Help! I can't do it!

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Had to go for an MRI of my back today. I had to beg my doctor to make it an open MRI as opposed to a closed one, because I know that I'll freak out. So the first part, although somewhat claustrophobic, wasn't too bad, because I could turn my head and stare out of the window. Then, the attendant wanted me to be directly underneath this huge thing that instantly made me feel as if I would be crushed and suffocated. I tried, I really did. But I couldn't do it. I couldn't see anything but the insides of the machine. I feel like such a wimp. They told me to contact my doctor and get drugs to take before I return for the rest of the procedure. I honestly wish I didn't ever have to go back. Has anyone else had to go through this, and is there anything that helped?

Oh, I have a funny story for you.

When I was in seventh grade, they though I needed a root canal for a bruised tooth. They sent me to this specialist dentist, who started off by giving me valium. I hadn't been diagnosed at the time, so we didn't consider how valium has a reverse affect on some people with AS. After that, he went over what he was going to do in rather grotesque details. He then pulled out the novacaine needle, which looked like it had been ripped off the arm of one of the Borg. Long story short, I held my own against the specialist, my mom, and 4-6 assistants (don't remember how many, I was paniced) for a half hour before the specialist gave up.

The advice: turn down any offers of valium. Even if it isn't reversed, it won't do any good.

Yeah, that's exactly what I fear. Most meds have an odd effect on me, the worse being they don't do a thing for the intense fear and claustrophobia that I'm trying to tone down. I have even had some meds cause the very thing that they were supposed to prevent! I just wish they'd put me out completely, but they can't do that. I asked.

Well, I've found that the laughing gas works just fine on me. It doesn't do much for fear that I noticed, but I didn't really notice much of anything because I was distracted by the tingly-tingle.

Well, my pharmacist called and said there was a prescription for Ativan waiting. I've had that before, and have no faith whatsoever that it will help.

I had an MRI scan a few years ago on my neck. I was dreading it, thinking it would be claustrophobic but it wasn't too bad. They give you earplugs to lessen the noise of the scanner. I just shut my eyes and did some deep breathing to relax until it was over.

I've had two MRI scans done before, and am somewhat claustrophobic myself. Just don't try to think about it that much, pretend like you're going to take a nap. Definitely don't keep your eyes open too!

On the breathing, can you close your eyes and focus on your breathing? A loved one? I dont know what its like being claustophobic, but focusing on something is something everyone has the potential of being able to do. Right now, you're focused on the machine and then the idea of it collapsing on you. KNOW that it won't, FEEL that it won't, repeat that. Don't repeat 'this machine will collapse on me, I'm scared' because that thought sets up the anxiety and the resulting incapability of following through the procedure.

Best of luck - remember, breathing is key - breathe too fast and you're most likely worried/anxious.. slow it down, relax.. Yes, this takes work but so did learning to walk .. And yes, I've trouble doing this as well, but I do try my damnest (and without medication)

Thank you very much, guys, for the advice. I will keep all this in mind when I go back for the procedure.