"MR Angiogram in the RVH"

After suffering for over a year with extreme headaches and neck pain, I had two brain mri’s which showed cerebral tonsillar ectopic and this is what I thought was the ‘only problem’.

My scan was graded by my neurosurgeon as urgent but 10months later, I was still being told there is at least 6-8months waiting time. I went private to meet my neurosurgeon where he stated I will not need decompression surgery and rather a ‘secondary problem’ was now onset. He could see on August past that I had ‘busy vessels’ and an artery being compressed by veins in the cranial cervical junction and a rural fistula was suspected. I researched this abnormal and potential problem and it is very rare.

My headaches, pulsatile tinnitus, neck pain and pressure in my skull seemed to feel more painful and heightened. It was like no pain before. This has been bad for at least 3-6 months at its peak.

I rang MRI in RVH and spoke with clinical specialist Jill who went above and beyond to assist me. Within a day I had a call from her offering me an appointment for 10 days later. I couldn’t believe it. After all this time I wanted a clear diagnosis and this debilitating pain to end with possible interventions. I also rang my neurosurgeons secretary the same day and asked if she could get my waiting times expedited and she stated my neurosurgeon was on his holidays until the next week.

As Jill was able to accommodate me so quickly and effectively, I want to thank her for everything. As a healthcare worker myself, I too know what pressures the NHS are under. Jill was helpful, kind and empathetic towards me and she displayed a kind tone during our phone call and was professional at all times. It is down to Jill that I got seen so quickly.

Our NHS need individuals like Jill who at all times will put the patient first and treat everyone like that of her own family. Thank you Jill. Also a big thanks to Stephen/Steven who went through my checklist, cannulated me and eased my tension, worry and stress and allowed my husband into the suite with me. He was just fab in every way and he too is exactly what our NHS need.

I cannot fault the staff of the MRI dept in RVH. They are all heroes in my eyes. After my scan Jill came out to me and gave a big hug. She really is one of the greats and the MRI dept are lucky to have such a strong asset in their team, thank you all for your incredible work.