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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Anyone else had to see their dr over NHS waiting list anxiety?

14 replies

Landy25 · 01/04/2025 11:11

I gad an mri and ncs recently for right sided weakness. Only mild but neurologist confirmed it was clinical nor perceived. It has persisted. Im having panic attacks daily because I don't know what is wrong with me and I'm worried. I'm a single mum and have never suffered from anxiety before. The letter I got from neuro said the tests were clear but he wants to do further testing. What further testing? What is he looking for? If it can wait 4-6 months does it mean that's not serious? I understand this is also down to some health anxiety too but that has developed from being left in limbo and my right hand side not functioning properly. I don't feel like it's OK to live like this. I'm having to see my GP now for anxiety and advice on how to cope. I'm fed up. I wake up feeling anxious every day. I have panic attacks every night. I honestly feel like I would have an alcohol problem by now if I didn't have my son. They said 4-6 months when I called, but i have already waited 5. 11 months for a follow up just feels horribly long. I don't know what I'm asking for here. Just a spiralling mum who really wants to be well.

OP posts:
Original poster
Landy25 · 01/04/2025 16:55

I called today to see if there was a cancellation list absolutely they've told me there isn't one, and the person who told me 4-6 months is wrong. I have another 45 weeks of waiting left. Feeling a bit loopy!

OP posts:
MounjaroNewb · 01/04/2025 16:57

I'm sorry you're going through this. It sounds as though it is a routine referral. I know in my specialty people are waiting 14 months for routine appointments and that's pretty much across the boards.

Staffing cuts, recruitment freezes, lack of overtime pay and the overflow from COVID is still being felt

Boomer55 · 01/04/2025 16:57

They are not seeing it as urgent. There's not much anyone can do about the waiting lists. The NHS is a hopeless shitshow. 🤷‍♀️

Original poster
Landy25 · 01/04/2025 17:12

MounjaroNewb · 01/04/2025 16:57

I'm sorry you're going through this. It sounds as though it is a routine referral. I know in my specialty people are waiting 14 months for routine appointments and that's pretty much across the boards.

Staffing cuts, recruitment freezes, lack of overtime pay and the overflow from COVID is still being felt

I'm really hoping it means they aren't worried.

OP posts:
Original poster
Landy25 · 01/04/2025 17:13

Boomer55 · 01/04/2025 16:57

They are not seeing it as urgent. There's not much anyone can do about the waiting lists. The NHS is a hopeless shitshow. 🤷‍♀️

It really is, and i work for them!

OP posts:
Bogginsthe3rd · 01/04/2025 17:28

Landy25 · 01/04/2025 17:13

It really is, and i work for them!

Show quote history

I think the NHS is great for critical and trauma care (superior to private care), good for emergency care and decent for urgent OP care. For non urgent OP care it's ... Lacking.

Original poster
Landy25 · 01/04/2025 17:46

Bogginsthe3rd · 01/04/2025 17:28

I think the NHS is great for critical and trauma care (superior to private care), good for emergency care and decent for urgent OP care. For non urgent OP care it's ... Lacking.

Show quote history

I just wonder how many people are accessing counselling, anti anxiety medication, falling into depression, developing health anxiety etc because they can't get a follow up...

OP posts:
TheFatCatsWhiskers1 · 01/04/2025 17:58

Have you tried contacting the neurologist's secretary to ask for clarification?

Sorry you're going through this. I had to wait a couple of months for an MRI after developing left-sided weakness/paralysis in my leg and being sent to A&E by my GP after I failed a neurological exam. They suspected MS and put in an urgent referral to neurology. I then had to wait three months after my MRI to get the results. Dealing with the anxiety each day and wondering what my future might look like was really hard, I just had to do my best to push it out of my mind which is easier said than done obviously.

Original poster
Landy25 · 01/04/2025 18:16

TheFatCatsWhiskers1 · 01/04/2025 17:58

Have you tried contacting the neurologist's secretary to ask for clarification?

Sorry you're going through this. I had to wait a couple of months for an MRI after developing left-sided weakness/paralysis in my leg and being sent to A&E by my GP after I failed a neurological exam. They suspected MS and put in an urgent referral to neurology. I then had to wait three months after my MRI to get the results. Dealing with the anxiety each day and wondering what my future might look like was really hard, I just had to do my best to push it out of my mind which is easier said than done obviously.

I have, and i explained my symptoms were worse. I'm limping, foot is weak. Neurologist found clinical weakness. Now can't lift my toes to sky properly. Worried about mnd, however know it is extremely rare and I also have sensory issues (tingling) so trying to hold on to that. They sent me for mri and ncs, both clear. Said if they were clear could consider EMG. But because I can't see him for 10 months, won't get it it until then. Arm also starting to feel mildly weak. Fasciculations in my ribs. Just in limbo. It's either functional or somatic and will disappear once I'm properly reassured and have maybe had some talking therapy, or it's something else. Either way, need to see neuro. For now I shall rely on my trusty propranolol.

OP posts:
Wobblyheart · 09/06/2025 16:15

Hi 👋 @Landy25 , I've stumbled on your post accidently and just wanted to reach out to see how you were doing.

I had a very dark period in my life when I thought I might have had mnd. I have to say that my symptoms were slightly different but I have had muscle twitching everywhere. My abdomen, thighs, fingers, cheeks.... I was convinced it was mnd and I was wrong.

I am happy to share more of it helps but I would advise if you can afford it to see Dr Malaspina in London, he is MND expert. It is not cheap but might help you.

Pinkrabitt · 09/06/2025 17:01

What was it @Wobblyheart? Was it anxiety?

Wobblyheart · 09/06/2025 19:08

Pinkrabitt · 09/06/2025 17:01

What was it @Wobblyheart? Was it anxiety?

Still don't know! Thankfully a lot pf scary stuff has been excluded so right now the running theory is this is either CFS or yes maybe just cortisol overload from 3 years of extreme stress, depression and anxiety.

Gettingbysomehow · 09/06/2025 19:12

Yes. I had to wait for almost a year for repeated tests but my GP didn't care and didn't do anything. I've had my op now eventually and all is well and only just managed to hang onto my job by my fingertips. It's infuriating. Everything is months wait these days.

Pinkrabitt · 09/06/2025 19:18

Wobblyheart · 09/06/2025 19:08

Still don't know! Thankfully a lot pf scary stuff has been excluded so right now the running theory is this is either CFS or yes maybe just cortisol overload from 3 years of extreme stress, depression and anxiety.

Show quote history

I've had similar. Muscle twitches everywhere, pins and needles, inner tremor, heart issues (palpitations, ectopics and tachcardia). Had everything under the sun tested and they can't find anything wrong. I too think it's years of running on addenaline/cortisol. Sertraline has helped but I'm going through a bad patch again now, not sure why.

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