Radiology Forums

grace · Joined: 09 Aug 2008 Posts: 3

I am in remission from Leukemia which involved bone involvement (hip). I recently started to have discomfort in the same hip, thus my Dr. ordered X-ray in this area including the pelvis. I went for the x-rays today and I thought the first 5-10 minutes of x-rays went smooth. Then she (the technician) went to review I assume the films. After reviewing the films she came back and took another picture of my left hip. She then went back to I am assuming to re-review the film. She then came back and asked me why I was asked to have x-rays. I told her I had a tumor 2 years ago in the hip and due to recent discomfort my doctor ordered x-rays just to be cautious. She then went back to her room and came back out to the x-ray table saying she want to take one more picture a little higher.

I know everything is probably fine, but I do admit to having some anxiety over the additional pictures taken (especially after having taken 10 minutes of x-rays). Can someone tell me is it normal to have additional pictures to be taken after the initial set are complete.

hjhogle · Moderator Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 609 Location: CT

Hi Grace

Unfortunately, you're asking the wrong questions of the wrong people. No matter what answer you hear, it could give you the wrong impression.

I've been an RT for almost 30 years. It is not at all unusual for me to perform the "standard" views ... review what I've done and return to the patient for a different view or a slightly different repeat view.

That doesn't mean that there's something to see on the images.

However, the best person to set things straight is your physician. Radiology procedures are usually interpreted within 24 hours. Contact your physician with your concerns.

Good luck!
hjh, RT

grace · Joined: 09 Aug 2008 Posts: 3

Thanks for the reply, that makes me feel better that it is not out of the ordinary for repeats. Laughing