Scan query?

[Brandibell]

Hi,

Just wanted to ask is it standard to have to wait 18 weeks for a scan on the NHS? I am also being referred for a chat about an ICD i am guessing 18 weeks also? What happens if you get an ICD then a MRI scan after hypothetically? ( Metal)

[gilreid1]

I think this will depend on the area you live in. Also on the urgency of your condition. Pre COVID-19 the waiting time in Aberdeen was six to eight weeks

[Hidden]

Given recent events, I would say that is quite normal...

I waited 12 weeks for a Cardio CT Scan because the hospitals were all busy with Covid 19 - and as I was in shielding at the time, it made not much difference.

I am told that I need OHS sooner than later, and that was 3 weeks ago, and I've had no updates on how my case is being managed - despite being told a surgeon has agreed to take on my case. I'm not really expecting any calls or letters with appointments any time soon.

Take it as a sign that your case is not absolutely life or death urgent - that is how I'm viewing these waits for an appointment, let alone actual treatment.

[Brandibell in reply to Hidden]

Hi,

I am hoping so.

The letter was sent 25th June for the referral for a scan and speak to an ICD man in another letter.... the last date is 29th October 2020 it just seems like an awfully long time to leave someone with moderate HF, who cannot tolerate medication and has an EF 35%. Even though i know this is not low compared to some people, i have no tablets to level me out so i get by on a wing and a prayer most days. haha.. An exceptional case as my cardiologist says..Lol

[bantam12]

Probably depends on type and urgency of the investigations, I got a non cardio CT within 2 weeks from referral.

[Manhattan1]

i was admitted to Cardiology from assessment ward 10 weeks ago and underwent a CT angiogram within 2 hrs.. GP referred me on Friday for a kidney ultrasound and received telephone call today to attend Stirling Hospital tomorrow to have scan carried out

[Brandibell in reply to Manhattan1]

That was quick. I am going from one hospital to another for this. So it is how long is the waiting list at the other one.

[Dicky-ticker]

Your chat with the ICD man, shouldn't take too long as they can do that on a video triage system.

18 weeks for a scan sounds a very long time, but then Covid19 did throw a huge spanner in the works!!

I was advised the fitting of my ILR would be delayed till after my MRI as it would obstruct the imagery. I presume an ICD would do the same.

I would phone your consultants secretary to see where you are on the lists.

Your hospital is slowly opening up all the departments to us generic patients, so fingers crossed things will become quicker soon.

[Brandibell in reply to Dicky-ticker]

Hi there,

My chat with the ICD man will be in person as i am hard of hearing. I am off to BVH for this from RPH. So who knows what is going on up there at present. RPH is great i have seen my cardiologist last week, his secretary is very quick to answer. I shall wait a bit then go for the jugular if i need to. haha..

[Dicky-ticker in reply to Brandibell]

Good plan, I'm revving up to chase my ILR, ultrasound scan and endoscope at BVH 😱

[Sensei_Mark]

It's all ridiculous really. They tell you to go straight to the emergency room if you have chest pains, then say you have to wait who knows how long for investigations/treatment.

[Brandibell]

Quite true i was in emergency not so long ago, i got discharged and told to ring my cardiologist ASAP and see him as soon as. Me and how many others?

I am sat in A and E he is in the same hospital can you not just go and get him. They just make life difficult for no reason.. It is a waiting game alright you need a lot of patience in my case a years patience two cardiologists two hospitals lost notes, no follow up in between and a retired doctor to boot.

I will get the bottom of it before i keel over.. not to joke about but have to or you would cry..

[Sensei_Mark in reply to Brandibell]

Yes, it's crazy.

On a separate health issue of mine, I had to see 14 surgeons before anyone would do anything. These weren't even by referral. I had to scan the whole country literally, before I found someone. I was admitted immediately for surgery the following day.

[Brandibell in reply to Sensei_Mark]

Oh Wow, do it yourself literally..a close call as well.

[Sensei_Mark in reply to Brandibell]

It certainly was. The surgeon said I was about a week away from total paralysis.

I ended up paying for treatment at a military hospital.

[Brandibell]

spinal surgery i am guessing, dangerous operation. are you okay now bar heart issues i am guessing as well?

[Sensei_Mark in reply to Brandibell]

The heart disease has just added to my collection 😁.

My spine was ok for a while, but is getting worse now. Basically it's collapsing from C3 to S2.

The worst thing about that surgery.....I was awake! Just an epidural. I felt every push, pull, hammer blow, drill, screw and skin pulling when they closed me up. But no pain. Strange sensation.

Hence why I can't get the exercise I need for my heart.

Stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea.

[Brandibell in reply to Sensei_Mark]

its sods law just as one thing is getting better another thing starts to pack up.. I think exercise can mean anything with heart issues just getting out of bed we are moving. Granted it is very frustrating as i am well known for being like road runner on my feet 18 hours a day now i sit down after hanging the washing out.

[Hidden in reply to Brandibell]

now you have touched a nerve with that statement...

I too enjoyed activity - bit now a 1/2 mile walk leaves me wiped...

[GracieOS]

Hi, I had to wait nearly a year for my MRI. I had an EF of low to mid 30s at the time. It was a complete nightmare. So, 18 weeks isn't too bad from my experience. That said I think I live in a pretty poor Health Trust area, rural and significantly under resourced.

[BlueJRW]

I feel really fortunate to have been able to use private medical insurance to (paid for as part of my salary package) to see a Cardiologist in January having been released from hospital at the end of December in a very poorly condition. My wait to see the NHS Cardiologist was until mid March...

The private Cardiologist sorted out my meds making me feel and sleep a lot better, and he arranged for my CRT-D to be implanted in February following an MRI scan and other investigations.

Had I waited for the NHS appointment I'd still be waiting for the implant due to the lockdown.

The NHS is wonderful but there are so many demands on an under manned service.

My devise allows MRI scans to be taken I think they just need to make temporary changes the settings (and make sure they return them to normal ;))

Good luck