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Long wait for results

Goldie60
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In mid June, my husband had a  painful perianal abscess, which he had to have drained. The wound has healed well and he now feels fine.

The hospital doctor decided he needed a pelvic CT scan, to see if there was any underlying reason for the abscess. This was done on 23rd June.

He was contacted and an appointment made for 10th July, where he was told that he had a dilated appendix, and there could be several reasons for this, including cancer, and they wanted him to have further tests.

He was put on to the '2 Week Wait', and had a blood test on that day, a CT scan of his thorax on 15th July, and a colonoscopy on 21st July.

Now it has all gone quiet, and there has been no contact from the hospital about the next steps.

At the colonoscopy he was given a report saying that the colonoscopy was normal and there was no cancer found, and he has no symptoms of anything.

But, I don't want to make an assumption that all is well. 

We haven't had much experience with hospitals - is it normal for them not to bother to tell patients if they are ok, or should I expect some sort of follow up after these tests.

I did try to chase this about 10 days ago, and was told that the doctor had been away for a few days, and the person I spoke to said he'd email the doctor.  But we've had no contact at all.

It feels like this is drifting, but I don't think I'm being unreasonable to get the doctor's opinion on the results of the tests and if anything further needs to happen.

I don't want to make myself a nuisance, but should we just wait, or should I start more regular chasing?   

  • Hello Goldie60

    I'm sorry to hear about all that your husband has been through over the past few months. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about the delay in having the results of all his tests confirmed and the lack of contact from the hospital. 

    I'd suggest contacting the hospital PALS team. They provide a point of contact for patients and their families and it's part of their role to help resolve concerns or problems when you're using the NHS. They should be able to help get some clarification for your husband. 

    I hope that you have good news soon. 

    Best wishes,
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Thank you, I'll give PALS a try

  • Make a nuisance of yourself! Ring every day. Talk to the consultants medical secretary- I've found them to be very efficient and caring.. My experience is that you only get info if you are persistent. 

  • Offline in reply to Gillm

    Unfortunately he doesn't have a consultant - the only doctor he has seen is an Associate Specialist in General Surgery.  We've got no contact details for her.  I did try to chase this, I had to phone a number I found on a letter. The person who answered the phone said he'd email this doctor, but this was nearly 2 weeks ago, and nothing seems to have happened. The lack of a meaningful way of making contact is another thing that is causing us anxiety.

    I am going to give it another couple of days, then I intend to email the PALS, to see if they can do anything to help.  It will seem like some positive action I can take, rather than this feeling of drifting.

    Thanks for the suggestion, though..

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