Oh great, now I have to have a 2 hour MRI

[CathyT]

Hi all,
I had finally calmed myself about a brain MRI I was going to have next Tuesday for pulsatile tinnitus. Well this afternoon they called and said I also needed a neck MRI (both with and without contrast), and I'd probably be in the machine for 2 hours. Of course, I had a panic attack. I'm doing a little better now, after a low dose of xanax, but now I have to put the test off until a week from tomorrow, since that was their only opening.
As I mentioned in another post, they do offer either valium or versed through an I.V. if I want it. But I'm tempted to just take a larger dose of xanax right before going in, since I'm familiar with how I respond to that.
Gosh, I hate waiting for a test that frightens me. The reasonable side of my brain tells me it will go just fine. But the scared part of me feels like I'll go crazy waiting for it.
I think a milligram of xanax right before going to the test will get me through 2 hours. I really don't think it would wear off before then. Anyone else ever have the IV sedation for a test like this?
Do you ever get really tired of being you??? I do!!

[tic chick]

cathy *bunch,

i sympathize with the fear.

i had never flown on an airplane before. i wanted to visit my daughter in new york. it is an hour and a half plane ride. so, i made the plane reservations and it was about 12 days before the flight. surprisingly, i made up my mind NOT to think of the plane ride at all for the next 12 days. and i didn't. of course, i have a GREAT support group in my emotional support forum, plus my hubby's support the day of the flight.

i got through the flight and it went fine.

ok, back to your original question :).

i've had a colonoscopy, which lasted about an hour, and an endoscopy, which lasted about 45 minutes. both were done under the iv sedation. i didn't remember the endoscopy at all, but i went home as soon as i woke up and was fine. i remember the colonoscopy. i wasn't getting enough pain relief from the versed, so they added something else to it and then i was fine.

i still took my regular dose of clonazepam the morning of both procedures. they monitor you very carefully, cathy, so if any probs come up, they can take care of them right away when you have the iv line in you. if you panic with the xanax you take, they'd have to stop the test or hook you up to an iv line, anyway.

when i took the plane ride, i did take some extra clonazepam an hour before the flight and i was okay.

in my opinion, if you're going to have the procedure in a hospital, let them do the anxiety relief, cause this is already upsetting you a lot.

everything WILL be fine!
jeannie

[CathyT]

Hi Jeannie,

That's sort of my problem.........that I'm not able to put it out of my mind until the day of the test. Actually, I was doing pretty well until they called yesterday and said it would be 2 tests. I try to distract myself, I try to reason with myself. Nothing seems to work.
I slept through my colonoscopy and my endoscopy........but those didn't really scare me as much as being in a tube and flat for the MRI......for 2 hours.
When I was much younger, I had to get out of music performance in college, because the anxiety was just too overwhelming.
I guess I'm just hard-wired to be anxious. I hate it. Its too bad I couldn't have seen how I handled this on the full dose of the zoloft. (It gave me too much diarrhea).
What I don't understand is usually these tests aren't anywhere as bad as I had feared. But knowing that doesn't seem to calm me down for the next one.
Grrrrr.........I get really tired being me!

The reason I was thinking of going with the xanax instead of their IV with Versed or Valium was because I just wasn't sure how I'd respond. At least I know how I'd respond with the xanax, for the most part. They said I couldn't take any xanax in the morning, before the test, if I chose the I.V. sedation.
So you think the I.V. is the way to go??

[tic chick]

cathy,

it's interesting that you mentioned performance anxiety. there is a drug called inderal that some musicians use for that. read the article from this link: http://www.ethanwiner.com/BetaBlox.html

the article talks about your body's fight or flight response, whcih is the anxiety you feel before a performance. i remember you describing that same kind of feeling before, the one you had in your garden before you started taking the zoloft, i think.

ask your doctor if they could be related? (the performance anxiety and your general anxiety)

you know, i would do the iv, cathy. your test might be delayed a little bit or you might be too nervous about the procedure for the xanax to work very well. you can tell them to give you the smallest iv dose of the drug and if you start feeling anxious, they can put in a little more right away and it would work within seconds.

i was having an abscess drained and they wanted to give me dilaudid. i had heard some people got hallucinations from that. i asked the nurse about it, she said that was true, but it was usually not patients who were given it for pain. i asked if they could give me demerol, cause i had that before, but she said they didn't use that for this kind of procedure. so she said, she would give me 1mg.(half) of the dilaudid and see how i felt. so she did and nothing much happened. i said she could put in the other 1mg. and she pushed it slowly into the iv and it was the best high i ever had...lol.

i really do not like to take pain meds either, cause i hate thet dopey or zoned out feeling they give you. but, if you need the meds for pain or to keep you calm, i would trust the doctors in the hospital.

think about it cathy. cause thinking about the endoscopy really bothered me, but, it turned out great and i didn't feel or remember anything. i trusted my surgeon and just let go of my fear to God. if that helps you, do that, too.

(((hugs)))
jeannie

[Nana4&cntn]

Cathy,

I know just how you feel about a 2 hour MRI, my docs have been talking about a total spine scan that would take about the same amout of time and I am a bit freaked as I also have to take xanax or klonopin.

In Dec of 06, they thought I had a stroke and I had to have a brain MRI and 10min in I had a major panic attack, they pulled me out of the tube, not fast enough for me! That was the first time I had ever had an attack in an MRI.

I was given 2mg of klonopin and given an IV with versed, I don't remember even going into the tube, and with versed they can pull you out of the anesthesia quickly so you shouldn't feel dopey for more than 30min if that.

Versed is called the amnesia drug, because that is kind of what it does. It is not like a lot of the drugs used for surgery that paralyse or put you in a deep state of sleep.

Please note I have never had a problem with any anesthesia or most meds.

Have you tried Prozac for anxiety/panic? I started last month and my attacks have demished by half! My pdoc said to prevent and possibly stop the attacks all together needs to be treated with an SSRI. I know you have had problems with Zoloft, have you ever tried a different one? There are several others that may help. I had problems with Zoloft, and several other SSRI's and it looks like this one is working. It is a capsule so I don't know how you how you would start with a very small dose as you have to take it in the am, or it will keep you up all night.

I hope some of this may help. I hope you do well with your test and are as comfortable as possible.

Take care,
Kathy

[CathyT]

Thanks Jeannie and Kathy,

Jeannie.....I'm on a beta blocker already.....but a very small dose. My sympathetic system seems to be on overdrive, and it helps slow things down. Awhile back, I was on a beta blocker for 5 years. It works for calming me down......but too much. I had no motivation or energy when I was on a dose large enough to help with the worst anxiety. But a little is enough to keep my heart from racing....which seems to worsen my panic, so a little does help alot.

Kathy......I'm still trying to decide whether I want to take just my xanax or go with their I.V. I wish I could do both!
About 12 years ago, I was having really bad migraines and the neuro doc ordered an MRI for me. I was so naive, I had no idea what it was. They put me in that long dark tube, and within seconds I was totally freaking out! I didn't even know I had claustrophobia until that happened! Fortunately, I'm not as anxious as I was when I was going through peirmenopause, and they seem to have started designing MRI machines with the claustrophobic in mind now.
I need to let them know on Monday if I want to use the I.V. or not. I've had I.V. sedation before, but for some reason, its making me nervous now......like I'm not as in control as if I take the xanax. And I'm going to insist on my husband being in the room, which comforts me. On the other hand, it would be nice to not have to guess at how much xanax to take, when to take it, or if it would zonk me out too much, or not enough.

I'm not having diarrhea now, since I'm only on 25mg of zoloft.......but I definitely don't have the emotional help from it that the 50 mg gave me. I was going to stay on the 25 for a couple weeks, and then try something like 37mg of zoloft and see how I feel. If that doesn't help, or the diarrhea comes back, I'll definitely go back to the doc and try another drug. With these SSRIs, I feel like I have to give them time to work before I change anything.
With my fibromyalgia, I tend to go through cycles....sometimes feeling really good, and sometimes feeling horrible. I've been wondering if I was just in a good cycle when for the first month on the zoloft. But I have to say, it was a wonderful several weeks! Life was definitely better for me, and I would love to get that back. So I'm open to trying a different med. But I don't want Effexor. I've just heard too many things about it.
When you had your last MRI, were you laying on the bed that goes into the tube when you received the I.V., and you were out after that?
I've had some versed for a couple surgeries/procedures and it knocked me out, so hopefully it would do the same for me with the MRI.

These episodes of severe fright that I get with procedures/doctors/dentists really do me in. I would love to figure out how to get over it!
It blows my mind when I talk to people who are having the same things done who say "No, it doesn't bother me at all".....even without sedation! They don't realize how lucky they are!
Thanks so much Jeannie and Kathy, for your support!

[Nana4&cntn]

Cathy, I was on the table that goes into the tube, I don't remember anything but the bed starting to move and I was awake on the table with people standing next to me. They also had an oximeter on my finger to make sure my breathing was ok.

I am not sure your husband can be in the room with you, due to the magnetic field. You should check with them to find out ahead of time.

I took both the clonazapam and had the iv, ask if that is possible.

I wish my dentist had that option, and I could have all my dental work done at one time:D no pain and no freaking out when my mouth gets dry and I can't swallow. I day an done! that is the way I want it!

I take Effexor 187.5mg and it provides wonderful relief for my depression. I have been on it for years, probably from when it first came out and I was having problems with another one of the SSRI's not covering it and being maxed out doseage wise. I have never had problems with it and remain on a midline dose. I have heard it is very difficult to come off of, I hope I never have to come off. I need to go back and read more of your posts to get all your history to see about depression, as I am talking about depression coverage. I had the added small dose of prozac, and swore I would NEVER take due to the things I had heard. So far so good!

'i trusted my surgeon and just let go of my fear to God.'

I tried to quote jeannie above, I guess I don't know how, but I have found what she said to be true for me also.

I hope this helps you feel more comfy and informative.

I hope you have a peaceful weekend!
Kathy

[CathyT]

Hi Kathy,
They said I couldn't have any xanax ahead of time if I chose the I.V. sedation. I think if I were sure the I.V. stuff would work, I wouldn't be afraid ahead of time.
I would love to go up just a smidge on the zoloft.....but if it causes me more of the horrible diarrhea.......I sure don't want to be in that tube and have the urge! So I'll wait until after the MRI to go up on it.
I'm glad the Effexor works well for you. I know this is silly, but a big fear I always have when I become dependent on a drug, is how it will be if I can't get it, or I have to come off of it for side-effect reasons.
I think one of my biggest anxieties is having physical/mental sensations that feel out of my control.
I agree with you about the dentist! I absolutely hate going there. What's weird is, for me, the angst is all about lying down flat and feeling like I can't breath. If he could work with me sitting up, it would bother me alot less. Since I've lost some weight, lying down doesn't scare me quite so much.
The beta blocker has helped alot at the dentist. It seems that if I can keep my heart from beating too fast, then I don't get as panicked.

Help me decide on whether to use the xanax or go with the I.V. sedation. The pros for the xanax are that I know how it feels, and I can take it ahead of time. On the other hand, I'm not exactly sure what dose would work well, and how long it would work. I'd hate for it to wear off too soon. The cons of the IV are not knowing if it will really work with me, but the pros are they can adjust it while I'm in the tube.
Its funny, but when I'm anxious, I have a harder time making decisions!
I just hope my lower back/hips don't start hurting. I'm hoping the I.V. sedation might keep me out of it enough to not feel the pain as much.
Sorry I'm acting so wacky!!

[tic chick]

cathy*bunch,

before i had my gallbladder surgery, i found a website that explained it in detail. it was interesting.

i found something for you to read about what to expect during your mri: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=spinemr&bhcp=1

you can call the radiology department ahead of time to see if they provide pillows and other stuff to keep you more comfortable during your mri. the website said some mri rooms play music, too. ask if you can bring something from home to make you feel more comfy (i'm thinking a favorite pillow).

cathy if you have iv sedation, you will know within minutes whether it is working or not. they won't put you into the machine unless you are relaxed, because they need you to cooperate with them on some things. and you have to be still, so they want you relaxed.

you said you had iv relaxation with your colonoscopy and an endoscopy, too, right? if it worked then, it will work now.

wear really comfy clothes, like sweat pants, cotton shirt.

the article i gave you a link to tells you some of the sensations you might feel. i think if you know ahead of time, you're more prepared. cathy, maybe do something physical before the test, like take a walk, rake some leaves, etc. get your mind off of this cause i can see you are getting into a tizzy about it *smallrose!

i think any kind of overwhelming feeling can cause you to have trouble making decisions. maybe start reading a book to get your mind off of this procedure.

cathy, i'm telling you this because i care, i think you really need to find out what the core of your anxiety is about. i can see you have issues about control and being in control. i so empathize, because that was one of MY biggest issues, also. i think once you find out that you don't have control over certain things and that you don't always have to be in control, you will find yourself feeling free, like a weight has been lifted off of you.

you can ask yourself, "what is the worst that can happen?" and then try and answer yourself. usually you will find things aren't as bad as you think they might be.

cathy, we all believe you can get through this just fine. now, YOU have to start believing in yourself that you will :).

2148 jeannie

[CathyT]

Thanks Jeannie,
I seem to have episodes of anxiety that occur out of nowhere, so I think that on top of the MRI is bothering me more. Plus, the reason I'm having the MRI is because I can hear my pulse in my ears all the time......which might be nothing, or might be a tumor or a blood vessel problem......so that has me concerned too.
I really think anxiety would have been much better controlled at the higher level of zoloft, but because of the horrible diarrhea, I had to back off. But I'm definitely going to talk to the doc after this test, and see if we can't try another drug to get the anxiety under control.
Thanks for reminding me about our earlier talks about accepting the fear, rather than fighting it, and accepting that we don't have control over everything. I needed to be reminded of that!
I'm sure my fibromyalgia and sleep apnea make things more of a challenge too.
Thanks so much for your input and support! :)

[tic chick]

cathy *bunch,

when i exercise every day, i bike to music. this song has been my personal mantra for the last 2 years. i turn the stereo up loud for this and i have a real powerful one attached to the pc. it keeps reminding me that I am in control of my life.

if you like music, i hope you like this, too.

DRIVE by incubus

Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear
And I can't help but ask myself how much I let the fear
Take the wheel and steer
It's driven me before
And it seems to have a vague, haunting mass appeal
But lately I'm beginning to find that I
Should be the one behind the wheel

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there
With open arms and open eyes yeah

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there
I'll be there

So if I decide to waiver my chance to be one of the hive
Will I choose water over wine and hold my own and drive?
It's driven me before
And it seems to be the way that everyone else gets around
But lately I'm beginning to find that
When I drive myself my light is found

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there
With open arms and open eyes yeah

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there
I'll be there

Would you choose water over wine
Hold the wheel and drive

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there
With open arms and open eyes yeah

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there
I'll be there

http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Drive-lyrics-Incubus/791C2DEB16069E72482568D800177BB3

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zN9vd9WUiA

[joy]

I'm late in seeing this but I'd too have trouble with a 2 hour MRI. The length alone would do my body in. I'd almost have to have a small dose of something for anxiety before going in & tell them what I'd taken and then let them handle me however they thought best.

That versed stuff must be nice. I think that's what they used to put mother's hip back in place. Whatever it had to hurt afterwards anyway.

I understand that they would keep a close eye on you and be prepared to do more if needed. By IV would work I'd say. Anxiety breeds more it seems for some of us. I just want to wish you good luck on this.

[CathyT]

Thanks Jeannie and Joy.

Well, I got through it! I have to say that it probably would have been more relaxing if I'd used the xanax. They gave me an I.V.injection twice of Versed, and it did very little for me (unless I am underestimating its help). I just felt totally awake. The machine was an "Espree" short tube, which was very bright and very big around, which helped alot. They asked if I wanted a washcloth over my eyes, under the head cage, but I said no.......and it seemed to be okay.
the hardest part was just the time in there. My hips get very sore and stiff easily. They set me flat on that table, and unfortunately, they couldn't get started without the radiologist, who was tied up with another case! So there I laid for at least 30 minutes. Then they finally got started, and it was brain and neck both with and without contrast. So after waiting, it took a little over 2 hours more. But......I was fine. :)
My husband wasn't allowed to stay in the room with me, even though they had told me he could, and he even filled out the appropriate forms. I was feeling pretty okay, so it didn't freak me out to not have him. Plus, I think the noise might have driven him nuts.

They told me that since they weren't in a hospital facility, they couldn't put me completely under with meds. But....that ended up being okay. I have a pretty good imagination, and I got to think about alot of things while I was in there.

I'm so excited its over, that I forgot why I had it! I have pulsatile tinnitus, and the doctor is ruling out a tumor in my ear or jugular vein.
But I'm too excited about it being over to start worrying just yet. I'll save that for another day!

I'm going to start going up a little on my zoloft tonight, hoping that the horrible diarrhea won't return........but I'm not too hopeful. If it doesn't work, I'll go back to the doc and try another med.

Thank you all for your kind support for me with this test. It really means alot to me!

[tic chick]

Cathy,



2152



you are stronger than you think! build on this and take on the next challenge!

jeannie

[Nana4&cntn]

Cathy,

I am so sorry to have missed this! The only thing I can say is,

WAY TO GO!!

Imagine the possibilities of what else you can do!:D

[CathyT]

Thanks jeannie and Nana!

[Nana4&cntn]

Cathy, you are so welcome! Things are scary when you don't know what will happen. You have a great attitude about the results! No sense worrying about something until it comes!

Jeannie, I loved the lyrics! Who is it by, do you know?

[tic chick]

kathy...

it's by incubus. i have a link to a you tube video of the group singing the song right underneath the lyrics, but it's no prob to post it right here for ya:

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zN9vd9WUiA

(((hugs)))
jeannie

[Nana4&cntn]

Cathy, I was checking in to see how you are doing, I hope things are well and your MRI comes out clean!

Sorry Jeannie, I saw the name of the group and song the second time I watched it. The kid singing looks like he is in his teens, amazing! I seem to be getting older, even all my docs are my age or younger.

Thanks for the song, I may add it to my routine on my recumbent stationary bike. Lately I have been listening to the Rock Classics on the tube or reading. Time for something new!

Thanks again!

Take care, Cathy
Kathy