Has anyone been able to have an X-ray?

[hotstepper4]

I have an ongoing issue with my shoulder and have developed some possible neurological symptoms too. The GP says I can't be referred to a neurologist until they've ruled out anything skeletal and I need an X-ray .

He said he can't refer me for one on the nhs! I have tried to get one privately but can't ever get an answer from the hospital.

This is ludicrous. I can't believe something as run of the mill as an X-ray is so impossible to get. Has anyone else managed to get one?

DS had one, but he had an accident and it was through A&E.

I've had NHS x-rays too whilst in A&E , that could be the problem,they might only be seeing emergencies at the moment.

My friend has had 2 chest x-rays. It was due to problems post probably Covid though.

ive been referred for some. had a letter telling me when to go in for them. Not an emergency but it is an ongoing problem that needs some things either confirming or ruling out

I had an x ray yesterday op. Weirdly enough for an ongoing shoulder problem! I've had a frozen shoulder on the other side before now and know the signs. I was under the care og a physio and an MSK specialist for this one and was unable to have an ultrasound and steroid injection due to lockdown and risk of lowering immunity with a steroid into the joint. I rang GP last week and asked what could be done as I'm in increasing pain and he said they could refer for x ray at least. Rang last Thurs and had x ray yesterday, straight in and out its worth speaking with your GP.

Sorry just to add, the problems started months ago and I was already being seen by MSK when lockdown happened.

I had one as my doctor suspects I have arthritis in my hand and wants to rule anything else out before referring me on. This was NHS in Wales.

Is there more than one GP?
Can you move GP surgeries during lockdown?
Alternatively, sit down A&E until you're seen.
I can't imagine the whole of the radiography team has been closed due to covid.

Yes, I had one about 2 weeks into lockdown. It was an urgent referral though from my GP for suspected cancer. Luckily fine.
I was referred on Monday, hospital phoned on Tuesday and x-rayed on Wednesday.

I think it's very dependant on local issues. The trust I work in we are allowed now to refer for routine x-rays again as of this week. Others for reasons like staff sickness or lack of PPE might take a bit longer to get going again. Keep asking I'm sure they'll get you seen soon.

I had one ten days ago through A&E when I fell down the stairs.

Not sure about routine X rays here though.

It's seems to depend on your local nhs trust, I work in an Radiology department and we are still doing normal x-rays and ultrasounds but a hospital next town over is only doing urgent ones.

My dad had one a couple of weeks ago arranged through his GP. He said when he was at the hospital it was really quiet, he was the only one there for an xray. All staff wore gloves and masks and took his temperature.

Yes I have had a couple. Admittedly one was in a&e and they were super quiet. Another was organised and had it next day! Be pushy

Thank you everyone. I finally got through to the private hospital who said they can't book me an X-ray until my dr sends them a referral form..

So now I'm chasing that. It's a nightmare

Good luck op. You shouldn't have to go private though. My GP just told me to ring the x ray dept at the local nhs hospital myself to book in. Although I appreciate it may be different in different areas (Although it shouldn't be)