PET Scan Head First?

[yence99]

Ok, I realize this is kind of silly but anybody that has issues with claustrophobia will understand... A few weeks ago I had my first PET/CT scan. They scanned everything from my head down to my knees almost. The CT scan is a breeze as it is real fast. Now, the PET is a different story. They started with my knees and then worked their way up towards my head. In other words, when the PET scan started my head was outside the machine and then I was inching closer and closer. I pretty much had a panic attack, but managed to get through it somehow. The problem could easily be avoided if we simply had started with the head and then slowly I would move out. That way I would start with the worst part and have something "to look forward to" instead of seeing the machine come closer and closer.

I should have asked the technician if they can reverse the order (start with head and finish with the knees), but I didn't. Does anyone here have any idea / personal experience?

Thanks!

[Nik Colon]

Both times I had a PET, head coming out of machine at the end, not going in at the end. (I remember my first one as my head slowly came out of the machine cuz it had digiral numbers and i watching the numbers counting down). That machine was sooo quiet and moved so slow I didn't know it was moving at first. The 2nd when I had the combo ct/pet, the pet part seemed to stop, then move like an inch or so quick, then stop, repeat for about a half hr or so. I just remembered being in the machine and slowly my head coming out the top at the end (unless my memory is backward, lol)

[yence99]

interesting. When I had my scan, I started with the head out and the scan started at my knees or thighs. At the end of my scan my head was in the machine.

[Lydia666]

I know, PET scan sucks and the mri is the absolute worst! The PET was head last if i remember correctly. During the MRI you are completely in, maybe half of head out but thats nothing. I have a panic attack just thinking about it!

[RobDontGiveUp]

I have claustrophobia but I found the perfect solution. I just close my eyes. I used to be a nervous wreck even when getting blood drawn so now I just look away. Try it. It works!!!

[elise]

I went in head first to the PET. MRI i've had both ways to help claustrophobia

Elise

[Lee]

Close your eyes at beginning and keep them closed till you are finished with procedure. It's what get me through.

My husband has to be medicated to get through these procedure, They give him an IV and he is in happy land during procedure.

Lee