WIBU to call 111

[readysetcake]

Think I have a UTI. It's been going on for over three weeks now and I'm just getting more uncomfortable down there. I feel like I'm going to wet myself straight after going to the loo and it stings etc

Anyway I can't get through to my GP surgery, it's constantly engaged. Everyone must have waited out the weekend like me.

AIBU to phone 111 instead? Or should I just keep trying? I don't have a temperature and feel ok otherwise. But it's driving me insane and triggering my health anxiety so I feel quite panicked. But I really don't want to waste precious NHS time and resources when I'm sure there are people more in need of it.

Think my anxiety is clouding my judgement. Need some clarity from the masses. Thanks!

Can you go to a pharmacist? They can usually treat uncomplicated uti in adult women , saves you having to see a doctor. Most pharmacies and larger supermarkets also sell basic otc remedies , or you could drink bicarb mixed with water.

If theres obvious blood, fever, severe back or groin pain, history of kidney/bladder problems or anything else (recently given birth etc) I'd still try to see your GP and a pharmacy would say so too (they won't help me as hx of bladder problems) , but I would just go into Boots or Llyods or something at first to see if they can help.

I used the Push Doctor app last week for chronic cystitis. I paid though so may not be an option. But it was £5 introduction offer and then prescription charge and 2pounds to pay at the chemist on top of the prescription charge but I got an immediate Skype appointment and prescription sent to the chemist of my choice within 2 hours.
Not the cheapest but if your desperate and have the money then download the app and get it sorted asap. Hope you feel better soon. X

You've waited three weeks already, personally I'd wait a couple more hours and see if you can get through to your surgery over the course of the morning.

Have you already sought medical advice over the three weeks you've been unwell?

Hope you can sort it out soon!

I don't think 111 will have much to say really. Keep trying the GP because they're best placed to see you.

Thanks for your replies. You're right

111 will probably tell you to see your GP asap... and that call might be the difference between the person having the heart attack or the person whose house is currently being broken into getting through in time or not.

I mean, I'm sorry for your troubles, I really am (I've had UTIs, and they're the worst), but you chose to wait. It wouldn't be an "emergency" but for that. I don't see that actual life or death proper emergencies should potentially have to wait in the phone queue behind this.

eyeoresancerre Push dr is AMAZING!!

Untreated UTIs are grim and can have quite serious implications. You need to be seen.

111 will probably tell you to see your GP asap... and that call might be the difference between the person having the heart attack or the person whose house is currently being broken into getting through in time or not.

You're totally wrong here. People having a heart attack or other life and death emergencies call 999. People being broken into call 999 or 101.

Oops toddler tantrum made me send to soon!
You're right pastures I've waited this long. What's a few more hours. Think an uncomfortable weekend has made me desperate. I'll keep trying.
I saw a nurse practioner a week and a half ago who dipped my pee and I got a three day course of antibiotics. But it's just been getting worse. Didn't think of pharmacist. Will call in this morning and see what they say.
Thanks everyone.

Just keep trying the gp.

OH!!! I'm sorry.

I'm in New Zealand. 111 is the emergency number here. I retract my statement.

If you can't get a doctors appointment today is there an NHS walking centre you can go to? We have one in the Boots in town. They are a bit like non urgent ER. You might have to wait a while to be seen but at least they should be able to pescribe something? Or if u don't have one nearby I would see a pharmacist as another poster suggested. They are able to pescribe for a whole load of ailments now without seeing a doctor. Good luck!

• walk in not walking!

If you've already had antibiotics there's obviously an infection present which remains untreated - the pharmacist cannot help with this. Telephone consultation with nurse or GP may be possible, they can perhaps prescribe a longer course of antibiotics. Best bet is to get a proper appointment asap.

StickThatinYourPipe it's been a bit of a lifesaver here when I couldn't take time off work and it was 3 week wait for after 5pm appointment at my GP's.