This morning I had my first MRI.  I've been avoiding it because I'm quite claustrophobic but I've come to a point where it is the only test that will give me a definitive answer and (hopefully) give me peace of mind.

It was not a fun experience lol.  The machine that I was put into was one of the newer machines, called a "wide-bore."  This basically means that the diameter of the tube is wider that traditional MRI machines.  This "tube" is also open at the front and the back, which DEFINITELY helps lessen the feeling of being trapped.  I used this to my advantage.  I also went into the machine feet first, which means that my head was somewhat near the opening of the machine so any time I felt trapped, I was able to tilt my head back and see outside the tube to reassure myself that I COULD slide out if I absolutely HAD to.  It's the little comfort thoughts like this that help get you through.

Anyway, they slid me in and I felt like I was in a coffin.  The top of the tube was probably about 6 inches from my head and there was really no room to move on either side.  The entire time I was in there totaled about 20 minutes.  What got me through was tilting my head back every so often to see the outside and basically putting my thoughts somewhere else.  I tried to pretty much daydream, and sort of go over what I was going to do after the test.  I also tried not to be too conscious of the rest of my body except for my head and arms so that I wouldn't feel as constricted.  

Before I knew it, I had completed the test and I couldn't be more proud of myself.  Of course, I had the help of a small dose of clonazapam 0.15mg, but I did the rest.  Hopefully this will help someone else that is nervous about an upcoming medical exam or something else they feel nervous about doing.  It IS possible!