CT results advice please

[Otto11]

Hi I’m after a bit of advice please. I had a CT of chest abdomen & pelvis a few weeks ago for some other issues & have been sent a letter containing the report. I have not managed to see a GP to discuss things but am on a waiting list. I will not be seen by any other specials I was discharged from Respiratory in 2022 after being monitored for lung nodules for 3 years. I was also diagnosed with mild Bronchiectasis in 2020 on one of the CT’s but have never had a face to face appointment. This recent CT has been done by a different trust so even if I was under Respiratory still they would not be able to access it. I will try to add a photo of the report which has also shown a breast area of concern & im having an ultrasound & guided biopsy for that next week. My question is do you think with the new findings that I should be referred back to the Respiratory team. I’m sorry it’s on its side but I couldn’t fit it in any other way. Thanks. It won’t allow me to add a photo for some reason so I will have to type it.

there is a suggestion of a 11mm irregular asymmetric density within the outer aspect of the inferior right breast. There are some pleural densities on the right at the level of the right upper lobe. These are of soft tissue. Unfortunately there are no previous chest CT’s to compare with. Please see coronal key image. There are a few areas of minor atelectssis within the lung parenchyma & a small area of consolidation is detected medically within the right middle lobe. There are a few lung nodules but no suspicious focal lung lesion. Sorry it’s rather long.

[Troilus]

Most GPs offer same day appointments Otto, but you have to be on the phone at 8am sharp. Does yours? If so, I’d book an appointment that way. They will be able to talk you through your results and if necessary make the appropriate referral.

[Otto11 in reply to Troilus]

Thanks. I can’t get an urgent appointment at the GP’s. We can’t call our surgery any more. You can call but it’s someone who passes on a message ( often working from home) they can’t access your records but pass on a message & then a GP decides if it’s urgent or routine. Routine is 2/3 weeks wait. Do you think I need a referral. I’m not sure if I should be concerned.

[B0xermad in reply to Otto11]

Hi otto do you have an econsult with your gp as you can let them know you require some help via that way.I feel you should be referred back to respiratory personally

[Otto11 in reply to B0xermad]

Thanks. I would prefer to be referred back to respiratory for some clarification with all my lung issues. I can fill in a contact us form but I think it’s just the same triage system. I think I will call them again on Monday.

[kev60]

hi I would firmly insist that the doctor gives you a f2f or a phone call to at least reassure you and give you information. Remember gp’s work on a slow or snail pace if urgent they should contact you most of the time it’s a case of waiting. I find sending an email with your concerns and asking for advice helps . Hope you get the info you need. Kevin

[Otto11 in reply to kev60]

Thanks. I’m going to call again on Monday to see where I am on the waiting list.

[Alberta56]

I'd phone 111. They should be able to advise you, and if they think you need to see a GP they will contact the surgery. It doesn't sound right to leave you in the dark like this.

[Otto11 in reply to Alberta56]

Thanks. I just don’t know if I should be worried or not so until I speak to someone I won’t know. The hospital consultant referred me immediately to the breast clinic as the report recommended but there is no recommendation regarding a referral back to respiratory team. I’m going to call the surgery on Monday again to see where I am on the waiting list & then decide what to do.

[Alberta56 in reply to Otto11]

I wish medical staff would remember we are human beings, not just a set of problems to be solved.

[Mooka]

Definitely get an appointment with your GP if not you will continue to worry about this. It’s strange there’s no mention of your Bronchiectasis on the report. Good luck remember to insist.

[Otto11 in reply to Mooka]

Thanks. Do you know I never even thought of that. Maybe these symptoms are part of it? although when first diagnosed the letter said showed radiological Bronchiectasis in 2020. I will bring that up when I get seen. thanks for pointing that out.

[katieoxo60]

Hello Otto11, in veiw of your results generally you would be referred by the hospital to respiratory. This new way just seems to delay things more as well as confuse the patient and waste NHS funds often. But you should be attending respiratory anyway, my advice would be wait for the Biopsy they will no doubt deal with everything else . I was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year but by respiratory before being transferred to the cancer centre. I had four doubtful areas not all lung but lung was classed as priority. Hope this info helps however every hospital is different and the GPs. Good luck

[Otto11 in reply to katieoxo60]

Thanks I'm really sorry you had this diagnosis that must be really tough. I agree I should still be at respiratory anyway. My history is complicated as my rheumatologist who is in a different trust are found the lung nodules so referred me to their trust for respiratory so all my CT's were done there previously. The trust where I live are the ones who are currently doing all these tests and I was referred by my GP so maybe they expect my GP to refer. I have no idea to be honest. I agree about waste of funds too. The biopsy is my breast though but I guess I can ask the radiologist whilst I am there next week. Take care & thanks for your help.

[Thepainterswife]

I doubt your GP will tell you anything more than you already know , if you’re having ultra sound and guided biopsy next week there will be more information available then . I know how difficult waiting for answers is but unfortunately it’s often the case. I have been in exactly the same position as you (CT then ultrasound and guided biopsy although my issues aren’t respiratory ) my daughter is currently the same , been going for scans, cameras etc etc for months and all the GP has told her is that they will put all the evidence together before recommending treatment . It’s such a worrying time I know but hopefully you’ll have more peace of mind after the next investigations Good luck

[Otto11 in reply to Thepainterswife]

Thanks for that & you are right its all the waiting around worrying. I'm sorry you & your daughter have been going through it too. The biopsy is my breast though not my lungs. I get the impression that things are mild so they aren't following it up but I could be wrong. I'm going to call the GP's on Monday to see where I am on the waiting list & ask for it to be brought forward. Unfortunately the GP who referred me for all the tests Colonoscopy & CT who I have been waiting for a follow up with as he was good but he has apparently left the surgery I was told when I asked when my follow up would be. Shame he only lasted about 6 months if that. any that are good leave our practise as it's a shambles.

[PaperQueen]

I agree with the others that you should initially try to see your GP to have it all explained. Failing that, what about calling Asthma and Lung and see if one of their nurses can advise you? Good luck x

[Otto11 in reply to PaperQueen]

thanks that's a good idea. I will do that on Monday ( take a break from writing Xmas cards Ha Ha) x

[Jeaniseuge]

Sorry to hear of all your problems. I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous as “a waiting list” for a GP appointment and I thought that my GP practice was bad! Like you I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2020, after a referral due to a lingering cough. I am still under a respiratory consultant and think you should be too given all of your problems (my consultant understands the short comings of my GP practice). As I moved house in late 2020 my consultant is in a different area to my other records but she has written to another hospital to get reports etc on other consultations in the area in which I live now so that my respiratory records are complete. Everyone should be able to do this. In addition I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 so I feel for you with the worry and uncertainty regarding the breast investigation. Things normally move quite quickly with these sort of investigations so good luck with it all. x

[Otto11]

Thanks for your reply. You have been through the mill too bless you. I totally agree that they can get paperwork from other trusts should they require it so I don't know why they are not doing it. Maybe it isn't significant enough & I don't need to worry. I'm also having a similar issue with a DEXA scan. My Endocrinologist where I live has requested one but they have called me to say that all my previous ones were done by Rheumatology in a different trust so they cant do it as they have nothing to compare the results with. I told them I have the reports from the last 9 years but they have declined. so now I will need to wait till my next Rheumatology appointment to ask them if they will do it on behalf of my Endocrinologist in a different trust!!! I should be being paid the amount of running around I am doing. anyway I think until you get some sort of explanation then you are bound to worry. Hubby says there's no point in worrying till you know what it is. Not really helpful. I'm sorry you were diagnosed with breast cancer I hope you are doing well. Take care x