People who work at MRI labs: would they be open to helping overcome a phobia?

I had an issue which required an MRI. I didn't last even ten minutes in the machine due to claustrophobia - and that was with my head sticking out(it was for my leg)! Ever since, (this is over a year ago now), I have what I can describe as anxiety about MRIs. I'm terrified I might get in an accident and wake up in an MRI machine, or I'll be so injured they'll put be in one and I won't be able to talk or fight back. Sometimes I think up theoretical situations like, would I rather take a bullet, or have a 45 minute MRI, and it's hard to say MRI. Does anyone on here work in an MRI imaging office? Would it be crazy if I called up or visited and asked to sit in an OPEN MRI machine for a few minutes to see if it helped my panic? Do MRI offices ever help phobics deal with a regular enclosed MRI? After this MRI experience, it has awakened in me a lot more claustrophobia in me, that had been dormant for many years. I'd really like to get over it somehow.
Answer:

This is a pretty common problem. I have many patients who have fear of confinement in close spaces (claustrophobia), fear of needles, fear of blood. I work with psychologists and usually within a couple of visits and practice with relaxation technique or self hypnosis, they subsequently do very well. At first I was quite surprised with the results but now I'm pretty confident and tell my patients that the chances are good that their phobia is conquerable. Some patients prefer to have a sedative before MRI and that's fine also.This answer is not a substitute for professional medical advic...

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I'd suggest contacting a psychologist in your area who specializes in fear and anxiety disorders, especially phobias. They can help organize a treatment plan that addresses your issues along an appropriate timeline. The last thing you want to do is expose yourself to too much too soon by jumping into a MRI machine without any psychological advice. If they have some connections at a local hospital, it may be possible for them to reserve some time in the machine, but my guess would be that this is unlikely. Often these machines have packed schedules from morning to night, and booking time on one can be quite expensive. If you can't get into an actual MRI machine, your psychologist may know of ways to simulate the experience that are just as helpful at reducing your fear response.This answer is not a substitute for professional medical advic...

Doug Girard

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