I initially presented at the GP with increasing migraines with aura, then was diagnosed with hypertension which I’ve been treated for and haven’t had migraines since. I had routine blood tests which showed raised platelets.
I’ve now been referred to haematology as my platelets are persistently raised (currently over 600) and the GP marked it as an urgent referral. Today I rang the referral number and the closest bookable appointment is July 31st. Is there a difference between an urgent referral and a cancer referral, which I know is two weeks?
Many thanks
We are so sorry to hear that you have been having issues with migraines and hypertension, as well as a blood result showing raised platelets.
It is likely that your GP will of made this referral for you and that you will receive a letter with an appointment in soon for haematology.
We would advise perhaps calling the GP surgery to see if they have more information about this referral as what usually happens is that GPs will send off referrals, they will get assessed by the team within that speciality and then will be marked as either ‘urgent’ or ‘routine’.
You are correct in saying that for majority of cancer investigations this will be under a 2 week wait referral, however, it will depend on what has been decided when this has been triaged by the haematology team. Perhaps check this with the GP receptionist as they will usually be able to see what this has went through as and if a date or time frame has been given.
Hi @Barry1 I cannot better @Emma_BloodCancerUK response to you, but I wanted to welcome you to our support forum.
If you are anything like me the waiting and not knowing are anxious times.
I hope you get your referral as soon as possible, whether it be July 31st or not.
In the meantime I would suggest you write all your fears, questions and practicalities for the appointment and don’t forget all investigations are to rule conditions in or out.
Perhaps with very generic symptoms it makes it more difficult to make a diagnosis.
Please do look after yourself and do let us know how you get on.
Thank you both for your replies. I’ve spoken to the GP receptionist and they said the referral had been marked urgent from their end but then it would be triaged by haematology like you mentioned above Emma.
I took the option of being referred to my local hospital which doesn’t have bookable appointments so it will hopefully be before July (they mentioned there might be cancellations etc). I really hope so as the wait is definitely something I will struggle with.