Referral

[Joey-12]

Hi. I recently went for an hearing test, knew my hearing one side was not good. After the test he asked me some questions ‘did I have have tinnitus in one side’ Yes. Did I have facial numbness - yes. He then dropped the bombshell that he suspected a tumour. Eventually got to see my doctor who referred me to ent. No appointments available every time I try to book. Does anyone know what the wait time is. My doctor just said she did not know. I know from reading various posts they are slow growing but that still does not stop me worrying.

[bypass]

It sounds like you have yet to have an MRI Scan to confirm you have an AN? If that is the case, you need to be pushing for the MRI appointment ASAP rather than the ENT appointment as the ENT cannot do too much without the scan results. Good luck

[Joey-12 in reply to bypass]

Hi thanks for the advice. Sorry for the delay in responding. Been a difficult few weeks with family member in hospital with Covid and her son may have cancer but can’t get tests until he’s has 2 negative Covid tests. Got a call today with phone appointment on Wednesday

[904newton]

I had a scan because of hearing loss and then told I needed another one quickly as I had a AN then Covid came into the picture so had to wait four months like you I was very worried eventually had an an MRI with contrast and it showed a tiny 4x6mm AN so on a watch scenario. I did phone the ENT and scanning department to get the second scan done maybe contact them and explain your worried it might get you up the list a bit quicker xx

[Joey-12 in reply to 904newton]

Hi. Been difficult few weeks with family problems. Got a phone call for today with phone consultation so will hopefully get scan

[Kristyll]

Unfortunately all hospitals have different date times but if it’s a long time and you feel worse you can ring the hospital, or your G p can. Good luck x

[Joey-12 in reply to Kristyll]

Thanks. Got phone consultation wednesday

[Leodo]

Hi, hearing this sort of story more and more frequently, think Covid is not helping but do not let them use this as an excuse. You need to push for an MRI asap. Make a nuisance of yourself. Express your fears to your Gp, Phone hospitals directly, be prepared to travel if necessary. Do not let the system take control. If you are experiencing side effect symptoms you should be understanding and exploring treatment options not waiting for a diagnosis. The side effects are often worse than the tumor itself, Facial palsy, eye problems balance issues etc. You need to catch it early enough to give you the full range of solutions, gamma knife, conventional surgery etc. With my wife we found all this out too late to our cost. I wish I knew this 3 years ago. Hope this helps, ask any further questions, you gets lots of help from this site. Good luck.

[Joey-12 in reply to Leodo]

Hi. Thanks. I did ring chasing up appointment a couple of times. Got phone consultation on Wednesday. Fingers crossed will get mri after that. Just need to know. This last couple weeks been awful. Niece been in hospital with Covid and her son may have cancer but because he had Covid has to wait for 2 clear tests before they will investigate

[Pinklady111]

Hi Joey-12

I have had a similar experience to you, went to audiologist and she asked me the same questions, I too have severe hearing loss, tinnitus, facial numbness, balance problems. It took many months before i had an appointment to see the ENT specialist and he confirmed I needed an MRI but there was a wait for that too. Unfortunately when the appointment date came through it was for March and so it got cancelled and I had another appointment for August which confirmed AN. I was seen 3 weeks later by 2 surgeons but they said there is a long waiting list because of the back log from covid and the operation may be next Spring. It is a worrying time when we have to wait but it seems to be the situation in many areas. I was told it is a slow grower and so I try to focus on that while I wait. Hope things go well for you.

[Joey-12 in reply to Pinklady111]

Hi thanks. I just need to know. If it is then will get in the cue. It’s the not knowing. Got phone consultation Wednesday. See what comes from that

[Kristyll]

Good luck with your telephone apptd. sound like you have mire than enough on your plate! X

[Joey-12 in reply to Kristyll]

Thanks. Had phone consultation and he’s referred me for urgent MRI Just waiting for appointment Hopefully will be soon as he marked this urgent . Update. Got mri on Tuesday evening

[Kristyll in reply to Joey-12]

Oh great good luck for Tuesday. What hospital will you be at?

[Joey-12 in reply to Kristyll]

Hi. Beaumont hospital in Bolton. Just want it done So lucky consultant said it was urgent as I dread to think what the normal waiting times are

[Kristyll in reply to Joey-12]

Pity there’s no visiting as Im in Hindley Green and ran BANA NWest at the MRI for 19;years. Whose the Consultant?

[Joey-12 in reply to Kristyll]

Hi. Mr Malik. MRI Tuesday and Have an actual face to face appointment on the 26 October with him

[Kristyll in reply to Joey-12]

I presume he is a skull based surgeon and not just ENT?

[Joey-12 in reply to Kristyll]

Hi. He covers lots of areas. But I am so glad I got a quick nhs appointment and mri scan. If it turns out not to be AN then I am in the right place to find out what it is.

[Teashop]

Get a MRI scan privately if need be

[Kristyll]

Keep us posted xx

[Kristyll]

At least you will be near enough to Manchester the area Of excellence if it turns out you need surgery. I trained at Salford the then Hope hospital