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MRI referral made following ultrasound scan but nobody has told me why

Worried38292
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Hi, I wonder if anyone could help offer any advice please.

I’m a 30 year old woman who recently had an abdominal ultrasound scan. I’ve been having mild pain / discomfort which is intermittent (sometimes not felt for a week or so) since around October. Gallstones had been brought up by my GP but they weren’t didn’t seem convinced. I have found that a bowel movement tends to relieve the pain which made me lean towards IBS, but after speaking to my rheumatologist about it she referred me for an ultrasound scan - non urgent so took around 4 weeks. 

I had the scan this week and the sonographer didn’t tell me anything other than to call the doctor in a week to discuss results. She seemed quite cheerful when saying goodbye etc, so I was a little reassured but have still been worried as that’s just in my nature.

Yesterday at 5pm -  day after the scan - I missed a call from a withheld number. I have been worried since whether it was the hospital but of course lines were then closed. I tried ringing today but couldn’t get though so decided they would call again if needed to discuss something. 

Today at nearly 5pm again I had a text come through saying I’ve been booked for a MRCP MRI scan. Of course I went into panic mode but when finally got through to the hospital was told the line was now closed, and I’ll have to wait until Monday to call. 

I’m so worried now because:

1. I haven’t even been told why I’m getting this. What was found on the scan? 
2. The appointment is in 16 days which is close to the two week urgent referral 

3. I can see that this specific MRI looks at a few different things including gallstones but also the pancreas - which is what I’m now fixated on :(

My questions are, is the 2 week referral normally exactly two weeks as in 14 days since booking is made? Am I overthinking how soon this appointment is?

If it was the hospital that rang yesterday, would they not leave a message or try and ring again? I had no calls come through today. Wouldn’t I be owed an explanation if it’s something serious? 

is there anyone else I could contact over the weekend who might have access to these medical records? NHS 111? My GP doesn’t have anything since they didn’t refer me for the ultrasound. 

I’m in for a very long, anxious weekend so if anyone could offer any input please that would be so appreciated.

Thank you 

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    I forgot to mention that my pain is located on the upper right quadrant just below my ribs but sometimes a little higher 

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    Forget about the 2 week referral - ten years ago it was significant and hospitals were performance managed against it. 
    I’m only a patient but I’ve been one for a long time and used to work for the NHS.

    The fact that you’ve got an early appointment just means that someone’s used their common sense and booked you into the first available slot.

    MRIs are far more accurate than an ultrasound and are ordered even if its because the ultrasound was inconclusive. In my own case the ultrasound missed my primary cancer despite it being very large - so you’re much better off having a scan. 

    The vast majority of cancer investigations prove to be negative.

    The nurses will be back online on Monday and will be able to give you a more informed reply.

    Good luck!
    Dave

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    The nurses on here do not work over the weekend. I'm sorry you are feeling worried. Waiting for tests and results can be incredibly stressful. Our minds often imagine the worst possible scenario but try to remember that a quick appointment for an MRI scan doesn't mean that there is definitely something to worry about. Most of the time it's because an earlier slot has become available. It sounds like your doctors are just being thorough.

    I know it's easier said than done but try and take it one step at a time until you know more. Some people find talking it through with family and friends and keeping busy can sometimes help. Also try and focus on what you can control right now by eating a good diet, getting enough rest, and doing some gentle activities that you enjoy.

    I hope you know more soon. Give us a ring if you would like to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Celene

    Hi Celine thank you for your reply. I managed to speak to the rhuematology department this morning and it ended up being because of an issue with my bilary duct, most likely because of a stone, so nothing as scary as I was imagining. Thank you for taking time to reply to me and you  I really appreciate it. 

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