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Original poster

Should I go back to A&E??

126 replies

Rolypops · 13/09/2023 16:45

I have had a horrendous cough for two weeks now, I was so bedridden by it I didn't test for Covid but I cannot shake it, and two days ago I started to cough up blood. I went to A&E and after a ghastly seven hour wait was told that I have probably got a chest infection or bronchitis, was given steroids and antibiotics and sent home and told to go back in three days if not better, which would be tomorrow. However after a seeming improvement yesterday I am worse than ever today, a horrible loud wheeze when I breathe out and green and bloody stuff coming up with each coughing fit. I am short of breath but no temp.

Just don't know what to do, coughing so hard I can't hold my bladder and blood coming up cannot be normal. Should I go back to A&E or will they tell me to wait another day for the abs to work? They only tested basic stuff when I was in there the first time. I was only given enough steroids for a few days.

I

OP posts:
poppitypop1 · 13/09/2023 22:41

FloatyBoaty · 13/09/2023 18:20

OP don’t listen to the “unless you’re in cardiac arrest, A&E is not for you” crowd.

You’re clearly very worried. Just go back. It is EXACTLY what they’re there for.

Agree.

This common narrative that you need to be struggling to breathe or have a limb falling off is so dangerous.

I walked into a&e fully able to breathe/talk etc carrying my laptop from work, yet ended up being rushed into resus. Then admitted to a ward.
It's because of the "only go if you're unable to breathe etc) attitude that I was reluctant to go!

Glad you've gone back and are being seen OP.

Fordian · 13/09/2023 22:48

Hope you're okay. What are they doing?

uncomfortablydumb53 · 13/09/2023 23:07

You've done the right thing
I hope you're more comfortable very soon

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Fairyduck · 13/09/2023 23:31

I had similar last winter - I had to buy Tena pads.
You need to see your gp. I had a chest xray , steroids x2, antibiotics x2. I've never felt so ill or coughed so much it was awful. It took about 4 months to get better. No cause found.

Fairyduck · 13/09/2023 23:32

I should add I was monitoring my o2 at home with a finger thing and was okay throughout.

Original poster
Rolypops · 13/09/2023 23:40

I've had bloods and swabs taken buy still no x ray. I am so tired and upset and my chest sounds so awful now Sad

OP posts:
Windmill34 · 13/09/2023 23:57

Ask about x ray sometimes I think they forget about you !
ate you still sat in a&e waiting room

Original poster
Rolypops · 14/09/2023 00:02

Yes still in waiting room :( seven hours on Sunday and six hours today. If I've not been seen in a half hour I'll ask but they are so busy.

OP posts:
coxesorangepippin · 14/09/2023 01:50

Oh god what a nightmare roly, praying you're seen soon

So shit being ill 💐💐💐

Original poster
Rolypops · 14/09/2023 02:03

Still waiting to see a Dr and have x rays. Eight hours now. The GP will be open soon!

OP posts:
Original poster
Rolypops · 14/09/2023 02:04

Thanks all for being so nice. Its been pretty hellish in here tonight.

OP posts:
Stressedafff · 14/09/2023 02:08

Hope you’re okay OP. My sister had this after a chest infection a few years ago and it was walking pneumonia. Glad you’ve followed your gut and got checked xxx

mumtoboys12 · 14/09/2023 02:19

You poor thing!!! Hopefully you're properly seen soon Xx

Mamafromthebeach · 14/09/2023 03:24

What an ordeal for you OP when you are feeling so awful. Hope you get seen to soon so you can rest properly.

Wtfnowseptember · 14/09/2023 03:32

I know it's hard, but you're doing the right thing.

Frances0911 · 14/09/2023 03:35

Did they send off a sputum sample in A&E?

If you're coughing up green phlegm and blood, it sounds like you definitely have a bacterial infection.

Antibiotics can take around three days to kick in. So if you don't start to feel a bit better by then, it could be that that the antibiotics are not sensitive to the bacteria, and they need to be changed.

Just re-read and seen your back in A&E. Definitely ask them to send off a sputum sample if you can cough up enough to give a sample. It will take around 48 hrs to get the results, but important to know if and what kind of infection you have.

NeunundneunzigHorseBallonz · 14/09/2023 03:37

You poor thing! You must be utterly exhausted as well as worried sick! (Sorry, not trying to be punny…) I hope the antibiotics have just loosened up the infection and that’s what you’re coughing up. Meanwhile, all coughed up blood should be investigated. You did the right thing. I think if you went to GP they would send you back for X-rays etc.

Original poster
Rolypops · 14/09/2023 03:43

They are going to admit me for 24 hours for observation and to do a CT scan as I have another condition which leaves me prone to clots. Have to have the chest x ray first though and in the meantime...am still in A&E. Feel like crying like a toddler at this point.

OP posts:
greentorto · 14/09/2023 04:07

Hi op, so sorry for your hellish wait. Do you have a book, magazine or your phone to pass the time? Hope your feeling somewhat better!

Iamnemesis · 14/09/2023 04:10

Sending a reassuring back rub on this very long stressful night. I am glad they’ve admitted you and are trying to get some answers, 💐 hope you get some rest soon.

verdantverdure · 14/09/2023 04:19

Rolypops · 14/09/2023 03:43

They are going to admit me for 24 hours for observation and to do a CT scan as I have another condition which leaves me prone to clots. Have to have the chest x ray first though and in the meantime...am still in A&E. Feel like crying like a toddler at this point.

I'm glad they're keeping you in and so sorry you've had to wait so long . So much in this country feels broken right now. xx

PeopleAreWeird · 14/09/2023 04:21

AWFUL!!!!

Those people saying this isnt for A&E should be ashamed of themselves!
Do Not give advice if you dont have a clue what you are talking about!!!!

OP Next time…. Please listen to your gut and NEVER people on mumsnet

PerfectMatch · 14/09/2023 04:25

Hope you've been admitted now OP.

cakehoover123 · 14/09/2023 04:50

Hang in there @Rolypops, hope you get a bed + feel better soon!

Original poster
Rolypops · 14/09/2023 04:51

I've still not been admitted. Had my x ray but there won't be a bed until after eight am now so a lovely nurse has brought me a pillow and blanket to a&e. I doubt I'll be admitted overnight now so will probably just have a bunch of tests tomorrow and if they look OK I'll be allowed home but who knows. At least DH can come to A&E to keep me company after the kids are at school. By that point I'll have been here 14 hours and that's even if a bed opens up by then. Quite upset but no one's fault.

OP posts:
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