Had brain scan last week, doctor just rang, asked how I felt, told him still on 5 mg, surprisingly said if it gives you a quality of life that’s good. Mumbled on then said scan ok except some swollen blood vessels. He asked if I was on statins, starting them later in the week. He said ideally I would like to send you to Neurology but there is about a 12 month wait, no surprise there then. I said I’m happy to pay, to which he replied, I’m going to refer you to the older persons department! He said maybe they will refer you there anyway. Not sure what to think! Anyone been to that department? All suggestions welcome. Thank you
Results of brain scan… : Had brain scan last week... - PMRGCAuk
Results of brain scan…
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Longtimer
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It might be a way to get around the waiting list I suppose. Not very reassuring was he? Good luck Longtimer. I would take what I was offered in this day and age.
Yes I agree will pay if they suggest it. Not sure if more experienced doctors check the scans before the GP. Don’t really feel anymore satisfied since the call! How are you?
A radiologist should check and interpret your scan. I am not sure my GP would know where to start reading a brain scan!!
Yes this is what I wondered! Might check that
The report will have been written by a radiologist - wouldn't go out from the department unless it had been approved.
OH keeps saying if scan was checked before GP rang, why couldn't they explain why blood vessels are swollen, and will older peoples department have the answers, and if not, what's the point....basically I think I am being referred there to prevent a fall with my balance problems.....ironic consideri ng OH had a fall last week!
Because the radiologist just reports what they see. The GP just tells you - but doesn't know WHY it is so, Elderly care specialists include most specialities so should have access to neuro and rheumy opinions. They are usually pretty clued up about falls - and most hospitals have a falls clinic these days. They have access to specialist physios and occupational therapists with the right training too.
Yes, told him this, his reply was, the swollen blood vessels could cause a stroke or anurysm so why not investigate that further, must say at first it crossed my mind about a vas culitis or something similar which I read on here.....
Don't think they would lead to an aneurysm. But yes - a vasculitis seems a reasonable question. But I doubt the GP is up to that!
Certainly not the one I spoke to, he was asking me questions that I knew and he should have as well, he didn't have my details on screen. Will be mentioning the vasculitis when I next speak to someone.......who hopefully knows what they are talking about!
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There are a lot of advantages to a referral to that department - it used to be called "Geriatric Medicine" but the PC brigade got iffy about the connotations and in some places it disappeared altogether as they put the patients into medical wards - which was neither fair to the elderly nor the other patients who needed to be there. Indeed, both patients and their families dislike the term "geriatrics" and in the meantime in many places Care of the Elderly has become a replacement term with a multi-disciplinary team who specialise in the specific and unique needs of the older patient. Just think - a department that has staff who are actually aware of the limitations having the stiffness of aging put on rehab has to be a good thing doesn't it? They have slightly different views of the longerterm use of some drugs -like pred. If it makes safe movement possible - don't say it can't be used!!!
Yes, I agree will post on here what happens, they can call me what they like if I get answers. Had that call, now had the most wonderful afternoon tea with sister, paid for by granddaughter, what a strange day! OH got over fall OK thank goodness
I believe Elderly are now called Older Adults!!
It's all relative ...
It is all ridiculous, ‘chest feeding’, ‘mutually assured response (nuclear war!)’, ‘birthing parent (a woman!)’………
New speke
We will soon be called a “past it person”
Gubmint already classifies us as such ...
Gubmint ?
See the second definition here
Older Adult is very vague. When teenagers are called Young Adults, what are people who are in their 20's? There is, I think, as much difference between some one who is 60 and someone who is 80 as there is between a 13-year-old and someone who is 21. Certainly in my late 70s I'm not the same as I was in my late 50s. Example: even a handful of years ago I couldn't have imagined that a total eclipse of the sun would be happening a few hundred miles from my home (albeit in a rather inconvenient location) and I wouldn't have been making every possible effort to go view it. Yet here I am, will settle for clear skies and seeing crescent-shaped dappled shadows filtering through the trees.
It is all to do with inclusivity. We cannot be called old or young, male or female, fat or thin, it has to be watered down. It is great news for the printers as they have to keep reprinting everything with the latest PC wording.
It's probably not PC to object to the term "pregnant people". However, given what we in the attic of North America see happening in the big country to our south, I think it's somewhat dangerous to water down the word woman. And maybe we don't like the word geriatric, but it's really important to recognise there's a not insignificant number of human beings who require a mode of care which doesn't fit the standard. Recently there's been talk in Canada about how our hospitals are designed to look after 27-year-olds, whereas nowadays it should be 72-year-olds. 
That sounds better than “elderly”. When I hear the word elderly, it reminds me of my dear old mum & dad who were 98 and 100 years respectively when they passed away. Now that IS elderly 🤣
We need different terms to distinguish between the hale elderly and the frail elderly, not necessarily defined by years lived.
But some things deteriorate even if you are hale.
And as they deteriorate you become frail? There is a transition and perhaps that transition is not as abrupt as it appeared to me when I was ten years old observing the elders in our community, perhaps as a result of modern medicine which does keep us going longer, eventually prolonging not just our days of reasonable health but our days of increasing frailty? Doubtless I'm on the way to finding out the answer!
Fascinating. As my body appears to be rapidly giving out in numerous ways I was thinking it would be nice to just go talk to someone about everything, figure out best way to stay mobile and cognisant, not this piecemeal, only allowed to discuss one thing at an appointment arrangement, with result sometimes futile referrals which don't materialize these days. And I'm lucky. There are now over 150,000 people on waitlist for a doctor in Nova Scotia. So it's quite charming to think that somewhere on the planet there are departments that actually care for the "geriatric" cohort!
Totally agree Heron. One issue per appointment even though all the issues are related. I always gave a list. Always bring the same list the next time. Lucky to have a GP, but she doesn't know how to access reports or bloodwork. Laughing out loud. Thank the gods for our forum. My daughter always refers to me as a "woman of a particular age". Off to see about cataracts this aft. All this was arranged by yours truly.
I remember when I gave birth at just over 30 I was a geriatric mum
I was an "elderly prim(igravida) at 27. And these days they are churning babies out in their 40s. Lord knows why - I was a grandma at 47 and it about finished me when No 2 arrived when I was 49!!! He was a buxom bairn and wouldn't walk ...
As a now retired radiographer a brain scan would be read by a radiologist often someone doing brain scans frequently. At some hospitals in my day two radiologists would check if correct reading……….I do hope you get help soon.
don’t be alarmed Longtimer. When the doc first mentioned that phrase to my b-in-l he didnt know what she meant. He was mortified when she explained - as he’s only 73!
I reckon they think we’re all old codgers when over 65, let alone over 70.
Actually, the differences in medical terms start from about 55 ...
What!!??. If someone had told me at 55 I was a geriatric, they would have got a slap🤣
The comedian who said this getting old lark is not for sizzies was right, but I also know the alternative!
When I was in my twenties I held the contentious view that those over 40 were passed it and if not making a “useful” contribution to society and the world they should pop over to Switzerland . Now I’m in my 60s I have realised it’s the older generation that know everything not the younger…
Hospital just called from Older persons dept.....I have an appointment for Monday morning!.....I asked how old we have to be to qualify to go to that dept....70......my appointment will last 2 hours....seeing a doctor and a physio......watch this space!.....
Sounds like a department that works with some intention!!!
Yes, I agree, feeli ng positive I will get some answers. I am going to make notes of my problems....can be easy to forget sometimes to tell everything....Will post back how it went....
At least they allow enough time to ask a question or two! AND apparently intend to examine you - how original!
Yes, I was quite speechless when she said 2 hours!....I ask because OH takes me then parks near a lake past the hospital and goes for a walk, this time he ca n go home and I'll text when I'm out, we don't live too far aw ay...... ...
Would you not prefer to have someone with you in the appointment, Longtimer? I only say this as when my husband first saw the neurosurgeon he went in on his own. I told him after that he’s not allowed out any more on his own as he doesn’t ask a lot!
But good luck for Monday.
Not my husband, he wouldn’t speak! Dosen’t deal with strangers too well, me I will talk to anyone, not him…..thank you
Ha, perhaps we ought to introduce them to each other; they’ll have a lot in common🤣.
Exactly, they don’t ask questions etc, they just accept things, not us…. So different, sometimes I envy my husband, they don’t overthink things!
Me too. And mine doesn’t look at his results on the surgery’s website; he leaves it to me!
And - horror of horrors - I’ve found tonight that they’ve put some of my own blood results on my husband’s! It’s not the first time either!! I’m going to write to the head of the surgery to complain.
I should think so - not good enough at all. You'd think they'd be up on patient confidentiality at the moment wouldn't you!
It makes me wonder how many other people they get records mixed up with.
Sadly nothing surprises anymore. Now writing down, health problems/ meds/any questions I have for appointment on Mond ay requested by them......yes plenty!!
Recently I was referred to the Dept for the Elderly by my GP and had the best half hour consultation ever. Looking at things from an older person's point of view was so helpful and he was completely on the ball with regard to two major problems I have. There was also a long discussion about various medication I am on. He also convinced me that he was really interested , which always makes you feel better !. Of course people vary and perhaps I was lucky but I don't think you have anything to lose by going to that department. Good luck.
Are you in the UK, Francesbarbara? I like the sound of that department if you get such a good rewarding outcome
Yes, but my nearest hospital (where Dr Wilson is) is in Inverness.
Almost makes me want to be older than my 61 years to get treated like that ha ha, my GP allows one subject per 5 minute phone call, I wonder if I just said help she would allow me an ‘in person’ appointment.
Just shows you how different rules GP's are. We are fortunate and can have 15 mins for one subject or 30 minutes for more than one. These are face to face appts. though you do have to wait 3 weeks for them. Emergencies are seen the same day.
Imoressive - I hope other bits of Scotland are the same!
Last time I had to call 111 who told me to call GP snd say 111 says I should be seen now they still said NO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. Result was 14 hours in A&E which achieved nothing and took me a week to recover from. GPS are a law unto themselves I fear.
Thank you hope I am a lucky as you. Hope they helped you.
Yes, my husband was referred there after becoming sick after we were on holiday. They sent him for tests, like brain MRI (because he did not know who I was for 48 hrs while away), & heart checks. It was excellent. I felt they had more time, too, no ‘rushed appointment’. I queued to see Neurology for 4 years. I have a bad hand & arm tremor. First it was lockdown, so had a phone appointment…to diagnose a tremor the Consultant could not see!! Did get a tentative diagnosis. The waited 3 years. Suddenly an appointment for a brain MRI! Then waited another year for a face to face appointment. I should take what you’re offered. If they think it’s urgent for you to see neurology they may organise it far quicker than the ‘normal’ wait!
hi Longtimer, I was referred to a neurologist for dizzy spells and reduced balance. 15 months after a scan . I was told that the involution or shrinkage was typical for my age, but not to worry. He encouraged me to reduce the steroids- I’m on 5 mg at the moment- as long term use can have that effect. I didn’t know that. However, the rest was good news. My dizziness can be cured by physiotherapy.
I hope you get some good news and lots of help. Will be thinking of you.
Yes that’s what I have been thinking. Did you get an answer for tremor, have that too especially when I first get up in the morning. Hope husband is ok.
Go to someone privately, but do make very sure you are still given the NHS referral to a Neurologist, & push to see someone ASP. Some of the drugs which might be useful to you are extremely expensive & although it's difficult you can get them on the NHS if they are really necessary. You might not have PMR & a neurologist will be able to help you.
Thank you good thinking
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