CT scan, scared

[lubylou]

Hi all, ive got to have a Ct scan soon, and im terrified, im quite claustrophobic and dont think im going to be able to lay still without feeling panicky, any suggestions?

[Snook]

As your GP for something to calm you down on the day, they should be happy to help.

 

They aren't too bad, it isn't as closed in as you would imagine, but the noise can be quite loud.

[lubylou]

Thats what worries me aswell, the noise, would i be able to listen to my mp3 do you think?

[medusa]

Which part of the body is your scan for? There's lots that can be done to help you be less anxious with medication, but they may also be able to position you differently to prevent panic, like sending you in feet first rather than head first if your scan is of your abdomen, for instance.

 

Don't fret, it only takes a few minutes these days and there is lots that can be done to make you less worried.

[medusa]

Are you going for a CT or an MRI? CTs are really quiet- it's the MRIs that are noisy. You couldn't have your mp3 with you, but they may play music for you through their speakers.

[lubylou]

Which part of the body is your scan for? There's lots that can be done to help you be less anxious with medication, but they may also be able to position you differently to prevent panic, like sending you in feet first rather than head first if your scan is of your abdomen, for instance.

 

Don't fret, it only takes a few minutes these days and there is lots that can be done to make you less worried.

 

Its for my stomach area, ive just read on NHS website it takes about 30 mins? It is a ct scan.

[lubylou]

I might ask them to send me in feet first then, i think that would be better, its having the head in the circle bit that would panic me i think.

[medusa]

I'm sure that if you contact the unit they will be able to put your mind at rest about being able to put you into the machine feet first, play music, talk you through the process over the speakers and all sorts of other things which will help you cope.

 

What you have to remember is that you're by no means alone in having anxieties about this sort of thing and the unit must have ways of helping people with phobias get through it.

[lubylou]

Thanks Medusa, i will talk to them when i get my appt.

[Snook]

Its for my stomach area, ive just read on NHS website it takes about 30 mins? It is a ct scan.

 

Make sure you let them know that you have a problem, they'll help you as much as they can. There can be quite a loud whirring noise, but it isn't as bad as the loud banging noice of an MRI. When I had a CT scan I was told it would take half an hour but the actual time in the machine was probably half that.