<p>Yeah, ditto on the smack upside the head, but throw in a bunch of hugs too. Listen, take a favorite cd - usually they will pipe in music for you. My MIL had a brain tumor last winter. Surgery followed by 6 weeks of radiation. Multiple mris and she is claustrophobic to the max. She asked for the valium ahead of time and took it 30 min before procedure. She also brought her classical music with her. Definitely keep your eyes closed the whole time. Oh, and in case you’ve never had an mri, they are very noisy with all sorts of peculiar beeps and jackhammering. </p>
<p>And just a little ps. She was laughing as she walked around the hospital the day after the brain surgery and said, “you know, if you gotta have surgery, this brain surgery isn’t bad at all!”</p>
<p>Waiting and worrying about all the “what ifs” can be VERY stressful. The fact that you’re busy is probably a good thing, although your father’s flip and dismissive attitude sounds extremely unhelpful (believe me, I know). Instead of brushing it off and saying “you’re fine,” wouldn’t it be nice if they could just acknowledge that it’s a scary time, and be there with some emotional support? Try to take some comfort from the friends and family who ARE thoughtful and supportive. </p>
<p>As for the MRI, remember that the technicians have gotten many many nervous patients through it before. Although it might feel otherwise, the “outside world” is really just past your feet, and you’ll have voice contact with the staff. The noise/knocking isn’t that bad either. I went into a state where I sort of lost track of time and almost fell asleep (I think it’s one way I respond to stress).</p>
<p>Hopefully in a week or so you can look back on all this with a sigh of relief. Good luck, corranged!!</p>
<p>I have had several MRI over the last few years. I have found if I count the “knocks” it helps me tune out how long I have been it. For some reason I have move trouble with always feeling like I need to scratch or cough just because I can’t! I have also requested for the tech to announce when one scan has stopped and before the next starts again; that way I can rub my nose or clear my throat without worrying about messing up the scan.</p>
<p>My mother likes to have a cloth over her eyes to remind her not to look. This way you can open your eyes but you can’t see how close you are to the machine.</p>
<p>There are open MRI machines available, but it is my understanding that the quality of the scans are not as good.</p>
<p>Get your MRI done soon so you are not spending your time with worry.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone. Any good classical music distracts me easily, so if it’s available the time should pass reasonably quickly. I’ve never had claustrophobia issues before, so hopefully this won’t be a time for a latent fear to kick in! I need to call tomorrow morning to reschedule, and I’m definitely going to try to get an appointment for as soon as I can.</p>
<p>It looks likely that DH could be getting laid off pretty soon. His company has announced pending “reductions” in his department. Timing isn’t good, with S applying to colleges this fall. I know DH will find something, but there’s a good possibility that he will join a startup company with no health insurance. I work part-time but not enough hours to be eligible for benefits. This week I’ll approach my manager about the possibility of increasing my hours. I sure hope that’s possible, because COBRA premiums for health insurance through my DH’s company is outrageous!</p>