How do I get lump checked when I’m 100% bedbound?

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Unstable_microwave@reddit

Asking on reddit is the most genius thing you can do. Call a doctor for a hose visit maybe?

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ukbot-nicolabot@reddit

A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question

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pixeltash@reddit

I also have ME (since 1994) and am largely, but not completely bed bound.

I recently had to go for my first breast scan (yay for being female and fifty 🙄) they couldn't accommodate me in the usual clinic, but could at the dedicated hospital breast unit. Flat entry, disabled parking, only a few steps from car to exam room, plus the actual exam while seated.

I could manage this as my husband is my carer and our car is a large estate I could lie down in the recover enough for the seated journey back if I had needed to.

I was straight in and back out again in just under 15 mins, so I was really glad I hadn't booked transport, as that would have been a very painfully long wait.

Very very gentle virtual hugs and I hope you can get something sorted.

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chroniccomplexcase@reddit

Patient transport. They can take you in a stretcher however many trusts have changed to not providing help if you receive PIP as they state that’s what it should pay for. So you’ll need to stress you can’t use a normal taxi and need a stretcher.

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Coconutpieplates@reddit

Google patient transport and your local trust's nhs page on patient transport will probably come up. Call them, explain you also need to be stretchered in etc. There is a system for this, don't worry, you just need to arrange patient transport.

If the breast clinic is at the hospital, call the hospital and they can also direct you to patient transport.

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Pyjama365@reddit

Agree to the referral, then when you get a phone call booking you in or am appointment letter, speak to the appointment booking team by phone to explain things.

Your mobility situation should already be detailed on your referral from the GP, but don't rely on this. Talk it through with the bookings staff by phone so they can make clinic staff aware of your needs.

Each hospital will have a contractor for patient transport for those who really can't get to hospital by their own means, and this includes stretcher patients.

The bookings staff will either give you the number for patient transport by stretcher, or they may book it for you. Be clear that you are not declining the offer of an appointment, and you do wish to attend within the normal timeframe recommended, and you do definitely want patient transport to make this happen. Some people get put off because the transport contracts allow for quite long gaps between pick-ups and appointment times, but if you don't mind waiting around either side of the appointment, definitely insist that you do want the appointment. Bring a book or maybe headphones on the day because the waits can be boring.

FWIW, breast clinic for me was seeing a surgeon for a clinic appointment, talking through medical history/family history, lying down on a bed so they could feel around, getting circles/X drawn on any lumps they thought they could feel, then going next door to an ultrasound suite, and getting into a chair that reclined almost fully where a radiologist scanned me, with a chaperone present. The actual important bits therefore involved lying down, not sitting up. They should either be able to do these parts with you in the stretcher or arrange enough HCAs to assist you to transfer. I did have to change into a gown. I believe they would allocate some HCAs to assist you with changing, but I would recommend wearing stuff that's easy to get on and off anyway for the top half.

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Victorius_Meldrus@reddit

Can't you arrange for a home visit from a GP to get a second opinion? If they believe the lump to be of concern, they'll be able to arrange transport much more efficiently than you'd be able to.

Also, don't mean to suggest that your other CFS/ME symptoms aren't real, but have you ever spoken to a therapist about your suspected POTS/Autism/MCAS symptoms? MCAS has a prevalence of around 1/20 people, Autism 1/100, CFS 1/200 and POTS 1/500

The likelihood of one individual suffering from all four is 1/200,000,000 which would make you one of only 42 people on the planet with that particular combination of illnesses.

Around 1/16 people suffer from Somatic Symptom Disorder. The prevalence is significantly higher in people with depressive disorders. Just saying.

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CrowApprehensive204@reddit

Patient transport will bring you in as a stretcher patient. The booking clerk will need to check with clinic to make sure a room is available first, then you give transport all the information including steps up to your house etc and that you may well be in clinic for up to four hours

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PengyLi@reddit

Where abouts are you based? I have arranged patient transport for my moderately disabled auntie on multiple occasions. She's based in the NW of England so I know at least that area is covered. Look up Patient Transport Service [Your Area] You can be waiting a LONG time on the phone, sometimes 20-30 mins for them to get to you, but they are fantastic, will cater to your needs/abilities etc, will bring you to the correct department within the hospital, provide the wheelchair etc.

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Scuba_Ted@reddit

Unfortunately the breast clinic will involve a number of people (doctors/nurses etc.) so is not feasible to be done at home.

You’ll need to phone the clinic and ask them to help you arrange patient transport. They deal with people who are heavily disabled so will absolutely be able to help.

I’m not for a second suggesting you don’t get checked but if it’s any reassurance the odds of it being anything sinister at 23 are very small.

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Fcxk_Lewis@reddit

Patient transport. That’s what the service is there for. You should be completely eligible and you may need to contact the breast clinic directly to get them to arrange it.

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smellyfeet25@reddit

Can you not inquire about transport from the hospital? the might be advice from a charity. I can't stress how important it is to get this lump investigated . it could be life or death.

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ashyjay@reddit

You'd need to get patient transport arranged.

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PlantainPractical928@reddit

This here! I had to get one when i had a herniated disk and couldn't sit for long periods

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Available_Hornet_715@reddit

I cannot think of any service that would provide mobile ultrasounds unfortunately.

You might find hospital transport suitable for you- they should have a stretcher option that you could stay in for your appointment- best to speak to the booking team when you get your appointment through and see how it is organised and if you are eligible.

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