"Having an MRI of my heart"

I received an appointment from the MRI department in Leeds General Infirmary after I had been referred there by my cardiologist.

The corridors to the department weren't very clean but inside the department it was very well organised. I was a bit early and managed to get changed and lock my things away, and then go through without waiting. The staff checked me for anything metal and I climbed on to the couch.

I knew it was going to be a tight fit but I was given some headphones and so could listen to the radio. I thought it was going to be very noisy but in fact with the headphones it wasn't too bad. The staff helped me relax and though it was a bit claustrophobic I concentrated on relaxing and even managed to fall asleep. The test took about an hour and at some points the scanner makes you feel hot but it was bearable.

Afterwards I had a letter from my cardiologist telling me the results were ok and that was copied to my GP.