still have to follow instructions
about holding my breath, letting it out, etc.).
Has anyone ever felt likewise? If so, did the administration of meds help them
to tolerate the MRI? I don't know what to do...this is supposedly one of the
"open" machines. I will admit it doesn't look daunting from the outside, but
my head *is* still in it. That is what bothers me.
Just writing about this is making me cry...last night I awakened several times,
reliving the panic attack. And now I have time to build up mega anxiety about
it (where I had none before yesterday). I know what I'll be in for!
Answer:
You have just described my sister exactly. She had to be rescheduled for
an MRI after a panic attack. She was prescribed anti-anxiety medication
(I'm not sure which one) and did fine the second time. I don't think it
is uncommon. If it was, they wouldn't have invented an open MRI. In
fact, there is a commercial by a place which performs MRI's that airs
here which "brags" about their open MRI and their use of "relaxation"
techniques for those afraid if MRI's.
I think you are handling it just right. You might also consider asking
your doctor for additional xanax for times like last night. I'm
certainly no professional, but it seems to me that if you are having
this much anxiety about it, it would help to treat it before the actual
MRI also. That way the anxiety may not continue to build up beforehand.
Don't feel that way. It is a big thing and it is important. The thing
that I like about this group is that you can find support for things
besides just TS. Just because the main topic of the group is TS, that
doesn't mean there aren't other issues that affect us or our families.
As we get to "know" each other, it's only natural to come here for other
things that aren't directly related.
I think you've hit upon two that I might have suggested. And Xanax to help
you get through it might help too. I guess the question to ask yourself is
this: what was there at that moment that I think might have caused me to
panic, if I can identify it, and then go from there for some help with it...
Panic attacks aren't irrelevant to the person having them, as you so well
know. You think you are going to die, or so I've been told. No need to
apologize, Brenda. It's actually an honor that you would trust this group
with your private pain and hope for some help/solace here.
