MRI results insight

Hi, im new here. Just looking for some advice from those with experience. I was reffered to nuerology as urgent in August with suspected MS, I already have another diagnosed auto immune disease but had been struggling with sympotoms not typical of that. Initially the hospital said i would be seen in 2 months, then 3, then 6…my GP chased it up for me and the hospital arranged an MRI scan before an appointment with the consultant.

The radiologist who did the MRI said that it typically takes 2 weeks to get the report back to the consultant but if they see something they try and get it done quicker.

Turns out the consultant got the report within 5 days which has got me thinking they must have seen something after my conversation with the radiologist.

I spoke to the secretary of the consultant who was shocked at the speed the results were back. She told me the consultant had dictated a letter that needed to be written up and sent out but with christmas and a back log for me to expect the letter to take 2-3 weeks. Obviously she wouldnt disclose what it said.

Would they give me bad news in a letter (they did give me my other diagnosis by letter which is whats worrying me) or do i assume if i am getting a letter thats positive?!

I do finally have an appointment with the neurologist at the end of Jan but that was a coincidence and the appointment was made before the scan results came through.

Its frustrating knowing the mri results are there and i dont know them as i can think of little else (but i understand they have tons of people to sort out not just me so thats not a moan im just struggling with the not knowing when i know they know).

Any insight appreciated!

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Hi Dex

Try to concentrate on the fact that you have a Neuro appointment at the end of January (4 - 5 weeks away); if you get the letter before then, it may just be confirmation of what the MRI showed/did not show and suggestions for further testing. I do think the secretary could have been a little more diplomatic in her choice of words - people sometimes don’t think of the effect their word choice has on other people.

Thank you for responding. The waiting is hard, im obviously not as patient as i thought i was!

Shes definitely not the most diplomatic secretary.

Will just have to try and forget about it for now. X

Hi Dex and a Happy Christmas to you. I tend to think that you shouldn’t read anything at all into the time taken etc. I’ve been getting MRIs for years , sometimes I receive a letter in maybe a week or it could be up to 8 weeks. I guess it depends on how busy the radiologist and neurologist are - remembering that they will be dealing with many different types of conditions