Hi all, Just wanted to have a bit of a vent! I am undiagnosed and saw my neuro for the first time the other evening. Initially I got referred on the NHS but the waiting time was 4 months. After a few scary bouts of new symptoms I decided to go private for my initial visit and got seen within a week. I think that the tests he did at the time were relatively normal (he didn’t say otherwise) but he still said he would like a brain and spinal MRI. However he said that I ‘couldn’t jump the queue’ and if I wanted an MRI on the NHS I should be referred to his NHS practise. This would mean seeing him again and THEN being referred for an MRI. Don’t get me wrong I had not intended to jump any queue! However I see it as a bit of a waste of the NHS, his time and the time of others waiting to see him again, to then be referred for an MRI - no wonder the waiting list is 4 months! When I asked how long the wait was he said about 4 weeks. Do you think it would be shorter because he’s referring me himself? Or he’s quite unaware of his own waiting list. Hmm. Secondly, I went back to work yesterday for the first time in a few weeks. This involves standing for 8 hours. By the time I got home I jumped straight into bed, felt severe fatigue, couldn’t move my legs and arms it was even an effort to talk! Today I am still feeling the effect. I’m worried because part of my degree is a teaching placement which starts in February which will mean 6 days a week including my normal job, I’m really worried how I’m going to cope. If I fail I might have to retake the whole year 
any suggestions? Thank you all x x
hi emma
you should talk to your tutors about your illness and ask them what can be done for you.
have you got a pastoral tutor? if so, that is the person to speak to.
it sounds as if the job standing for such a long time is a major problem for you. could you ask if you can be moved to a seated job?
as for failing your degree, dont even think that word to yourself.
even if you dont pass, with your health issues “fail” is not an appropriate word to use.
good luck and i hope your mri comes soon.
carole x
Hi, I am undiagnosed & I saw a neurologist privately as there was a 10 week wait in my area. He was not concerned enough to put me forward for tests but he transferred me to his NHS caseload for a follow up appointment (this was 3 weeks later).As my symptoms did not improve he then put me forward for an MRI of the brain/spine & this took another 4 weeks. He didn’t say anything about ‘jumping the queue’. I agree, it does seem silly to have an initial appointment again just for the sake of it! How frustrating. Please speak to your course tutors/ school teachers when on placement. Hopefully they can suggest ways to make it easier for you. All the best xx
Unfortunately, in my experience, neuros haven’t a clue how long anything takes in the NHS. I’m surprised about having to see him in clinic before he can refer you for the MRI, but I guess it varies around the country.
Let’s hope he’s right and it’s only 4 weeks!
Re your placement: definitely speak to your tutor, as Carole has already said. There should be someone who deals with Student Support (or similar) too who might be helpful and there should certainly be processes in place for exactly this sort of thing. Hopefully you’ll be able to work something out.
Karen x