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02/01/2008: "Scanning Difficulties"

I cannot count the number of times that I have had a PET, CT and MRI scan over the past couple of years. The hospital in San Diego even had me do a CT scan last month. I have even had my head and shoulders locked down to a table by a hard mesh mask during radiation treatments. Yesterday, I went in for an MRI on my shoulder and neck to try and see what might be causing an increase in arm pain.

The scan process is pretty simple. You wear comfortable clothes or sweats, lie down on a narrow table, and get slid into a tube for a little while. The only difficulty is if you are claustrophobic. Some tubes are bigger than others. Yesterday’s was narrow and closed in fast. In the past, I try to get a hold of whatever anxiety I am feeling, relax and wait it out. I am still trying to figure out what went wrong yesterday.

The first scan was for my shoulder. An MRI is very noisy so they have you put in earplugs and then wear noise-canceling headphones. Since they can’t have you move, they might brace you with pillows as the table slides into the tube. The shoulder scan was going to take about a half an hour inside consisting of five different scans from ten minutes to three minutes in length. They preferred that I stay in there without moving throughout. Unfortunately, after the first ten-minute scan I needed a break. After changing my shirt, taking off my shoes and adding a wet towel to my forehead, I went back under to finish. At one point a coughing fit on my part made them start one over again.

We never made it to the neck scan and the scans with contrast. I couldn’t finish. Suddenly, I have become claustrophobic and I have spent the evening and morning trying to figure out what is different. It seems lately, I am a little hung up on making sure my air supply isn’t cut off. I even had them turn up my oxygen while I was being scanned. I am also on the steroid Prednisone that makes me a little edgy. Maybe it is a psychological reaction to the fear of death. Whatever it is, I even have trouble looking at images where people might lose air. The image here is the first box in yesterday’s Pearl before Swine comic. It actually made me uncomfortable.

Replies: 6 Comments

on Saturday, February 9th, Dianne said

Dude - it's that damned pred! It makes you crazy and totally unlike yourself (well, at least it did it to me). You hang in Doug.

Dianne

on Sunday, February 3rd, Linda U. said

I remember when Mark and I got certified in Monterey Bay for SCUBA diving. I was SO claustrophobic, I flunked the first day and had to come back the second. The instructor kept telling me to focus on something like a sea star but it was so murkey in the Bay, I couldn't focus on anything but getting out of the water fast!

on Saturday, February 2nd, Cindy said

I've done 2 MRI's. Some ol' lady came out before me saying piece of cake, and i thought..if she can do it... OMGosh! the noise, the anxiety..i had to take myself to my happy place and quiet my mind and just focus on a white hawaiian beach with turquoise water...
i hope your anxieties and concerns give way to positive thoughts and feelings. You are amazing to put these past few years in words to share with your family and friends. The world is a better place because you're in it.

on Friday, February 1st, Mia said

I get claustrophobic when I get a facial and have a hot towel on my face. I don't like anything covering my face. I can't wear turtle necks either. So I imagine I wouldn't do well in an MRI or CT scan either.

I'm sure those fears would be magnified greatly if I was on an oxygen tank. I think you're more normal than you know

on Friday, February 1st, Linda said

Tight places are always uncomfortable, but probably more so when you're psyche is screwed up on drugs. You need to take a deep breathe (don't worry the oxygen tank will help), relax and remember EFT and the Secret. They are there for these types of issues. I know you have the will, so there is a way! Love you, Linda

on Friday, February 1st, Butler said

Hey Rock I am glad to see I am not the only one who can get uncomfortable looking at comics like that. I loose it every time I have to take a MRI. Hang in there man.