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Care Opinion

Ultrasound referral

Posted By Eup3

"Ultrasound referral"

About: General practices in Lanarkshire University Hospital Monklands / Radiology

(as the patient),

I've been referred for an ultrasound to investigate lower abdominal pain. I am trying to conceive for the first time and for the last 3 wks I've experienced severe lower abdominal pain. My practice nurse ran blood checks and urine sample, everything was normal, no pregnancy/miscarriage and she sent me away promising an urgent referral and some antibiotics even though she said it was not an infection. 3 wks on I'm still in pain, self medicating and enquired with local hospital regarding the wait time for the ultrasound. Apparently it has not been made an urgent request and it may be another month before I will be scheduled for the scan. The department did advise that if I was still in pain I should just attend A&E. My worry is I will be turned away as my symptoms aren't life threatening just constant with no sign of improvement. Isn't there another way to be seen as my GP is being dismissive but at the end of the day, no diagnosis has been made, I am taking painkillers constantly and I'm worried sick.

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Responses

Response from Eddie McGoldrick, Head of Profession, Radiography Services, NHS Lanarkshire 7 years ago
Eddie McGoldrick
Head of Profession, Radiography Services,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 09/08/2016 at 14:55
Published on Care Opinion at 16:09

Dear Eup3

Thank you for feedback on your ultrasound referral and I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing pain. From your patient story it appears that your GP has requested a routine ultrasound scan for lower abdominal pain. Given your on going symptoms may I suggest that you make a further appointment with your GP where he/she will be able to discuss pain management and prioritisation of the ultrasound referral.

Kind regards

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Response from Kathryn Ferguson, Primary Care Division, NHS Lanarkshire 7 years ago
Kathryn Ferguson
Primary Care Division,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 09/08/2016 at 14:59
Published on Care Opinion at 16:09

picture of Kathryn Ferguson

Dear Eup3,

I’m glad you felt able to get in touch at what must be a very difficult and worrying time for you.

It’s good that you are trying to manage your symptoms by self medicating and whilst A&E may not be the appropriate place for you to attend you would not be turned away; but, that does not mean you would be scanned any earlier if attending either.

I would urge you to return to your GP for further assessment if your symptoms aren’t improving and they will be able to review the urgency of your scan request and your medication regime.

I note your comments about your GP and I would be happy to discuss this further with you. You can contact me on Tel No: 01698 858321.

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