Hello Rose2evie

I wanted to post to wish you well for your MRI appointment tomorrow. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about your scan. Do talk to the team tomorrow when you arrive and let them know how you're feeling. They will be used to supporting patients who struggle with claustrophobia and who are feeling worried, anxious, or upset about their scan. I'm sure they will be able to support you through the process. 

Hopefully, the short time that you'll be in the scanner will give the Oncologist the information needed to help with a diagnosis. It may help to focus on something like this whilst you're waiting - the scan is a means to an end to get the information you need to improve your symptoms. 

I hope that you don't have to wait too long for the results. Keep in touch Rose2evie and let us know how you get on. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi I really hope all gows well for you tomorrow ,I had an MRI scan in November for my neck and it was far better than I'd expected as I had no idea what to expect  it didn't seem to take long at all Best Wishes for a good outcome tomorrow ,jenny .

Hello 

I'm extremely claustrophobic. 

Contact your gp (if possible)

They gave me Diazapan, it really helps. And I've also found wearing a eye mask helps too.

I know how your feeling its horrid. But please try this. 

Best wishes to you xx

I hope all goes well tomorrow. I actually found the MRI a lot less claustraphobic than I imagined, having had one about 12 years ago and then another just before Christmas 2022, the difference with the more modern machine was amazing.

The machines are noisy and you are given headphones and they will play music or the radio to you. There is also a mirror placed so that you are actually viewing a screen with a video playing and not so conscious of the machine around you. Keep focused on the screen - mine had a 'play bar' on it so I could see how far through the scan I was. If it gets a bit much, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Good luck