Scan, claustrophobe, any advice?

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 08:13

Hello folks, I had my first talk yesterday with the oncologist after my raised PSA test.

He says they need a scan before making decisions about what happens next.

I have the scan coming up in the next few weeks and I'm severely claustrophobic. I can't use lifts, fly or travel on the tube. I'm terrified of having a panic attack and not being able to stay in the machine.

How long does it take? I should have asked when I was told about it but I seized up and couldn't think straight.

Any suggestions? Should I get valium from my doctor perhaps?

How do others deal with it?

Thanks

Dick

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 10:24

You presumably had an MRI scan as part of your diagnosis? How did you get on with that?

If you are going to have external beam radiotherapy, the scanner used is a CT scan. This is a ring rather than the MRI tunnel, so it's not as claustrophobic as the MRI scanner for most people. For the treatment itself, the LINACs are even more open and just move around you rather than you going in to anything, and the rooms are large. So it may be that you already had the most claustrophobic scan you'll need and that wouldn't normally be done again, but it depends what treatment you're having.

Edited by member 01 Aug 2023 at 10:26 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 11:07

The MRI scanners are much smaller/tighter than the CT scan. I hated the MRI - had to close my eyes and try and think happy thoughts but I had zero problem with the CT scanner as it's a larger, thinner circle. Also the MRI took about 30 minutes and the CT less than 5.

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 11:37

Thanks Andy. I haven't had a diagnosis and that's point of the scan.

I had a raised PSA of 6.45 detected a couple of weeks ago (my previous score was 3.5) and I was put on a two week referral program for investigation of indications of possible cancer.

I had the initial chat with the urologist yesterday who is booking me for a mpMRI scan in the next two weeks.

The results of the scan will determine what happens next.

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 11:42

Thanks Steve. Happy thoughts? I like the idea but don't think it'll work for me.

Hypnosis or valium maybe.

I'm not looking forward to it at all but I can't see any other way of doing it.

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 12:15

Yes, talk to your GP about some sort of a sedative for the MRI - I know that they do use them in extreme cases. I just lay there and closed my eyes before I was rolled into the machine and tried to fall asleep. I didn't open them until it over. They do give you a panic button that is comforting - knowing you could press it even if you don't :)

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 14:08

Thanks for the info Steve. I will speak to the GP if I see him before the scan.

Sleeping seems a good idea, perhaps I should stay up all night before I go.

A panic button seems eminently sensible!

The doc says you're given headphones. Can you take your own music?

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 15:31

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

The doc says you're given headphones. Can you take your own music?

In my case not - they were not music headphones, just there to deaden the noise that the MRI makes.
Going in tired might be a good idea :)

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 16:00

I didn't have any concerns about an MRI scan until I got in it and thought I can't do this. That first one was in a private facility and they played music,they played a sixties track that was my all time favourite, strangely "I can't help myself". I relaxed and had numerous scans since.

My NHS MRI scans didn't have music but some CT scans did. My bone scanner was close to the nose but not enclosed. My CT scans didn't feel to enclosed.

One thing to remember is that you are not trapped in the scanner and with a bit of shuffling I could get out. Explain you concerns to the scanning staff they have seen it numerous times before.

Thanks Chris

Edited by member 01 Aug 2023 at 16:03 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 17:32

Hi Fenderman

On an encouraging note, when you have your RT, the linac is larger diameter, your head sticks out the other end and there are overhead relaxing scenes of tropical fish swimming or apple blossom buzzing with bees. This is at Guildford by the way. Treatment only lasts 10 mins at most and is quite painless. With luck you will have pretty radiographers who will pull your pants down and jiggle you into position. The only drawback is maintaining a full bladder whilst waiting!

Good luck

Peternigel

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 18:04

😞

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 18:06

Thanks Peter. Such a lot to look forward to 😉

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 18:40

Hi Fenderman,

I've had at least 8 prostate mpMRI scans in the last 7 or 8 years and most of them have been done with my head still out or just out of the machine (I.e. they put you in feet first).

Only the last couple have been done the other way around and although I wondered why, as it didn't bother me, I didn't ask.

My point is, they can obviously do a feet first mpMRI and so surely given your claustrophobia, if they're aware of it, they'll do it that way.

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 18:49

Thanks Stan. That's useful to know. I feel like I could deal with it better if my head was outside the machine, I hope I get the choice🤞

User

Posted 01 Aug 2023 at 18:55

Might be worth speaking to the MRI department beforehand. They may be able to advise and will certainly have come across people with similar concerns. They might suggest an appropriate sedative etc. Good luck 👍

User

Posted 02 Aug 2023 at 08:19

Thanks, that's a good idea.

I've been given a date of 24th August so not long now.

User

Posted 02 Aug 2023 at 08:48

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

valium maybe.

I knew a dentist who used valium to good effect. Please have a word to them beforehand. I don't think withholding sleep would work too well. It can cause a sort of wired, anxious state that is the last thing you need.

Jules

User

Posted 02 Aug 2023 at 09:31

Thanks Jules. Duly noted!

User

Posted 02 Aug 2023 at 21:19

I suffer from claustrophobia and have probably now had at least 6 MRI scans, one being a brain scan. My heart races and I go into a panic, hate the feeling.

However, the last two MRI scans I had a head set placed on me showing a virtual image of moving scenery. The images are repetitive but it takes your mind away from where you are if you let it! I still panic and don’t like it but the virtual head set is a game changer. Ask about it at your next scan.

Ido4

User

Posted 03 Aug 2023 at 15:25

I can understand how you must feel. Well done for getting through them.

Moving pictures? Sounds interesting.

I was given an appointment at the end of the month and thought it was for the scan but apparently it's a follow up face-to-face from my first telephone appointment. I'll discuss it with them then.

Thanks

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