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Query about MRI result times

EllaW
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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? 

  • Offline in reply to EllaW

    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.
     

  • Offline

    Hi Ella

    I had my CT scan and MRI (17th & 20th Dece) and I was supposed to have appointment on the 12th Jan for the results as to whether  the cancer had spread.I however got a phone call the day before (which certainly stressed me) as they wanted to cancel my face to face appointment as clear at the moment.I was told 2-3 weks wait is normal at the moment due to the time it takes for thorough checks. I suspect if the radiographers were really worried things would have moved quicker.

  • Offline in reply to fffcancer

    Thank you fffcancer

    I'm really pleased that you are clear atm. I can imagine your worry when they called you.

    Fingers crossed my MRI is clear. The receptionist was very confident that would be the case. Now I hope to find out exactly what on earth is going on. xxx

  • Offline in reply to EllaW

    From what I've now gleaned myself is that things happen extremely quckly if there are concerns and slow if there arn't concerns.... priority of patients and resources.YOUR scan results will be ok I'm sure when you finally get them.

    I currently have eye cancer (lucky me having a rare cancer!) and I was referred for further body scans in August... which didn't happen until December. I also don't know whether my radiation has sorted things until March (which was treated in October). Cancer tests your resilience and patience as well as mental well being for sure.

    Take care x

  • Offline in reply to fffcancer

    Hi fffcancer

    Sorry - I thought you were free for now, but I see that you won't know for sure until March. Eye cancer must have been a shock. I hope the radiation has worked and you're back to let us know in March.

    I had a retinal detachment last year (not cancer, obvs) and I was treated as if I was royalty with a fantastic level of speedy treatment, including post-op checks. Ditto, the breast cancer unit check was done and dusted in three weeks from initial GP letter to check/mammogram/ultrasound/verbal outcome and then confirmation letter.

    So it was a bit of a surprise to be on the backburner with what seems to be the most serious concern: the ultrasound showed a dilated bile duct and the symptoms all point to one thing. I have only seen the consultant once in November. I had a long wait for the MRI and then another long wait. Saying that, if it's not what is suspected then I'm very, very happy. 

    Good luck with your results. And thank you! Xxx

     

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