Pressure under ribs

[badhorsey]

Hi all, I posted a question a couple of weeks back about a numbness in my chest. This has now progressed to a sensation of swelling and a presence under my left ribs. I've seen my GP, and he's referred me to the hospital for an ultrasound scan.

I'm well aware that the only thing that's lurking about in that bit of the body is the spleen. The symptoms are now mild discomfort, and an increasing sense of 'bulk' in that region. On a couple of occasions, I've noticed a shortness of breath, but that could be my imagination.

Obviously, keying these symptoms into Google returns results ranging from a hernia to The Andromeda Strain. But I want to find out what's going on asap, and don't feel inclined to let the NHS take their time over it (with apologies to any hard-working, dedicated NHS employees - no slight against you, but it's a heavily oversubscribed and under-resourced service).

So. What I'd like to do is get a private scan done, but would welcome advice on which type of scan is best and where in London I could have it done. It'll probably be expensive but I'd rather find out what on Earth is going on in there.

Some basic background - I'm 42, otherwise healthy but have lost both parents to cancer (esophagus and pancreas), which doesn't bode well...

Thanks in advance, all.

[237SJ]

I`m not sure about scans and where you can get them but I think you might be better just sticking with the NHS. A nurse friend of mine said that if you get something such as you describe, the NHS is the best place to get it investigated because they see these types of problems on a regular basis. Private hospitals may see them once in a blue moon.

[China Doll]

Your GP should be able to advise you of what scan you need and recommend a private clinic/consultant.

[boxtops]

Agree with china - all you have to do is tell your GP that you want to go private (even if just for the first consultation) and they will make the referral for you.

[China Doll]

But if you then want to go to the NHS after the private scan, you will have to be referred by your GP. You can't bounce in between.

[badhorsey]

Thanks all. The reason for wanting to go private is timescale - I hadn't realised that a private scan would revoke my entitlement to NHS treatment, though. That doesn't sound right at all...

I really appreciate all of your help with this.

[China Doll]

It doesn't. If you are referred privately then you attend privately. If you change your mind you then have to referred to the NHS and you can take your scan with you. You don't get to have your scan privately and then get booked in to see a consultant or specialist on the NHS.

[badhorsey]

Again, thanks. What sort of scan should I be looking at - MRI, CAT or ultrasound? And what could be the source of this?

[China Doll]

Ask your GP.

[Sqad]

If there is indeed an abdominal then an initial ultrasound should be good enough.

Only if this shows a problem should an MRI be considered.

CAT scan.....of no significant help here.

[badhorsey]

Thank you all, this is very helpful. I've spoken to the practice and they're going to arrange another referral as a private patient - I'd just like this out of the way as soon as possible!