Do GPs usually see you face to face for MRI results?

[Greenqueen27]

I recently had an MRI on my lower back due to a bad flare up of ongoing problems. I know I have slipped discs and other problems with my lower back as I've had MRI scans previously but they were done privately (through work health insurance) and an appointment was made for the results at the same time the appointment for the MRI was made so I knew I'd get the results in person. I assumed with the NHS I'd wait a few weeks and maybe get the results in writing if they were any different. The radiographer doing the scan said 2 weeks for the results. I had a call from my GP surgery 6 days after the scan asking if I can go in for a face to face appointment to discuss the results. This has made me anxious and I'm wondering am I just lucky or does it sound like they may have picked up something serious?

I'm 29 and have had issues with my back since I was 13 so just generally pretty anxious with anything back related

I had my mri results face to face - the scan was of my pelvic region to have a better look at some ovarian cysts I had and the outcome was fine but they wouldn’t tell me that over the phone! Try not to panic! X

Do you have the NHS app, the results will probably be on there for you to see.

I had an abdominal scan on a Tuesday was told the wait was 2 weeks but the results were in my NHS app within 3 days.

@Hotmess1 thank you so much! I'd spoken to a couple of people who have had MRIs, mostly if not all private, and had their results in a letter with no consultation so I thought maybe that was the standard and face to face was for something bad. I'm happy to hear it sounds routine to be seen face to face!

@Skiphopbump i have checked the app but nothing is on there. Under consultation and events it appears the results were sent the following day after the scan but it doesn't give any more information

I had my results face to face but with neurologist in the hospital. Bad news isn't always terrible news. Mine was bad news in so much as my disk is protruding into my spinal fluid sack thingy but not yet touching the nerve. I also have calcification very near a nerve exiting my vertebrae but the Dr said he had seen people in much more pain with less damage, and worse damage with zero pain. Ie it sounds bad but in actual fact it doesn't really effect me. So try not to panic. I think they said 75% of adults over 35 has something funky going on on a spine MRI but the cast majority has no ideas. Something like that stats anyway.

Anyway it was fine is the bottom line. Good luck

@IncessantNameChanger thank you for your reply - my previous MRI's showed a few disc bulges/herniated discs, annular fissure and degenerative disc disease (that's all I can remember I think there was a couple more things but nothing serious) although I know degenerative changes are common as we get older anyway. I was 26 when I had that MRI though so wasn't expecting it that early on! im now wondering whether these results will just say the same thing but the dr receiving the results may not realise I'm already aware of the issues, it is on my record somewhere but it was passed over from a private hospital.
I'm not anxious about my health at all, it's rare I go to the drs (one time I was so ill I ended up with sepsis because I put off getting checked out!) but I've just been in so much pain in recent months I'm torn between feeling anxious it's something bad or anxious they'll suddenly tell me there's no explanation and I'll never find a solution

Mine was face to face, scan of pelvis, was good news. I’ve always received results face to face.

I know you are worried but try not to be, sending you positive vibes and hugs xx

I'd be more interested in how you managed to get referred for an MRI!

I've had a few for a back issue
First one the physio did the referral as she was convinced something was really wrong with my back
Second was via a&e
Third was a referral from a consultant

I think I have the least interested GP for any issue.

It's not easy to sort, definitely
Physio sent me for MRI which showed a herniated disc
Referred and took a cancellation to be seen quicker
Surgery agreed
Lost feeling and landed myself in a&e
Emergency surgery done

You know that your scan will show bluff discs etc. The GP will be finding out for the first time, so marked as "abnormal" and will have to discuss future management too.

Had a private MRI after GP suggested that I needed one. Spoke with the consultant who wrote to me and the surgery. I've never heard a word from the surgery in a year.

@WhatTheFuk ive had back issues for years it started when I was 13 I couldn't walk, it was the only thing I ever went to the gp continuously and each time was referred to physio and given paracetamol and codeine, they were never really concerned. That's why I had private MRI's a couple of years ago because the pain was down my legs and affecting how I walk etc.
I have a lot of weakness in my left leg and in February I fell down the stairs and ended up in A&E completely unable to walk. I was on gas&air and even they didn't do a scan. When I could finally walk again I had pain on both my left and right side (a lot of it is nerve pain it's unbearable) and that's the only reason I've now had an MRI.
i do feel I was ignored for years, possibly down to age. It's frustrating. Keep trying.

I got my MRI because I was having a vibrating sensation in my leg when I looked down so symptoms of tethering. So I agree MRIs aren't easy to access. I'm lucky my hospital I'd a very good non struggling trust.

@Greenqueen27 I was told my spine was basically in a bad way so from that I asked the gp for a bone density scan. That came back normal and I was very reassured after that. Maybe if there's more deterioration ask for that density scan. But it's good to keep flexible and try to add weights into your week ( I don't do weights but I should). I sit on the floor and get up from the floor every day. So I know I am.keeping that range of movement

@IncessantNameChanger i will definitely look into that thank you! I actually used to weight train up until I had my last baby (hes 10 months old and I really need to go back!) - i have never felt better than when i was doing it. Now I'm 2 stone heavier and it's taken a toll on my back. I'm not huge, like a uk 12/14 but I've always been around an 8/10 so it's definitely a big difference. Hopefully I can be motivated enough to lose weight and I might feel a bit of relief