Will I have to have an MRI before surgery?

Does everyone have to have an MRI before surgery. I was supposed to have one a month ago for a lump in my arm and couldn't do it so they sent me to an open MRI machine and I still freaked out and couldn't do it. I never knew I was claustrophobic but I am. Everyone told me the open was a breeze but I still couldn't do it. I kept telling myself. It was 45 minutes with no kids, no worries, just relax and listen to Howard Stern on the headphones. But the minute she pushed the button and I was inside I freaked out and couldn't do it. It felt like the top was resting on my face and I knew I couldn't get up..Are there any other testing like this that I will have to have before surgery???

Debbie, I do not know the answer to the before surgery question, but from somebody who has had to undergo waaaay to many MRI's in the past. I had a brain tumor and my couple of years after removal I had to have a MRI every 3 months. If you do have to have one you may ask your doctor for something to relax you. My Doc would always prescribe one yes only one valuim for me to take during the procedure. Make sure that you are going to a MRI machine that is big enough for you, they all feel somewha like coffins, but it is the superior test to look at your insides. Good Luck. A very, very pre-bie Kym

When I went for my Pre Admission Testing they did blood work, urine test, an ultrasound of my gallbladder, and chest x-rays. Hope this helps. Hugs, Lisa