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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be seriously considering A&E

66 replies

SourSweets · 10/01/2014 10:59

Despite it not being an accident or an emergency. I know you shouldn't go if you can avoid it, but I don't know what else to do.

I have an ongoing knee problem. First it was diagnosed as Anterior Knee, then Bursitis, in the last week the pain has got dramatically worse, to the point where I am limping and crying and can barely bend my legs. Went back to the doctor this morning who said it's inflamed, there's something going on with the soft tissue but she doesn't know what. It's also causing me a lot of ankle pain because I'm adapting how I walk to cope with the knee pain. She's given me a shed load of codeine, paracetamol and ibuprofen

She has referred me for an MRI scan but I have to wait 4-6 weeks for it. A month and a half! In this much pain. I can't bear it. I'm also worried about taking codine for that long, that's strong stuff, it makes you drowsy and I have a 5 month old to look after.

I've called NHS Direct to see what my options are about speeding this along and she said I don't have any other options. I started crying on the phone and she just said "well I can continue with the assessment if you insist, but there's really no point as you've already had one done."

My husband can't get out of work early to help me with the baby so that I can rest my knees and ankles. I'm seriously considering going to A&E to get the MRI done there because I don't feel like I have another option. Although I can't take the baby to what is essentially a room full of virus, so Id have to go tomorrow wgen he's being looked after by his dad.

Fuck. I should just take the drugs and wait it out shouldn't i?

OP posts:
RestingActress · 10/01/2014 11:02

TBH I think A&E would triage you and send you on your way as you have already been put on the waiting list for an MRI.

It's tough when you are under par with children to look after but that is the way it is, sorry if that is harsh, but taking up A&E time when they could be saving someones life is VU

givemeaclue · 10/01/2014 11:02

Go back to your gp

Original poster
SourSweets · 10/01/2014 11:03

I know it is. My sister's a paramedic and hates people like me. For good reason.

I just feel desperate!

OP posts:
ikeaismylocal · 10/01/2014 11:04

I'd go. to a+e, it is an emergency if you are crying out in pain.

Good plan to avoid taking your baby.

I hope you get the scan.

Rooners · 10/01/2014 11:04

Ring your GP again and ask for a phone consultation.

Explain that you cannot wait that long and are worriedabout the level of pain relief you're needing.

See if she is able to fast track you somehow.

I'm not sure about going to A&E but if it gets a lot worse in the night then it might be an idea.

Original poster
SourSweets · 10/01/2014 11:04

And say what, givemeaclue?

OP posts:
Hoppinggreen · 10/01/2014 11:06

They might not even do an MRI though.
When my knee suddenly went one morning with no warning at all and no prior issues I went to A&E and they x rayed it but then referred me to physio.
The physio ordered the MRI after I saw her a week later and I waited 3 weeks for one.
I wouldn't take the baby either - who will look after him/her while you are being examined etc?
Sorry you are in so much pain x

ImagineJL · 10/01/2014 11:09

Can you afford to see a physio privately? They usually cost about £30 for a first session, and they are the best at examining knees and treating them. That's your best option.

CMOTDibbler · 10/01/2014 11:09

A&E won't be able to do anything - go back to your gp and ask for better painkillers and wait for the mri

Souper · 10/01/2014 11:10

They won't do an MR I directly from A+E - they don't have access to the machine for things like painful ankles. Also, the MRI will not make you have less pain, will it? Taking the pain killers you have been prescribed will though.

FamilyIssues1234 · 10/01/2014 11:11

It is possible to get an urgent MRI.

If it was me, I would be pushing that.

Mim78 · 10/01/2014 11:11

I think it is possible to get an MRI privately (although I could be wrong in which case this isn't v helpful)/

Terrible you have such a wait though.

Original poster
SourSweets · 10/01/2014 11:14

No it won't, but if I know what the problem is then I can get it fixed, rather than just try to cover it up with drugs.

Ok, I won't go to A&E and will try to talk to the doctor again.

I am worried about being on medication that makes you drowsy, because I'm knackered already with a baby that doesn't sleep and the pain keeping me awake.

OP posts:
ipswichwitch · 10/01/2014 11:14

You may be best off ringing the MRI department and asking them if they have any cancellations or if they can ring if one crops up to get you in a bit sooner. Doubt a&e will speed that process up - you'd probably just get discharged with the same appointment you already have since technically it won't be classed as a medical emergency enough to get it done then and there. I know it's shit when you're in so much pain (I've been there myself), but would try getting a cancellation.

sophe29 · 10/01/2014 11:14

Sorry you are in so much pain SourSweets but I don't think A&E is going to be the right option for you.

Firstly they will NOT do an MRI there and then so if that is your aim, it won't work. At best they will X-ray your knee and give you some crutches or something.

Secondly, take the painkillers and give them a try. Take the full dose prescribed as well, not just one or two tablets. Take them regularly as well. Don't wait for the pain to come back before taking them especially for the first few days. I can completely understand why you don't want to keep taking painkillers, especially ones like codine, however, adequate pain control will make the difference between you being in utter misery for the next few weeks or actually being able to function and get on with your life as best you can. They may actually help the healing process in your knee. They are safe to take long term (just be careful with the ibuprofen and make sure you always take it with food etc) but do cause side effects, but these can be managed.

If they are not controlling the pain, you need to go back to your GP (or perhaps another in your practice for a second opinion) and speak to them about it. They can give you stronger painkillers if necessary and can reassess your knee to make sure there is nothing else that needs doing. It is also worth asking if they can arrange crutches and or a knee splint for you to help keep you mobilised.

I hope things improve but A&E is not going to change your situation much.

xx

Original poster
SourSweets · 10/01/2014 11:14

And no, I can't afford to go private. I would be able to stretch to it usually, but not on maternity pay.

OP posts:
candycoatedwaterdrops · 10/01/2014 11:15

Sorry but you would be VU to go. You can get an MRI privately but it's not cheap. Even if you had the MRI in A&E (which is unlikely), you would still be in the same pain.

candycoatedwaterdrops · 10/01/2014 11:16

Sorry xposted.

ipswichwitch · 10/01/2014 11:16

Also, if its inflammation it may be worth asking the Gp to prescribe a better anti-inflammatory such as diclifenac or naproxen instead of the codeine so you can avoid the drowsiness.

Original poster
SourSweets · 10/01/2014 11:17

That's a good idea Ipswich, I'll try that.

Thank you Sofe, a knee splint might help. I don't think I'll be able to use crutches as I'm always carrying a baby or pushing a pram.

I feel a bit calmer now and more rational. Thank you everyone.

OP posts:
Rooners · 10/01/2014 11:18

Oh yes naproxen is excellent and often used for arthritis I think>

You would need to check compatibility if you're breastfeeding etc.

Original poster
SourSweets · 10/01/2014 11:20

Ok, I'll bear that in mind.

OP posts:
Souper · 10/01/2014 11:20

Well paracetamol and ibuprofen will not make you drowsy, and if you take them regularly might control the pain a little. You could ask your GP for a stronger version of ibuprofen such as Naproxen if you need it.

Souper · 10/01/2014 11:20

Cross post

CouthyMow · 10/01/2014 11:22

It is very difficult to look after a baby or toddler when you're on codeine I have to take daily coding but I actually miss two of my three Doses each day because otherwise I'm incapable of looking after my toddler.