It's 3 am and I'm awake in a lot of pain

[Echobeachsomeday]

I posted in another section about a swollen finger (swelling had begun to spread ). Fast forward two days and the swelling has spread over most of my hand, and I can't use it normally. I've tried arranging an e- consult with my GP , they didn't call during the time the NHS app had stated. I went to a pharmacy and they said I needed to see a doctor. I tried calling the surgery multiple times when I noticed the symptoms getting worse and didn't get through till 6.15 pm yesterday which was too late to be seen.

I called 111 soon after and they arranged a call back from an out of hours gp , which didn't happen ( I appreciate they are very stretched) .

The swelling is still spreading over the back of my hand and I'm supposed to be working my last night shifts as a carer today and tomorrow and can't use my hand properly.

I feel bad calling in sick on what is supposed to be my last shifts in this job as I am concerned they will think I'm just trying to get out of working 😕.

I would have gone to my local minor injury unit but they've changed their policies and you can only go if you have been given an appointment via 111.

Sorry this is so long , I'm just lying awake thinking lol , I will try again with Gp's around 8 am.

I think you should go to A and E. Do you know why the swelling started? An insect bite? A knock?

Call in sick
Painkillers/ cold compress?

Is it hot.
Do you have temperature.

You need to see doc. Forget gp if no luck. Call 111 get yourself seen minor injuries. Tell them (assuming true) swelling spread fast. Feels hot. You fever. Pharmacy said need to be seen asap. If they say gp say no. They not responded for days and getting worse.

@IndecentCakes
I've no idea what actually caused it. What looked like a spot appeared on the finger originally and then the swelling started. If I cannot get through to the Gp first thing I will go to the hospital, thanks for replying

If it's

Hot
You have temp
And 111 doesn't let go minor injuries.

Then agree with pp a and e it is and I am not a person who says that ever really.

Is it red? I'd take some photos to show your boss at work why you couldn't come in.

It sounds horrible and I'm sorry you're in so much pain. I'm awake with back pain, so am sending solidarity!

I agree you definitely need to be seen ASAP - I would call 111 again now and insist upon a call back urgently.

Highlight repeatedly that it is still swelling and spreading.

A&E is the next stop if they don't get you sorted in the next few hours - rapidly spreading infections can worsen very quickly.

Wishing you all the best!

You can ring 111 again and tell them that the call-back didn't happen, and you need an urgent appointment for possible sepsis.

Or like @IndecentCakes said, go to A&E (while it's reasonably quiet - i.e. not absolutely heaving - at 4 or 5am).

You really could have sepsis setting in. You could need antibiotics.

Can you call 111 now and explain the pain and spreading inflammation so bad you can't use your hand or sleep. Tell them GP didn't happen and ask for an appointment at minor injuries for when it opens.

OK, you need to go to A and E now, not first thing. I don't want to alarm you but sepsis will kill you and it will do it fast. If you do not know what this is and it is severely inflamed and spreading, you need to go.

Looks like I spoke too soon , just got a call from the out of hours GP , I'm sending her pictures of my hand now and she will call me back , and we will go from there , thanks everyone x

Good - without seeing it it sounds like possible cellulitis, so it needs to be seen - get better soon.

go to A&E now.
can you get a cab.
or someone to drive you.
please don't delay.
this is not something to take a chance with.

@Echobeachsomeday

Looks like I spoke too soon , just got a call from the out of hours GP , I'm sending her pictures of my hand now and she will call me back , and we will go from there , thanks everyone x

Good. Don't underplay it.

Is there a red streak coming out of it up your arm? Do you feel woozy?

Good your gp is checking. Could end up as blood poisoning and need immediate antibiotics.

That's good.

Update now in A+e as the pain has got a lot worse and nothing is taking the edge off it and the swelling is worse 😕

Right decision hope ok and not too long to wait.

Hope you get seen soon

Hopefully it's not too long, I'm just trying to distract myself from it (easier said than done)
Thanks everyone

Fingers crossed for a speedy visit.

I'm sorry it's got worse, but I'm relieved you're at the hospital though! Do you have anyone with you?

I had an accident a few months ago, I was taken to A & E by ambulance at about this time of night. I wasn't seen until the morning, but just knowing I was in hospital made me feel a bit safer. (Not too hard compared to lying on the road I suppose 😂). Once I was eventually seen things moved quite quickly (thankfully).

Hope you’re okay op, don’t let the gp fob you off

Hope you’re alright.

Wishing you so much well - hope they are looking after you. Would love to hear an update when you're feeling better - have been randomly worrying about your hand!

I hope you get seen and treated soon OP.