As chronicled in last week's entry, "Claustrophobia" (https://www.gothamnetworking.com/node/15820), I recently bolted from a PETscan machine due to a fit of claustrophobia and, as consequence, I had to return and submit to the test.

So, a week ago, I ventured North from Key West, at 2:30 in the morning, with my neighbor Mike driving me (the previous two trips I was transported by my good friend David Berger who has continuously advised and coddled me) to Miami and we arrived early for a 7:00 appointment. To say the least, I was anxious and Mike did his best to distract me with interesting and engaging conversation. 

Last time, I was unprepared, but this time I was armed with mental preparation (a list of happy memories to distract me), an eye shade (to block out the machine's intimidating tunnel) and 2 pills (Lorazapam) to be taken an hour and half hour prior to the procedure. 

When the time came for the scan, Mike accompanied me into the PETscan room with encouraging words. 

Thereupon, I took a quick glance at the tube (it looked larger) and covered my eyes with my sleep mask as I was placed in the prone scan position. At that time, I asked if there was music to distract me and upon being told no, Mike asked what I would like to hear and I said (Pink Floyd's) "Dark Side of the Moon" and, instantly, he was transporting me there with his IPad placed near my ears. See picture. 

As the machine started, Mike squeezed my foot gently and let me know he would be there with me throughout the hour long procedure and, periodically, he whispered encouragement. 

At no time, did I suffer my usual claustrophobic anxiety, as I gently surfed musical and pharmaceutical waves and am so pleased to say I thus made it through!

With a little help from my friends :)