Importance of getting copies of test results

[Catherine]

The purpose of the this thread is to show why it is important to obtain copies of all testing if possible. I maynot have understood the report but I would have got a referral to a gi after reading this report.

I going type out the findings of my daughter ultrasound from June 2012. We were told this ultrasound was clear and did not obtain a copy of the ultrasound when changing gp. I told the new gp the ultrasound was clear and with that information and blood tests, a colonscropy was not peformed and Sarah was dx with ibs and iron deficiency anemia.

Text as follows:-

Pelvic Ultrasound

Clinical Notes: Ovarian cyst rupture

Findings: The uterus is normal in size and shape on this transabdominal study. Normal endometrium has a combined width of 6 mm. It is secretory in type consistent with the menstrual phase.
Overies are identified with the left just over 5cc and right 15cc in volume.
Neither adnexal rgion is tender transabdominally. A small amount of free fluid in the iliac fossa is shown. Normal kidneys.
Retroperitoneal and mesenteric adenopathy is present.
One of the bowel loops in front of the uterus is slightly thick walled and vascular. Significance of this is uncertain however, it is different to the adjacent loops which contract and not appreciably thickened? inflammed? small or large bowel.
Appendix cannot be identified.

Comment: No uterine, endometrial or varian abnrmality.
There is no evidence of an ovarian cyst or mass.
A small volume of free fluid in the midline and right fossa. Enlarged mesenteric and mid retroperitoneal nodes.
A thick walled mildly vascular loop of bowel is present in the midline in front of the uterine fundus, the significance of which is uncertain.
I am not certian whether this is small or large bowel.
Depending on clinical progress this patient may benfit from furthe imaging of the gastrointestinal tract.
In a patient of this age ionising radiation should be avoided if possible
Gastronenterologist review may be preferred in the first instance.

If inflammatory bowel disease is a clinical possiblity then perhaps MR enterography:ybatty::ybatty:

 

[kimmidwife]

Wow Catherine, that is crazy! You are Absolutly right I do try to obtain all reports and read the results myself because of some experiences I had as a nurse practitioner where other practitioners/ doctors did not pay attention to pieces of reports or blood work. It is just crazy how they can ignore significant findings like that!

 

[Catherine]

At Christmas, when Sarah was really sick the second practice obtained the report and called us home to tell us the report was anything but clear. I still can't believe the first gp dx sarah with ibs after seeing this report.

Sarah and I couldnot believe we were being told it was clear, because operator had told us the test would give us answers.

This report explains my trust issues with doctors.

 

[Tesscorm]

I'm in total agreement! I had issues with the nurse's comments between Stephen's first and second MRE and, unfortunately, didn't request copies until her emails/comments began to contradict one another. :ymad: I was told his first one was 'good' so I was unconcerned, his second showed inflammation but by then we were transferring, old GI didn't really want to start on new med and it took months to see new GI. Now, new GI wants to start treatment almost right away because the inflammation has been there so long! :ymad: :ymad:

Another reason... at yesterday's apptmt, his new GI did not have copies of his last blood results from his last GI nor did he have either of the MRE reports - I had copies of all of them on hand for him to review...

At Stephen's last hospital, I was able to call the Records Department directly and request records (there might be a fee). I was able to get every piece of paper held in Stephen's file. Not sure if this service is available everywhere but worth looking into...