Hepatologist referral runaround

[Mywildlove]

Hello, I hope you’re all doing well.

A couple weeks ago I called my fiancé’s GI office and asked to be referred to a liver centre here. I read awesome reviews about the hepatologist and really wanted him to be seen there. They said no problem and they would send a letter to us when they got it set up. I got the letter today and they didn’t send a referral for the liver centre, they set him up with a different GI doctor for a Fibroscan. I’m glad he’s getting the Fibroscan but dammit I wanted him to see a hepatologist! Have any of you been given the runaround when it came to being referred to a hepatologist? His appointment isn’t until May so now I don’t know what to do. I’m really starting to feel helpless.

[Splodge60]

Are you in the UK? I am. I was referred for a Fibroscan on 1st November last tear. Took 3 months to have it. Now two months since and awaiting to see Consultant but I know my diagnosis - Cirrhosis- GP put it on Patient Portal and still no-one from Hospital spoken to me. The system is breaking down rapidly. It’s a very useful test to have, if you get to talk to someone about the results!

[Mywildlove in reply to Splodge60]

Hi! I’m in Canada I hope you see a doctor about your test results soon. I think one of the hardest parts is not knowing a lot of things. Thank you!!

[Hidden]

I have to make a phone call to my hepotologist tom. If youd like I can tell her of your and Billys dilemma and see what she offers as a solution?

[Mywildlove in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Phoenix but that’s ok, I’m going to call them today and confirm the appointment and just go from there. I’m hoping that having the fibroscan will get his foot in the door with the hepatologist. I hope your phone call goes well! 😊

[Hidden]

Hello, l think l'm right in thinking that you are across the pond and over there in America.

Most people over here in the UK get to see a gastroenterologist first who will most likely oversea the stiffness of your fiance's liver with the fibroscan results, and may call for further tests such as a MRI or an ELF test with markers. Depending upon the results of these additional test, the gastroenterologist may then refer the results to a Hepetoligist of a second opinion.

Sadly due to the increase of liver disease within the western world, people just can't demand access to a Hepetoligist straight away. These things take time. But your fiance is now in the system and his healthcare needs are being addressed. Try to stay calm and patient.

Good luck to you both.

[Mywildlove in reply to Hidden]

Hi Richard, we are in Canada 😊 you’re right, I need to be more patient. It’s hard because there’s very little I feel like I have control over with this sickness and getting to a hepatologist is one of those things that helped in my mind. I’m hoping having the fibroscan gets his foot in the door with the hepatologist. Thank you for your help!!

[Peppy05 in reply to Hidden]

I had from the beginning of cirrhosis diagnose I was sent to hepatologist and gastorilogist and I live in United States.