Referral to specialist - Gastro

[RosyRat]

I waited 6 weeks for a colonoscopy, which is the average waiting time. I asked if I could pay to have a private appointment & was told yes, but you'd still have to wait 6 weeks. The wait is because there are hundreds of people waiting for this diagnostic treatment & only so many machines & technicians. Paying won't move you up the queue & neither will hassling anybody. And neither should it. Everyone needs to wait their turn & I know the waiting is worrying, because I've been there.

 

While I was waiting I did loads of exercise & made sure I had things to do which took my mind off my health. 6 weeks will make no difference to your condition.

[Supertramp]

I waited 6 weeks for a colonoscopy, which is the average waiting time. I asked if I could pay to have a private appointment & was told yes, but you'd still have to wait 6 weeks. The wait is because there are hundreds of people waiting for this diagnostic treatment & only so many machines & technicians. Paying won't move you up the queue & neither will hassling anybody. And neither should it. Everyone needs to wait their turn & I know the waiting is worrying, because I've been there.

 

While I was waiting I did loads of exercise & made sure I had things to do which took my mind off my health. 6 weeks will make no difference to your condition.

 

Thanks, all I was asking before everyone started having a go was how long before the appointment do you get the letter or get contacted by the consultant? I've had nothing yet and was wondering if it was normal.

[Supertramp]

Can anyone answer this? How long after your referral/before your appointment are you usually contacted by the hospital?

 

Thanks

[rachgee]

If your dr suspects cancer, it's a max 2 wk fast track system. Your referral should get acknowledged by the hospital within that time frame. If they don't it's the standard waiting time. Just check with the drs receptionist/ secretary. Mine was on holiday and the stand in forgot to do mine.

There used to be a website that told you nhs wait times - dr fosters.

Worth saying a lot of gastric problems are wear n tear/ with age e.g hpylori/ hernia / polyps - which although uncomfortable & problematic - there not cancer.

Good luck , keep chasing them. I know it's hard but avoid the Internet. My partner has suffered for years with his stomach and the best treatment has been certain food/ stress avoidance.