Dh thinks he's got sceptecemia - is he just been a man?

[StripeyKnickersSpottySocks]

Or am I being unsympathetic? Actually its unlike him to make a fuss - never known him go to a GP in 9 years.

Anyway he's got a lot of flea bites round his ankles and he's been scratching them. Had them for weeks. Yesterday he felt really ill, like he had flu - was cold and shaking badly. He felt slightly better today, but still poorly and went to work.

He's rung up to say his leg his so badly swollen that you can't see his ankle joint anymore. Also that there is redness tracking up his leg from the bites. So it does sound like some sort of infection.

Can this wait until he can get a GP appt tomorrow? Does he need a&e. Am loath to ring NHS direct 'cos they always say go to a&e.

[Pushpinia]

No, sorrty I think A&E now.

Tracking is not good esp if he has been feeling ill too.

[georgiemum]

Sounds like an allergic reaction. If worried get down to A&E (you never know).

[Pushpinia]

I mean he's unlikely to kark it tonight but a systemic infection needs a/b's or could get worse.

Do not ignore!

[Pushpinia]

Georgie I disagree - tracking means the infection is into the bloodstream. Allergy prob would behave differently imo.

[belgo]

I also think a&e tonight.

[welshdeb]

The red line means ther could be a problem with an infection- get him to a and e.

[belgo]

it might not be as bad as septiceamia, but it could be cellulitis, which is also very serious. He needs it seen to this evening definitely.

[3littlefrogs]

Agree. A&E now.

[DarrellRivers]

It sounds like a skin infection, and if it were me, I would want antibiotics tonight, so whether that is via A+E or OOH, or your GP (might still be appointments) he should try to access them.

[saint2shoes]

A&E NOW
please
dh had this when he didn't get a bad cut dealt with, he ended up having 2 operations.

[expatinscotland]

get him to A&E.

[PortAndLemon]

A&E tonight, I'm afraid.

[tiggerlovestobounce]

I dont this this is an allergy, but I think that the tracking and swelling means that he needs to be seen by someone, I wouldnt leave this till tomorrow am, but would see your local out of hours GP tonight.

[Chocolateteapot]

A&E now, my friend (a nurse) was in a right state after contracting septicemia following a breast abscess. Not one to take any risks with.

[smartiejakethepeg]

Sounds VERY similar to something my father in law had. His started with an insect bite too. Turned out to be cellulitis which can be serious. Definitely get it looked at ASAP.

[StripeyKnickersSpottySocks]

Have tried the GP - can't even make an appt for tomorrw never mind today. I have to ring back at 8:00am tomrrow to try to get an appt for tomorrow.

I forgot totally about Out Of Hours service though - will wait now for GP to shut and then rng the Out Of Hours Service. Its all up at the hospital but will be quicker than a&e. Thanks.

I really must do something about the fleas in this house.

[welshlinz]

My dad had a small cut that started to trace up his arm. He felt like he had the flu and got the shakes. I made him get up and go to the hospital as I had just learnt about symptoms of septicemia in first aid. By the time he got there it was up his back and was going towards the heart.
Really don't want to scare you but this can be deadly so get him to A&E asap !!!

Good luck x

[expatinscotland]

don't wait till tomorrow.

[emma1977]

A&E tonight.

Sounds like tracking cellulitis (skin infection). Could require admission for iv antibiotics.

[saralou]

sounds more likely to be cellulitis

which needs to be checked.. how good is your out of hours gp???

[CryingMyselfToSleep]

I would say cellulitis.

Can get really serious really quickly....don't leave it.

Walkin centre or A&E, especially if it is visibe migrating.

[CryingMyselfToSleep]

xposts with emma & Sara

[Pushpinia]

Ah you see I have cellulite which is visibly migrating...that is not the same though is it

[SaintGeorge]

Tell him to mark his leg with a pen now, write the time on.

Can be a helpful indication to medical staff of how far/fast the infection is moving.

Then A & E asap. Personally I wouldn't wait to contact OOH service. A & E will triage him and hopefully he would be seen quite quickly.

[StripeyKnickersSpottySocks]

Our OOH service is normally quicker than a&e. Am waiting for them to open now, will ask them how busy they are. But if they're only opening at 6:30, hopefully we should be one of hthe first to in the queue.