Page 17 | Another A&E thread

MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 2023-10-12T20:53:46+00:00

AIBU to take granddaughter to hospital this evening or will it wait? She's been having headaches regularly this year. She describes pounding and pain in eye. GP said eye test - optician immediately said that she could see a large prescription. DG had glasses then three months later had another checkup and a stronger pair prescribed. She's due back in December. So I'm assuming that they're increasing the strength of the glasses in increments. Her headaches have persisted. This current one she's had since last Friday. I picked her up from school on Monday and could tell that each footstep was making her wince with pain. She couldn't sleep Monday night because of pain and feeling sick. We've been alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief. Saw GP on Tuesday who said it was nothing sinister but was referring her to paediatrician. This evening she was complaining of eye and nose pain and appeared to be light sensitive. She's woken in pain a couple of hours after she went to bed and her eyelid is drooping. Is this worth a trip to A&E? We're very worried.

MyheartgoingBoomBoomBoom · 13/10/2023 09:29

Our family were robbed off by a GP, with regards to our 4 year old niece.

Please push for a scan. As a migraine sufferer myself it does sound very much the likely outcome but a scan will cover every thing and put all your minds at ease.
I hope all goes well.

Original poster

MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 13/10/2023 09:27

Mum and GD got home at 5am.

I drove to get them.

I had to get H out of bed and drive to DD's to sit with DGS who was awake from 1am (which his good going for him), t'other DGS slept until 5am.

So we've been up all night.

The drooped eyelid 'self resolved' at about 1am. Her blood pressure stayed at 120/80.

They said it's a symptom of migraine and that her requiring glasses coincided with onset of them.

She's sat with a sick bowl drawing pictures. She's had dry cereal for breakfast. This is day 8 of headache. I have migraines - longest one possibly went on into the fourth day. And I do get ones where I feel like I'm having a stroke - paralysis down left hand side/pin point pulsating pain on right side of head/think a blood vessel is about to pop.

She's got an appointment at the optician tomorrow. Pain still in right eye. They said that they are going to use yellow eye drops to have a close look. (Her next appointment wasn't due until December.)

So, we should get a letter confirming a paediatric appointment for three months time (at a distant hospital).

They've said it's definitely nothing sinister.

In June her glasses prescription (worst eye) was +2.25, in September it was +3.5 - which is double my current prescription. How on earth we/school didn't realise she couldn't see - I've no idea. She still misses words out when reading and also reads words such as 'left' as 'felt' - she jumbles the letters automatically. That is another story - her mum has autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, hEDS (but 20/20 vision and dry eye).

So we'll muddle along today and if DGS decides to nap I'll try and grab 40 winks.

Mum (DD) has gone to work. One DGS in nursery and one on my knee.

We're supposed to be driving up to our static for the weekend, late this afternoon (just H and I) but I don't want to go now.

Anyone wondering why it's not 'DH' (just H) - I seriously went off him after his major op last year. His personality changed and has certainly not resolved.

OP posts:

amusedbush · 13/10/2023 09:24

I have just clocked your username and I was a (silent) supporter on your threads about your husband, OP. Your family has had enough medical worries to last several lifetimes and I'm sorry to hear that your granddaughter is feeling so unwell now.

I know from experience that chronic pain investigation can drag on and on; I really hope the hospital gets to the bottom of it and that she feels better soon ❤

ToussaintTheChef · 13/10/2023 09:24

This sounds like migraines to me which absolutely need to be confirmed.

3luckystars · 13/10/2023 08:55

I don’t think the GP can fully reassure anyone, unless there is a scan done then nobody’s really knows what’s going on.

Wishing you and your granddaughter all the very best.

Igglepiggleandhisboat · 13/10/2023 08:51

I hope your granddaughter is ok. I think cluster headaches are referred to as “suicide headaches” as they are so painful so could well be that x

HeadAgainstWall0923 · 13/10/2023 08:46

Somuchgoo · 13/10/2023 08:40

Everything I've suggested had been in line with the NICE red flags for headaches in children. The signs they say you shouldn't ignore. Brainsmart (a charity that knows a lot not than you I suspect) says she needs a scan.

We were told that my toddlers headaches weren't anything to worry about. The GP literally said "I'm not worried, I'm not going to be doing anything about it at this stage". The following day we took her to hospital where she was scanned, and blue lighted for life-saving surgery the following morning.. Her brain tumour (a low grade one thankfully) was the size if an egg.

Its incredibly rare it happens, but someone had to be that person. I'd rather 100 kids were scanned unnecessarily (a MRI isn't radiation) than then miss something catastrophic. That's why even NICE suggest a precautionary approach when it comes to headaches in kids.

Oh and I do have 'some idea' about meningitis she developed that too 😬

Ps: she's mostly ok now.

Show quote history

I am in agreement with your sentiment, not disagreeing with it.

Unless you’ve tagged me by mistake?

CrimsonElevenDelightPetrichor · 13/10/2023 08:43

I've been told by someone involved with the brain tumour charity that an MRI only costs £400. I don't know why the NHS has such a high threshold for them. I know we need more MRI capacity in hospitals though. ☹️

Pashminafreamer · 13/10/2023 08:42

@Wishitsnows I'm glad things are moving along but please don't let them reassure you that it's nothing sinister. They simply cannot tell that without a scan.

I agree.

Somuchgoo · 13/10/2023 08:40

HeadAgainstWall0923 · 13/10/2023 08:22

I’m a paediatric nurse and I just think you sound like an idiot.

Go and take your sneering disdain somewhere else.

Show quote history

Everything I've suggested had been in line with the NICE red flags for headaches in children. The signs they say you shouldn't ignore. Brainsmart (a charity that knows a lot not than you I suspect) says she needs a scan.

We were told that my toddlers headaches weren't anything to worry about. The GP literally said "I'm not worried, I'm not going to be doing anything about it at this stage". The following day we took her to hospital where she was scanned, and blue lighted for life-saving surgery the following morning.. Her brain tumour (a low grade one thankfully) was the size if an egg.

Its incredibly rare it happens, but someone had to be that person. I'd rather 100 kids were scanned unnecessarily (a MRI isn't radiation) than then miss something catastrophic. That's why even NICE suggest a precautionary approach when it comes to headaches in kids.

Oh and I do have 'some idea' about meningitis she developed that too 😬

Ps: she's mostly ok now.

CrimsonElevenDelightPetrichor · 13/10/2023 08:39

Woahbodyforrrrm · 13/10/2023 07:12

@Wishitsnows I'm glad things are moving along but please don't let them reassure you that it's nothing sinister. They simply cannot tell that without a scan.

So many people with brain tumours are diagnosed via A&E when they're in a life threatening situation and this is often due to them being misdiagnosed by various healthcare professionals who put their symptoms down to other things. In my case, my symptoms were put down to having 4 children under 5 and being very sleep deprived. I was having headaches, extreme tiredness and one of my pupils was bigger then the other. I ended up in a coma in ITU.

So little exposure is given to brain tumours that people are unaware of the signs. @Somuchgoo post is brilliant and well worth a read.

For the first time ever, I heard an advert on the radio yesterday talking about the signs and symptoms of brain tumours. We need more awareness.

Please please please push for that MRI and don't be afraid to tell them that you're concerned about the possibility of a BT and need it ruled out. She is a child and I'm sure they will do it for you!

Agreed.

HeadAgainstWall0923 · 13/10/2023 08:22

OssomMummy1 · 13/10/2023 07:34

I can't stop laughing at you lot. Does any of you have a ANY IDEA about meningitis or encephalitis? DID YOU KOW that a Normal CT or MRI does not exclude either of them? I hope there are RGNs, CNS on mumsnet who can back-me up or tell me if I am wrong. You are reassuring your ego by demanding for a scan from an A&E doctor already under strain. I have seen so many patients with normal scan and meningitis. Instead, let the doctor see first and assess the child properly. If not satisfied, ask for a second opinion immediately. If still not satisfied, then they may do lumbar puncture, where they will take out the fluid around the spinal cord in the back and test it for bacteria and virus. Mind you, no medical procedure is risk free and scans are not panacea of life.

I’m a paediatric nurse and I just think you sound like an idiot.

Go and take your sneering disdain somewhere else.

minmooch · 13/10/2023 08:22

Gp's are on the whole fantastic but they are not specialists and don't have all equipment at their offices.

My son got an all clear from his gp on Thursday but was in hospital on the following Tuesday where he had a terrible diagnosis given. I'm not saying this to scare you but just because Tuesday's appointment was fine does not mean a few days later things are still the same.

Hopefully all is well but it's not worth ignoring symptoms of different pupil size, light sensitivity as well as pain.

Any changes your daughter must take her back in.

Daffodilsandtuplips · 13/10/2023 08:20

RNmomof3 · 13/10/2023 08:08

Not an a&e issue. It’s on going not acute. Have you read the side effects of paracetamol? I was shocked, as was my colleague when she sure GP for her headaches. Try stopping paracetamol and see how you go while waiting for referral? Hope you have answers soon xx

Unbelievable. On going issues can and often do get suddenly very serious.

thaegumathteth · 13/10/2023 08:08

RNmomof3 · 13/10/2023 08:08

Not an a&e issue. It’s on going not acute. Have you read the side effects of paracetamol? I was shocked, as was my colleague when she sure GP for her headaches. Try stopping paracetamol and see how you go while waiting for referral? Hope you have answers soon xx

Are you actually serious?

RNmomof3 · 13/10/2023 08:08

Not an a&e issue. It’s on going not acute. Have you read the side effects of paracetamol? I was shocked, as was my colleague when she sure GP for her headaches. Try stopping paracetamol and see how you go while waiting for referral? Hope you have answers soon xx

AbbeyGailsParty · 13/10/2023 08:04

GP said it was nothing sinister on Tuesday.

Sorry but that’s rubbish. GP does not have X-ray vision or an MRI scanner in the surgery.
Your daughter needs to insist on an MRI scan, rule out anything sinister then everyone can work on the causes.
Fwiw I was admitted to hospital with the worst headache of my life, incoherent with pain, had MRI as they thought I was having a brain haemorrhage. Turned out to be an allergy to pineapple.

I hope your granddaughter is ok.

LittleMonks11 · 13/10/2023 08:01

OssomMummy1 · 13/10/2023 07:34

I can't stop laughing at you lot. Does any of you have a ANY IDEA about meningitis or encephalitis? DID YOU KOW that a Normal CT or MRI does not exclude either of them? I hope there are RGNs, CNS on mumsnet who can back-me up or tell me if I am wrong. You are reassuring your ego by demanding for a scan from an A&E doctor already under strain. I have seen so many patients with normal scan and meningitis. Instead, let the doctor see first and assess the child properly. If not satisfied, ask for a second opinion immediately. If still not satisfied, then they may do lumbar puncture, where they will take out the fluid around the spinal cord in the back and test it for bacteria and virus. Mind you, no medical procedure is risk free and scans are not panacea of life.

Wow

Chiaseedling · 13/10/2023 07:49

I would also push for mri today. DS had one for less when he was about 10 due to some issues - in the end it was nothing but any symptoms like this need checking properly. GPs are notorious for fobbing off.

Lougle · 13/10/2023 07:45

OssomMummy1 · 13/10/2023 07:34

I can't stop laughing at you lot. Does any of you have a ANY IDEA about meningitis or encephalitis? DID YOU KOW that a Normal CT or MRI does not exclude either of them? I hope there are RGNs, CNS on mumsnet who can back-me up or tell me if I am wrong. You are reassuring your ego by demanding for a scan from an A&E doctor already under strain. I have seen so many patients with normal scan and meningitis. Instead, let the doctor see first and assess the child properly. If not satisfied, ask for a second opinion immediately. If still not satisfied, then they may do lumbar puncture, where they will take out the fluid around the spinal cord in the back and test it for bacteria and virus. Mind you, no medical procedure is risk free and scans are not panacea of life.

Bolding and underlining your text doesn't make you seem knowledgeable, or increase the intensity of your words.

Why would you be laughing at people who are trying to help the OP?

Okaaaay · 13/10/2023 07:36

OP you have so much going on. I won’t roll out the ‘try to take some time for you’ given this is unlikely to happen in the next day or so, but do say kind things to yourself. Objectively, you have a lot of worrying things happening to your family and you must feel frantic with it all. Your blessings don’t minimise that at this moment. Wishing your DGD better. My DC is 7 and I broke my heart a bit when you said she had been writing her awake time. I hope you can get a clear diagnosis and plan for her.

OssomMummy1 · 13/10/2023 07:34

I can't stop laughing at you lot. Does any of you have a ANY IDEA about meningitis or encephalitis? DID YOU KOW that a Normal CT or MRI does not exclude either of them? I hope there are RGNs, CNS on mumsnet who can back-me up or tell me if I am wrong. You are reassuring your ego by demanding for a scan from an A&E doctor already under strain. I have seen so many patients with normal scan and meningitis. Instead, let the doctor see first and assess the child properly. If not satisfied, ask for a second opinion immediately. If still not satisfied, then they may do lumbar puncture, where they will take out the fluid around the spinal cord in the back and test it for bacteria and virus. Mind you, no medical procedure is risk free and scans are not panacea of life.

LittleMonks11 · 13/10/2023 07:34

Really hope the scans get done today and everything is clear. 💙

elliesmummy19 · 13/10/2023 07:29

Gosh poor thing! Glad she’s gone to hospital. I hope they get answers quickly and she’s ok. Please do keep us updated!

londonrach · 13/10/2023 07:24

Please take her