Open Letter to MRI Technicians

If you have been wondering why I haven't been writing much lately, it is because my pain level has drastically increased and I'm not able to concentrate to write coherently. I've been having a lot of pain in my lower back along my spine and tailbone. In trying to figure out what was wrong, I had several tests done: x-rays, nerve conductivity, and an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

I had an extremely traumatic experience when I had my MRI done at a local lab. I wrote the director of the facility and my concerns were addressed immediately after my letter arrived. I am thankful for that. This got me to thinking that I should create an open letter to all MRI technicians so that others may benefit. The bottom line is that humane treatment by the technician can go a long way to creating a pleasant experience.

In case you are wondering, I had my first and I hope my only panic attack during the MRI. I have had at least two other MRIs in the past and I did not have any problem with them. My latest experience was totally different due to the indifference of the MRI technician.
I wasn't told how long I it would take, how to get help if I needed it, nor was I told what was expected of me. I was only asked, "What music do you like?" Which at the time I thought that question was coming out of nowhere, but to be polite I answered. When I given headphones, that is when I realized why I was asked about my favorite music.

I was told to lie down on the table and then I was pushed into this really small tube head first. After a few minutes, I asked "How much longer will this be?" No answer. Hmmmmm. Maybe she is taking a break. A few minutes more go by and I asked to be taken out of this machine now! Again, no answer. I didn't know if she left or if she was having a giggle fest over my request. Either way it didn't set well with me. Soon after that, I was screaming. I have no idea what I said, but someone came in and got me out. It wasn't the technician that put me in there, but another technician. As I said, it was an extremely traumatic experience for me.

The person who pulled me out was a incredibly caring individual. She calmed me down, looked at my chart, and suggested that I try going in feet first because the area being scanned was in the middle of my body. I couldn't help but think "Why didn't the first technician do that in the first place?" I went back into the tube feet first and was able to see the rim of the tube and the ceiling. I had no problem.

What should happen when the patient is escorted to the room for an MRI:

The technician should introduce them self and confirm that the patient is at the lab for an MRI for (fill in body part). The technician should then explain the typical experience of patients having an MRI and mention how long the test will take. If going in feet first is an option, please ask the patient if they would prefer to go in feet first.

During this talk, the technician should mention how the patient can get the technician's attention if they have any questions or just need to talk during the scan. If there is a panic button or a mirror where the patient can see outside of the tube, please point that out.

Let the patient know that you will be in next room and you can hear them; so if they need anything during the scan, please just speak up. Be sure to answer them when they do talk. Also, let the patient know that you will tell them what is going on every step of the way and remind them that you will tell them when to be
still. Ask, "Do you have any questions?"

Above all, talk to the patient as if you really care about them. Even if you are not a nurturer, learn to pretend that you are and learn to pretend that the patient under your care is important to you. I believe that if you practice long enough on being a caring person you will eventually become a more caring person.