Been told not to attend A&E by gp receptionist..

[shallwego]

Hello,

Following from another thread of mine, regarding painful ovulation (will summarise below)

• Been TTC for almost 3 years

• Had bloods taken by GP (day 21 bloods) and was advised at the time that this would show endometriosis or PCOS issues

• Had a GP appt yesterday to get the ball rolling with fertility help, mentioned that I get very painful ovulation, and she advised that endo / PCOS wouldn't in fact show in bloods, only a physical examination would determine this.

When I'm in / around ovulation, I get EXTREME crippling cramps in one side of my ovaries / lower abdomen, radiating across my pelvis. They're so awful I often feel like I'm going to split in half. When I sit and then stand again, I can barely stand up straight. It's crippling and lasts a LOT longer than the seconds / sometimes hours that others explain and experience during this time of the month. We're talking days. Sometimes 2/3.. and the pain is MUCH worse than my period pain.

I phoned the GP reception today, as I'm having a really hard time with the pain today. They've advised that nobody can see me there until 2nd week of January; and so I must get on with it until then. Fine, but pain killers are literally not touching the pain and I don't know what to do with myself. I'm at work and can't even stand straight. It's like someone's sawing me in half from hip-hip..

So I asked the receptionist if she would recommend I attend A&E for guidance in the meantime.
She almost screamed 'NO' at me. That they're under pressure (which I'm fully aware of and understand completely) but I honestly don't know what to do with myself 😞

So my question is.. would I be unreasonable to attend A&E after work? I just want help and answers. I'm so scared and in so much pain.

Thanks so much for any help!

If you are in crippling pain then yes it’s an emergency. Do as you have been advised.

Go to A&E. You're in a high level pain that is not being eased by OTC painkillers and so needs assessment by a doctor. It could be endo pin but it could also be any number of other things so go get checked.

I forgot to add / I've not actually been diagnosed with endometriosis or
PCOS - so it's adding to my stress / fear as I just have no idea what's going on 😔

Honestly, I’d go to A&E and not mention ovulation or your uterus. Let them start from a blank slate to diagnose you. There are a lot of organs in the same area as your ovaries and the pain could actually be your appendix, colon, pancreas, or gall bladder.

If you're at work, and you can wait until after work, then in fairness it is not an emergency.

But you do really need to be seen by the GP! And before January - that's outrageous. Can you get a phone appointment with the GP?

If A&E is the only option open to you and you are in crippling pain, then yes, go to A&E.

I'd try 111 to start with. They can advise you. Which might be to tell you to go to A&E

I've been diagnosed with gallbladder issues (got gallstones) following weight loss surgery back in feb. The pain in experiencing now; and around ovulation each month, is SO different. It's radiating across my pelvis from hip to hip. I also get hot, flustered and sweaty when the pain gets increasingly bad.

But you're able to go to work?!

Yes go to A&E. Severe pain that prevents you from moving needs checking out. I have endo and get horrific pain at ovulation (way worse then when on my period) but generally can move with it.

And when you feel better, write a letter of complaint about the shitty attitude from the receptionist. Before everyone jumps on me about this, I'm FULLY aware of the pressures that the NHS are under, as I work in Adult Social Services and have multiple family members that are NHS. But staff still need to be held accountable for their actions.

Yes, this. You’re assuming it’s ovulation pain but you don’t know that - so don’t give them the opportunity to dismiss it.

Why didnt the GP examine you yesterday?

Why would you ask the GPS receptionist if you should go to A&E?

just call 111 like any other person and ask them.

What painkillers have you tried?

Have tests shown it's ovulation related pain? Endometriosis maybe?

I've no idea why she didn't examine me yesterday. I assume because the appointment was under my DH's name and she was taking details from him to fill out our fertility referral form. I mentioned the pain at the time but she told me the surgery was running hugely behind time-wise and that they would have to re-book me in; and to call today (which I did, and was told by the receptionist I wouldn't be seen until 2nd week in Jan)

I'm at work because I can't not be. There's redundancies happening left right and centre and I don't want to risk my job any more than it already is. I am in an office role, so I can sit luckily.

No you go you’re in agony I went after 10 months of sheer hell with a coil I felt guilty but at end of tether. It was removed two months later.

I agree you need to be seen but I wouldn’t go to A&E yet. Does your dr not do on the day emergency appointments if you ring at 8am? I think I’d try that and get a proper examination, referral and some better painkillers first.

I was already on the phone to her and asked her what she would advise I do next; head to A&E? silly of me for asking maybe, but I'm desperate. Was on hold to 111 for 45 mins this AM and had to end the call to begin work.

I'd say if you're at work then it's not an emergency as such. But definitely 111, they'll be able to get you an out of ours GP appointment who should be able to prescribe something stronger. 111 might suggest you go to A&E once you give them all of the info, but I'd certainly try them first.

Can you go to a walk in clinic or call 111? You could even ask a pharmacist for advice, although they may say see your gp. If you can wait until after work it’s not really an emergency situation and you’ll be waiting hours and hours.

Again do NOT mention ovulation or time of ovulation. You are making an assumption and self-diagnosing. It’s a fight to not be seen as a walking uterus going into A&E, don’t hand them a reason to fob you off.

Do you not have an urgent care center, or minor ailments walk in?

I agree with PP I’d not consider this an A&E job

It’s not an A&E matter if you can wait until after work. Ring 111 who may be able to sort you a sooner GP appointment.

If you are at work you don't need A&E......if you were in that much pain you wouldn't have been able to get there redundancies or not. Ring 111 and just wait the 45 minutes

Our GPs has some spots for emergencies. I’d phone back and hope to get a different receptionist and ask for an urgent appt.