Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Anyone had Fetal MRI at Kings--help me prepare...

263 replies

Arabica · 03/05/2006 20:23

Had a scan today (am 27 wks). Baby has severe ventriculomegaly, excess fluid on both sides of the brain. I've been told this could mean anything from absolutely nothing, to potentially severe brain problem or tumour. So am having MRI so they can get a good look inside the brain and see that everything is OK. At least I know it's not chromosone related, as I had clear amnio already.
I'm going to get a call in next 2 days or so to go to Kings for scanhas anyone been and what is it like? Is it as noisy as a normal MRI? I'll be going by myself as DH can't get time off and I won't be getting any results that daywill be going back to my own consultant for them.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Twiglett · 30/05/2006 14:23

oh good .. stay strong .. you can do this .. ignore aching tummy (or is that just me)

Nik Kamen .. yup .. levis .. launderette .. sigh .. an icon of a generation

YellowFeathers · 30/05/2006 14:25

Oh I really hope he does Arabica.
Smile

Original poster
Arabica · 30/05/2006 18:49

Guess what, no call. I honestly think my results must have got lost, either that or there was no film in the MRI camera.
Well, that's when I am being rational. At other times am convinced it's because the results show something nasty and he is waiting on a second opinion to confirm the bad news.

OP posts:
HappyMumof2 · 30/05/2006 18:58

more likely he's in no hurry because they haven't shown anything alarming.

I hope that is the case.

Still bloody insensitive and downright rude not to call though. I know they are busy but it doesn't take much - even if he just got someone else to confirm the results to you Angry

YellowFeathers · 30/05/2006 19:02

Oh Arabica!

I've been sat here hoping you would hear something.
I can't believe they haven't had the decency to call you back Angry

I do agree with HMo2. No news is good news Smile

Twiglett · 30/05/2006 19:05

would you like me to go in and duff someone up for you?

so sorry that you're still waiting

have you tried calling again? I'm sure the consultant is probably still there

.. I shall still go in with sternest face and stand over someone till they call if you wish Wink

Original poster
Arabica · 30/05/2006 19:27

Ahhh, thanks for your concern. I did ring at 6.45pm when I got home and there was no answer. Don't worry, I'll be writing a stiff letter of complaint re their lack of communication skills once this nightmare is over. At the moment, however, I need all my energy to keep me going and still believe in my pregnancy--I have to remind myself of the positives, ie, that I have had no diagnosis of anything other than excess fluid; that the baby is growing normally and so far has no bits missing or not working properly; and that on Thursday I heard a strong heartbeat at my antenatal check and I was measuring the right size for dates.

OP posts:
melsy · 30/05/2006 19:36

ahh Arabica , its so ridiculous isnt it. Hard to stay calm and strong, I bet your going thorugh all sorts of emotions. I do hope you get through tommorow morning and have stiff words.

emkana · 30/05/2006 19:54

Oh arabica! Sad and Angry for you.

I agree with those who have said "No news is good news"

PinkTulips · 30/05/2006 22:38

o arabica Sad how dare they? Angry was so hoping you'd get some good news today. although like HMO2 said, no news is probably good news, he probably thinks as long as theres no problem theres no rush to tell you and is being totally insensitive to the fact that you're stuck at home hovering by the phone.

ring them tomorrow and have a good pregnant scream at them..., b*stards!

emkana · 30/05/2006 23:01

I had that time when I went in to see the consultant and I cried and lost it and told them exactly how I felt and didn't try to be reasonable and understanding etc and it really helped, they suddenly sprung into action.

Twiglett · 31/05/2006 09:38

just checking in to say I'm still thinking of you still .. wishing you a telephone call too

Marina · 31/05/2006 10:32

In my limited experience no news is usually good news but I am so sorry they are putting you through this Arabica. Definitely write. I never normally post about it but I experienced extremely thoughtless and distressing handling at the Harris once and I wrote them a scalding letter and copied it to my consultant, who agreed with every word of it. Pressure of work should not compromise basic empathy and simple admin efficiency.

Original poster
Arabica · 31/05/2006 11:16

I just don't have the energy to be angry with them at the moment. It takes all my courage just to ring and explain to yet another receptionist that I am still waiting.

OP posts:
Original poster
Arabica · 31/05/2006 11:18

I am sorry to hear about your experience with the Harris, Marina. Unfortunately seems like their communication skills still need a brush-up. I rang this morning at 9.30 and if I don't hear anything by 2pm they are getting another call.

OP posts:
Marina · 31/05/2006 11:22

I'm afraid my lingering impression of their customer care approach was..."We are the mighty Harris, you are so effing lucky to be in our wonderful hands and you expect TLC as well? Get over yourself"
And yes I know the marvellous work they all do, but do women with pregnancies under serious investigation/follow-up not deserve more respect and thought, rather than less?
Hmmm. So very sorry for your experience Arabica, truly. Hoping you get the call and an apology from them today, and the best news possible to boot.

ggglimpopo · 31/05/2006 11:23

Arabica - why don't you ring your GP and speak to him or her direct (not the receptionist!!) and ask them to ring for you? Bet they get through first time.

dressedupnowheretogo · 31/05/2006 14:24

arabica im hoping you've heard by now sending you my love

Original poster
Arabica · 31/05/2006 14:35

No not heard anything. Am out working at internet cafe (too noisy at home with the builders). My GP wouldn't be helpful as he knows nothing about my pregnancy troubles, but I might ask my consultant at the Homerton to call...if I haven't heard by next Monday (he is away at the moment).

OP posts:
Twiglett · 31/05/2006 14:38

I think you need to phone again and insist on holding

and cry

and shout

how dare they .. how extremely frustrating Sad

poor you Arabica

hoxtonchick · 31/05/2006 14:39

how about getting another consultant at the homerton to try on your behalf? i'm so sorry this is dragging on so.

Original poster
Arabica · 31/05/2006 14:47

I'll get my feature done and then tomorrow if I still haven't heard anything I will maybe go down there and sit in the waiting room until I get an answer.

OP posts:
foxinsocks · 31/05/2006 14:48

grrr Angry on your behalf

Original poster
Arabica · 31/05/2006 14:55

I gotta do some work now but thanks for all the support.

OP posts:
emkana · 31/05/2006 20:52

Arabica, just checked in to see if you had any news and am now stunned and outraged that you're still waiting! Angry

Swipe left for the next trending thread