Don't know who to get my results from. Please help.

Hi All,

I'm a 43 year old male.

I had a colonoscopy a few weeks ago due to rectal bleeding and severe weight loss and anemia. I refused sedation or pain relief so I could watch the procedure and discuss what was going on with the colonoscopist. There was no signs of any inflammation, diverticulitis or piles etc. However two sessile polyps were removed one 10mm diameter the other 5mm several biopsies were also taken from the colon lining and all were sent to pathology for testing. The colonoscopist said one of the polyps (10mm) was suspicious. Since then I have had no updates regarding the pathology results although I was advised it should take around 2 weeks for the results. I have contacted the hospital who told me my results were back but as I only spoke to the colonoscopy units receptionist she understandably couldn't tell me the results but said a copy had been sent to my GP electronically.

I contacted my GP who claims not to have the results and to recontact the hospital which I did to be told the same thing. A couple of days later the hospital Radiology department called me to say I'd been referred through the 2 week cancer referral service for lymph node biopsies. I told the radiologist I have not even received my colonoscopy biopsy results yet and is he suggesting that I do in fact have cancer and that no one has bothered to contact me to tell me? At which point he said he felt uncomfortable continuing the call as there is obviously information that I have not been informed about and that he would speak to the Gastrointestinal unit that performed the procedure and tell them to call me that day. I didn't receive a call. I'm now really concerned and I don't know who to get my diagnosis from. I now don't trust the gastrointestinal unit as they have clearly had my results and not informed me my GP is passing the buck back to the hospital etc.

I totally understand that our beautiful NHS is under massive pressure due to covid but I still feel really let down, confused and if I'm honest I'm scared senseless. Can someone please advise me what to do?

Thanks in advance!

  • Hi. Firstly i am sorry you are having to deal with this. I would ring your GP surgery and explain what has happened and ask them if they could speak to the hospital asap to get your results from the gastroenterologist because you shouldn't have to be left in limbo like this. Your gp should be able to get the results, it shouldn't be left for you to chase up.Give them a call now. Hope you are ok x

     

  • Hi sorry to read the nightmare you are having. Call your gp surgery and ask to speak to the secretary she will be able to see if the results are back and then she can send a task to gp. 

    Hope you get answers soon.

    Louise x

  • Hi Greeno,

    Someimes you have to take the bull by the horns and ring hospital departments yourself. It's a pain, but it can get you the answers you require, even if it is only to say you have an appointment (which is at least something). If the radiology department told you it has been referred to gastroenterology then ring them again and ask if you can be transferred to the relevent secretary or at least be given a number to contact them. I wanted to know about some tests I was having myself, so I contacted the number on the appointment letter and they really did help me. It always helps to have your hospital number to hand as that can really speed things up too (I always keep my most recent appointment letters for details). If like myself you try your GP, they usually tell you to contact the hospital as your care on that matter lies with the hospital. Hope that helps, and I really hope you get answers soon as no one likes waiting.

    Take care.