Afer my initial diagnosis of oral cancer following a biopsy,I had my CT scan last week 2 days later - as I have already posted it was reasonably straightforward.Canula in the arm and then a short series of scans in a large circular x-ray machine.Dye was injected into my system which made me feel very hot in the chest and bladder area - but this was a temporary sensation.I don't have a problem with needles but I caused a bit of a drama afterwards as I fainted a couple of minutes after the canula was removed.I was detained for a couple of hours while they checked me out - probably all the stress involved.
Went for my MRI scan yesterday determined not to faint(!) and just quietly get through the process.Got that one wrong as I didn't expect what was coming and if I had I think I would have coped much better (or maybe I'm getting a bit soft ?).
I knew I'd have a canula in the arm and be placed in quite a tight cylindrical space as the scans were done.Lying on the bed your head is placed in a small hollow and then a large chunky metal neck brace is placed around your neck and chin and this is clamped to the bed itself.Some large headphones were then placed over my head/ears (very much restricting your hearing) and then a large metal head/face mask tightly fitted to the neck brace, which meant I was completely tightly encased in all of this.I don't think I'm claustrophobic but I must admit I had a bit of a 'moment' when they put the head/face mask on.
I had to ask to sit up and for all of this equipment taken off while I composed myself.Afer a couple of minutes they changed the headphones for foam ear plugs and I had all the equipment put back on and the scans were done - about 30 minutes in total and fairly loud.
I've posted this log just to let people know what they are in for.I can now laugh at my own 'wobble' but I think I would have coped much better if I'd known what to expect.
My surgery is in 2 weeks,but I still don't know the full extent of my cancer or treatment.Good to see this forum and share experiences.

You handled it much better than I would have. After the neck brace was placed and clamped to the bed I would have shouted LET ME OUT OF HERE...The only MRI I had was below the waist for my knee.

Good luck in the outcome keep us posted.

Connie

Hey there - we all respond to this stuff differently - maybe the radiation fried my brains but the only time I've ever been clamped to a table was during rads... My MRI didn't involve any of that - though it was still claustrophobic! I closed my eyes and tried to listen to the instructions! You did fine!!

Brendan, congrats. Those scans are certainly no walk in the proverbial park (having had them all) but you came through. Please keep us informed as you progress. I'd also recommend you add a signature to your posts as most of us have done. People can help if the terms are confusing.

Courage!

I don't think MRI technicians do that bondage thing here in the USA. I've had MRIs done for the last three years at five different centers and while they put little blocks next to my head, that's it. Plus a real popular option here in USA is the new open tube MRI plus MRI where you can stand up.
It was only for my radiation treatments that they used a mask and bolted me to the table. Never for a CT, a MRI or a PETscan.
We'll see what other posters have to say
Keep the faith
Charm

I had the same MRI experience as Brendan as far as the head brace goes. I think mine took about 50 minutes once. I still maintain that you can "get through anything if you keep your eyes closed". I closed my eyes as soon as I laid down on the MRI table/sliding bed and I did not open them again until I was told I was completely clear of the machine. This worked very well as I too am claustrophobic.

What I found amazing was the NOISE!! There was enough clanking and banging to make one think they were in a midevil dungeon.

About the third MRI that I had I fell asleep and they had to bring me out, and wake me up and redo part of it as you actually need to be holding your neck upright to get the scan done properly! The power of the mind to block all that out and fall asleep.

I am glad you let everyone know about you experiences with the MRI process.

well the noise is just as bad here in the USA. Interesting the way both the UK and Canada immobilize MRI patients.
Charm

I just had both a PET/CT and an MRI at HUP in Philly and got a partial bondage treatment on one and a full bondage treatment on the other, not good for one who has had radiation and is claustrophic, so we still get immobilized some palces in the US.

And all I got for my ears for the MRI was a set of earplugs that don't fit my ears. Damn that machine is noisy. Fortunately these machines are brand new so center area is quite large so not as claustrophic as their old ones. I did close my eyes through both and managed to get through without an antiaxiety meds.

Take care,
Eileen

Well , Brendan's point is a good one: that the doctors or the MRI people should give a heads up to patients if there are going to be head restraints. As his post noted, having it sprung on you could be unnerving. I noticed that the Main OCF forum has this to say on Eileen's point
[quote]If you have had fears of being confined in a small space (claustrophobia), you may find magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to be frightening. This scan requires being placed in a small cylinder surrounded by a large, noisy machine. About 20 percent of people find it hard to tolerate, and about 5 percent are unable to go through with it. There are ways to make it easier today, such as listening to music or relaxation tapes or taking a medication to reduce your anxiety during the procedure. Tapes with instructions for relaxation, guided imagery, and medication can be listened to ahead of time to help you become calmer. [/quote]
Here is the full link Diagnosis and uncertainty - OCF
Charm

When I had my MRI they used the blocks on either side of my head and then put tape across my forehead and chin. I'm not claustrophobic but I did find it distressing and was very anxious the whole time I was inside the machine.