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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

How to get to A&E

118 replies

Mrspotter12 · 28/11/2018 20:41

If I need to go (poss infection and sepsis) how should I get there?
DH is home as is 10yo DD. I don't want her in a busy A&E, it's 23 miles away and I can't afford a taxi. Would I morally be ok to accept an ambulance if one is suggested!
This is not a question of IF I should go, but of transport. Thank you.

OP posts:
Elphie54 · 28/11/2018 21:13

With your history, I would rather be safe than sorry. If you believe you are showing any early signs of sepsis, get help now, don’t wait. Sepsis is time sensitive and is easier to treat the quicker it is caught.

As a paramedic, if a medical professional believes you need and ambulance, please accept it!!! It is not wasting our time and I would rather see you get help and not need it, than wait and find out it is too late. I have seen too many people die from sepsis, who possibly could have been saved if they had intervention earlier. That is why sepsisbis considered such a time critical emergency in hospitals.

Atetoomanyjaffacakes · 28/11/2018 21:13

I never understand why people come on here asking if they should call an ambulance or go to A and E, but not call 111.

LotsToThinkOf · 28/11/2018 21:15

OP, you definitely don't need to worry about misusing resources in this situation. Having been through sepsis myself I understand your thought process as mine was the same - priorities all wrong! But that's part of having an infection and being confused.

Please, please prioritise yourself here and call an ambulance. You're a vulnerable person even if you don't quite put yourself in that category. I hope you're feeling better soon,

Original poster
Mrspotter12 · 28/11/2018 21:16

Really sorry. The chemo unit advice is a temp of over 37.5 twice with a half an hour gap.
My usual temp is below 37 so when it goes above I worry.
My DH would take me but would want to stay with me - he worries a lot.
Currently I don't meet the guidelines for going into A&E.
Thank you all for your advice.

OP posts:
giveovermypreciousss · 28/11/2018 21:19

Mrs Potter dont be sorry.
On my ward I was told if the patient did not feel right in themselves then to get in touch as well. As even if the temp is ok it may be worth checking the patient out.
Have you any other sepsis symptoms?

WhenISnappedAndFarted · 28/11/2018 21:21

Surely he'd still want to stay with you if you go off in an ambulance?

brizzledrizzle · 28/11/2018 21:24

Get your DH to take you, it's not a reasonable use of an ambulance unless 111 tell you they are sending one.

brizzledrizzle · 28/11/2018 21:26

I'd call an ambulance given that you've just had chemo - you can't afford to mess about given your history.

Original poster
Mrspotter12 · 28/11/2018 21:26

I would have more leeway to make him stay home with DD.
Earlier I felt bloody awful, but not feeling as bad now (just awful). It could be just an infection- I'm at my lowest blood count wise at the moment or it could be nothing at all.
I didn't want to offend / drip feed, I just wondered what people's thoughts were if I did need to go in. And as such I appreciate all the responses.

OP posts:
SouthernComforts · 28/11/2018 21:26

I don't think your DH wanting to be with you is a good enough reason to phone an ambulance tbh. Go if you need to go, and take him with you.

Original poster
Mrspotter12 · 28/11/2018 21:29

And it looks like I've been worrying over nothing. Just taken my temp and it's down to 36.8 which is much more normal for me.
I am also in bed now (chemo does take it out of you!)

OP posts:
RedWineIsFabulous · 28/11/2018 21:29

Some rather unsympathetic responses on here.

Hope you are ok OP. An ambulance may well be an option but definitely give 111 a call first. You know your own body and if you feel unwell, call them for advice and take it from there.

Hope you are ok Flowers

LondonLassInTheCountry · 28/11/2018 21:30

If you feel you need to go call an ambulance but if they discharge you tonight, how would you get back.

Ring 111 and see what they say about advice on how you feel.
But at the same time if u feel poorly then just go in. Better to be safe.

RedWineIsFabulous · 28/11/2018 21:30

Ahh, just read your update.

Good news.

Hope it stays down now.

Lunde · 28/11/2018 21:34

Can you call the ward you usually deal with and get their advice? If you are having chemo it might be good if they can admit you directly to the right ward so you avoid the germs and viruses in A&E - given your status

Bambamber · 28/11/2018 21:40

In your shoes I would call the ontology ward to seek advice, even for some reassurance

Windgate · 28/11/2018 21:42

Mrspotter12 you are obviously going through a very tricky time and you have a young family. Get DH and DD to drop you off at the hospital and get yourself seen. Sepsis is serious and conditions like cancer are expensive, please look after yourself.

Stopyourhavering64 · 28/11/2018 21:43

You need to phone the oncology ward , or whatever number you've been given by the oncology team to phone in this very situation....they will then triage you and decide what needs to be done. A temp of 37.3 is not deemed high in cases of neutropenia sepsis, but there are other criteria they will need to assess you on....phone the oncology ward now!

datingloon · 28/11/2018 21:43

If you really think sepsis then yes get ambulance if only way!

My sister has just spent 4 weeks in intensive care with sepsis and in totally renal failure... had she not of got to hospital when she did then she would of died at home within the next 6 hours... sepsis is savage!!!

My sister will be in recovery for years but thankfully alive

Original poster
Mrspotter12 · 28/11/2018 21:47

Temp is still at 36.8 and while I feel rough I am feeling better than I was.
How I feel now is more in line with the chemo than the way I felt when I had sepsis before.
I am going to try and get some sleep now.
Thank you all for your thoughts and advice. I will update in the morning, but in the meantime thank you all and good night.

OP posts:
Wannabeyorkshirelass · 28/11/2018 21:48

What a frightening place to be in, OP. I hope this one is a false alarm and that you are feeling a lot better soon. Sending you so many good wishes.

anniehm · 28/11/2018 21:49

The quickest option is to get dh to drop you off

notapizzaeater · 28/11/2018 21:52

Hope you feel better tomorrow

CloserIAm2Fine · 28/11/2018 21:56

Take care, hope you feel better in the morning and this worry is for nothing

If medical professionals who are aware of your situation offer an ambulance then YANBU to accept, although it could still be quicker for DH to drive you, even if he then has to go back home (though I’m sure your parents or PIL would help if they can do he can stay with you).

Jent13c · 28/11/2018 21:59

I think it might be a good idea to give your oncology nurse or GP a little call tomorrow and say that your temp was up and you are feeling a bit meh and worried about infection. They will keep you right.

Don't think it's a great idea to go up to A&E unless that temp rises again, regardless of whether you take ambulance or not. It's just getting to the start of flu season and other winter bugs..probably a bit too much in the waiting room for your immune system to cope with. If you are admitted directly to a ward they may take precautions if your blood count is particularly low to try and protect you. OBVIOUSLY if it becomes a medical emergency then get an ambulance. You can also keep an eye on your heart rate if you are worried, most phones/fitbits will count it and store it for you. Just be aware that being worried about the situation may also put it up a bit higher than normal!
Hope you feel better soon