Claustrophobia and PET scan

[greg_oz]

I wanted to pass along my experience during my PET-CT scan yesterday, in case anyone else has one coming up, and may be slightly claustrophobic.

I (rather unexpectedly) had a panic attack yesterday when I was in the PET-CT machine. The machine is about 6 ft long, in a fairly dark room, and when I was placed in it, laying with my arms above my head, my nose was about 3-4 inches from the top of the 'tube' that you get put through the machine in. Because of this, I could not see the end of the tube behind me or in front of me, and my heart started racing, my brain said 'get me out of here', even though my mind knew there was nothing to fear. Anyhow, I got the tech's attention in the other room and she slid me out of there. I calmed down a bit, we turned on the lights in the room, and my wife was able in there after the CT portion of the test ended, which helped me get through the test.

I never realized that I was claustrophobic prior to yesterday, I never had a panic attack, or whatever you call that before, either. I have had countless CT scans, but never a PET scan (or an MRI). The CT machine is a lot shorter, so there was never this issue before with me. I think knowing that I was going to be in there for about 25 minutes and not knowing how the scan would work (how much I'd be in and out of the tube), etc, I think just freaked me out.

Anyhow, that was quite embarrassing, but I figured it was worth sharing!

[Fish]

You never know when these things are going to hit you. And like you said, your're also worried about the test results, it all adds to the anxiety.

I've never been claustrophobic either, but in an MRI, with a plastic cage over my ribs to limit motion, I started to get really nervous - It was a close call, a couple of minutes longer and I would in full blown panic.

There is also something disconcerting about having my arms over my head for any length of time.

[TCLEFT]

There is also something disconcerting about having my arms over my head for any length of time.
That's one of the worst things for me. Scar tissue from one of the tumors is right up against my thoracic spinal column. Staying in that position is downright agony. So far I haven't had any panic attacks at the CT or PET. I generally save those for the middle of the night when I should be sleeping. Try and explain all of this junk to people who see you're out of treatment and so you must completely cured without a worry in the world. Wow, that rant came out of left field, but felt oddly purging. Sorry I veered off again. Thanks All.

[Karen]

Mark, another puppy? :D :D

I had a clostrophobic panic attack walking through the giant heart at the science museum in Philly....I'd need sedation to make it through a PET.

[TCLEFT]

Mark, another puppy? :D :D

I'm sorry, I lost focus. What were you saying? (http://www.kenyalabradors.com/puppies/images/labrador-puppy1.jpg)

[lynjames]

Same thing happened to me in MRI for my shoulder. Ask your doctor and they will give you Xanax as long as you have a driver to take you home. Worked great for me!

[Karen]

I'm sorry, I lost focus. What were you saying? (http://www.kenyalabradors.com/puppies/images/labrador-puppy1.jpg)


Awwwwww, I was saying that's the cutest little puppy...i think :p

[AdrianB1971]

I also had a panick attack on my CAT scan after IO [just before receiving the bad news about lung mets]

[CharlieFL]

I had an MRI a few years ago for two herniated discs in my lower back and although the room was dark, there was light inside the tube... even so, I almost "lost it" just about when the tech came on the headphones and said "all done!" - so it saved me an embarrasing moment...... because of that MRI years ago, I find the CT Scans a lot better to pass since the CT "doughnut" is quite more open than the tube.....

[Russell's Mom]

Very frightening I am sure! As a nurse, I have responded plenty of times to someone in a similar state. you are certainly not alone. As I learn more about body chemistry, there is information about anxiety and decreased levels of necessary nutrients. There is quite a bit of info out on the internet. It makes perfect sense to me that people dealing with disease, chemo etc have sudden unexpected body reactions. Neuro chemistry is so exact, slight changes make all kinds of odd reactions. Example...Seretonin is one of the main chemicals needed in the brain. Huge amounts are also used in the gut. If the gut is inflamed, most of the seretonin is used up there...poor brain is left depleted. off the top of my head, inositol, is used for anxiety etc. Found in large amounts in cantelope. If I get a chance at work I will try to download a document. Of course this is not a fix all and I have had plenty of mental flying monkeys to deal with inspite of the nutrients. Let us know if you find out any other possibilites. Livestrong, Sharon

[Russell's Mom]

Darn....I have the document but cannot figure out how to get it from my e-mail to post here. Let me know if you want the document and I will send through PM or e-mail. It is interesting because they are also seeing some cancer protective properties!! If anyone can give e-mail to gif 101 lessons, I am open!! thanks, Sharon

[petep]

when I was about 7 years old some friends and I thought it would be neat to climb thru a drain that ran underneath a country road...3 of us, could barely creep along forward, no wiggle room...we got to the end, and it was blocked...and we were 3 deep, me first....had to wiggle out backwards, and I was pinned wating for two of them to get going....i'd rather eat worms....

for years, it required all my concentration on something else to stay in confined spaces where I can't move....

I think now when I get CT scans I'm perhaps more paranoid of thinking I pissed my pants, and being embarrased when its just the iodine rush....that thought cures me of the confined space...

pete

[Scott]

Man, Pete, I went into your story fine, but I think I came out claustrophobic. :eek: