I would contact GP or Consultant who have requested MRI, they would be informed of the results 

Yeah, I thought of that but I can't find any number to contact the consultant so I'm a bit stuck trying to find out how to contact them.

Hi Abbie,

I was fortunate enough to see my consultant when I was first diagnosed, but since then I often see a registrar who works in the same department. The consultant is usually in the clinic and the registrars can consult him if there is any problem that they want further advice on. 

It is usual to get a phone call from the doctor you saw with your results. Due to Covid more are giving results over the phone, although most still prefer to give them face to face.

I would ring your GP again and explain the situation to the receptionist, then ask to speak to your GP and ask them to follow the results up. Tell the receptionist/doctor that you've been told that they have the results and, that you are just being shoved from pillar to post.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi,

Just wanted to update you guys, I rang my gp and they explained that I get a copy of the results, the consultant does and my gp does so hopefully that is right, because if not I have no idea what to do. I asked about how long it may be and they said they are running really far behind so I have no idea when the results are going to come back. It's hard because I've been fighting with my gp for this mri for nearly a year and a half, worrying everyday as my symptoms get worse and now that I've got it done, I still have to wait a long time, like I knew it could take up to 2 weeks but on Sunday it will be a month and it hard to keep going when you have this dark cloud over your head then no one else seems to see. Thank you for all your help, I might be back if it takes a lot longer because the hospital has been of no help really.

Thanks

Abbie

Hi Englishabs,

I can fully understand your frustration and worry at having to wait so long for your results. There are delays in results due to Covid in many parts of the country.  If you don't hear anything within the next two weeks, the only other suggestion is to contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), which offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters.

They will usually chase up things like this and might be more successful than you at getting some answers. You can find your nearest PALS office on the NHS website. You can also ask your GP surgery, hospital or phone NHS 111 for details.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Just thought I would update, haven't heard anything else, and my gp seems to not seem that bothered, it will be five weeks this Sunday, and I rang the reception and they just said that I had to wait and be patient, I just didn't think I would have to wait this long and I don't know whether to be okay with it, because I've been told many times if they haven't found anything on the mri you won't be contacted quickly, but I don't know whether to believe that.

Hopefully I'll get results soon, but im getting more worried as time goes on.

abbie

The gp has said they don't have any results back, just wanted to make that clear.

Hi Englishabs,

I'm sorry to hear this. I would expect to hear from your consultant before your GP. Why not do as I suggested in my last post and contact PALS?

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Abbie.

Sometimes the results can take ages. I was told my results were in 10 days after my MRI was done - but I didn't get the report on it until 6 weeks after, as they reviewed my results at MDT beforehand. I have had results with and without any issues - and to be honest both took around the same time!  At the moment everything is taking a bit longer. I am waiting for biopsy results at  the moment which in normal times would probably have been back after a couple of weeks - I've been told they will be at least 3 weeks or more, and if they need a more in depth report, then it will add on more time. It is really frustrating when your health is worrying you, but the worrying won't make the results come through any quicker. As I have been given a rough idea on when the results are expected (you could maybe ask when yours are expected) I am just leaving calling them until they are due. This way I can just work towards that time (I have no follow up appointment myself) and fill my time with things that I enjoy,

I hope you hear soon, but you are not alone in your waiting!

Just wanted to update again, rang gp they don't even know if they are getting the results or not, I called PALS like suggested and all they said was to ring the MRI department, but I've been told by family not to call them because they won't know about the results because they only do the scan and send it to a consultant, so I feel like im back at stage one. I know some people have said it may take a while but I would of liked to know who to call just so I would have a timeline, but I haven't absolutely no idea. Sorry about the rant.

Abbie

Hi Abbie,

That is so frustrating - but there is no harm in checking with the MRI department - I think I ended up talking with someone in radiology myself at some point in my current journey (was about an ultrasound guided biopsy that never happened) and they were very helpful. It can't do any harm - maybe you can ask them who got the results, they might even transfer you to the right department if it was in the hospital. I always keep my hospital number as well as my NHS number handy when I ring. 

I know my results are back from my excisional biopsy - but haven't got the results as my consultant hasn't looked at them yet - it's really frustrating! All we want is to know what's going on. 

Seriously if you get nowhere after speaking to MRI department - then you have to go through PALS again and say it's not working and that you need to know your results. The worry and upset it causes is not good for anyones mental health!

Let me know how you get on.

Hi 

I feel for you waiting this long for the results..

I would ring the secretary's and ask for name of who booked it, they should give you a name you can then phone your hospital switchboard and speak to the consultants secretary.

Hopefully you get them soon. 

Chloe x

Hi 

I feel for you waiting this long for the results..

I would ring the secretary's and ask for name of who booked it, they should give you a name you can then phone your hospital switchboard and speak to the consultants secretary.

Hopefully you get them soon. 

Chloe x

Hi,

Another update got a letter from hospital have to have a lumbar puncture, but I have no idea what for. Does anyone know how the medical day unit works because they have given me no information what do ever about what to except in that unit.

Thanks

Abbie

Sorry for all the posts, but does anyone know why i would need a lumber puncture after an MRI, i think im just worrying more because i haven't been given the results of the MRI so my head is goung automatically to there must be something wrong because no one is telling me anything, and im a bit lost with everything and my head is going to the worst case scenarios.

Thanks

Abbie

Hi Abbie,

They must have a reason for you to have a lumber puncture, but to not tell you why or give you any clue is not really on! At least before I had further tests done I had an idea why they were doing it. You need to ring the department you are under and ask someone to explain why this needs to be done. I think I got a letter which basically told me they had found something on my MRI that needed further investigation, and what they thought it was. Even if you ask an admin for help - they can sometimes check if there are any letters pending - or at least get a clinician or nurse to call you back.

Hope all goes well.

Which department do you think I should ring? Because I'm so confused by it all at the moment 

Thanks

Hi Abbie,

It will be the department you first went to pre-MRI - like in my case it was rheumatology.  If it was your GP who directly referred you, then try there. If you have a letter with your hospital number and NHS number too it will help. You need to know what's going on. I would just say that I had been referred for futher tests, but noone has told me why, can someone please give me some answers? After all it is an evasive procedure and it is your body!

Hey,

Another update I got in touch with the doctors secretary but had no reply, gp doesn't think they are going to get the results, so I'm back at the start where I have no answers really.

Abbie

Hi Abbie,

Maybe they are waiting to release the results after the lumbar puncture as it will be more conculsive. If it's any consolation I am waiting for biopsy results and I know who my consultant is - and I can't get my results either. It's not good xx

Yeah, maybe but I would like to know that, because I have to wait nearly a month for the lumbar puncture with no communication with anyone who knows why I'm having the procedure.

Abbie

Hi Abbie, 

There can be lots of reasons for a lumbar puncture, and you're right, they should let you know why they are doing it. I think it's time you got in touch with PALS again and tell them you will put in a formal complaint if noone can give you any information. I might need to contact them myself for my own predicament - my consultant is a locum and I don't know if he works full time or not or if he is even still in the job!

Hi,

Still haven't been able to get in touch with anybody. So don't know what to do at the minute.

Abbie