Storms and chickens

[SeramaSilly]

I've been fast-tracked for a hospital appointment (appointment has to be within two weeks) after having a CT scan which showed an abnormality to one of my kidneys.  I had my appointment on Wednesday and the doctor referred me for a renogram (x-ray with radio-active isotope).  I received the appointment on Friday but it's not until 20th April - is this right??  He said he would ask for an urgent appointment (within the next three weeks although really it's a month).  It seems a long time to wait for an x-ray to me when I'd been fast-tracked for the original appt.

Anyone here working within this field or who has experience of this?

 

 

[GrannyTrish]

Sorry, I don't have any experience of this, but just want to wish you luck and hope everything works out for you.

[SeramaSilly]

Thank you Trish xx

[Patricia W]

My experience is that a wait of 3 weeks or so is not uncommon.  Appointments seem to be scheduled over that cycle.  And the time targets are just that. Targets and not always based on the reality of the treatment need.  I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer 4 years ago.  It was early in the February, but although I had a couple of CT scans, I didn't see a consultant oncologist till the end of March.  My treatment though started a week later.  And, 9 rounds of chemo, and 3 operations later over a period of 15 months, I'm still here. And so far clear.  

There  were gaps between appointments, and two operations cancelled on the day, (agony!) and then more 3 or more weeks wait for rescheduling.  These were anxious times, but I'm pretty sure that they would and could have fast tracked me if it had been really necessary.  However, I had a medic niece with me, and she told me to get the phone number of the consultant's PA and to keep in touch with her to make sure I wasn't just a number.  That may have helped.  Good luck with your appointment. 

[Grandmashazzie]

I too hope all goes well. I would think it is not too big a gap between appointment and test bearing in mind Easter bank holidays and that some staff may be off longer. Also you need a specialist radiographer for dye injection so you are not just in and out like a chest x-ray.

[The Dogmother]

My understanding is that the appointment should be within 2 weeks of the referral.

Hope that you get this sorted Sophie

[SeramaSilly]

Thanks everyone - yes I've had the initial appointment with a consultant but now I'm waiting on the x-ray.  I've rang the secretary today to make sure the date is correct x

[Luvachicken]

I was going to suggest phoning to make sure the appointment was at the right time, but you have already 

Wishing you all the best and that the special x-ray is not too painful xx

[The Dogmother]

It's always worth letting them know that you are happy to take a cancellation if one cones along (assuming that you are) this is a really good way of jumping the queue.

[SeramaSilly]

Thanks Luvachicken and Clare....yes that's a good idea, I'll give them a ring

[Charlottechicken]

I have no advice I'm afraid, just wanted to wish you well.

[SeramaSilly]

Aw thanks Charlotte, haven't heard back from the secretary yet but I know (having been in the health service myself many years ago) that it takes time!! :-0

[patsylabrador]

Hello. Yes I have over the last few weeks for a whole variety of tests and it all happened very quickly. Between one to three weeks and I was very impressed with how quickly everything happened. It dragged on a little because one test led to another test etc but it's pretty much all over now. Best wishes with your experience. 

[soapdragon]

I've always found that getting the number of the consultants sec or appointments clerk for the relevant clinic/department and then 'phoning every couple of days is a good bet! I've always apologised for bothering them again but asked if anything has changed over the last few days. On occasions it has or I've been told 'glad you rang again, I lost your number but can now offer you.....'

 

Wishing you well (quite literally) and you too, PL! 

[SeramaSilly]

Aw thanks PatsyLabrador for your thoughts and wishes and I hope everything goes well with you now. x   Thank you too soapdragon and yes I think I will ring again on Tuesday as I haven't heard anything - I WAS that medical secretary years ago so I'll have to be a bit more 'proactive'!   x

[SeramaSilly]

Just thought I'd update you on what happened after your supportive messages.  I had my kidney removed on 18th May by keyhole surgery.  It is now a month and a day after my op and for the last two weeks I've felt great!   I got my results Thursday ..... it was cancer but it was contained within the kidney so I don't have to have chemo or radiotherapy but I will be followed up by a uro-oncologist and have regular CT scans to monitor me.  I think the NHS is wonderful!!  

 

[The Dogmother]

That's amazing news, what a relief for you 

It's true, when it comes to the crunch, they are amazing, but on general, every-day stuff, the NHS can be pretty useless.

[Lewis]

Great news

Living abroad I appreciate the NHS much more now, even for simple things like vaccines. A friend had similar this year, she had private healthcare but a nephrectomy can cost $75,000 (US dollars).

[soapdragon]

Glad to hear your very positive news! 

[Patricia W]

Very good news! 

[SeramaSilly]

Thank you so much everyone! 

[soapdragon]

After an intermittent sore throat with neck discomfort from February to May and then a constant sore throat sine the beginning of June I made a GP appointment last Saturday. She decided to try me on antacids (not working!) but refer to ENT in the interim for further investigation. A letter arrived this morning with details of how to contact the patient booking line and I duly called to make my appointment. Looking at two of the main hospitals in Oxford (Radcliffe and Churchill) the earliest date available was 30th November! I am in shock! 5 months wait! Whilst I will keep trying for a cancellation the operator said that this was unlikely as it was a busy department. That begs the question as to why there are not more clinic then surely?  

[Patricia W]

Maybe go back to your GP to see if she can fast track you? I’m afraid though these long waits are why people resort to A and E!