A
female
age
51-59,
anonymous
writes:Hello, this isn't a relationship question but I've seen some good answers regarding various things on here so I thought I'd post this question: I have to have an MRI scan done soon and I have worked myself up into such a state of anxiety about it that I'm actually concerned about how I will be on the day. I am nervous about hospitals and all things medical anyhow and in addition I can get very claustrophobic in small spaces. Does anyone have any tips? I've also recently split up with my husband and am feeling vulnerable, lonely and upset because of that, which is probably not helping this other issue because I feel very 'off balance'. The scan is classed as 'routine' to check out some symptoms I have been having and there is no suspicion of a serious illness. It's just all happened at a bad time and I'm just so anxious about it all. I just wondered whether anyone had a minute to offer any advice? Thank you.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (1 March 2008): I've had a couple of MRI scans recently and have developed a technique to deal with the anxiety it gave me. Focus on your breathing and breath deeply this not only relaxes and makes you feel more comfortable but gives you something else to think about. All my love
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (25 February 2008): Hi thanks for your answers. I will try and distract myself. My doctor thinks a lot of it is stress related.
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A
female
reader, Clarey +, writes (25 February 2008):
 Hi there. I had an MRI scan during my divorce because I was very depressed and couldn't walk! I had such bad back pain and all sorts of wierd sensations. Like walking on a mattress, sometimes I couldn't work out what was up and what was down, dizzy etc. Black lines around the edges of things, it was awful.
I became worried and thought it was my back (or my brain) but it wasn't. The MRI scan I had showed a lot of wear in my lower back which was useful to know, but since I have felt better, my back does not bother me much. (It ought to because there is little disc left on two levels.) I have no idea why you are needing your scan, but just in case what happened to me helps you, am telling you about how it was for me.
I took some Valerian the morning of the scan (herbal but very powerful relaxant so don't mix it with other things if you are on medicatiom) and pledged not to open my eyes until the scan was done. I decided to plan a very nice dinner party during the procedure itself. I imagined the menu, where I would go shopping, set the table, who I would invite. I happen to love cooking so that is why I picked that subject.
If I had thought of it before I may have put on one of those sleep masks that you get on planes so even if I did open my eyes it would not have mattered. I had to squeeze them closed because they were twitching to open!
In the end I took a course of antidepressants to help me get over the actual anxiety and depression. The side effects were a bit odd at the start but I soon started to feel better. Sounds funny but as soon as they worked and I able to know there was nothing physically wrong, I didn’t really need them anymore. I could cope with knowing I was emotionally ill and dealt with that by having CBT therapy mainly. If I can offer any more of my experience that will help, do get in touch with me.
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A
female
reader, Laura1318  +, writes (25 February 2008):
 I am sorry to hear of your present state of affairs that is affecting your wellbeing.
Since you have no serious illness and this is just a routine test, you should lay your anxieties to rest.
Whatever happens will happen and if you worry , you cannot change the outcome of the test.Worrying does not change anything nor is it helpful . Might as well go out and enjoy what the day brings.
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