Had MRI, Radiologist said I need more tests

[Red_Ruby]

I had my MRI yesterday, full spine and brain examination was ordered by my Pain Specialist who I had recently just seen at Royal Melbourne Hospital.  I had initially seen him for chronic pain from a MVA for a lower back injury. He did some neurological tests and picked up I had hyperreflexia.

Unexpectedly the Radiologist who done my MRI came to see me after it was finished.  I thought it odd as he asked me when was I going back to see the Doctor, which I told him March 18th. (I am seeing this Pain Doctor as a public patient but I had the MRI done at a Private Clinic.) He then said; don't worry if you are called back to have some further tests done as sometimes this is necessary and how long would it be before I could come back down to Melbourne.  I live in Country Victoria and it takes me over 5 hours train/coach travel to this get to the Hospital, hence his asking me that question.

Obviously this has scared me a little as I was taken aback with his questions and did not even ask why or what tests etc.

I know I have some Neurological problem and I suspect it is MS. At present I have been having for some weeks muscle jerks in my wrists, ankles, calves and last week my jaw.  It terrified me when my jaw started jerking.

Any thoughts of what perhaps he means by his questions etc.

Roseanne

[Red_Ruby]

Hi Ess,

Thank you for your reply.  Our laws here in Australia are the same as the US, however I have to wait until I have seen the Doctor first, which is March 18.  I am going to see my GP (what we call a General Practioner is like your family Doctor) this week and ask him to request a copy of the report, which he can.  As the film went back to the Public Hospital my Doctor does not get a copy of it straigt away.  He will get a medical letter after I have seen the Doctor on March 18.

I will get the film when I go back to the Hospital in March.  I knew that he had seen something, I am just hoping it is MS and not anything else sinsister.

The Radiologist was great but as he is Private he could not help me with this as I am a Public Patient.  But I hope to sort it out soon.

Would you have any suggestions what type of tests one normally has, if lesions are shown?

Thanks for your advice, much appreaciated.  Roseanne

Roseanne

[essdipity]

Hi, Roseanne.

Actually all this is a good thing. It appears the radiologist saw abnormalities on your MRI and thinks you need other kinds of tests. Can you get a copy of his report? That should tell you a lot. In the US patients are entitled to all such information, but maybe your laws differ. If you can, get the actual MRI images too. Try to keep copies of everything for your personal records.

I know you just want to get to the bottom of things, and it appears you are on your way. Why not try to get the radiologist to intervene and speed up the process in whatever way he can. He sounds like a good ally.

ess