"Good care but uncertain benefits"

Earlier this year I experienced a very painful urinary infection and was sent to St George's for an MRI scan.

The results suggested I needed further investigations and so was sent for an ultrasound. These results conflicted with each other and so I was sent for a CT scan. This third scan proved inconclusive and so was sent for a second ultrasound. The findings were such that it was decided I did not need treatment but that I would be rescanned in a year's time.

I also had four sets of blood tests and had to attend an appointment each time to have the results. I also had to attend appointments to have the results of the four scans. One blood test did indicate that I needed a course of vitamins.

I had several appointments regarding my initial UTI which kept me off work for one month, so in all I attended approximately 20 appointments in about 30 weeks.

To sum up my feelings, I would say that I was extremely pleased with the care and attention I received from all staff at the surgery and St George's. However, it has left me in a "what was all that about" state of mind and I have done a lot of my own research, mostly online, to set my mind at rest. Luckily I am able to do this.

One comment from a professional stands out for me. She said that with ever more sophisticated imaging results, there can be a danger in starting down the scanning track.

So in all, a good experience.