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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be a tad annoyed with a&e

122 replies

elf0508 · 19/12/2015 18:38

Yesterday around 7, my son started throwing up. Very unusal as he's normally a well baby. This continued until 8 so I phoned NHS 24, they told me as its only been an hour they won't do anything. Que loads of changes of sheets etc. By 10.30 he was still being sick, had a temp but also shaking. Phoned them again, they finally said to bring him in. After an hour wait, he was seen as said he either has a tummy bug or a urine infection Hmm he has a tummy bug before, it didn't make him spew eight times in 5 minutes! Still spewing today and now he has got a rash. Phoned NHS and they said "I realise you are both distressed but if he's not got a stiff neck we can't do much" why won't people help!!

OP posts:
goodnightdarthvader1 · 19/12/2015 19:02

Definitely take him in. Better to be safe than sorry. Even if it's nothing serious, he may be getting dehydrated by now.

GothicRainbow · 19/12/2015 19:03

Definitely think you need to take him back in and get him checked over. Is he responsive to you?

I would be worried about the dryness of the nappy - it does suggest he could be getting dehydrated.

Original poster
elf0508 · 19/12/2015 19:07

They just said it might be urine infection, they didn't test it or check his sugar thingy. She tried to have a feel of his belly but he was screaming every time she touched his arm leg or belly. I've not had much dealing with a&e so would I be waiting around if I never pre phoned?

OP posts:
NotMeNotYouNotAnyone · 19/12/2015 19:09

Last night you were panicking and they gave advice based on what you told them. This was not wrong.

Now though if he's not keeping fluids down and seems to be getting dehydrated, you need to go back in. The situation has changed and he's now been ill for 24 hours and showing signs of dehydration which can be serious when they're so little.

goodnightdarthvader1 · 19/12/2015 19:09

No, they triage you according to symptoms when you come in. Just go!

BaronessEllaSaturday · 19/12/2015 19:09

Take him in but when you do focus on the dehydration rather than the sickness itself. Hope he's ok.

goodnightdarthvader1 · 19/12/2015 19:09

Actually, yes, you might be waiting around, but who gives a fuck? Go!

NotMeNotYouNotAnyone · 19/12/2015 19:10

Go now, before the Saturday night antics start coming in. I can't imagine they would keep you waiting long with a poorly, vomitinh, dehydrated baby

theredjellybean · 19/12/2015 19:12

it does sounds like a viral infection and signs of dehydration in young children are a raised breathing rate , no wet ( not even damp) nappy for 8 hrs or more, marked lethargy, sunken fontanelle and dry tongue/lips.

i would suggest NOT going to a&e, what you need is an appointment at the out of hours gp , so he can be reassessed.

if you do not know your out of gp service provider ring 111 and ask them to make you an appointment.

in meantime sips or syringing clear fluids into him is good idea.

Doublebubblebubble · 19/12/2015 19:12

You might be waiting around a bit but they are normally very good with infants and children. good makes a good point, Friday and Saturday nights are the worst for a trip to a+e x

Sirzy · 19/12/2015 19:13

Nobody can say if you will be waiting around or not but better to be there where they can triage than sat at home worrying.

At our peads a and e they would probably triage, give you water to syringe regularly then see a doctor when one is free.

MrsDeVere · 19/12/2015 19:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 19/12/2015 19:14

You will get seen based on your son's condition, when you present to A&E - there's no pre-booking of appointments.

When you get there you will be seen ASAP by a triage nurse, who will decide how urgent your case is, and will decide how quickly he needs to be seen, based on that. If a more serious case comes in whilst you are waiting, you get bumped down the queue.

How is your son, in himself? Is he floppy or lethargic? What happens when you do the pinch test on the back of his hand? Is he taking any fluids?

If he is floppy or lethargic, or if his skin doesn't ping back, I would either go back to A&E or I would phone NHS direct.

thelouise · 19/12/2015 19:17

YABU to be annoyed, they did nothing wrong. However, you are worried, so just take him!

Doublebubblebubble · 19/12/2015 19:20

It might help to know how old he is though

Op?

MedicalAdviceNeeded · 19/12/2015 19:21

Please go to a and e. Meningitis is serious - I assume you are worried it it that - and you do not need all the symptoms for it to be meningitis. By the time the rehash shows you are already in a lot of trouble.

How old is he?

BondJayneBond · 19/12/2015 19:21

How old is he?

He Sounds dehydrated from what you've said. That can be very serious for babies. I'd get him seen again about the dehydration.

goodnightdarthvader1 · 19/12/2015 19:21

Hopefully OP is on her way to the hospital now.

Original poster
elf0508 · 19/12/2015 19:22

Sorry can't keep up with the comments, he's 18 months

OP posts:
roundaboutthetown · 19/12/2015 19:25

Babies can get severely dehydrated very quickly. They can't cure a virus, but they can put him on a drip if necessary. Take him back in to be reassessed.

goodnightdarthvader1 · 19/12/2015 19:27

Are you going, OP?

purplefizz26 · 19/12/2015 19:28

Yanbu

A child of that age simply cannot explain how they feel, and in a situation like that should be checked and tested thoroughly.

MonsterDeCookie · 19/12/2015 19:33

Go to a different A&E. Is there a child AE near you?

roundaboutthetown · 19/12/2015 19:34

I wouldn't be annoyed with a&e for sending you away first time - vomiting viruses are not actually what you want in a hospital! However, if they didn't want you back, they bloody well should have given you better advice on how to try and avoid severe dehydration, which can be fatal, and what the danger signs of dehydration are, because it is frightening how quickly it can happen in very young children.

Doublebubblebubble · 19/12/2015 19:39

Dehydration causes vomiting. It is a vicious circle and is truly dangerous for little ones. Please if you're not already on your way up go very very soon x