Need some advice please

Clair

so sorry, you must be dreadfully worried but there is absolutely no point in anybody here speculating what it might be. It is what it is. You have your appointment at the hospital and all you can do is wait for it. I hope you don’t have to wait long. Most of the people here know about waiting and how mind and body sapping it is. Keep busy and take somebody with you. I hope it’s not too long and the outcome is positive. Good luck

The waiting is horrible, but you will find that the specialist not only gives you a diagnosis, but also a clear explanation of any treatment required, including options and timelines. This all goes on behind the scenes before your consultation. This will help you focus forward, and you will probably come out of the consultation feeling better, even if the news isn't great. The advice to take someone with you is really valuable, and get them to prepare with a list of questions so that you both make the most of the opportunity. Take someone with an assertive personality who knows you well, and will push for more information if they feel you are not getting all the answers you need.

Although it may be difficult, do everything you can for your general health whilst you are waiting, as any treatment may impact on that, and you want to be as healthy as possible. If it turns out to be something minor, then you have done your body a favour anyway.

Do come back on and keep us informed. All the best for a quick result.

Hi all,

Just an update regarding my CT scan. The sinus CT came back clear (which must be a good thing, I guess?!?!) The doctor said that there is nothing wrong with my sinuses… however  the doctor now asked for a head MRI. He said that it is just to be sure but did not specify what he is investigating by requesting the MRI.

Is it the usual procedure? Any ideas what he may be investigating with the MRI?

Wait still on!

Hi Clair

did you ask him ?

some things just don’t show up as clearly on CT as MRI and vice versa

I did sort of ask and he said just to be sure but did not specify what he is looking for. I should have asked exactly why.

He felt that my lymph nodes are still swollen on the right side of my face and neck, saw that my nose is still congested even after 2 weeks antibiotics and sprays, saw that my ear drum still look quite dull, etc. However he said that there is nothing wrong with my sinuses and the antibiotics should have help my lymph nodes to go back to normal, nose congestion and ear.

Hi Clair 

one thing I can say was that a CT is used in planning the target for radiotherapy. It therefore has to be accurate as you can imagine and would have picked anything up.

However MRI is better at picking up soft tissue abnormalities so perhaps he just wants a more detailed picture

So I would try to not worry about the upcoming MRI. It’s best to be sure after all. 

A tip about the scan. It takes between half and one hour and these scanning rooms are cold so wear something warm but leave an arm accessible as you’ll no doubt be given a contrast injection. Its noisy but you’ll be given headphones 

Best if luck and I hope it comes to nothing sinister 

Hi Clair74, I could not have answered it better than Beesuit , and most times I have both scans as they both show different images ,so he is making sure as they will not leave anything to chance ,please take the first scan as excellent news and maybe the MRI will be the same , try not to worry and be positive  as you consultant seems to be on the ball . Best wishes , take care .

                                                                                 Chris x