"Feedback on MRI experience"

A fortnight ago I attended William Harvey Hospital for a MRI scan of my lower back. I had previously contacted the department to tell them I suffered from claustrophobia and was told this was not a problem as I could be put in the scanner feet first and my head could remain outside. I also looked at the video on their website to familiarise myself with the equipment and what to expect.

However, on arrival I learned that the scan would take place in a mobile scanner. This was different from what was shown in the video. Although I went in the machine feet first, my head was inside. My daughter was not allowed to remain in the control room for the scan and had to wait outside the trailer. At the beginning I was asked if I could hear the radiographer through the headphones and replied that I could. After that I heard nothing more: no-one spoke to me to tell me how it was going and there was no music. All I could hear was more or less constant loud tapping and banging sounds. I only knew it was finished when the noise stopped and then the operator pressed the switch for me to slide out.

I found this a horrible experience which I would not like to repeat. I think the procedures should be reviewed so that those who have a problem with confined spaces should not be sent to the mobile scanning unit and it should be explained to those who go there how the experience will be different from what they may be expecting.