Chest X ray results

fbrander

Hi,
I had a chest X-ray done 6 weeks ago. I had a persistent cough which has now cleared up of its own accord. I've waited 6 weeks for the results. Today the surgery phoned and said the doctor wants a telephone consultation? But not until next Wednesday?! No mention of what the actual results were. My brain is in overdrive as you can imagine.
Anyone have a similar experience? I an an ex smoker so am very worried.

Linda32

It is more than likely that if it was anything serious, they wouldn't wait until next Wednesday. :)

Toothsmith

Even in today's overstretched GP service - there is no way on God's green earth that a Dr would tell you over the phone that you have lung cancer and are going to die! And make you wait 2 weeks to hear that!!!!

Are your health centre aware that the cough has gone anyway?

It sounds to me like it has been put at a low priority in the hope that when the Dr rings it HAS gone away, as absolutely nothing showed up on the X-ray anyway.

It probably would have been nicer to get a call much quicker to actually tell you that though.

suejb2

fbrander wrote: »

Hi,
I had a chest X-ray done 6 weeks ago. I had a persistent cough which has now cleared up of its own accord. I've waited 6 weeks for the results. Today the surgery phoned and said the doctor wants a telephone consultation? But not until next Wednesday?! No mention of what the actual results were. My brain is in overdrive as you can imagine.
Anyone have a similar experience? I an an ex smoker so am very worried.

Like others have said it looks like they have low prioritized your results possibly meaning there is nothing to show. But why didn't you question the length of waiting for an appointment during the phone call?

fbrander

suejb2 wrote: »

Like others have said it looks like they have low prioritized your results possibly meaning there is nothing to show. But why didn't you question the length of waiting for an appointment during the phone call?

Thats what I've been asking myself all night! Wasn't on the ball. Going to call on Monday and insist to speak to someone.

Flugelhorn

If "really bad" chest x-rays are reported then the radiology department usually fax them to the surgery (and they phone to say it is on its way and that they have already booked a CT scan and an appointment with the consultant...).
Sometimes x-rays show a mild abnormality like a bit of resolving infection and radiology advise a repeat in so many weeks / months

Tabbytabitha

I agree that it's unlikely to be a question of lung cancer but don't forget that there are other lung conditions caused by smoking of which a persistent cough (even if it's stopped at the moment) can be a symptom. When you speak to the doctor, don't just focus on the "Is it cancer?" question but ask more generally about any damage shown on the x ray.