WWYD

[bambara]

In October last year, I was rushed into hospital for another reason, but during an MRI, they discovered I had a small aneurysm. The doctor said I needed testing 6 months later to discover if it was growing or remaining the same size. It's now 10 months, and I cannot get an appointment - or even a return phone call with a neurosurgeon for a scan. I keep getting terrible headaches and am very worried. What do I do? My mum says to go to A and E, but I don't feel like this is ethical... Sorry if this is the wrong location to post this - I cant see where I would ...

I would make an appointment with your GP and get them to push the referral.

Yes I have done, about five times now, she keeps saying that the team wont get back to her

So what are her next steps, given your symptoms? Ask the GP what she'd advise. I'm guessing she would advise going to a and e?

I think if you know you have the issue and your getting terrible headaches then it would be understandable to go to an and e while you had one of those headaches.

I would have thought your neurology department would have an urgent care helpline with a nurse and surgeons medical secretary to triage basic after care and appointments? That’s how my NHS cardiology department is run at least.

Not at all - she just keeps saying she's chasing.. its been months and months

Hmm good idea - Ill look it up. Thanks

When I had a significant delay between referral and being seen (or the referral even being acknowledged) contacting PALS helped.

I totally get your frustration but agree that unless your symptoms are particularly severe A&E isn't the right way to go.

I'd break out the big guns now you've tried everything. Make a complaint to the practice manager that the gp hasn't progressed it - they should have escalated things themselves with the health board/trust/foundation after the second time let alone the fifth ffs. They have a duty of care to you and a professional responsibility, its pathetic to just shrug their shoulders and say "outta my hands!"

Also complain to the hb/trust etc themselves. Go via pals if easier. Contact your mp and ask them to chase too. And yes, if you get another headache in the meantime I'd go to a and e.

You could try 111 as well just to say if they've got any other options - I doubt it but different counties offer different things and won't cost you anything other than time waiting on the phone!

Yes those things would be ott if it was a delayed first referral but you've tried the "right"path 5 times. You don't want to be one of those statistics who get lost in the system and by the time you're seen it's too late.

Contact your neurosurgeons secretary, and PALS.

There should be a patient liaison team at the hospital to get the communication open. At mine it's called PALS.

Oh OP I am so sorry.

In your shoes I would “clear the decks” at home, get a hospital bag ready, and go to A&E on a quiet weekday mid morning and tell them exactly what you told us.

It’s not your fault that you are in this position.

As an older lady, my mum also was rushed to hospital for another reason and they found a large aneurysm in her brain during an MRI (well, giant actually). She was kept in hospital as they hoped it would be surgical. The consultant said it might have been growing her entire adult life and still not causing any problems, and that lots of people have these silent aneurysms. Or it might have just popped up recently.

But you’re getting headaches and that is not trivial at all.

You have a legitimate reason to seek medical help - many people go to hospital with far less reason. Please go and don’t feel guilty.

Wishing you a full and safe recovery and positive diagnosis.

Oh yes it is not a bad idea to call 111 and ask if they will refer you into A&E with headaches and a known aneurysm. Jump the queue, OP. A small bleed can be operated on, don’t wait for things to get worse.

My friends son in law actually has a brain aneurysm and is waiting for surgery and hasn't heard anything for months, another person I know has been waiting one month to see an Oncologist after being diagnosed with a devastating cancer. A lot of the NHS still seems to be long waits. As pp says I would ask your GP to try to escalate this especially given the headaches.

Thank you all very much. Youve been very helpful.

I am under neurology for a totally different reason. Try

• neuro secretaries
• neuro department
• hospital appointments line
• your GP for a referral

Good luck

If you're on a long wait list you could go to a and e with the history and headaches. But it may be possible they just refer you? It's worth a try though.

Same with my DM. She has a triple AAA that was discovered by her GP during an examination for something else. It was monitored until it got close to the maximum size, then she had the procedure to contain it. It's been a success. She is examined annually to monitor it. It's been 7 years now.

She didn't experience any delays, as her GP is marvellous. As far as I know, you shouldn't have to wait more than 6 weeks for your MRI. I wonder if NHS 111 woukd be able to help? Are you able to pay from a private MRI? They're not always as costly as you imagine.