My doctor recently sent a referral for an MRI here, as it was much closer to my home than any place…read morein Syracuse.
Not only is it closer, they have appointments available easily a month or two sooner than any place else in the region, it would seem. Certainly a lot sooner than any place in Syracuse!
I am a difficult patient to deal with, not because I throw a fit, but because I cannot sit in a chair, and can only walk (with a mobility aid) about 20 feet, and I have severe pain after doing so. I had to lie down on the floor soon after getting to the front desk. This understandably caused a fair amount of distress all the way around, but I had no choice. Rather than getting angry at me, the staff were all very kind and compassionate. They made intake as easy as possible for me, crouching down and helping me with my paperwork.
They rolled the MRI gurney all the way down the hall to the doors that opened out to the waiting room. I only had to walk about 15 feet to get to it. They helped me on it, and also got a wedge under my knees right away when I told them I needed it in order to lie still in the machine.
When they rolled me into the machine, they of course gave me headphones and asked what my preference was, musically. I asked for classical, and they gave me some really nice soothing music. They also had nice cool air blowing over my face, which helped SO MUCH with feelings of claustrophobia. The tube can get warm and stuffy, so the air REALLY helped me.
I ended up meditating on an oil painting of autumn leaves, listening to lovely classical music and enjoying the cool air on my face. They were really kind, checking in and letting me know how much time I had left in the tube. It sounds weird to say this, but I actually enjoyed it. I was a little sad when it was over, even, haha! Yeah, the machine goes ANH ANH ANH ANH ANH TOKTOKTOKTOTKTOK EERRRRRRRRRRR, but the classical helps sort of drown that out, and it's just pretty relaxing overall. I think I might have even dozed off, despite my intense pain. They did everything they could to make sure it was all as painless and stress-free as possible.
Once I was done, everyone on staff at the time came out and helped me to my car, walking with me the whole way and making sure I got in the car. I didn't scream or cry at all until I had to get to my car (it was a long walk for me) and I could NOT have made it if they hadn't been there.
I cannot express my gratitude for their compassion strongly enough. They are wonderful here. If you need an MRI, this is THE place to go. The people working here are so nice and caring. They should be proud!
