"Infant trauma"

Firstly, we didn't receive a letter for the appointment and were told on the phone to attend an MRI for my infant on a certain date and at a specific time. 

On the day me, my husband and my son attended the appointment and were 15 minutes early, so we were waiting to be attended to. Once we were seen, we got handed a clipboard to fill out information of my son and us (parents).

We waited and waited while watching other patients have been attended to. 2 hours had passed, and my son was getting very distressed, so I went to ask why it's taking so long, to which I was told your appointment is booked for 2 hours after the time we were given to my horror.

I told the radiographer that my son is in a lot of distress, to which she said ok, just keep him awake. Keep in mind he hasn't slept all day, and we were told not to feed him until it's not time for his scan.

Finally, we were called in, and my son was given melatonin and I fed him, and he fell asleep straightaway, but unfortunately, we were made to wait another 20 minutes. Then, finally, it was my son's turn.

My husband carried him in and lay him on the MRI bed, and my son woke up, so we had to turn to put him back to sleep. My son wasn't going back to sleep, so the radiographer said just put him inside as long as he didn't move. Seriously, how is it possible for an 8 month old baby to stay still.

Anyways they began to scan and due to the very loud noises my son began to scream and was in a lot of distress to which I asked to take him out immediately but was told they need to do the scan so they will put cartoons on for him. That didn't stop the crying. They continued the scan, and my son got even more agitated. Then the radiographer came and said he's not lying still, so they couldn't do the scan. My son was finally taken out and was crying his lungs out. I held him tight, but he wasn't settling at all. Then me and my husband and I went to get our stuff, and the radiographer came and said we'll send out another appointment.

Now, a few days have passed, but my son is still petrified. He is traumatised. I can't even put him in the car seat without him screaming and crying his eyes out. Even if he hears the doorbell or any loud noises, he begins to hyperventilate.

For me, as a parent, it is the worst experience ever. My happy, playful baby is now always scared and doesn't get off my lap. My heartbreaks to see this, and I hate myself for having put my son through all this.