Had to go for a MRI scan on 25 July - I suffer with anxiety and get very nervous to the point I can't even hold a drink without spilling it because I shake that much. First of all I was not left to wait in the waiting area as I got called in before my appointment time. The lady that came for me explained what it was I was having, how long it would take and that they needed to take 7 images in total so basically 7 scans hence the length of time I would be there.
It wasn't till I got into the room where the scan was that I had a panic and went absolutely white when I realised how narrow and low down the scan machine is as I don't like small confined spaces. The radiology lady saw my reaction and immediately asked if I was ok, when I said no she reassured me and was calming me down straight away and said they would not force me to have this done. I knew I had to and said I would try as I know how important this scan is, but also the fact that appointments are valuable and it's not like mine could have been given to someone else as the was no time to do so. The radiologist was brilliant she talked me through everything. She moved the bed bit by bit into the scanner until I was fully in and she stayed with me till I was positioned right but obviously had to leave the room once the scanner started.
I was given a buzzer to press if I couldn't cope. I managed to get through what I thought was a good while but I have trouble with my shoulders and cos I was in so much pain I was also starting to panic, so I had to press the buzzer. The scanner stopped and both the radiologists came in and calmed me down but my arm was giving me so much pain I couldn't move it without it hurting. Eventually we managed to re-position it and finish the scan. All I can say is even though the scan was not a very nice experience for me due to the fact I have issues with small spaces and anxiety, my experience has no bearing on the staff whatsoever.
The two radiologist were absolutely fantastic and I can't praise them enough for their patience, understanding, compassion and professionalism thank you so much!