Emergancy ultrasound /ultrascan- advice would be appreciated .

[Cat72]

I have been having problems with my stomach for the past few weeks. My doctor has referred me for an emergency ultrascan/ ultrasound though I am definately not pregnanat. I asked how long this can take but he couldnt give me any way of an answer- all he would say is it wont be tomorrow- really helpful. Has anyone else had to get an ultrascan as an emergancy and how long has it taken. Although this is the first day I have felt better I am very concerned at the symaphtomns I have been having .I wasnt sure if it is possable to pay for this to get done privately .

[mr_rush]

what is an ultrascan?
do you mean ultrasound?
it is often difficult for the GP to give an accurate estimate of waiting time - it depends on the priority grading that the request is given + what the current queue is like.
You can get it done privately - why not contact a local BUPA hospital and find out the price - for this you will need to know exactly what you are having - ultrasound of abdomen.

[Cat72]

I have corrected my post the doctor called it an ultra scan but ultra sound is probably a more common word. Its not my abdomen its my ovaries/ womb that is to be scanned .I was just wondering if anyone else had this and what their experience of it was as its frightening not knowing anything.
Im sorry If I wasnt clear I have been feeling really really dizzy- kind of spaced out today !
I have been having problems in my stomach/ pelvis area and the pain has been constant for two weeks. At first I was diagonased as having a pelvic inflimation but this turned out to be wrong. Now the doctor doesnt know- i had to keep getting emergancy appointments and was seeing different doctors each time which didnt help.So he has sent me for the ultrasound but never explained anything about it.

[Claudie]

I have had several of these - I know we shouldn't give medical advice so I will try just to reassure you. The waiting is probably the scariest bit. I will pm you.

[mr_rush]

i'm guessing you have been experiencing pain in your lower abdomen and/or pelvis.

there are several things that the ultrasound of your pelvis may pick up. however, it may not be diagnostic so I would not attach all hope on it finding out the cause of the pain.

you should try and relax - much easier said than done i know but undue worrying is not going to do you any good

[dotchas]

Hi cat
Please try not to worry,did he say where he was referring you to?
It might be worth giving it a few days for them to get your referral and then giving the department a ring and checking they have your referral and ask how long the waiting time will be, then say very nicely that you would be willing to attend at short notice for a cancellation.
I can't be sure but I don't think the waiting list for ultrasound is too long.
So don't panic and pay for it yet!

take care!

[Dumyat]

ultrasound is used to help diagnose a lot of abdominal conditions now.
gall bladder problems, kidneys and as someone has mentioned gynae conditions. Its technically quite a quick examination so maybe lists wont be too long.
you could try phoning the local hospital radiology dept and just ask for a ball park figure of how long their waiting lists are before you decide to go private or not.

[Cat72]

Thanks for all your replys especailly Claudie. I never thought of phoning the local hospital so will probably do that in the nect day or so and try to get an idea. I cant really afford to pay- plus would have to travel much futher so would only be doing this if it was really neccessary. But its hard when the doctor said yes your an emergancy but you could be waiting a while.

[Penny Watcher]

Just to let you know, ultrasound for the pelvic region can be done 'internally' with a wand probe rather than externally.

[Bossyboots]

Just to let you know, ultrasound for the pelvic region can be done 'internally' with a wand probe rather than externally.


That is not as scary as it seems. I have had about 20 of those in the last year although I was terrified at the thought originally.

My emergency appointment was 10 days after I saw my GP although I delivered the scan request by hand that day so it saved some time.

[beechescomposter]

Hi "Cat"
Have you had the scan?
Hospitals usually classify referrals as emergency or routine. Some hospitals just do the scans in the order that they receive the requests because if the waiting list is long the doctors request all scans as urgent so the x-ray department don't know which ones really are. Then they prioritise ones where the GP phones up and argues the case. It is unlikely that your scan would be considered an emergency, whatever your dr puts on the form. Emergency is for life-treatening conditions.
Routine waiting times vary greatly from a week or two to many months but your dr should have a rough idea or you can phone your local x-ray department and ask how long the waiting list is and maybe even where you are on it. It is a good idea to say you can attend at short notice and leave a mobile number. They might be able to give you a private appointment if you don't want to wait. If you are anywhere near Hereford you can get the scan done for £100 (www.uk-radiology.co.uk) which is the cheapest I have come across.
An internal scan is not usually done unless you are obese or you can't tolerate a full bladder
Good luck

[Cat72]

Hi all
My doctor phoned me last thursday to see if the date for the scan had come through. I have just recieved a letter from the hospital this morning saying I have to go for my scan next wednesday morning and it will be a full bladder scan.
When I spoke to my doctor last week because of some developments( the pain goes away when my period comes ) he said if the scan doesnt show anything he will refer me to a gynagolgist.
I am not sure if he has asked for the right type of scan as I would have thought the internal one would be more appropiate ? but maybe I am wrong as I have never had this type of problem before. I have to wait 2 weeks after the scan for my results and go back to see him. To be honest its making me depressed as I cant live my life the way I used to and just want it sorted. Instead Im not not sure if its the right type of scan and have to wait another 3 weeks from today before I have even an idea of if anything can be done- after all ready waiting 4 weeks - and this is an emergancy ? . Im really upset although the pain has lessend - the dizzeness and nausea is still their and im still taking pain killers everyday and finding it difficiult to get out.

[beechescomposter]

Hi Cat,
Yes this is the right type of scan. The internal (TV) scans do show the finer detail of the ovaries and uterus but don't give a view of the whole pelvis and with your sort of symptoms you really need someone look at the whole abdomen and pelvis. Its unlikely a TV scan will add much unless, like I said you are very obese or can't tolerate a full bladder. If this is the case the xray department might do a TV scan or book you to come back for one. Some gynaecologists are also trained to do TV scans and might do the scan when you see them-it depends who you see.
The result is actually available straight away but can take 2 weeks to get through the system. Ask them to fax it to your GP when you have the scan and it will save waiting.

[Claudie]

Hi Cat

Good advice from beechescomposter. Don't forget too to ask what is happening - more often than not the radiographer will talk you through it. It is all pieces of a puzzle and it may take a while to get there..just take it one step at a time and stay positive.

[Cat72]

Thanks very much for your replys you have made me feel much better as I was crying this morning. The doctor had told me I would not be able to know for a few eeks as well- which is scary .Im not overweight- actually getting a bit too thin now - so as you have said then this would be the best type of scan. THANKS so much for your replies I will justwait to next wednesday now but dont feel so bad thanks now :T
Can I ask beechescomposter how you are so knowledgeable do you work in this department, as you give such informed replies ?

[EthelBloggs]

best of luck cat.. hope all goes well for you hun.. I don't know much about ultrasound scans except that you get them when you're pregnant and my daughter had one a few months back to see why her periods hadn't started yet :confused:

lets hope you get sorted and feel lots better soon xx

[JennyW]

Hi Cat. I hope all goes well for you. Sometimes after all the tests, these symptoms turn out to be nothing and something that just passes. I’ve had years of cystitis attacks and went through a 2nd cystoscopy in December (the first was done 10 years) ago. I was awake for the procedure and saw it all on a screen and nothing was found and have been told I have a perfectly healthy bladder so the cystitis is just something I have to live with and manage.

I’m sure you will be fine. Best of luck and let us know how you get on.

[beechescomposter]

Cat,
Thank you for your comments. You guessed correctly-I do have inside knowledge (if you pardon the pun) of the workings of x-ray departments. It has been an eye-opener to see how anxious people get about having something I think of as simple such as a scan and will make me a little more considerate in future.

[blue_monkey]

I hope all goes well for you - I only just caught this thread. I have the same problems as you with the pains each month that go before my perios. What is happening is that each month the follicle that is supposed to burst and release the egg does not burst and grows into a cyst, it just grows and grows and bursts a few days before my period. I have lost one ovary though this where it did not burst and grew to 10cms - this is when it first started. your docotr sounds good - I was fobbed off for 6 months with drugs for a 'pelvic infection'. I now have take a contraceptive to make sure I do not ovulate otherwise the pain is indecribable - I can't wear trousers as they press on it, I can hardly walk when it is at it worst and the pain, as I said, is so intense I sit shaking and I just can't describe how bad it is all of the time, there is no let up from it - anyhow, this can be the Mirena Coil or combined Pill but I now have Deprovara as I find the others have only lasted for 2 years before they stop working and I sart getting the pains again.

As an after thought on this, if they find nothing then don't let them fob you off and ask for another date for around the middle of your period. I guess it depends on your trust, I had huge trouble with getting scans - it can depend on where you are in your cycle as to what the scan shows, a few days before or after and the cysts were not there and they said 'nothing wrong with you' and make you think you are imagining it. In the end I ended up paying a private hospital £80 a time for a scan (they can see you the same or next day with a doctors referral - emergency scan date was quoted as 6-8 weeks in this area on NHS!!) and I was having them done every 2-3 days so they could see when the cysts were growing and when they burst. Not ideal but it is the best chance of finding out what is going on. Good luck, I'll look back to see if you have a diagnosis. I just thought Iwould let you know what happened to me. Hope you did not mind.

[blue_monkey]

I just wanted to add again - the hspital I went to did the full bladder scan but it did not show anything so they told me to have a wee and come back into the room where they then did the internal one which helped show up more details. Most sonogrphers can do both - the ones Isaw privately did do both and they told me they worked NHS during the day and Private other times so don't worry, if they can't see anything on one then they will on the other and can usually do it on the same day (it has been the case all the times I have been). If it is the problem with the cysts then there are cures and since this started for me and with only one dodgy ovary and all the problems I have had 2 babies as well. Please do not panic, although easier said than done, it'll be nice to have an end to what is happening but it is worth asking them at the scan if they can see anything as most of them do know and they will explain - nothing worse than not being told anything but ask and write any questions down that you might have before you go. If you feel that the scan date is going o be at the wrong time of the month to find anything it might be worth giving them a call and asking them if they can do it a week or two later as something has come up so that you can be seen WHEN you have a problem. TBH it does sound like you have the exct same symptoms as me so please feel free to PM me if you want to talk more, ask some questions or just want some re-assurance. :)

[Cat72]

Thanks for all your replies again .I would do big hugs but I dont have it ! I do feel better mentally with all your advice- pity it didnt work phyisically !
Im feeling really nauseas all the time- not vomitting just the feeling of constant nausea and dizziness which is really bad today .But never mind thats my moan- scan next week so here is hoping!
I was just frightened because the leaflet I got in from the hospital had in big writing " results will NOT be available at the time blah blab quoting 10 days etc " which puts you off. I hope I get someone nice like beechescomposter -you dont fany popping up to lanarkshire in scotland to do scans :rotfl: .
blue_monkey you poor soul you have had a horribile time of it- to put up with all that pain for so long :eek: .I appreciate your reply, and so will probably some others who are reading this so a big thanks for posting .
Will let you all know what happens .One of my friends ( i dont hear from her often ) thinks I have endometritis as she had this but was treated privately through her works insurance.
I appreciate ALL your posts as I cant really speak to anyone about it as my OH just isnt intereasted and you dont want to really tell people as they are finding it hard to understand- as I look fine ( apart from a bit pale & curled up now & again ! ) .
take care everyone !

[blue_monkey]

Hi Cat,

Big Hugs, I am sure it'll be just fine - just try not to worry if you can, there is always a way to treat if even if you do have to slum it on NHS, LOL. The one luxury I would love in life is to be able to afford Private Healthcare - just the mention of it beings me out into a warm glow, ha ha!! My friend had her endometriosis done privately as well though hubbies healthcare but she had severe bleeding with hers and bad period pains - not so bad during the month - but we are all different. I had the nausea and dizzyness as well - also severe wind a lot of the time - as well and you can't eat because you feel sick and blah, blah. As with everything else, you will find a way of coping with it but everything takes so long on the NHS and it can feel like you have been left and are being ignored. After my ovary was removed they told me I would have a 1 in 20 chance of it coming back - when it did everything still took so long when I would have thought that I was back in the queue to look after the one I had left but no, it was more like to the back of the queue again and that in itself was so depressing. At that time I was working and could (by not paying something) afford it - a bit different for me though as I only had the one ovary left so made sure that I was not going to lose that before I had the children so I paid for it. I am not sure what the NHS is like in Scotland so maybe they'll get things moving in a different way. In the end I paid to see a gynea consultant at the private hospital - it cost me £80 - but he worked NHS and I told him I did not have the money for a private op and he 'jumped' me up his NHS queue and I had the exploritary op under NHS 3 weeks later. Sadly it does seem money talks - so if you can just get to see that one consultant and pay for it then things will move a damn sight quicker than if you leave it for the GP to refer you to the NHS. It is sad that it works this way isn't it? If it happened now I would not be able to afford it but 8 years on I know how my body works and I'll go to the GP and say it's come back and I need it treated and she investigated the contraceptives that stop me vulating and I'll take those - see the same GP - preferrably a woman if you can, they are so much more understanding - and they will know when you have been and your history. it can feel like you are living at the surgery at times but make sure they do everything they can for you. I initially saw a man GP who kept on telling me I had an infection - it started in April 98 and I saw a different doctor in Jan 99 because I wa tired of being told the same stuff and he made me feel like I was imagining it - and things started moving from then and this is the same doc I see to this day as she knows all about the scans I had and what is wrong - sadly she can't push me up the queue for the scans but making sure you don't change your GP is really important because when you go back it'll save them reading through and getting it all wrong. I still feel men have little or no understanding of female problems and are quick to assume infections without any further investigaton and would never see a male doctor again for this problem unless I had NO alternative. Also, every sonographer I have had has been a woman..... LOL..... Wonder why that is!! I think husbands and partners are unsupportive as they do not understand and can't see that there is a problem (not like a broken leg that has plaster on it) - after 8 years of being married and all these problems my hubby does still not get it and expects me to be OK when I am in agony!! Personally giving him a good slap would help no end and make me feel better and make him understand a little better, LOL!! Go to the chemist and get some good painkillers and a hot water bottle on your tummy works WONDERS and really, really does help so give that go, even if to get rid of the pain for a few hours. Trust me when I say that light is at the end of the tunnel. I hate taking pain killers but if it gets you through the most painful patch then you have to do it for your sanity.

The one thing the doc advised me though was to go off and start a family if I wanted one (I did) and I was pregnant within 3 months - if you do not want one right now then go consider a contraceptive with your doctor - when I got pregnant of course there was no pains and then I took the combined pill and I have just had my 2nd course of Depro. I did not realise but I was 3 days late with the Depro jab 2nd time around and within 1 day of having not had it I was getting the pains again. Oh and don't wear jeans or waisted skirts or trousers - go find some nice boring slacks and skirts with elasticated waistbands - not the trendiest I know but the pressure from the buttoned bands will dig in onto your abdomen and if it is cyst will move it around and that is where a lot of the pain is coming from. Don't wear them if you can help it and get that nice hot water bottle and sit down and watch trash TV and havea nap - if you are at work book a few days off to catch up with some sleep as well and take it easy. Take care of yourself and remember if you want to PM me then you are welcome to. xx

PS. One other male GP also told me I could have a hysterectomy to 'help with my problems' if I wanted - I was 29 at tht time, and he did not know but was pregnant at the time. As a Hyst. does not get rid of the ovaries I can't see how it would have helped but this just goes to show how very little male doctors understand - IMHO - and he has been a family GP looking after me since I was a baby!! I have to confess, I am looking forward to the Menopause and knowing that most of my problems will stop - but as that then brings a different set of problems ther ereally is no hope for me but the scrapheap, LOL!!!!! Maybe when I am 60 things will get much better!!

[Cat72]

Thanks for your reply again bluemonkey .Whoa you have been through a lot , you must have worried so much ,but Im glad you managed to have children as you wanted them. Im 35 and although I wanted kids when I was younger as time has went on I never met the right person and at the moment although I have been with my boyfriend for 7 years it would not work having kids as he is knd of commitment phobic. Also I am now realised it prob isnt for me- and I work with kids suffering from trauma instead ( when im well enough ) .So If I cant have children , weighing up everything in my life I would be ok and accept it. I feel really sorry for women who want children in the same situation .
had the nausea and dizzyness as well - also severe wind a lot of the time - as well and you can't eat because you feel sick and blah, blah
Yes thats how I am - I have been finding it strange as the dizziness can be quite bad and I have a taste of sickness in my mouth all the time so dont want to eat. I have been wearing loose trousers too, so you are right there as well. The doctor gave me very strong painkillers and like you I hate taking tablets but take them when neccessary.
I agree its sad that money talks when it comes to health. Im not good financially at the moment ( i lost my job 3 years ago when i got ME great arent i ? :rotfl: ) but if push comes to shove I will just try and sort something out.
[QUOTE]after 8 years of being married and all these problems my hubby does still not get it and expects me to be OK when I am in agony!! Personally giving him a good slap would help no end and make me feel better and make him understand a little better, LOL!!/[ QUOTE]
Yip sounds good to me... might have a little punch at mine !:rotfl:
Roll on Menopause !!

[blue_monkey]

Hi Cat,

I've been thinking about you - have you had your scan??

[Cat72]

Thanks for asking ! No tomorrow is the big day so I just want it over with. I will report back tomorrow night or thursday to say how I got on- it might also help others who are to go for a scan .

[Claudie]

Good luck tomorrow. Remember to stay positive and ask questions if you can.


Lots of ++++++++ vibes and good thoughts.

[jennynoo]

Hi Cat

Just read this thread. Good luck for tomorrow. I had a scan last year to see if I had kidney cancer (I didn't), the person that was doing the scan was able to tell me straight away so it was great to have done. Be prepared for the cold jelly!:D

[Cat72]

:T Thanks all !
Hi Cat

Just read this thread. Good luck for tomorrow. I had a scan last year to see if I had kidney cancer (I didn't), the person that was doing the scan was able to tell me straight away so it was great to have done. Be prepared for the cold jelly!:D
Im really glad you were ok.Its also nice to know that I may be able to get some information, Im all ready for the jelly but not trying to hold my water for a full hour then having someone prodding it ! Im not very good at holding my water at the best of times so my biggest challenging is not doing the toliet before the scan !

[Cat72]

Hi
I finally went for my ultrasound scan today. The radiologist wasnt too friendily ( i thought she would be lovely like beechescomposter ) which did unnerve me a bit , but was good at her job. It never showed anything as she sadi she was looking for cysts and I didnt have any. However she also said it was not the right type of scan to show most other illnesses like endremiterosis etc and that I would really need an internal scan but my doctor would need to organise this. I was really disappointed as I have felt this was probably be the case and now cant see my doctor until the 25th aprail and have to go through the whole wating /referall thing again. The last time i spoke to my doctor he said he would be referring me to a gynaclogist if the scan never showed anything.I dont know how long it takes to see a gynagoloist - i suspent forever - and I would imagine the doctor is probably wanting the gynagologist to refer me for an internal scan.
Fortunately i have stated to feel better the last 2 days but am unsure if this is just because of my menstrual and the pain/illness will return full blown. If so I am now unsure if I should either go for a private gynaglogist consultation or a private internal scan. I suspect the gynagologist would probbe the best as they might be able to guide me in the right direction- however i cant really afford it. On the other hand I cant afford to have the pain and limitations that i have had over the past 7 weeks :confused:
Thanks for all your help . I will just wait to see how i feel over the next few days and then think about what to do.Although i am relieved not to be in so much pain for 2 days !
thankyou all :T

[Robothell]

Just found this post - Cat72, you've been through the mill the last few weeks! See how you go with the GP referral to a Gynaecologist. Most Gynae doctors will do their own "internal" scans in the clinic if the facilities are available at your local hospital so don't immediately assume that there will be another wait......hope things progress, as with all things like this the worst thing is the waiting while not knowing what's going on.

[beechescomposter]

Hi Cat,
Sorry you haven't been sorted out today but look on the bright side. It doesn't look like there is anything serious going on because a tumour or an abscess would likely have shown up on the scan. Like I said before the TV scan wont show much more-it just shows it better. Endometriosis is not usually diagnosed on scans unless there is a blood collection. Eventually it may come to a laparoscopy if the scan shows nothing-not something to be done lightly so it depends on how much trouble you are getting. The right thing is to see a gynaecologist now and hopefully get the TV scan at the same visit. Thanks for all the nice things you said- you haven't seen me on a bad day! I can't excuse your radiologist there not being friendly but it is a bit of a thankless task scanning "womens problems" because there is rarely much to see and I think radiologists can seem disinterested to the patients.
Just take heart that, in medicine, no news is good news.

[Cat72]

Thanks for your replies my main worry is the wait again.As I would imagine the waiting list for an nhs gynacolegist would be quite a long time ? :confused:
The radiologist seemd very " proffessional " I dont mean to put her down but,i had just expected someone friendlier, but she was speaking into her dictapone when I left and never said replied to my goodbye , but the most important thing is she did her job and she did scan my kidneys as well incase the pain was coming from there.I suppose i would rather have a unfriendly radiographer who did the job that a freindily one who didint !
There was actually 2 young men in after me for a scan so dont know what there " women probelms " where !
But it was also sad as there were some poepl in reception who were hospital patients with cancer and really gaunt so I suppose I can be thankfull I wasnt them.

[hardpressed]

Just a thought on not being able to see your doctor untill 25th, is that because they are away or just fully booked. If it's the latter could you phone and ask to speak to him/her? Or write to them explaining what the radiologist said, in case their report hasn't got to the doctor yet,and ask if they can refer you to a gyne, they know what you problem is so might be able to do it without seeing you again. Good luck.

[Savvy_Sue]

I've never usually had to wait long for gynae appointments. So hope you don't either.

[blue_monkey]

Hi Cat,

Thanks for letting us know how you got on and I sorry you did not get a conclusion. It is so difficult that you was not in the pain on the day of the appoinment - the NHS is very frustrating. I PM'd you so you might find the information I sent useful.

Hope you are feeling better today though. xx

[jennynoo]

Try booking a holdiay, it always happens to me that as soon as I book a holiday loads of things pop in my diary on the same date. At least if the ploy doesn't work you get a holiday :)

[Cat72]

Quicky update I am still waiting for my hospital appointment.I had a letter in on may saying that I would be seen in 6 months .The pain has subsided so it is now liveable- which is just as well since I am having to wait so long ! Thanks again for all your previous help & advice.

[JennyW]

Quicky update I am still waiting for my hospital appointment.I had a letter in on may saying that I would be seen in 6 months .The pain has subsided so it is now liveable- which is just as well since I am having to wait so long ! Thanks again for all your previous help & advice.

Hello Cat.

I cant comment on your problems as they are not similar to mine, however I just wanted to add that 2 weeks ago I saw a gync. privately. Although I did go on to have some procedures carried out, his fee was £160 for the consultation and when I rang the hospital to make the appointment with him they gave me a choice of 2 days time or a week. I'm lucky in that I have private healthcare through work but if you were able to pay for a consultation to go private, it may just put your mind at rest instead of waiting for another 6 months. At least these people are experienced in women's bits and pieces and he may be able to reassure you. Good luck

[Cat72]

Hi Jenny
Thanks for your reply. I have looked at getting a private consultation and as you said they are really far more quicker.However I couldnt afford any tests and I was told I would probably need some- most probably an internal scan which is thousands privately. So there doesnt seem much point when he probably wont be able to make a diagonosis without tests. I wish I had private healthcare myself now but thanks for your help. My periods have now actually stopped now totally so heck knows whats going on ! ( im most definately not pregant ) .