Results of abdominal ultrasound scan 'noted'

[rb26]

Hi all,

I've been suffering from abdominal pain in my lower left side for about 13 weeks now. Other symptoms have included nausea, vomiting (3 times), loss of appetite and a variety of bowel movements. After multiple visits to my local GP, two visits to A&E and numerous blood and water tests (all normal apart from one of my globins (not sure which one), I was approved for an ultrasound test and a CT scan by the gastrointestinal consultant I was referred to.

Having had the ultrasound on Tuesday I called up the GP today to see if my results had come back, which fortunately they had. However when I asked what the results were, the person who I spoke to said that my GP had 'noted' them and that they're waiting for the results from the CT scan (which is happening this coming Sunday). When I pressed for more information they essentially repeated that it had been noted and that the other words written down were beyond them.

With this being said I'm a little disappointed that I've been kept in the dark about this. So has anyone had a similar experience, and know what this 'noted' means?

p.s. I apologise for any grammatical mistakes or errors. I've not slept properly for the past 13 weeks.

[gasman712]

It means the result has been read by the GP.
Are you sure you want results over the phone from an untrained receptionist who will be unable to answer any questions you have irrespective of the outcome of the scan?

[The_Doc]

Test results should be discussed in an environment that is fair, responsible and allows a balanced response from either side. EG: what does it mean, what next, do you understand, what are your worries, what is the impact?

This can't always be done over the phone, many medical situation have blanket bans on this.

The rules on confidentiality and responsible practice are strict and safe

[zeDuffMan]

The problem is you are asking a receptionist to read out a report for a incomplete set of tests. The report will contain medical jargon which you or they may not understand, and even if you did, there may be something there that would require the results of the CT scan to clarify. Additionally, the ultrasound may be clear, but the CT may show something, so you'll end up in a rollercoaster of emotions. Getting results via the wrong channel will cause unnecessary panic and anxiety so it's best to wait. Whilst you're obviously keen to find out the results there's no positives to jumping the gun.

[carinatauk]

When I had something similar, my doctors would not discuss the results from the tests. They said that the consultant would contact me with an appointment to discuss the results, which they did.

[dr_gn]

I've had lower left abdominal pain for 4 years now. X-ray, ultrasound, blood, urine, hernia tests all normal. Diagnosed with a kidney stone 2 weeks ago. I really hope it was that all along.

Re the X-ray etc...I asked the radiographer if they looked OK. If they show what they ecpect, they'll often imply this there and them, but obviously stop short of anything definitive.

I sympathise with you though - waiting for test results is a nightmare when you're not feeling well.

[popeyewhite]

rb26 said:

Having had the ultrasound on Tuesday ...

Not nice waiting for results. If you'd had yours by now it would have been some kind of a record. Normally it's two weeks at the earliest, and sometimes you're made to wait until your next appointment. I was on tenterhooks recently awaiting results of an MRI scan of my neck and brain. Six weeks later the consultant informed me in person the scan was clear "what about the scans of my neck?" "Um... that's funny, I specifically asked for that area to be scanned". It's now six months since investigations into the lump in my neck started and it hasn't been scanned yet. On the upside, the brain scan showed a bad case of sinusitis so I've been given 3 months of nose drops.

[steve2]

I have been booked for an ultrasound on my stomach in 10 days time as I have had pain in my back, side and stomach for 9 months now.
I have had an MRI which showed that I have an Annular tear on one of the discs in my spine(torn ligament on the disc) but they just want to check if anything else is wrong.
Always a worrying time waiting for results

[anonymous-user]

I had ultrasounds and MRI scans recently. I was told the results could not be discussed over the phone so had to wait for the consultant to write to me.

All normal procedure OP.

[popeyewhite]

Makes you wonder why some folks go private.

[The_Doc]

popeyewhite said:

Makes you wonder why some folks go private.

Same rules, in fact more people slip up and cause problems with PP.
But you can probably access the medical professional for the all important face to face discussion more easily. Evening/weekend/less busy appts

[popeyewhite]

The_Doc said:

Same rules, in fact more people slip up and cause problems with PP.
But you can probably access the medical professional for the all important face to face discussion more easily. Evening/weekend/less busy appts

This was my experience. A four/six week wait to meet with the consultant was reduced to two, sometimes less if I was prepared to travel a bit.

[rb26]

Thanks for the information guys. I appreciate where they're coming from, as the last thing they want to do is worry you over inconclusive results.

Thankfully I was able to speak to my GP about my results and unfortunately it appears my lymph node near my stomach is enlarged... I'll hopefully have more information from the CT scan sometime this week, with a biopsy following shortly after I'm sure. I'm only 24 so I'm hoping it's not a lymphoma and just a really bad infection I've been fighting.