Pituitary: Neurologist has requested that my GP urgently refers me to a Gastroenterologist but can't get GP appointment for weeks

Hi

I had an appointment with an Endocrinologist about a month ago and discussed multiple systemic symptoms I've been experiencing. 7 years ago I had a slight thickening of the Pituitary stalk for which I had an MRI 2 years ago and it was deemed ok. The Endocrinologist wrote to my GP straight after my appointment and I only found out by chance that she suspects some malignancy. I did not receive any communication from her or my GP which is upsetting. I found out my looking through my documents on the NHS App.

Anyhow, I had another MRI scan with contrast 11 days ago and am awaiting the result. Meanwhile, some of the many disparate symptoms I described to the Endocrinologist were discussed at a Neurology appointment recently as the symptoms were due to a Folate Vitamin B9 deficiency which damaged some of my peripheral nerves. The Neurologist has requested that my GP refer me to a Gastroenterologist and a General Physician. However, I can't get a GP appointment for several weeks even though I'm a suspected Cancer case. This seems absurd as the Endocrinologist letter to the GP asks them to prepare me for a Cancer pathway.

To top it all, I have nobody to discuss things with as I'm in the middle of a divorce and have moved out.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

  • Hi Steve58, 

    I can imagine it was really upsetting not to receive any communication at the time about the suspected malignancy and to have only found out by looking on the NHS app. I totally understand that you would have liked to be contacted in a different, more personal way. I hope that you won't have to wait too long now for your latest MRI results. I completely agree with you that you should not need to wait weeks to have a GP appointment in order to be referred on the cancer pathway and there is useful information on our website on urgent suspected cancer referrals. So it's important that the referral is done immediately - I would suggest you talk to your surgery's receptionist and explain the situation, that you need to have this referral done quickly as it's an urgent referral. They should be able to liaise with your GP so that the referral is sorted without the need for you to have an in person appointment especially given the fact that the endocrinologist has written to the GP and requested that you are on the cancer pathway. If you don't get anywhere talking to your surgery, it might be worth getting in touch with the neurologist who requested that your GP does the referral and explaining the situation to see if they can help speed things up for you. 

    I would also suggest you ring our cancer nurses to ask them for guidance - you can call them on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and they will be happy to listen and point you in the right direction. 

    I am so sorry too that you are having to go through all this stress on your own as you are going through divorce and have no one to talk to about this. Rest assured though that our online community is right here for you at any time of day or night and I hope that someone will be along shortly to share their words of wisdom or simply to just say hello and welcome you to our forum. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Lucie,

    Many thanks for your informative message and it's good to know there are nurses to speak to and I will follow up on all your advice. 

    Best Regards

    Steve