Do I need A&E?

[SpottyBoob]

I had a breast biopsy at 2pm. The biopsy site bled quite badlt earlier through the dressing. I applied pressure and it stopped. Now its bleeding and it isn't stopping but only the tiniest of amounts. Spots of blood more than anything. I feel ridiculous for even thinking about A&E. But surely it shouldn't be bleeding even a little amount 9 hours later?!

why dont you phone 111 instead of asking random idiots online

I've been waiting for a 111 call back for 2 hours. I am trying to get proper medical advice

Doesn't really sound like an A&E job for spots of blood. But no one here can give you proper medical advice so call 111 if you're worried.

I agree it shouldn’t be, but I wouldn’t go to A&E, you’ll be there at least half the night, possibly longer and I think it can wait until morning if it’s only bleeding a little bit. Maybe ring 111 for their advice and hopefully reassurance. I would ring the ward/unit where you had the biopsy first thing in the morning if I were you and try to get some sleep tonight.

@SpottyBoob

I've been waiting for a 111 call back for 2 hours. I am trying to get proper medical advice

I would call them again

Personally, I'd just go to sleep if you feel fine otherwise and just speak to GP or practice nurse in the morning if you're still worried about it.

Where did you have the biopsy done? Is there a medical unit or ward you can ring for follow up?

It was in the Mammogram department. I was given the phone number for a phone line that goes straight to voice mail after 4pm.

Gosh this sounds stressful, I totally understand why you are asking for some opinions while you await the correct advice. I have no idea if it should still be bleeding but it sounds like it's minimal and will be ok until you get further advice from the medical services. Can you have a wee sleep with your phone on and await info? I am sending positive thoughts for your biopsy results too ❤️

Did they give you any leaflets/info about aftercare? Are you anticoagulanted or have a bleeding disorder? Was it steri stopped?

If the wound is exposed and you keep wiping up leaking blood stop doing that. If able to, place a plaster or gauze pad over the wound, press on the area with your hand, then lie down on top of your hand for minimum 10minutes. Then leave it alone, don't aggrivate the area or take the plaster off.

If the bleeding is heavy I.e you keep saturating gauze pads despite pressure then yes goto a&e and they'll stop it.

Have you got antibiotics op? If it’s only spotting and not too painful then I’d probably wait until tomorrow. But that’s more because I couldn’t be bothered to sit in a and e all night. If you’re that worried somethings wrong that you can’t get any rest then definitely don’t feel bad if you do choose to go

Ignore the unhelpful comments...

I think you did the absolute right thing with the pressure... well done. A bit of an ooze is fine I'd say. Try and sleep and see what tomorrow brings.

Hope all turns out ok x

111 will ring you back but they have a priority system in place, so more urgent medical needs will come before you.

@VelvetChairGirl

why dont you phone 111 instead of asking random idiots online

some people seem to have lost the ability to use common sense

Im not medically trained but from the description you've given, it's not an A&E issue..."spots of blood": this isn't going to endanger your life or health. If it was bleeding profusely, then yes of course go to a&e.

It might be that because you're continually checking it, it's not quite getting the chance to clot properly. If the wound is still fragile tomorrow and its not clotted then I would try and see a nurse at your gp surgery or even a pharmacist.

I totally get your anxiety about this though

I guess that as it’s only bleeding a tiny amount you probably don’t need a&e. However, I would wait until 111 call. What was the time frame at the end of the assessment with 111? Also, who is meant to call you back, the out of hours gp or clinician?

Relax. Get some sleep. Phone the unit tomorrow.

@VelvetChairGirl @thickthighs73

Not very kind comments for someone who has just had a breast biopsy and could well be worried beyond their normal rational thinking.
Have a heart eh?

Yes 111 said callback could be a while.

111 call backs are prioritised so it can be anywhere from immediate until 9am the next morning (when they call back and tell you to ring your own GP).

It sounds OK though, just add pressure and sleep sitting up slightly may be a good idea.

I hope the results are OK as well.

If 111 haven't called yet I think you can probably assume it's not an A&E priority. I do hope you can get some rest tonight x

How will they eventually stop the bleeding?

It will clot and heal on its own, most probably. It's very unusual for anything further to be done. Try and rest, and unless it bleeds a lot leave well alone

If it is down to spotting now It sounds quite normal, they have taken a chunk out of you. Some People bleed More than others. I recently had 2 different biopsys done. Both time i was told to expect alot of bleeding. I didnt even spot! But It hurt like hell for 3 weeks. We are all different.
If you are worried ring 111 back and explain that you are anxious about it, i know they have to triage each call and the all read from the same 'script' buy you may get a different person who can help more and put your mind at rest.

Hope you're feeling better soon and the results are good news.

@VelvetChairGirl

why dont you phone 111 instead of asking random idiots online

Because some people might have had a similar experience I imagine.