X-ray appointment out of the blue

[Helzbells]

Still waiting for the promised phone call from the consultant to tell me the results of my MRI which was to look for inflammation in my spine but today I received a letter telling me to attend the X-ray department on 2nd January. It doesn't even say what type of X-ray has been ordered.

I know nothing about this and nobody has talked to me about anything. The last I heard I'd tested positive for the genetic marker for ankylosing spondylitis but this didn't mean I had it hence the MRI.

I'm having a terrible flare at the moment and my fingers are swollen but now I have this extra worry...

[Neonkittie17]

Hi Helen. Why don't you phone the X-ray department and ask them what you are having. I'm sure it isn't a secret. Or I would phone the rheumy's sec and ask if she can get the rheumy to speak to you re the MRI results. If she promised to let you know and hasn't then why shouldn't you ask? If they have seen some RA inflammation on the MRI they may well want to check the rest of you? Not sure what they have done in terms of that apart from MRI on your back. Did you ever have an isotope bone scan as that's the first thing they ever did with me like a giant photocopier passing over me to record any "hot spots of RA inflammation" as my rheumy said. Where it's setting and being most troublesome. Was useful to diagnose my RA. Please try not to worry as I am sure this is all routine to them but to not tell you exactly what is going on is frustrating. x

[Helzbells in reply to Neonkittie17]

Seems its for an X-ray if my T spine. They’ve already done a full back MRI. So not sure what’s going on. My hospital have blocked calls to the secretary everything has to go through the helpline. Nightmare

[Stephenlangtonriley in reply to Helzbells]

Getting past the gatekeepers has always been a problem, like trying to contact my GP directly. Do you not have a letter from the consultant that gives a direct number?, if not get put through to X ray themselves and ask them why you need this, sometimes they need to do an extra check.

[Simba1992]

Never knew how important it is to keep away from X-rays. How the radiation, even so called small amounts are really a risk not to take if the doctor cannot explain why it is absolutely necessary. You already had MRI done, that is the most accurate way to see what is going on and MRI and US can in fact give most of the information needed for diagnostic purposes. Here in my view is an area where we can protect ourselves since unfortunately very often X-rays are really taken where the benefits do not exceed the risk. MRI and US are the safest by far.

[helixhelix in reply to Simba1992]

Odd isn't it? Normally you do x-ray first (cheaper) and then progress to MRI if it is warranted. Perhaps the MRI showed up a specific issue with vertebrae of the thoracic spine that wasn't fully covered and they want to look form another angle?

I don't worry too much about x-rays, but put my foot down at the idea of having 6 monthly CT scans! Once in a blue moon is quite enough for me....

[Helzbells]

Found out this was the case. Major issues with thoracic spine that will show up better on ordinary X-ray