Hi - I’m in the process of going through the MS work up of tests. I have had a first appointment with the neurologist and was swiftly sent for an MRI. This was almost 2 weeks ago. I haven’t received my MRI results yet but today I received a letter for a second neurologist appointment in 5 months time. Surely I don’t have to wait that length of time for results? Is it possible that I will get another letter with results? Is this normal experience? Obviously, I’m anxious for my results and hoping someone can shed some light on this. Thanks!
Hi Kristy, I don’t think it is at all unusual to wait for a few weeks for the results - agonising as it is ! Maybe wait a week and then try contacting the department to ask when you will get the results and what happens next?
Hi Kristy,
My experience has also been that it’s painfully slow. MRIs of the brain are usually sent to a neuro-radiologist for a report. That takes time (at my first hospital, it was 8 weeks for this stage - estimated). Then the report is sent to your neurologist… some of them don’t even make an appointment until then.
The radiology report itself is not very meaningful without a doctor to interpret it, alongside your symptoms. They are usually short, full of medical terms and leave you with more unanswered questions. Many hospitals won’t release the result (positive or negative) before your appointment - that’s been my experience.
There is a recent podcast for people awaiting results done by the MS trust - search for “MS trust” “limbo land” - it’s directed at people in exactly your position. Among other things, they ask a neurologist what she would recommend people do while waiting. Perhaps that might help a bit.
Personally, I’d recommend doing anything that would absorb your attention. It’s really hard not to keep worrying.
Hi Krissybelle
I can’t say what the actual procedure is supposed to be but in my case I had first appointment with my neurologist and then my MRI scan a couple of weeks later. The Neurology consultant then telephoned me about 2 - 3 weeks later with my MRI results.
I’m guessing it may have a lot to do with where you live.
Neurology and indeed most departments are extremely pushed at the minute.
My GP was astonished at the speed I was given an appointment in the first place.
Best wishes and good luck
Dave
I’ve now been waiting 10 weeks since my MRI and not heard anything, and have no follow up appointments booked. This was after a 14 week wait for the MRI after the neurology appointment.
It’s an absolute joke. Symptoms of something (maybe MS) have been ruining my life for two years and I want to understand.
I would chase up on that and ask when you are likely to hear something
I have chased, several times, and each time had a totally useless answer as if I’m being ridiculous wanting to know what is going on and that I’ll hear when I hear.
I’ve even tried to just get confirmation that it’s still in the system and on someone’s radar with no luck.
Best case scenario is that it was clear and then low priority to update me, but honestly the lack of understanding and respect for patients and how they feel is crazy.
It’s 10 weeks, I just want an update.