Sedation during MRE

[guest 8791]

I'm scheduled to have an MRE of my small intestine on January 14. I did a phone consultation with the radiology department the other day and they asked me if I'm claustrophobic. I said not really, and when I asked about it, they said that if I were claustrophobic, I could request a sedative from my GI. I'm wondering if I should do just that - I have been on medication for anxiety before and I'm scared I'll freak out if I'm in a small enclosed space for an extended period of time. I wanted to ask you guys what your experiences have been and whether or not it's worth it to ask for some meds to get me through it. Thanks!

 

[Susan2]

I didn't bother. They usually have a video screen above you and play something for you to watch, but I just requested some music and listened to it with my eyes closed. :hug:

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I am claustrophobic but I took an anti anxiety pill, they put music and talk to you telling you to breathe the whole time. It's not that bad.

 

[UnXmas]

Is an MRE anything like an MRI? If it is, I would say might be a little difficult if you're claustrophic. I'm not usually that claustrophic, but I did feel a bit "trapped" when I had an MRI. The people doing it told me beforehand that I could talk to them during it if I had any problems, and there was a button I could press if I want them to stop. I didn't need to use it, but it was reassuring to know it was there.

The people who carry them out are used to patients who find it claustrophobic, so they'll probably be able to help you decide if you need a sedative.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

MRE is a form of MRI.

 

[InstantCoffee]

For me it's a bit comforting that your head is typically near the opening since they are scanning your bowels.

I have some anxiety issues and had a little bit trouble getting through the breathing but it didn't help I was having severe refluxing issues at the time.

Also if they have you drink a solution, like barium, and they ask if you have to pee before hand, even if you don't, DO IT, because you may have to pee half way through and there may be a part where they give you an injection, it's a contrast and it makes you feel like your whole crotchal region has gone numb and having to pee + that is a recipe for disaster, thank goodness I made it through without wetting myself.

 

[lsgs]

To be honest I have fallen asleep during every MRI I have had...

 

[Ihurt]

For this MRE you have to be aware as they will have you holding your breath a lot during this exam. I remember having to hold my breath for like 25 seconds at a time, it was tough, especially when you feel sick after drinking all that contrast. I am claustrophobic big time. I did not take any meds before this. What I did and it worked was I brought a blind fold with me and did not even see the machine. I had the tech lead me over to the machine while I was blindfolded. I did ok actually. I am glad I did not take a sedative as I had to make a mad dash for the toliet right afterwards! I mean that stuff I drank gave me the runs.,, I almost did not make it to the toilet!

 

[nevilletanner]

i had a mri earlier in the year - i really didnt find it a problem, like ihurt said the need for a toilet is so overwhelming you will not worry about being inside a giant polo.

i just laid there holding breath when required and listening to the machine do it job ( the mri is very loud) , you are given a panic button just in case you do feel confined.

the only bit i didnt like was the needle being put in and the after effects of the contrast - dont make any plans for the rest of the day as you will be on / off the toilet every ten mins