Hi all,
Thanks, Jan.
![Smiley :)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
Such a good idea. When I got my MRI, I was designing a new way to make MRIs more user-friendly other than the obvious - MORE ROOM - I assume the size is the way it is due to the technology or someone's perverted mind (like the mammogram inventor). Anyway, as an artist, I tried to really get into it. I figured sounds of waves and sea gulls, the smell of the ocean and a soft breeze. being piped in. Then a painting done ala Tromp loi with a lot of perspective and soothing colors of a cottage beach sitting a top rocky cliffs, overlooking the ocean. As you go through the MRI you watch a sunset. When the sun is set, you are done. But that was all dashed during one of the breaks between when I asked the guy to bring me out for a moment and he wouldn't until I insisted. By then it escalated my phobia.
Gosh it is stupid. People without that fear are lucky. My friend here keeps saying it is no big deal. I agree with that on the intellectual level...but emotionally I don't listen. I started thinking for those that don't get it, if you are afraid of snakes or tarantulas, imagine letting them crawl on you for an hour. I am not afraid of either, so I would be okay with that. When I was young I had a pet snake.
Hi Steve, maybe it isn't called claustrophobia since you can see out.
![Smiley :)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
It is an intense fear of really tight spaces, getting stuck in them. The mask is tight and I will be stuck in it. I don't know if that makes sense, but there it is.
I am absolutely confident I am making the right choice for me with the CK. I love the doctors, and the facility, both have the AN specialty and have done hundreds and hundreds of them for people all over the world. I am thrilled with the statistics for success, my Dr. only having 2 out of 500 ANs growing afterwards. Both of those were larger than mine. Facial nerve conservation is good as well as hearing. I can go out to lunch afterwards. So why am I like this???
I KNOW I will get through it. I will wear pirate socks...where do you find those, anyway, Pirates-or-Us? I am not a wimp about very many things. I hate I am a wimp about this.
Thank you for letting me vent. For those of you who are facing REAL things to be scared of and dealing with real serious issues, I know I am lucky and I do appreciate it. I think that is what makes me even madder at me. I might try to find a quick course in meditation.
Mary