Still waiting for Histology 3 wks on..

I was given my appointment before I left hospital which was for three weeks’ time but then got a phone call bringing it forward to two weeks as he’d had a cancellation. From reading posts on here I think anything up to about 6 weeks can be “normal”. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with emailing or phoning the consultant’s secretary asking when you’re likely to hear. You could also ask when the MDT meet (usually once a week on a given morning or afternoon) as that will give a clue as to when, as results usually have to go to the MDT before the patient hears.

Hi MarmiteFan59! That's the term I was searching for - MDT meeting. I remember you mentioning similar before. Well, I plucked up the courage to email the secretary and got an immediate 'Out of Office' for a good week or so. So I guess there's no-one around to type up the report!

If it was me I’d phone and ask who’s covering her stuff while she’s away.

Hi Cakenport,

You have my full sympathy on this. I didn’t get my histology results until two days ago! Had my hysterectomy 5th of May! It took nearly 6 weeks!!! So I completely understand. It’s really hard but hang in there. Like Marmitefan’s advice, I would give the hospital a ring and ask when the results or next MDT meeting would be. In my case, twice my name’s been on the list for the meeting only to be told that my results were not yet available so they had to re-list my name for the next two meetings. Hope this somehow help you. Sending you big hugs Xx

Thanks so much Thereddragon. I know I'm being impatient. I've been applying for jobs today and finding it so odd and unnerving I'm just having to crack on without knowing anything about my results. 6 weeks is a cruel amount of time to make someone wait :( so sorry. I started wondering yesterday if they've ever lost a womb in the path lab and how awful that would be. I don't help myself! 

That did cross my mind when I’ve been waiting for 4 weeks. I thought maybe they’ve lost my uterus etc. but what one of my good friends told me made me think more rationally. She said she believes it’s a genuine delay due to the backlog caused by Covid. Not only because of staff shortages but also because not all NHS staff are back in hospitals due to the stress of the past two years. So all this catching up plus trying to do as much will cause things to slow down when analysing  as well as getting it signed off by a consultant in the lab.

I don’t think you’re being impatient at all. Perhaps they should have given us a longer timeframe of 4-6 weeks at the start and being more honest about the delays. I know hospitals have different waiting times etc, mine is in Berkshire.

Take care and if you have any questions at all, just fire away. We’re here for you. Xx

Hi Cakenport. Good to read mobility better and bloat is reduced.

I know the waiting is endless but there should be somebody covering the secretary's work to type up the report! Two to three weeks is the normal waiting time. Hopefully you'll hear very soon.

Hugs, Barb xx

I've just had a reply from the secretary who is now back from holiday.

"The consultant would then normally write to you and your GP." I asked if there was any hold up with pathology or whether it's subject to MET meeting but that's not been answered.

So no answers there despite in my initial email I mentioned I would be told I should expect a phone call in two weeks. This is not at all what I've been told all along. No idea what to make of this. I only have to hope this is nudged along to consultant and he gets in touch with me.

I'm feeling really down today about the general after care, the fact I've not been given any contact to discuss anything with and just had a small cry thinking about the general lack of support (both mental and rehabilitative) given to women after hysterectomy. Maybe I've just hit my post-surgery dip?

Cakenport I'm sending you a great big hug to try and cheer you up.

Some secretaries will tell you things other will say "It's all in medical terminology which I don't understand" I'd leave it another couple of days then call again. If you have an e-mail contact address write to them saying in your e-mail dated XXXXX you'd receive a phone call in 2 weeks which you're waiting for.

Explain how low you're feeling.

I too am waiting for a  copy letter to my GP following my meeting on 31st May. Normally I hear within 2 weeks but know from my CNS there is a backlog.

Hugs again, Barb xx

Thank you MrsBJH. My consultant has been very conscientious throughout so I do hope with a nudge he will drop me a line. If not, I will email him directly in a few days. I can see him on Whatsapp but maybe that's pushing it ;) Sorry you're waiting for your correspondence too - I'm sure the Covid backlog is causing all sorts of issues. My financial situation is very, very dire from all this and I just need to know where I stand - but I appreciate that won't be a consideration for them at all. Thank you for my virtual hug and right back at you x