Query about MRI result times

Hi

I posted here a few weeks ago and got very helpful advice. Thank you. I do have a further query that I would appreciate help with.

Following an ultrasound scan that found a dilated bile duct, I had an MRCP (MRI) three weeks ago. I'm still waiting for the results. I called the consultant's secretary after two weeks but she didn't call back. A friend said that a delayed response is good news. Do you think this is the case or am I being optimistic?

A nursing friend said that if it was serious, I would be ill by now (this has been going on for months). But other than substantial unintentional weight loss, under right rib discomfort and unusual on-off symptoms (swollen boob lumps - not cancerous - occasional back ache/stomach ache, etc.), I don't feel poorly. 

As time goes on waiting for the results (I was told it would be a fortnight), I am coming to the conclusion that all must be okay or they would have called me or arranged another appointment. 

For people who've had an MRCP/MRI, were you called quickly if they found something? 

Parents
  • Hi Ella,

    I had to wait for 5 weeks for my MRI results to come through - sometimes they take the results to MDT meeting before they give you any information. I was lucky that the secretaries were really helpful and kept me informed as much as they could. When they said my results were in - but going to MDT - I kind of freaked - but then they said it was usual protocol. I would keep calling to see if you can catch someone - weirdly I always got someone around 12 noon!  I hope all turns out well for you.

  • Hi Songbird

    Thank you for your helpful response.

    Sadly, the consultant's secretary keeps her phone on permanent answerphone - and her message advises that too. She also says that she never responds to results requests, which has proved correct, and she doesn't respond to queries about when results are expected either!

    So it's radio silence from the gastro department, which is the opposite to the breast clinic (I saw them last Monday), who checked me, did an ultrasound, a mammogram and sent the confirmation of [good] results within a week.

    If I haven't heard from gastro by Thursday, I may give PALS a ring. I just need to have some idea what is happening.

    Thank you. xxx

  • Hi Ella,

    PALS is a great idea - but another possible way is to ask your GPs if they have had any info - they may be able to access scans etc. You could also ask them if there is anyway they can find out what's going on as the gastro department are impossible to contact. It makes me wonder why you are given phone numbers where the calls are never answered. That's stupid! 

  •  

    Hi Ella,

    Were you give a contact for a specialist nurse? This is someone else that you could contact.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi

    My GP said they couldn't help as they get the results after I do. They said they couldn't contact the consultant's team either. I don't know why. I might try them again as it may be a case of getting a more receptive GP response this time.

     

    Thank you! x

     

     

  • Hi Jolamine

    I wasn't but I can ask about this. Thank you. x

  • Thanks for your help, Songbird and Jolamine.

    I phoned the GP again and the receptionist said that my results wouldn't be serious as the hospital would have called me by now. They call people urgently with serious issues and others have to wait for up to six weeks. She was very clear that it won't be serious - she was called within three hours with the results from her first MRI - so I'm not so concerned now. :)



    Noting this, I've asked the GPs to consider other tests to explain my substantial weight loss and symptoms.
     

Reply
  • Thanks for your help, Songbird and Jolamine.

    I phoned the GP again and the receptionist said that my results wouldn't be serious as the hospital would have called me by now. They call people urgently with serious issues and others have to wait for up to six weeks. She was very clear that it won't be serious - she was called within three hours with the results from her first MRI - so I'm not so concerned now. :)



    Noting this, I've asked the GPs to consider other tests to explain my substantial weight loss and symptoms.
     

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