I'm Hoping Sqad Is Still Around?

[kia cat]

I've been diagnosed with cancer of the prostate. Due for first MRI scan on Thursday, and that is terrifying me more than the cancer. Totally illogical I know, but I am very claustrophobic. It seemed to creep in after a head on car accident 15 years ago.

The point of my question, is there some sort of tranquilliser I can take before the scans? Thanks

[albaqwerty]

Kia, hope all goes well.

Phone your GP, he/she will advise you.
It's the noise of the machine which I found most disconcerting, but take some music with you.

[murraymints]

Kia...sorry to hear your news...as albs says loud music...eye mask....chin up !

[Maydup]

Sorry to hear your news kia cat. Don't be frightened to tell the staff how you feel about the scan, they will be fairly used to people having the same anxieties. Take one of those travel masks with you and take a minute to put it on as you go onto the scan. Try not to remove it and relax as much as you can.

[Sqad]

Sorry about the diagnosis, but it may not be as bad as the future may seem, depending upon the type of cancer and the grade.

MRI......phone the X-Ray dept of the hospital as they may well have an "open scanner" which means that you will not be enclosed.
They will also give you instructions re. sedation.

[kia cat]

Thanks everyone, for the good wishes and the advice. When they did the one on my head I thought my fillings were being shaken out!

I'm off to see my GP today and will speak to the MRI suite.

[Tilly2]

Kia cat, I had an MRI scan a couple of weeks ago and like you, was dreading it.
They gave me earphones to wear and I chose to listen to Ken Bruce. I put on an eye mask and they gave me a 'panic' button to hold throughout the scan. The tube is open at both ends, so no one is going to close you in there. They talked to me through the earphones and told me what they were doing. They were very reassuring.

All in all, it wasn't half as bad as I expected it to be.

[anneasquith]

kia, ive had an MRI and it is not too bad , good luck for Thursday >

[SeaJayPea]

I insisted on being tranquilised when I had an MRI four years ago. They thought I was being a complete wuss, but eventually they did and I have precious little memory of it. God bless Pethidine.

[fbg40]

Hi Kia cat
I was diagnosed with PC in July 2010, had the prostate removed followed by 7 weeks of radiotherapy. Did they give you a grade on the Gleason scale ? Assume you had a biopsy - was this your first biopsy ? I only have to see the urologist once a year and the oncologist once a year at present, but have my next appt in April. As far as the MRI goes, I have had several ( for different problems) and as albaqwerty says, the noise was the most disconcerting thing. The radiologists will ensure you are ok.
Good luck and keep us posted.
FBG40

[boxtops]

Good luck for Thursday, kia - let us know how you get on.

[kia cat]

Thanks all. In a good place at the moment. Had an unexpected onset of anxiety Sun night into Monday. But have spoken to GP, MRI team and the Nuclear Medicine Team [bone scan]. Feel a lot better, had a good chat and tour @ the Olive Tree [ www.olivetreecancersupport.org.uk ]. Lots of lovely messages, from all directions.

fbg don't know yet, will get my level and grade after both scans have been interpreted. Will let you know. Glad I'm not alone in this. X's Kia ;)

[albaqwerty]

am glad you posted this morning, as wanted to wish you well for today xx

[murraymints]

We'll be thinking of you today..good luck xx

[Maydup]

Thinking of you today Kia.....

[fbg40]

Best of luck today, keep your chin up.
FBG40

[pixie373]

Best of luck xx

[sandyRoe]

I hope things go well today. Good luck.