To ask what the hell to do about my leaking arse!

[alittlebitembarrassing]

Exactly as the title says. Very crass but it is a literal pain in my arse and I’m starting to feel very unwell.

Backstory: I have inflammatory bowel disease and have had my large intestine removed. I had a stoma for 10 months and then a reversal surgery joining my small intestine to my rectum. I have mild proctitis left in my rectum.

A week ago, my anus started itching and leaking fluid. It has been getting worse and worse to the point I am leaking through my underwear to my clothes, I am uncomfortably wet all of the time and it is so painful to go to the toilet that I almost vomit from the pain and am just living by having cold baths.

The leaking is mucous, I’ve developed wounds on my bum cheeks from the dampness, and it is mixed with blood and green pus.

I developed abdominal pain with it two days ago so went to A&E who were useless, have referred me to gastro (no idea how long that will take), and told me my infection markers are raised so gave me antibiotics. Nothing else.

Today I have been on off sleeping and am feeling feverish and unwell in myself. When I was at A&E my heart rate was 120 and my blood pressure was high, but they said they weren’t concerned.

I am leaking massively to the point it’s not even just damp it is like water is pouring out of me.

I don’t want to waste another 8 hours in A&E to be sent home, but I’m feeling unwell in myself now, I can’t go to the toilet properly because it absolutely kills.

What do I do?!

Just seen your last post, is anyone with you? Does your chest feel cold and clammy? Call them back, this is urgent.

You've done the right thing op, hang in there - sounds very much like sepsis. I truly hope you're ok

Gosh this really is awful, not ok to be left like this at all. Altho I'm a nurse within endoscopy and I know the waiting lists are dreadful. A&E Dr's need to urgently refer you to colorectal. If they examine you ask for some instiligel, it will the numb the area. It must be so unpleasant for you, I'm do sorry xx

Sorry just read down your post. Sepsis is very serious. You've done the right thing. If you feel like you're "spacing out", you or your partner call 999 again immediately. Immediately.

@alittlebitembarrassing

I haven’t got anyone else to take me otherwise I would and I can’t afford a taxi because the hospital I need to go to is quite far away, I don’t have the money in my account for both trips, only one back home. My partner drives but has been taking codeine due to a gum infection, so can’t take me

He can still drive after taking codeine for goodness sake! I'm prescribed morphine and can still drive after taking it! How ridiculous

@jo55ie

It may be better to go in the ambulance... otherwise you could just be waiting in the waiting area in a&e. In our area you get prioritised if you're in ambulance. Be strong and don't get fobbed off... we all totally support you 🙏

I very much doubt everyone coming in by ambulance gets priority. This is an absolute myth.

Else I wouldn't see faces like smacked arses of the patients I convey in an ambulance who are triaged and sent to the waiting room.
That absolutely does happen.

Op it sounds like you are going to end up admitted anyway so may be worth spending that money on the single trip and if all is well dh can come and get you later when he is feeling ok to drive? Sepsis works very quickly so time really is of the essence here

@alittlebitembarrassing

My whole body just feels really sensitive to the touch and the pain is getting worse. Just keeping an eye out and hopefully they come soon but I do understand of course that there will be bigger priorities. Thanks for your well wishes everyone.

OP please stop worrying about others. You have what sounds like a serious health issue that needs sorting ASAP. You are just as justified as the next poorly person. I dont know if this would make any difference, other posters might know, if you're getting worse can you phone back and say you are getting worse and worried about sepsis and maybe you'll get ambulance sooner?

See if your partner can pack you a small bag just in case.

Book
Charger
Power bank
PJ and underwear
Change if clothes
Wash bag
Some change

I was taken in by ambulance and was admitted for five days with no visitors due to lockdown. At least any wait will be more bearable

Is there a number for the gastro ward on the hospital website? I’ve not long been discharged after having a blockage where my surgery site has narrowed, if I go downhill again I’m to ring the ward direct and ‘bypass’ a and e.

Hope you get sorted.

Oh and take some empty carrier bags for dirty clothes.

Op I've sent you a PM

Christ op I'm so glad you have called an ambulance, I can't believe A&E weren't concerned last time. Please do not leave until you have been properly seen to and have a plan/diagnosis. Good luck and I hope you aren't waiting too much longer ❤️

Hoping you get sorted OP and soon x

The wounds you describe- does the skin feel different to the touch? Are you feeling much more unwell than when you started the thread? I really do think you need to be seen very urgently.

Sending wishes for a speedy recovery

I need to ask you are you on blood thinners/any medication which can aggravate bleeding? A relative of mine was and she started haemorrhaging very badly from the bowel after picking up an infection from a previous stay in hospital some weeks earlier. By the time she arrived at the hospital the blood was just pouring out of her, caused by a bowel infection and the effects of blood thinners. I don't want to scare you but please think about getting a lift to the hospital sooner rather than later if you are on any medication which could cause/aggravate bleeding.

He can still drive after taking codeine
I can’t, it makes me drowsy…. That’s why there is the warning on the packets.

Oh OP I'm really worried about you, I hope they get to you soon. If you start to feel any more decline please ring 999 x

Can you pay for the taxi there and get him to pick you up when you're discharged. And yes to packing a bag.

Do you have a surgical assessment unit at your hospital where you have been treated before? I sure to worked in one and you would be referred by GP for review by colorectal surgeons. This isn't right and you shouldn't have to wait. You could also go back to A&E and ask for them to call the on call colorectal surgeons.

I called just for an ETA and they haven’t been able to allocate yet, but a clinician is calling me back.

OP I hope the ambulance comes soon and you get the help you need. It sounds awful.

With regards to points made by a few people on here about attending A&E by ambulance, London Ambulance service clearly state that arriving by ambulance does not always give you priority eg patients are not automatically fast tracked. It's a myth that it always happens.

Pleased you have called an ambulance, don't let the clinician fob you off, tell them you need to be seen. Whilst I'm sure they are very busy you need to be your best advocate and ensure they realise how bad it is.

OP, hope you're doing OK and that you get the treatment you so very much need.
Big hugs for you x