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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to try and get an emergency GP appointment for this?

21 replies

blueskyinmarch · 14/05/2018 06:36

I am not sure this warrants me calling to try and get an appointment for today or of it can wait.

I have had a pain in my head for about 10 days. Most of last week it was like the feeling of a bruise under my skull on the right under my hair line. I have not bumped my head.

This weekend it ramped up and i have had immense pain all down the right side of my head into my eye, my ear and down my neck. Sometimes i have had pins and needles in my right hand. The pain makes me feel sick.

Painkillers i have tried - paracetamol, naproxen (have this for arthritis) and sudafed (wondered if it was my sinuses as had a cold a few weeks back but that has gone now) and last night i took co-codamol to see if ramping up painkillers and getting a good sleep would help. I know overuse of painkillers can exacerbate headaches and am not keen to keep taking stuff and tbh nothing really helps much.

This morning i would say the pain is marginally better but it often is in the morning then it gets worse as the day goes on. I don't suffer from any health anxiety and hardly ever go to the doctor and my default for any illness is to wait and see if it gets better.

Sorry this is so long but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

OP posts:

Sleephead1 · 14/05/2018 06:38

I think you should ring and get a appointment you have waited and it has got worse so I would defiantly go.

NumbersLetters · 14/05/2018 06:39

Any numbness makes me think go to GP. Sounds like trigeminal nerve pain but worth finding out the source. For me it was dental in the end.

CurlsLDN · 14/05/2018 06:40

Sounds very much like a migraine, and as it's new for you and has gone on so long yes, you should see a Dr. A walk in clinic may be better if you can't get an on the day appt

52FestiveRoad · 14/05/2018 06:40

I think you should get an appointment today if possible. You have tried to manage it yourself but after 10 days you need to see someone.

Heismyopendoor · 14/05/2018 06:40

Yes, please phone and get an emergency appointment

Muse84 · 14/05/2018 06:40

I'm sorry to hear you're having this, sounds miserable.

I'm not giving health advice but the pain you describe today is exactly what I experience with my migraines. Only ever behind the same eye, going through to the back of my neck with significant nausea. Pins and needles not uncommon for me.

That said, my migraines, while regular, only last for 24h

I would definitely go to the gp, as for emergency appt.... I'm usually loathe to take them, then I look around waiting room at the other "emergencies"....... You're in pain, go ASAP

SureIusedtobetaller · 14/05/2018 06:41

Yes, I think you should get it checked out asap just in case. Especially as it’s one sided and with the pins and needles.
Hooe it is better very soon.

Original poster

blueskyinmarch · 14/05/2018 06:43

Thank you. I never get headaches so this is unusual for me. I will call when they open at 8.30. I will be put on the triage list then the nurse decides if i need an appointment when they call back.

OP posts:

BlueBug45 · 14/05/2018 06:47

If they don't put you on the triage list find a walk in clinic.

Original poster

blueskyinmarch · 14/05/2018 06:49

No walk in clinics around here. I live in a small rural town.

OP posts:

Thespringsthething · 14/05/2018 07:09

Please go. 10 day migraine like symptoms in a person who doesn't normally have them should be investigated immediately. You are not wasting anyone's time. If you go to A and E they will investigate immediately if you can't get a drs appointment. All stroke-like/neuro symptoms (unless you normally have them with migraine) need a proper investigation.

Original poster

blueskyinmarch · 14/05/2018 09:30

Am at the doctors now waiting to be seen.

OP posts:

Loandbeholdagain · 14/05/2018 09:33

I used to never feel justified in making an emergency appointment. Then my husband got really annoyed at me not taking care of myself and rightly pointed out that in an emergency you’d be calling an ambulance or going to A&E. That same day GP appointments are for urgent issues causing you a problem.

Queenofthestress · 14/05/2018 09:42

Let us know how you get on!

DragonsAndCakes · 14/05/2018 09:45

I’m pleased they could see you. Hope you get some helpful answers soon.

Original poster

blueskyinmarch · 14/05/2018 09:52

Thinks it is trigeminal neuralgia. Got a regime of painkillers to use and to get back to them if it doesn't clear. Also took blood for a inflammatory markers in case the temporal pain indicates something else that I can't remember the name of!

OP posts:

Thespringsthething · 14/05/2018 09:55

bluesky glad you have seen the dr and an initial diagnosis. It definitely is always worth seeking medical attention for any neuro symptoms- it may be 'nothing' or 'just a migraine' but it may not. Great you were seen so promptly too!

Original poster

blueskyinmarch · 14/05/2018 10:06

I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was able to be seen. Two practices merged here and they seem to be able to offer a better service.

OP posts:

NumbersLetters · 15/05/2018 09:18

How are you doing now?

LifeBeginsAtGin · 15/05/2018 09:27

I'm usually cross with people who waste their GP's time, but I think you should get an appointment asap and if not get to A & E.

Original poster

blueskyinmarch · 15/05/2018 12:15

I am fine. The headache is still lingering a little but nowhere like it was over the weekend. I have been taking painkillers but i am studying at the moment and have an exam today so have had to read/look at screens quite a lot which i don't think is helping. Roll on tomorrow!

OP posts:

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