The prospect of an MRI scan is a thing that can be daunting for any person, but for those of you with claustrophobia, it can be for the feeling of being overwhelming. The combination of the space that is enclosed, of noises that are loud, coupled with the need for the remaining still is for the triggering of anxiety that is significant. With preparation that is thoughtful, however, coupled with communication that is clear, it is possible for you to be for the navigation of the experience with ease and confidence that are much greater.
Your preparation is a thing that begins long before you are for the arrival at the clinic. The start should be with the talking openly with your doctor and with the imaging center. The informing of them of your claustrophobia is important. The offering of open MRI machines or of wide-bore models that are less confining is a thing that is done by many facilities; the asking about this option is a first step that is crucial. On the day of your scan, the wearing of clothing that is comfortable and free of metal is recommended for the avoidance of the added confinement of a gown.
Once you are at the facility, the communication clearly with your technologist is a good practice. They are your ally. The asking for a walk-through that is detailed of what will be for the happening is advised. It is possible for you to be for the request of a blindfold, for the asking for the fan of the machine to be turned on for airflow, or for the having of them to talk to you throughout the procedure. The allowance of you to listen to music through headphones is a thing that is done by many centers, a practice which can be for the dramatic distraction from the noises.
During the scan focus on your breathing is essential. The practice of breaths that are slow and deep - the inhale for a count of four, the hold for four and the exhale for six - is recommended. The visualization of yourself in a place that is wide and peaceful, a place you are for the love of, is a good idea. The remembering that you are a thing that is in control is important—a squeeze bulb is always for the being in your hand for the alert of the technologist in the event that you are for the need to stop. By the planning of these strategies, you are for the transformation of the experience from one of fear into one of calm that is managed, a practice which is for the ensurance that you get the vital imaging you are for the need of.
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