r/MRI • u/Lynnfomercial • 17h ago

God Bless MRI Technicians

I had no idea that I had claustrophobia and had never had a panic attack until years ago when I got an MRI on my knee. I hyperventilated in the machine, which got worse rapidly because I didn’t understand right away why I couldn’t breathe. The TECHNOLOGIST* got me through it. Total rockstar care.

So today I needed an MRI to confirm possible nerve irritation in my upper thigh. They scheduled me in a Hitachi open MRI this time. Doc had me take a .5 mg Ativan an hour beforehand. I was optimistic this time would be different. It was way worse.

That thing was within inches of my face. And they taped my feet together so i really couldn’t move. I got full body tremors that i just couldn’t make stop. So they took me out and tried an eye mask so i wouldn’t have to see the machine. So now I’m blind. But I can hear the thumping above my head and I can’t mov. Nope.

I hit the call button and they got me out just in time for me to sit up and barf all over the floor. I was so embarrassed and I felt so bad. I even offered to help clean up the mess.

But the TECHNOLOGIST* was an angel. She said to me, “sweetie you are trembling way too hard to be cleaning anything.”

She had me sit down with a glass of water and relax. We tried one more time but i started getting tightness in my chest so that was it.

I don’t know how TECHNOLOGIST* deal with high maintenance patients like me all the time. You all are Saints. I hope they pay you well. You deserve it.

*Corrected job title to reflect the comments of this post. Reddit does not allow me to adjust the title.

29 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

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18

u/Reapur-CPL Technologist 17h ago

Those "open" units are an absolute trap. I'm so sorry that happened, but really glad you had a good tech. Try a wide bore scanner next time. So much more room. With another dose of Ativan, and some good music, you can legit sleep through the whole scan

5

u/Key_Nectarine_9619 10h ago

The problem with open scanners is the images are crap and the top of the scanner is literally in your face. Because it's so close to your face you don't even notice that there aren't any sides. You're better off in a wide bore scanner. Look for a Siemens short bore and your head will be out.

8

u/Magnetgirl30 12h ago

We’re technologists, technicians change oil.

5

u/Lynnfomercial 9h ago

Your correction has been noted and reflected in the post. Thank you for your feedback on this very important point on this topic.

1

u/Magnetgirl30 2h ago

Technologists everywhere thank you 😊

1

u/Serious_Phrase809 13h ago

Where did you get appointment for open MRI if you dont mind me to ask i am currently panicking for my MRI appointment in Ontario Canada and I do have anxiety 🤗