What do you do if you need a dr but you aren't well enough to leave the house?

[trytopullyoursocksup]

I think i have a chest infection or similar, ill in bed for a few days with fever etc and my chest is very sore and congested. I think I need a dr who would probably prescribe anti bs and steroids. (I have asthma). things might look different in the morning, but over the past few days i have been getting kind of worse not better and I am in no shape to go anywhere. What do people do under these circs? I have been told before that chest infections can't be diagnosed / prescribed for over the phone.

I'm in my 60s, disabled, Asthmatic, and had a chest infection a month ago. I had to drag myself to the doctor's. Our surgery will only do home visits for patients who are bedridden due to severe illness or disability

I agree that "if you can't get to a GP just try and defeat the bacteria by willpower" is terrifying advice, (but fortunately also unrealistic, IME 111 will eventually be able to come up with a plan).

But to be fair to this absolute shower of a government, they have finally, very belatedly, announced the NHS Long Term Recruitment Plan which doubles medical school training places....eventually.

I don’t want to scare you but this was the beginning story to my fathers death (not old only 60’s)

he thought he had flu or a chest infection but as it turned out (once he ended up in hospital) it was bacterial pneumonia.
He was adamant he didn’t need a&e. He said it’s a waste of resources and I’m not sitting up there for hours for a chest infection.

He ended up in hospital after the police broke (because he was too ill to be fully conscious by that point)in so an ambulance could take him.

as it turned out it was too late because by that time he had also contracted bacterial meningitis which I think partly due to his weakened body caused a massive stroke and he died 2 weeks later in a coma, after we had to remove life support.

il never forgive myself for not being forceful enough in getting him help.

get in contact with the gp if you feel able but if not GET AMBULANCE AND GET TO HOSPITAL.

dont fuck with pneumonia.

hopeyou have managed to get in touch with someone and this post is irrelevant

Call the GP and beg for a phone appointment.

How are you doing @trytopullyoursocksup ?

hi everyone - I hung on the phone for long enough in the end and I have an appointment at the GP later on - I'll get there in a taxi and we'll get it sorted. thanks for all the advice

That's great news, well done. Do update us with what the doctor says and hope you feel better soon.

You poor thing. Hope you got to your appointment, sounds like it could well be pneumonia.

Glad you're being seen.

That’s great @trytopullyoursocksup good luck tomorrow hope it goes ok getting there.

Hope you're ok Op. FWIW, if you were my neighbour, school mum or colleague, I'd go to the chemist for you so please don't be afraid to reach out to someone!

How are you OP?

Some years ago my DF was very unwell having vomited up coffee grounds vomit and was extremely breathless (was in his 90's). GP wanted us to bring him to the surgery for a blood test but could not get him there (completely impossible to get him out of bed, down the stairs and into the car ) Apparently not possible to have a nurse visit to take blood. Several days went by and eventually had to call out of hours GP at the weekend who was totally brilliant, came out to see him and immediately organised said blood test. The evening after blood taken had panicked phone call from local hospital saying to bring him to A&E urgently as his Hb was through the floor and life threatening. He had a bleeding ulcer due to being on Warfarin. If left much longer he would have died. So yes they can do home visits but even for a 90 year old you might have to fight for it.

OP, just checking in to see how you are?

Our GP hasn’t done home visits for years. Last time I had a chest infection, they did a phone appointment and sent me some antibiotics round.

My DH had to go to the GP 2 days post a hip replacement, on crutches to sort out his pain medication....honestly, you need to drag yourself to the GP, as they won't come to you. Sorry.

I know nurses definitely come to the house, so I don't see why not doctors. You'd need to have them listen to your chest and stuff and touch your back maybe so you do need to be face to face. Call the GP office first thing tomorrow. If they say it's not possible to visit for several days you may have to get someone to take you in a taxi, even if it is really uncomfortable.

Won't your doctor do a home visit? The doctors at my surgery do, they also have a community nurse who comes out. Just ask.

Ive got COPD and asthma and my GP perscribed over the phone. Just had to get a friend to go to the chemist.

I have lung disease and I always have a rescue pack at home. It's 5 days of antibiotics and steroids. I start them at the first sign of a chest infection. Ask your Dr if you can have one for the future

How did you get on OP?

I hope you’re ok.

Sounds like you have had a horrible time, Op. how are you now?