Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucy
I think that the MRI that I had approx 2 years ago is one of the worst experiences that I have had in my life. The operators (radiographers?) must have their own special rare breed of rudeness and arrogance.
I arrived on time for my appointment, waited an hour and was told the machine had broken down and wouldn't be much longer. At this time I was trying to work 5 hours per day. I knew work would be piling up in my office.
Eventually I was called in - 2and half hours after appt time, I was not told how loud the noises would be other than the fact that I would hear some noise and was asked if I was claustrophobic and I said yes. I was told not to worry as they could see me and if I looked in the little mirror a little way along the tube I would be able to see them and they would stop if I looked like I wasn't coping with it. Plus they would be able to hear me.
I was told that I could have a sedative (in a back handed unwilling way) and I asked if they thought I would need one and at that time said that I didn't really want to have the MRI. Was told that most people don't need one.
Well as soon as I went in I was horrified. It was tiny and I knew that if I wanted to get out on my own I couldn't. The noise was like a toture like my brain was being drilled off and on. 45 minutes of it - with the odd pause in between.
When I was brought out I was told to go and get dressed. I didn't realise at the time that I had tears dripping off my chin and was incredibly pale and wanted to vomit, (until I saw myself in the changing room mirror) needless to say nobody asked me if I was ok, how was I getting home NOTHING.
Fortunately I had my mobile phone with me and rang my husband to come and get me - there was no way I could go back to work, let along drive home. As the insurer was who wanted me to have my MRI (not my GP) my husband told them a few facts etc but no response. After all the insurer is hoping I have "some other illness/disease" than TBI.
If this happens again I will definitely ask to be sedated. This was a private facility too - not part of the public health system.
Seems that non matter what part of the world we are in somethings just don't change.
Lynlee
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Hi Lynlee, It is funny that you mention about tearing...my left eye was tearing like crazy also.It is not on the list of things to expect but then not all things get reported.
In the U.S. we have mandatory reporting of serious injury/death and machine malfunction. (From what I have read not all these get reported )
The so called other incidents are voluntary reporting...things like human error and near misses.Most MRI incidents are caused by human error and not by machine malfunction.
In my opinion all MRI incidents needs to be reported to have a clear picture of the number of incidents , and how to prevent catastrophic incidents.
Do you have any kind of reporting system where you are???
I understand most countries do not.