To go to A and E with pelvic pain?

[Sunflowermoonbeam]

I'm prepared to be flamed but really in a quandary. I've had bad pelvic pain since June, seen gynaecologist and no prolapse. Been referred to pelvic physiotherapist. My pain escalated 6 weeks ago and centred on my urethra and bladder area. Extremely swollen and a constant unbearable pain and pressure. Issues with urinating and test revealed blood in urine. I saw an amazing GP last week who finally took me seriously and she made an urgent referral to a urology department. Of course urgent by NHS standards isn't same level of urgency so a week on and I've heard nothing yet. It has got significantly worse...can't sit, can't sleep etc. My pain is permanently at a level 8 or 9, no respite, painkillers do nothing which i think is because the pain arises from the swelling pushing on things it shouldn't. I barely slept last night and can't sit to work my husband wants to take me to A and E but despite the pain I just don't know if it is reasonable. I'm always paranoid I'm not a serious enough case. However, I'm getting quite concerned now! I'm waiting for the GP to call me back. Would you go to A and E if the GP doesn't escalate it?

What are you hoping will happen there?

This is an ongoing issue that your GP is managing. You need to persist with your GP to get pain relief that works for you and ask for updates on urology referral.

Did the gynaecologist look into endometriosis? I have endo and adenomyosis which is the cause of my pelvic pain

No she was pretty rubbish tbh, quick internal which ruled out vaginal issues and referral to women's physio. Since then pain has centred itself in a more specific area

If you can't sleep and it's got worse see your GP or go to urgent care first. You poor thing sounds rotten.

You could call 111. I think you'll be waiting a long time in A&e but I think you need to be seen today with that level of pain.

Talk to your GP and pack a bag just in case they tell you to go to A&E. You might have to go to get a bladder scan.

Yes I would go.

Being left in unbearable pain is not acceptable.

Basic but have you had a urine test and been prescribed antibiotics? Have you used Oasis? Sounds like a basic UTI that's maybe getting worse as untreated.

Thank you everyone, you kind souls. If it was a routine GP issue of course I wouldn't be giving it a second thought to go to A and E but because the GP has already deemed it serious enough to warrant an urgent referral to a urologist and the symptoms have significantly increased in the last few days I obviously have concerns of whether it is gettting worse and more serious

This is a GP job not A&E, get another appointment and they might be able to move you up the list and get you some stronger pain killers.

It's likely A&E won't be able to do anything more though other than give you stronger pain killers. But if you do go Tuesday is meant to be a quieter day, pack for a long wait.

Had a urine test, all came back abnormal with blood in my urine. Not a UTI, I've had UTIs and this couldn't be further from that. You don't get significant swelling under your urethra externally with any UTI I've had!

Do you have any symptoms of infection? High temp? Can you check your stats on a smart watch?

I think that's exactly what it can be like with a bad UTI.

Still sounds like a UTI. Why didn't the gp prescribe antibiotics? Even just as an initial treatment pre referral?? It's clearly highly likely to be an infection. Probably spreading to your kidneys by now.

You should go

Sounds horrific. What painkillers have they prescribed?

I’m from the school of thought where I don’t rush to the doctor with every sniffle or run to A&E because I can’t get an immediate appointment. Going to A&E should be an emergency or needed (like an X-ray) and it’s my personal pet peeve that people use it likes a doctors surgery, but frankly in this case I do think you should go, You can’t function, you have done all the right things and it’s getting worse. If needed they can admit you But to save you some effort and time I would ring 111 first who could refer you to urgent care and/or get you a seen quickly. Good luck.

Thank you. I'm from exactly the same school of thought hence my reluctance to go. I feel like my body is giving me all the signs something is wrong and I'm foolhardy to ignore it.

Oh that sounds miserable, poor you!
I'd probably get an urgent appointment with the GP first due to worsening pain. Stress the amount of pain you're in.
I think there's a good chance A&E won't do anything other than give you stronger painkillers, after you've sat for 6 hours on a hard plastic chair

I think you should go to A and E

Go if you need to
I went with pelvic pain last week and I've been before with it. They send me up to gynae, scan me to check my giant cyst hasn't twisted and then admit me for pain management usually
I have open access to go straight to gynae now

I’ve been to A&E with pelvic pain on two occasions and both times ended up being admitted and having surgery. If you are unsure, could you ring your practice and ask to speak to the on-call doctor and get their advice?

I'd go to A&E

Or, if you can, go private for a gynae/urologist referral. I had chronic bladder pain - which this maybe sounds like - and no one helped at all until I went private

I would definitely go with your level of pain, you definitely need your symptoms investigated urgently.

Ask for a second opinion from another GP at the practice. Not for A&E.