Back scan now abdom scan - why?? Getting myself into a big state support really appreciated

[onlyoranges]

I had a back scan a few weeks ago following on going issues with back, they suspected arthritis but now I have received a letter asking me to go for an abdominal scan and I am getting me into a big state about it. Has anyone had this? Why are they looking there now?

This is a major drawback of medical investigations,myou look for one thing and see something else. I will tell you what happened in my case.

Low lumbar and pelvic MRI for back pain which showed an incidental finding of a pelvic 'mass'. So I was referred for a gynae scan which showed absolutely normal pelvic anatomy. What they'd seen was a normal ovarian cyst following ovulation.

Our bodies have many variations including cysts etc which show up as 'something' on scan and then as they can't be ignored it triggers more scans and, of course, anxiety.

What is not acceptable is the fact that nobody has told you why you need another scan. How are you supposed to give informed consent? Do contact your GP or hospital consultant if you have one and ask for an explanation.

Thank you for your reply. I went to see my GP who was able to access the consultants notes. She to agreed it was a thoughtless letter but she did make me feel better!