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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go to A&E

307 replies

Chipperton · 29/01/2017 06:46

I'm really in two minds about this. I know A&E is crazy at the moment, but I am really quite worried about 3 year old DS.

He's been complaining of leg pain for the last few weeks, I decided to 'wait and see' thinking it was just growing pains. Over the last week the leg pain has got worse, he's been holding his leg and crying, calpol/ibuprofen not having much effect (although the pain comes and goes). He's also lost weight, is generally fatigued, has a poor appetite and for the last 3 days, a fever.

I suspect the fever is just viral but I'm quite worried about the leg and the general malaise. His childminder (goes 3 days a week) and nursery (goes 1 day a week) have both commented that he doesn't seem to be himself.

We saw Out of Hours Nurse yesterday who had a look at him and declared that she 'couldn't really do anything' and to see the GP on Monday. So no point going back there.

What he needs (I think) is a blood test. AIBU to go to A&E with him today - he's never been to A&E before (we're not overly anxious parents but we are really worried about this)

OP posts:
A1Sharon · 29/01/2017 08:04

One of my DC developed some very strange bruising. DH googles and it was exactly the bruising you get from leukaemia. I, being more sensible was sure it wasn't as he was otherwise well. Rang friend who is A&E sister and she said A&E first thing in am. You want instant answers you won't get that with GP.
We went and they took it very seriously. Luckily it was ITP, they said it was the first time they had ever seen a blood result with '0' for a platelet score! So DC was fine, but I think his symptoms sound serious, I'd take him to A&E. However I appreciate that our A&E services are not as stretched as those in England.

Batfurger · 29/01/2017 08:05

Hope you get your therapeutic blood test...

Hardly an emergency and definitely not an accident. GP tomorrow or as others have said, 111.

Winifredgoose · 29/01/2017 08:06

I would also either go to an out of hours walk in, or ring 111 for an out of hours appointment to be seen today.
When my 2 year old had an unexplained limp, he was immediately sent by gp to a and e. He was fine and it was a post viral thing, but they obviously felt it was something that should be checked out immediately. Good luck, I hope your boy is OK. Flowers

Original poster
Chipperton · 29/01/2017 08:07

Yes it was the first time he'd had very bad pain like that. Mostly he just says 'my leg hurts'. That's why I thought to just take him to out of hours which we did. They weren't very good to be honest.

Yes he's just watching TV and curled up, he's not drowsy or anything just a bit wiped out really. He's had a temp so that's not really surprising.

OP posts:
Itwillbefine · 29/01/2017 08:07

I think take him down to the GP surgery first thing. The whole phoning thing especially on a Monday morning will be a nightmare. I'm only a dentist but when people turn up it's much more difficult to send them away even if they have to sit and wait until I get a gap to see them.

I hope it's nothing at all x

bubblemcgubble · 29/01/2017 08:08

Time to go to A and E OP?? Really I appreciate not wasting precious resources but your son is in pain. Your sister a nurse says go, and an A and E sister has said go.

I took my son to A and E a couple of weeks ago (he has a complex history) - at no point was it suggested I was wasting anyones time. We were seen relatively quickly. You don't abuse the system - you're extremely worried and have said yourself getting a GP appointment is like joining a scrum.

NavyandWhite · 29/01/2017 08:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Itwillbefine · 29/01/2017 08:08

Could the leg pain and fever be 2 separate things?

BingoBingoBingoBango · 29/01/2017 08:08

I have to say I agree with cuppateee, it could be a septic arthritis. With the weight loss and fever symptoms I would want to see someone from paeds.

vjg13 · 29/01/2017 08:09

I think you should go too, it won't be too as busy if you go now rather than waiting until later. Pack a bag of essentials in case he is admitted.

Itwillbefine · 29/01/2017 08:09

Your sister said get a blood test asap, I personally would try and get one tomorrow, but that's me.

A&E is awful and will be scary for a 3YO.

Itwillbefine · 29/01/2017 08:10

I seem to be contradicting the x posts, go with your gut OP.

Original poster
Chipperton · 29/01/2017 08:11

If I'm honest I was hoping the Out of Hours would refer us on for investigation so that's why I've been in two minds. It's actually really difficult to decide what to do.

OP posts:
megletthesecond · 29/01/2017 08:11

I'd go with your gut and take him today. It appears to be getting worse.

EsmesBees · 29/01/2017 08:11

111 can book you an appointment with an OoH GP today. Take him to that and ask them if he needs to be in hospital. This will probably be quicker than waiting in A&E. Don't accept an appointment with a nurse practitioner.

bubblemcgubble · 29/01/2017 08:11

My local childrens A and E is fine. Not scary. Big TV for the kids to watch. Toys to play with. It's not scary.

lougle · 29/01/2017 08:11

Do you think you could just pop along to A&E? I know the media has told you how busy A&E is, but you've had an A&E sister recommending A&E, and FWIW, although not child branch trained, I'm a nurse, and I think A&E would be a good idea, given his symptoms.

Itwillbefine · 29/01/2017 08:12

Yes try 111 if the thought of A&E is too awful.

A1Sharon · 29/01/2017 08:12

The NHS website says if you suspect septic arthritis to go to A&E.

Ankleswingers · 29/01/2017 08:12

I would go to A and E, especially given that you spoke to 111 yesterday.

Good luck op, please keep us updated on how your DS is Flowers

fairgame84 · 29/01/2017 08:13

I'm a paeds nurse and used to work in A&E.
He needs to be seen by a paediatrician asap. Go to OOH and ask then to refer straight to the Children's Assessment Unit or Ward. If you're child is still in pain after Calpol and Ibuprofen then it is an OOH case. Nobody would expect a child to be left in pain. If OOH won't see him then take him to A&E.

Ohb0llocks · 29/01/2017 08:13

Go.

My friends son had exactly this and it turned out he needed surgery to drain infection from his knee. Poor little thing ended up so poorly.

RainbowInACloud · 29/01/2017 08:13

Hi, GP here. If I saw your little one I would admit to paeds as he needs bloods/ X-ray. At the 3 week mark using watch and wait is no longer sensible (normally this is the right approach to most ailments we see)
Trust your gut.
The vast majority of 'shall I go to a&e?' Posts I see on here I think 'no' but I think your son needs further investigation so OOH with a paeds referral would be ok as would going to a&e if he's still in pain/ feverish.
Hope he (and you) are ok x

Adsss · 29/01/2017 08:14

You saw a nurse, time for a pads Dr. Two routes to them ooh Dr or A&E. Choose which is right for you.

user1471554921 · 29/01/2017 08:14

OOH saw you, took a history, examined him and gave you advice. How does that qualify as 'not very good' ? Sounds like exactly what they are there for.

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