Colleen Richards
Undergoing an MRI imaging scan can be daunting, especially if a person is prone to feeling claustrophobic in small, tight spaces. When Colleen Richards needed to undergo an MRI to help diagnose neck and back pain recently, she was pleasantly surprised with her positive patient experience at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin.
“I’m claustrophobic so an MRI with a narrow, dark opening doesn’t work for me,” Richards explains. “Riverwood has just installed a new MRI that has a wider table with good lighting, and I got to be the first patient to use it.”
Riverwood’s Siemens Sola MRI machine with Deep Resolve Boost technology offers shorter scan times for patients, higher image quality to support diagnostic accuracy, and a larger opening than the previous scanner. Upgraded LED lights on the scanner also promote relaxation for patients.
Richards adds, “I was able to look out and see the outer room with a nice feeling of space and air. I wore headphones listening to soothing music. The shorter scan time helped me tolerate it too. It was a great MRI scan experience that I would highly recommend to anyone, especially those who are claustrophobic.”
At age 75, Richards is determined to maintain her active lifestyle of water skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Following her neck and back pain treatment, Richards is planning to have two knee replacements at Riverwood.
“My experience as a new patient with Riverwood has been great,” Richards says. “The providers listen to my concerns and the staff members are all so kind.”
