If so, how long did you have to wait for it?
I need one for a liver problem that isnt showing itself clearly enough to figure out a resolution. My GP said it would be urgent as I could get blood poisoning. I just got my appointment through and it is not for 11 weeks!
Ive already been ill for 6 weeks, and waited 2 for the appointment! Is this average??
2007-02-26 05:34:20 · 15 answers · asked by mrssandii1982 4 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Sorry, I`m in the UK, you have to bear in mind that our NHS is slowly going down the swannee!!!!
2007-02-26 05:43:58 · update #1
If your GP is convinced the need for the scan is medically more urgent than the appointment you have been given, he has an obligation to request a more urgent appointment.
As a GP myself this is a regular issue for me too. It is understandable and unfortunate that we as GPs send in referrals with full information and then have to waste our time re-referring because the system is inadequate for even reasonable demand. Even then there is no guarantee that 'the system' is going to provide an earlier appointment. If it doesn't again understandably, the patient is back at our door, asking what we are going to do about it.
Believe me we are very sympathetic, many times a month I feel I am banging my head against a wall.
In terms of the scan itself, talking both medically and personally, I have had a couple myself- and yes I waited too I promise! They are a doddle and involve no discomfort. The only people who have any bother is those with extreme claustrophobia and have a problem with the enclosed space involved in some scans.
2007-02-26 05:58:07 · answer #1 · answered by Dr Frank 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I work in the imaging department of a private hospital in the UK, and I know how much longer it takes to get an MRI on the NHS than privately....I also know that it can cost well over £1000 to get a private one, so you need to be insured if you are thinking of that.
I have also noticed that liver problems are often detectable on an abdominal ultrasound, which is a lot cheaper and less unpleasant than an MRI, so perhaps you could ask your doctor if he/she thinks you might have that instead?
Hope this helps.
2007-02-26 16:47:00 · answer #2 · answered by jill_vic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had several and yes this is quite a normal waiting period, but its worth pushing if you can. Ask if you can be put on the cancellations list, if there is any change in your symptoms, however small, go back to your doctors. One of my scans was due at the end of September and I went back to the docs with a slight deterioration of symptoms. He was concerned and pushed the hospital to scan me early. I got mine done 8 weeks earlier than scheduled.
Its a very simple, painless procedure, though a bit noisy!! Good luck.
2007-02-26 13:43:56 · answer #3 · answered by Ellie L 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a MRI as was having lower back problems and the scan took about 40 minutes from start to finish. It was quite noisey inside whilst the scan is in progress but this comes and goes. I would say for you not to open your eyes whilst having it done as its very snug in there.
I waited over 14years for them to fix my back but as soon as I had my MRI i got my op in 9 months.You could try contacting your gp again to say how long you have to wait and they may be able to hurry it through for you, no harm in trying.
2007-02-26 13:51:33 · answer #4 · answered by kazza 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you usuly have to wait about 12 weeks for an mri scan .I have had three mri scans in the past .And they are very good at finding what is wrong with you .Don't worry things will be ok .
2007-02-26 13:46:56 · answer #5 · answered by sukito 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes and like you there would have been a long wait so I went privately to a clinic.
Speak to your doctor again and if you can say you are prepared to go outside your own Health Authority area to have the scan and then take his/her advice on follow up.
Good luck.
2007-02-26 17:51:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got mine scheduled for two days later. Eleven weeks is a long time!! If it's urgent then contact the MRI company.
2007-02-26 13:44:22 · answer #7 · answered by Saucy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it all depends on location, maybe theres a huge line waiting to use one in a hospital, but maybe theres a small practice somewhere near you that would have one. It would probably be more expensive but you could probably get in and out quicker.
~Best of luck
2007-02-26 13:45:02 · answer #8 · answered by Adicbatic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't believe you have to wait that long but sometimes there is a backlog of patients. I have had 2 MRI's and the worst thing about them is the noise!!!!!
2007-02-26 13:39:32 · answer #9 · answered by Pamela 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you call your doctor and see if they can call and put a rush on the appointment time to get one closer? If he tells you that you might get blood poisoning I would be calling him to see what he can do.
2007-02-26 13:38:10 · answer #10 · answered by TheRaven_poe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋