"Curate's egg in MRI"

Almost two weeks ago I attended for an MRI. I must first praise the member of staff who attended for me for their comforting and supportive manner and good communication with me throughout my time in the ‘tunnel’.

Second, I have a request: could staff carrying out such procedures please be adequately trained and kept refreshed in skills of cannula insertion? Although my impression was that the member of staff concerned cared a great deal about doing a good job, the insertion of the cannula was both traumatic and painful. I came very close to announcing that I was not willing to endure more of this and to walking out. Multiple attempts were made, and I was left with very large bruises on both my arm and the back of my hand.

Furthermore, the member of staff positioned me for a right arm insertion, even though I had, both in writing and orally stated that this side should be avoided due to a previous lymph node clearance: I had to be quite firm before this information was heeded.

As a cancer patient of some 12 years’ standing, I have had many cannula insertions for two surgeries, CTs and a variety of other purposes, but this was by far the worst. It would make this disquieting procedure much more bearable if technicians were trained to be more proficient in this skill.