For the last almost three weeks I’ve been waiting for the results of an MRI scan on my back. I’m suffering back pain & sciatica. The doctor diagnosed a trapped disc pressing on a nerve but I requested an MRI scan to know what was really going off.
It took ten months & much persuading before the doctor finally agreed to send me for a scan.
I was expecting a phone call from the surgery to make an appointment to see the doctor & discuss the results.
Today I got my results by a text message. It said ‘The MRI scan shoes some degeneration of the discs in between your vertebrae. I have referred you to the musculoskeletal service for a further assessment.’
And that was it!!
I feel gutted that I couldn’t discuss the problem with my GP - there were so many questions I wanted to ask.
I haven’t had an MRI for a few years and then they used to send you a DVD with the scans on it but now I am told they they automatically transfer the results over the internet direct to your doctor/specialist (same as blood tests etc). Mine were for the same reason as you.
You’ll get better answers from the specialist anyway. GPs generally can’t read the scans in any detail anyway they just read the attached notes.
Perhaps your system works differently to here but the GP sends you off for MRI scans and refers you to a specialist at the same time so the results are sent to the specialist who you visit next and who will explain everything to you and arrange the necessary treatment/operation.
Carol, first of all, you have my sympathy. Sciatica is awful. I had a slipped disc about 7 years ago and the pain got so bad that I was barely able to walk 100 metres. The disc had partially burst out of the space between the spine bones and was rubbing against the sciatic nerve. However my doctor was correct, after time the nerve develops a skin and the pain abates. You may not have a condition that can self heal like that but fingers crossed.
I am not a fan the way the NHS works. It takes ownership for progressing your treatment and you just get to follow. The note you got basically said things are moving in the background and you have to wait. Where I am in France, here you as the patient ‘own’ all the scan results, you get hold of them and you take them to the specialist for discussion and treatment plan. Plus I have had two MRI scans in the last two years alone - they seem happy to use the equipment that they have and I was scanned very quickly.
The positive thing for you is that you have been referred to the musculoskeletal service - which implies that a specialist will be given your scan results and I guess will get in touch with you for further assessment and a chance to discuss things. Eventually.
Sounds to me like its aged related Carol ,Once you get to see some one in the musculoskeletal service you will be able to ask them the questions and get a wider picture .
I do wonder if you are doing harm to yourself with the walking and Aqua Fit , what do you think ?
There comes a time when we have to be kind to ourselves and slow down . The Mind might be willing but the body isn’t.
The MRI scan is cheap, the report on the scan is what takes time as it needs to be written up by a specialist. You are entitled to your records and any report that your surgery received
@Eliza I know what you’re saying but I’m not ready to give up yet.
I just moderate my exercise. I walk on the flat & the aqua classes are gentle. I googled the best exercise while suffering from sciatica & walking & swimming came top.
It’s important that I keep moving - use it or lose it don’t they say? lol
Strathmore, I hope I have the same condition as you. That has given me hope.
