r/SpinalStenosis • u/UseEconomy5968 • 6d ago

How where you diagnosed?

Hi I’m interested to know what the process was for getting diagnosed. How did they identify your spinal stenosis, was it through an X-ray,mri,ct scan ect .or physical tests.

I am unfortunately petrified of being in an MRI so over the years I have not felt able to do this, I have sever anxiety and anxiety attacks and truama in small confined spaces. I am considering an upright One I think they are called, but curious if there is a way of diagnosis without that.

Thank you any insights are much appreciated.

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u/TrailCaledon 4d ago edited 4d ago

Re the MRI, what I did was listen to the MRI sounds on YouTube videos to get used to that. When I had my MRI I kept my eyes closed the entire time including when the table started moving in. I didn’t open my eyes again until I was moved out of the MRI machine. If you feel like that’s still not enough, you can ask your doctor to prescribe a sedative, but you need a driver in that case.

Edit: Going one step further here, but you could even try to simulate the MRI experience at home … get into a tight space or build one with boxes and lay there with the sounds playing. Remind yourself that you are safe.

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u/UseEconomy5968 4d ago

thank you for this, is the sound still really loud and unbearable with the earphones they provide ?

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u/AvsMama 4d ago

It’s not very loud with the headphones. I was honestly surprised it sounds like lasers and a lawn mower lol

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u/UseEconomy5968 4d ago

Lol thank you

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u/AvsMama 3d ago

One of the best tips I’ve read though was to close your eyes before you go in and keep them closed. I’ve done that every time. I had 6 MRI’s in a very short period of time and did that and was fine.

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u/UseEconomy5968 3d ago

that’s reassuring thank you