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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Random letter from doctor - worried

69 replies

tacosplease · 14/09/2019 13:51

I moved house about 10 months ago and only just got round to registering with my new doctor’s surgery last week.

Today I got an email from the person who bought my old place stating that they had a letter for me from the “radiology department” at my previous doctor/hospital and that they would send it on in the post.

I haven’t had a doctor’s appointment for several years, but I did have some blood tests done (for a general health check) at my then local hospital about a year and a half ago. The doctor called me a week or so afterwards, said everything was fine and that was that.

AIBU to be concerned that I’ve now been sent a letter marked from the radiology department? I don’t think I’ll be able to relax until it arrives next week.

It did cross my mind that the old doctor could have written to me regarding changing to a new surgery, but then I realised that of course they wouldn’t send anything to my old address after my new doctor got in touch with them to request my records... Confused

OP posts:
IsobelRae23 · 14/09/2019 15:33

Oh there goes my theory- sorry!

EeenyMeeny · 14/09/2019 15:38

Dental work required? Some dental practices request a mouth X-ray every three years.

Original poster
tacosplease · 14/09/2019 15:40

I don’t think it’s dental - I haven’t seen the dentist for several years and there’s nothing complicated about my teeth!

This really is a mystery - I’m just trying to tell myself that logically it can’t be anything bad, as my blood tests were such a long time ago now.

OP posts:
NotMyRealName11 · 14/09/2019 15:41

They could have made a mistake! My GP practice once told my DH that he had an appointment at Gynecology - it was Gastroenterology. He was a bit confused... ;)

Missingstreetlife · 14/09/2019 15:43

It won't be anything that can't wait a few days to get to you. Ring old gp if you really can't wait?

EeenyMeeny · 14/09/2019 15:46

Yep, just call the gp surgery. Receptionist will be able to clarify for you.

Original poster
tacosplease · 14/09/2019 15:48

Thanks. I’m no longer registered with the old GP - will they be able to tell me or should I contact the new one?

OP posts:
WeldMeDaphne · 14/09/2019 15:49

It could not be for you at all- I know 2 different people who have had other people’s appointment letters addressed to them in different parts of the country, so it could well be that.

WeldMeDaphne · 14/09/2019 15:50

Sorry, that was confusing. 2 different people who had other individuals letters addressed to them. The 2 I know live in very different parts of the country.

Bluetrews25 · 14/09/2019 15:55

If your blood test was ages ago and there were something seriously wrong you would be much sicker by now. And if it did mean you needed a scan then your GP would have phoned you first and probably told you about the appointment himself if it were so serious and urgent.
Please be calm - this is likely either a mix up or nothing to worry about.

Cyclewidow46 · 14/09/2019 15:58

I work in radiology, I'm sure it won't be regarding a smear.
My initial thought was a mammogram but as you say you're too young for routine screening.

Original poster
tacosplease · 14/09/2019 16:00

Thanks Bluetrews. The doctor told me shortly after the tests that everything was fine, so I can’t imagine they’ve suddenly looked at my bloods again 1.5 years later and found something that would require a visit to the radiologist?

Perhaps it’s just a general information letter about something or other - I hope so.

OP posts:
Original poster
tacosplease · 14/09/2019 16:01

Cyclewidow I’m in my mid-30s so yes, too young I think?

OP posts:
Technonan · 14/09/2019 16:04

It can't be anything serious as you haven't been to the doctor or had any tests, so no one can find anything. It's easy to get worried, but this will be a routine screening of some kind, or possibly a request to join a clinical study. A smear seems the most likely, but it absolutely can't be anything serious - your blood can't be retested after all this time - they dispose of the samples. Try not to worry.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 14/09/2019 16:05

I think they've fucked up and you are getting someone else's results Wink

Original poster
tacosplease · 14/09/2019 16:08

Thank you @Technonan - that’s reassuring

OP posts:
everyonecaneffoff · 14/09/2019 16:19

I reckon it's been sent in error.
This happens.
I had a broken bone in my foot once and had an x-ray. The wrong results were sent to my GP saying I had a severely de-generated big toe. GP said the radiology department at that particular hospital sent out at least 3 or 4 letters with errors every week!

prelovedsweetie · 14/09/2019 16:23

Could it be a letter made to look authentic from a private medical company, offering some sort of check-up deal? Any hospital letters I’ve received never give any hint of the contents.

Original poster
tacosplease · 14/09/2019 16:27

I hope it’s an error, although I’ve had nothing like that before.

It’s quite bad timing as I have a really stressful week next week - and this has added to the pile!

I think TechnoNan is right though - it can’t possibly be anything negative as my tests were so long ago!

OP posts:
Livebythecoast · 14/09/2019 16:30

Yes, you're too young for routine mammogram screening (50+) unless.
a) you've ever had cysts, lumps or anything in the past that you've had screening for or
b) you have a strong family history of breast cancer.
I'm sure it's nothing to worry about OP. x

Dodie66 · 14/09/2019 16:32

There is another person in out go surgery with exactly the same name as me. I found out by chance and now make sure they give me the right results

Ellabella989 · 14/09/2019 16:36

Could be a mistake as I once received a random letter requesting I book in for a mammogram (I was only about 27 at the time). I phoned the GP surgery and they said it was a mistake and I shouldn’t have been sent it.

OrangeJustice · 14/09/2019 16:45

Can you go to your old house and collect the letter?

GladAllOver · 14/09/2019 16:51

As pp has said, it can't be anything serious since you haven't had any radiology type tests to generate results.
So whatever the reason for the letter it isn't anything for you to worry about.

littleorangecat22 · 14/09/2019 17:32

Someone you know has TB? I got a letter from hospital once notifying that I had been in contact with someone who had been diagnosed with TB and recommending a test/chest Xray as a result, which may come from a radiology dept. (I didn'gt have TB)

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