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AIBU?

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Original poster

To wonder about a&e alternatives and when its quietest

60 replies

Eatinghurts · 22/09/2025 21:22

A private GP service have said my symptoms should be assessed f2f and I may need an abdominal xray. They are concerned about a partial bowel obstruction my NHS GP is suggesting an appointment in 2 weeks.

while I vommitwhen Ui eat and my stomach is bloated and hard I feel quite well and can’t face A&E. Anyone know when its likely to be quietest or if anywhere else wghere could get abdomon examined, urine dipped and xray if needed?a To wonder if the is a service better than A&E and if A&E is place to go when it will be quietest

OP posts:
user593 · 22/09/2025 21:45

Around 3-4am on a weekday is normally quietest in my experience.

dollyblue01 · 22/09/2025 21:45

I used to work in a & e and would say around 6-7am in the best time to go , still a wait, but the staff change over at 7 definitely helps to move things along abit. Hope you get sorted quickly.

Squibblenuts · 22/09/2025 21:45

There is an app available in certain areas that tells you current wait times for your local a&es. It is called Waitless. It currently works in the following areas:

Kent & Medway
Hampshire, Southampton & Isle of Wight
Lincolnshire
Staffordshire & Stoke

Original poster
Eatinghurts · 22/09/2025 21:42

@BMW6 yeasterday. This has been going on for a week and if I eat more than soup or a milkshake I vommit.

I tried some lactulose over the weekend incase liquid when i pooh is overflow arround constipation.

OP posts:
GrumpyInsomniac · 22/09/2025 21:42

I admit, I avoid phoning the surgery at all costs and do as much as I can either via their online response service or - if outside opening hours and seeming urgent - 111 online, who can arrange an out of hours appointment if their assessment warrants it.

I do my best to ensure there is a maximum of data available, so duration of symptoms, any temperature or other relevant readings, etc. So in your case, how long since you were last able to keep a meal down, how long since your last bowel movement, nature/texture of any bowel movement, and number on the Bristol stool chart (Google it) for completeness. If there is any appearance of coffee grounds in your vomit, if the stool is either black and tarry or pale/claylike and especially stinky, I’d note that as well. Are you keeping liquids down?

Right now, it’s late enough in the day that I would use 111 and see what they say, mentioning the comments of your private GP, and see if they can get you into an out of hours GP for assessment.

Negroany · 22/09/2025 21:41

A&E won't do all the tests you are hoping for. They do "patch you up and refer you on", so you'd still need to wait for the appointment for the other tests.

See what 111 say.

Original poster
Eatinghurts · 22/09/2025 21:38

@NegroanySeems strange to wait for a GP based off an online form. A GP who has seen over a video call is concerned about how bloated my stomach looks. They suggested may be adhesions partially blocking the small bowel.

OP posts:
BMW6 · 22/09/2025 21:31

When did you last empty your bowels?

BalloonSlayer · 22/09/2025 21:27

I took my adult DC to A&E at 4.40am and we were just about the only ones there

Negroany · 22/09/2025 21:23

No, you just get the appointment through your GP.

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