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Original poster

Should we go to a and e?

539 replies

ChatterMonkey · 12/03/2022 07:49

Dp has been feeling rubbish for a week now, with pain caused by constipation. He hasnt had a bowel movement for a week now. The pain is constant, with waves of agonising pain.

Hes struggling to be able to medicate it, as hes not allowed to have anti inflammatory medication for seperate issues, and is wary about codeine based medicine as that causes constipation. Paracetomol isnt touching the sides of the pain.

The plan was to get a doctor appointment on monday, but the pain was really severe last night, im not sure we should wait till monday. He mentioned yesterday that the blockage is starting to affect his ability to pee properly which i think is worrying?

Hes alsp worrying now that the constipation is a side effect of something more serious, as theres nothing we can think thats triggered it. Hes worried about gallstones, or bowel cancer.

Is it worth going to a and e, are they likely going to he able to do anything, even if its just investigate and rule out some of the more scary possibilities thats worrying dp? Or would we likely be waiting ages and then sent away with a box of laxido?

OP posts:
Zonder · 12/03/2022 10:01

So good you went in. Can you find a cafe outside of the hospital but closer than going home?

AllTheWeetabix · 12/03/2022 10:11

Fingers crossed for your both

Harrysutton · 12/03/2022 10:17

Hope he gets some answers soon!

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Original poster
ChatterMonkey · 12/03/2022 10:29

Just went in to use the toilet and see if I could find a cafe or something, ended up in the restaurant but its for staff use only atm. Little shop doesnt open until 1pm. So back in the car to wait now.

OP posts:
upperdown · 12/03/2022 10:52

I would suggest heading home, do you live far away from the hospital? It could take a while to get any results back and be reviewed by a doctor, if he were to be discharged with meds that can take a while too.

LIZS · 12/03/2022 10:58

Is there anywhere nearby where you can take a walk and there is a cafe/tea van? I've even walked around the hospital grounds before while waiting for dh appointments.

springbreak22 · 12/03/2022 10:58

Glad you went, defo the best idea!

bigarse1 · 12/03/2022 11:05

My husband had very similar ten months ago. Unable to have a bowel movement for 5 days and lots of pain. Completely healthy before. We ended up at a and e and long story short when they scanned for appendix they found a tumour. He had appendix and tumour removed and turned out to be cancer. I would definitely say it's the right decision to go in, especially as someone who would normally dismiss these things as just constipation. I hope it turns out to be something simple

tkwal · 12/03/2022 11:06

It's not "only " constipation. If he leaves it much longer it could have severe consequences for his renal function. His burps could start to taste like the wind he should be passing. If his bowel burst under pressure it could have fatal consequences so don't let the thought of being embarrassed put you or him off going

Original poster
ChatterMonkey · 12/03/2022 11:09

Oh my goodness @bigarse1 i hope your husband is doing ok!

I think dp is concerned about a potential tumour, he says he can feel a 'mass' but that could be the blockge itself, especially if its growing, rather than anything more serious. But if it is serious, hes in the best place.

Still no updates from him, not sure if hes getting scans etc or if hes still just waiting

OP posts:
GeneLovesJezebel · 12/03/2022 11:11

Has he got a plug and wire to boost his phone if he needs it ?

Original poster
ChatterMonkey · 12/03/2022 11:14

Ive got his charger here in the car, he said he would get it from me when he needs it. Not sure how easy it would be for me to get it to him though if he cant really pop out for it, and im not allowed in with it.

OP posts:
Wonkydonkey44 · 12/03/2022 11:16

Hope he's ok xx

fruitypancake · 12/03/2022 11:18

Hope he and you are ok . Like you say, he is now in the best place

Sirzy · 12/03/2022 11:20

@ChatterMonkey

Ive got his charger here in the car, he said he would get it from me when he needs it. Not sure how easy it would be for me to get it to him though if he cant really pop out for it, and im not allowed in with it.
Reception will have a system to pass things on if it’s anything like our local hospitals. Hope you get answers soon
ChiswickFlo · 12/03/2022 11:22

Fecal impaction protocol is sachets increasing everyday...

So day 1 - 4 sachets,
Day 2 - 6
Day 3 - 8
Day 4 - 10
Etc

drawingpad · 12/03/2022 11:23

Oh OP I hope you hear from him soon, even if it's just to say you can go home for a bit while he has tests done. Let's hope it's something easily sorted Thanks

ApolloandDaphne · 12/03/2022 11:23

At least he is being seen and they are taking his concerns seriously. I hope they can find out what is wrong.

ChiswickFlo · 12/03/2022 11:23

Hoping he gets seen quickly...

maeveiscurious · 12/03/2022 11:28

I had this last year twice due to medication and the second time I was prepared for it but it still happened

www.nhs.uk/medicines/lactulose/

This is the only thing that worked but he will need to be near facilities for the next week. It's incredibly draining and he will have damaged himself internally which will take weeks to months to heal. It will get better but this was the only thing that worked using laxatives and softeners

lunar1 · 12/03/2022 11:29

I'm glad you went to A&E and they are taking him seriously. Fasting him now is standard for his reason for attending, and isn't necessarily because they already think he needs surgery. It's just so the clock has already started on him being nil by mouth in case it's needed.

pumpkinmash · 12/03/2022 11:35

My dad had the exact same thing for a week in December. We took him to A&E and he had a burst appendix and kidney stones. They operated on the appendix the next morning - tried to do the stones there and then but he was too bad a state for that so he went back in a month later for that.

If it is his appendix it will likely be keyhole surgery under GA. He will be kept in a couple of nights depending on how he recovers - my dad is fit and well but early 70s and was in five days. It is a very common procedure but can knock you for six after a week of being poorly.

pumpkinmash · 12/03/2022 11:37

@ChatterMonkey

Ive got his charger here in the car, he said he would get it from me when he needs it. Not sure how easy it would be for me to get it to him though if he cant really pop out for it, and im not allowed in with it.
If they decide to keep him in you'll be allowed to go in to reception on the ward and drop off an overnight bag.

Top tip - as long a chord as possible on the charger. The plug socket is usually behind the bed and if you've got tummy problems you can't bend and reach easily.

Shuffleuplove · 12/03/2022 11:41

You’ve done the right thing.

TheHoleNineYards · 12/03/2022 11:42

Glad he’s been seen. He’s being looked after now so you need to put yourself first for a while. Little drive to find somewhere you can have a coffee or some lunch?