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Original poster

My neighbour just told me to go to bed!

26 replies

listsandbudgets · 09/07/2023 19:19

I popped outside to empty the bin and he took one look at me and told me I looked really ill and I should go strait to bed and did I need pain killers. In all the years he's lived next door he's only ever told me how well I look..

He's an A&E acute care consultant with 25 years experience under his belt... perhaps I should go to bed?

Actually he's right, I do feel completely horrible with a nasty UTI and some kind of pins and needle headache but how on earth did he know because all I said was "hi how are you?"

Can an experienced doctor really tell just by looking?

OP posts:

Smoothiecarton · 09/07/2023 19:22

Doctors orders! Go straight to bed for sure, he sounds like a very handy person to have next door!

LividHot · 09/07/2023 19:24

Is your infection being treated?

I’d worry he has a nose for sepsis or something…

mauvish · 09/07/2023 19:24

Yep. Doctor spider sense. It's real.

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General health

Stressfordays · 09/07/2023 19:25

You probably look rough compared to normal. I'm a nurse and can tell the pale, washed out 'poorly' look compared to a no make up/late night look.

Deathraystare · 09/07/2023 19:30

Well that's you told! Off you pop to bed!

JanglyBeads · 09/07/2023 19:30

(If he'd thought it was sepsis he'd have told you to go to A&E!)

YourNameGoesHere · 09/07/2023 19:33

I don't think it's because he's a doctor but if you're feeling that unwell it's probably very noticeable to someone who sees you often.

I would absolutely heed his advice and go to bed. Hopefully you'll be on the mend soon.

HappiDaze · 09/07/2023 19:37

Yes they can tell just by looking

ChrisPPancake · 09/07/2023 19:38

Hope you posted this from bed op!

There's probably something in the way you were walking or holding yourself that suggests you're unwell. Or colour/lack of in your cheeks? Hope your UTi is being treated and you're feeling better soon

pinkfondu · 09/07/2023 19:47

Resting ill face - no energy to even try and hide how shots you feel. Hope you have listened!

GoodChat · 09/07/2023 19:52

I'd definitely listen to him. You've admitted he was right so it's a good idea to take his advice.

CharlotteFlax · 09/07/2023 19:54

Particularly the fact that he's an A&E doctor where they see the most acute presentations. Get thee to bed!

Original poster

listsandbudgets · 09/07/2023 20:09

I've taken pain killers and gone to bed. Think it's a trip to GP in the morning... hope pain killers kick in soon feel so rubbish.. been trying to hide it all day and just get on with it .. but when the doctor tells you to go to bed what else can you do

OP posts:

justanothermanicmonday1 · 09/07/2023 20:13

How lovely and caring of him.

It's funny how people can tell just with one look.

Glad you're in bed. Take care x

Keykat · 09/07/2023 20:14

If you have UTI shouldn't you be taking antibiotics already? That can turn very nasty, so hope you get treated tomorrow.

Keykat · 09/07/2023 20:14

If not, ring Dr. Bob next door for a script. Kind man that he is....

huntingcunting · 09/07/2023 20:16

That was good of him.
Definitely go to the GP tomorrow.

Natty13 · 09/07/2023 20:40

They can definitely tell. As can A&E or ITU nurses (other specialities are available) - it just comes with experience.

I always tell my juniors to trust their instinct and escalate if they are ever concerned about a patient but can't put their finger on why. Definitely a 6th sense and if he is used to seeing you looking well it will have been all the more noticeable that you're under the weather to him. Hope you feel better soon.

Sewingdufus · 09/07/2023 20:42

Do as he said and try and see your GP tomorrow.

Original poster

listsandbudgets · 10/07/2023 11:48

Bad nights sleep as pain and many trips to toilet but managed to get a GP appointment and just come back with antibiotics, instructions to drink plenty of water and a referral for an MRI as they didn't like the painful pins and needles headache combined with nausea (neither do I)

Feeling a bit nervous about what happens next now.

OP posts:

pickledandpuzzled · 10/07/2023 11:52

Take the medicine see if you feel better.

And perhaps think about who you'd contact if you get worse, or set up a system of checking in with people.

I always feel better if I plan for the worst. I can relax and get on with feeling bad then!

Seamsthesame · 10/07/2023 11:59

"appears ill to a health professional" is listed on the NICE paediatric traffic lights guideline as an indicator for "red - high alert" care decisions.

When a patient is really ill it is often obvious from the other side of the room, even when you've never met them before. An ED consultant who knows you will easily be able to see that you are unwell.

baconcrisp · 10/07/2023 12:17

This reply has been deleted

This user is a troll so we have deleted their posts and threads.

ComeTheFckOnBridget · 10/07/2023 12:40

Hope you feel better soon, op

Tighginn · 10/07/2023 12:48

My nurse friend when working up to 'being ill' stops the fake tan, and reduces make-up over a week, people start asking her if she is ok, this including consultants! Then a wee weeks holiday...

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