Really don’t know what to do if unwell

[Reallydontknow22]

If you’re really pretty unwell and google (I know, never google) indicates that you should be seen by someone ASAP, but there’s just no one available - what the hell do you actually do?

There isn’t a functioning healthcare system and it’s scary

Can't be the same OP as that poster has a partner who is a nurse and also works for the NHS herself, which would surely have been relevant on this thread

"But what really ruffled my feathers Reallydon't, was you saying in your OP how very kind and amazing you and your Italian husband have been to them, but that they haven't reciprocated it?"

The OP has a husband? Where is he during OP's health crisis?

@Reallydontknow22 are you bleeding? Is a heavy blood loss the possible cause of your feeling faint and why you think you might have red flags for cancer?

Have you got a local FB or next door app?
Maybe post and see if anyone would help and take you to A&E

It does sound like the OP is very health anxious. Chatting to randoms on the web means that she is not on death's door I suspect. I have a relative like this. If you have a cold she has flu etc and some of it is attention seeking and making things seem worse than they are.

There a good many people who think using an ambulance will put them in front of people that have just turned up and that is why they wait hours and hours rather than get someone to drive them. My DF used to be a dentist. The amount of people who would call out of hours back in the day and expect him to come to them (I know!) or who say they will meet him at the dentist after having their dinner is unbelievable. On one staggering occasion one chap asked to be picked up because he didnt have money for a taxi and the rest of the family had had too much to drink!

You contact the correct service that you need.
Today you seem to have been in touch with 111, your GP and the ambulance service.
If people contacted only the service they need and didn't put in multiple requests there may not be such a pressure on the systems.

Maybe worth posting this, which I would presume has similar pathways in other parts of the UK

I've been unwell recently and I've been seen with no issues. I think it depends on your local trust as to what services are available.

I was on hold to 111 for about half an hour the other night and then had to wait for two call backs but ended up with a next day prescription for antibiotics within a few hours, which for something that was ABSOLUTELY not urgent (just meant I didn’t have to take sick leave or get much worse) I thought was pretty good.

I appreciate that’s not much use if you’re really feeling very poorly or you feel like you might need actual medical attention.

@Reallydontknow22 - any updates? How are you now?

Well how strange is that?

I’m not a nurse and I don’t work for the NHS. At no point have I said I do.

Im sorry if I have offended anyone in posting this thread I think sometimes when you’re not unwell often, when you are fainting and having other symptoms it can be quite scary. And to be fair, when I put those symptoms into online tools like 111/ nhs they did recommend immediate treatment.

I am quite unwell and there are some things they will look into further but for now I am feeling a bit better than I was this morning.

Just rock up at A&E if you can’t access a dr, you might be waiting a while though… GP services really have gone to the dogs since covid haven’t they?

I think the PP thought your partner was a nurse in the NHS, not that you were.

Good that you are feeling better now.

@FiveShelties that poster incorrectly claimed that another post about some annoying neighbours was posted by me; it wasn’t. I’ve no idea why she’s claimed that, the usernames aren’t even similar.

Thanks for your kind words.

So you didn’t need an urgent ambulance ?

I did @HelpMeCope85 , yes, I can’t see where you got the impression I did not, I must admit, but apologies if I misled you.

I sympathise OP.

I feel rotten at the moment and suspect I have a chest infection.

Econsult at my gp is closed due to high demand.

I am a teacher and dragged myself to school this morning as I know we struggle for cover and didn't want my classes to have a rubbish day.

Tried to call the GP mid morning to get even a telephone call. No appointments I am told. Phone 7 day access or 111. Those saying 'explain your symptoms' - it makes no difference- they just say 'well we have no appointments'

Tried both - 7 day access just gives an automated message saying 'all our agents are busy, please call later' and cuts you off. Tried throughout the day but no luck.

Asked the pharmacy who told me I needed to see a GP 🤷‍♀️

Got home and tried 111 - couldn't get through there either.

No walk in centre in my town - closed March 2020 and hasn't reopened.

I feel worse tonight than this morning but honestly don't know what to do. I certainly wouldn't go to A&E as it's neither an accident nor an emergency, but I can absolutely understand why people do!

Did the ambulance come in the end then? Or just the GP callback?

@Reallydontknow22

Are you still waiting for the ambulance?
How are you feeling now?

Try a private GP as a one off. Don’t leave a chest infection lingering. I know it’s not what you should have to do but get yourself better. Does your GP do emergency appointments? So if you call later in the day and say you’re very poorly. Other option just drive up to GPs and wait and say you’ll wait til you’re seen!