Radiographer/Xray

[NobodyKnowsTiddlyPom]

Posting for traffic more than anything but I'm feeling a bit worried and not sure what to do?

I went to the GP today, because of swollen lymph nodes in on my head and neck, and had a thorough check for lumps elsewhere on my body (which weren't there). I've been referred for an ultrasound to check on their size and density but I was also sent for a chest xray today and the radiographer was a bit funny with me afterwards, which has got me a bit worried.

The lady who was before me was sent off with a, "your results will be sent to your GP and they'll be in touch if there are any problems."

When I'd finished, he came back out from checking the image was ok to send away and asked me when I was next seeing my GP. I said I was going on holiday next Friday for a fortnight and he gave me an odd look and then said, "well, make sure you make an appointment to see the GP as soon as you get back."

I was left feeling very unreassured and am now wondering whether it would be reasonable to ring the GP before I go on holiday to find out if the xray was ok, or to leave it until after I get back? If there was something serious, they'd ring me ASAP wouldn't they?

I think it would be fine to call the GP and explain in the morning; just say the radiographer worried you. I haven't worked in hospitals for a while now but believe that when the radiologist reviews the image, it would be flagged if you were needed to be reviewed or followed up urgently and then the GP would call you. I would suggest either ringing or calling in person to your surgery tomorrow, late morning. This gives a chance for results to be returned.
However, I feel sure you would hear sooner if there is anything concerning on the image.
As an aside, have you got holiday insurance? It would be well worth informing your insurer what has happened, just in case you need to make a related claim if you're unwell on holiday.
Good luck x

@NobodyKnowsTiddlyPom I think you should phone your GP Surgery, that's not unreasonable.

I work in a GP surgery and people often ring for those results.

The only time it's considered unreasonable is when the patient starts screaming down the phone "give me my fvuking results, NOW".

Speak to the Receptionist, explain what the x-ray/radiographer told you and ask if your GP would be able to call back when they're out of surgery/seeing patients.
X

By "next Friday" do you mean tomorrow - which is technically the next Friday but I'd call it "this Friday" - or do you mean a week tomorrow which is Friday next week?

If it's the former I would call the GP today and explain your concerns, and see if they can slot you in to discuss the X-ray if needed. The results should be available (in my hospital X-rays are reported same day) or the GP can call the hospital to ask someone to look at it.

If it's the latter then make an appointment to see someone before you go.

It's probably nothing to worry about as most things are. However - if it isn't, you will have to decide if you still want to go on holiday. Do you have insurance?

Wouldn't the radiographer say if there was something unusual?

I had an ultrasound several years ago and they told me at the scan that they'd seen gallstones. It was a radiographer, not a consultant doing the scan.

And then they sent the scan results to the wrong GP and they were stuck in the system for 6 months. It's a good job there was nothing seriously wrong!

Chase this up for your own peace of mind. Radiographer so are not supposed to comment on X-rays or scans although obviously they sometimes will ie 'yes, there is an obvious fracture.'

If he is worried he wil almost certainly ask for the images to be reviewed urgently. Call the surgery and ask for it to be chased up. Nobody will mind.

Best wishes.

We don't tend to give out results of chest X-rays , they need careful studying and only certain radiographers have passed the reporting exams.

Sonographers who do ultrasounds normally report on their own images and have been trained to do so, so they are able to give results there and then.

What was the outcome please

I ended up having two lymph nodes removed and sent for histology but it was all fine. The xray was a bit odd as they thought I may have had TB (?!) but it turned out to be strange scarring on my lungs from chickenpox as a child!