Is this worth really going to A&E for?

[ThisisHalloween96]

So just to start by saying that I suffer from period problems anyway and I’m having surgery in two weeks time for endometriosis.

I started my period two days ago, and I just feel like death. I’m bleeding quite heavily (I’m going through a huge almost diaper sized pad every half hour to an hour sort of thing at the moment) and I just feel unwell with it (shaky, dizzy, sick). I saw the GP this morning who prescribed some oral tablets to slow the bleeding down but the pharmacy haven’t got them ready yet for me.

The GP did say however that if I feel any worse or the bleeding gets any worse, then to go to A&E for a blood clotting drip as I’ve had one of these previously a few years ago during a really heavy period.

I am starting to feel worse, quite faint if I’m being honest, but our local hospitals are awful and I’ll probably be waiting around 8-9 hours to be seen, and that’s if they do anything at all in the first place.

Is this an A&E issue or should I just ride it out at home?

I think what you're describing needs A&E because you don't have the tablets to take to stop the bleeding.

I think you need to go and be seen.

I'd phone the pharmacy and ask if they could make up your prescription. If not, then on your GP's advice, go to A&E.

If you're likely to get the script filled by dinner time then I would probably stay out where you'd be more comfortable but if not, definitely a&e. You can't continue to bleed like that OP.

I'd stop by the chemist first and explain you need them today and wait while they get it ready or head to a&e.
I've been through it recently so understand how awful it is, what's the plan long term so it doesn't keep happening? I was prescribed norethisterone, then mini pill, then finally an ablation.

Call 111 they may be able to book you an appointment at urgent care to avoid waiting hours.

I'd speak to the pharmacy and see if the prescription will be ready today; it might out of their control if they have had to order the drugs in and they won't be delivered until tomorrow. If they can't fill the prescription themselves, could they phone round and find another branch that does have it in stock and then get the prescription from there?

Can't the GP help with getting you in somewhere?

I would ring the pharmacy and ask when they will be ready. You could ring round other pharmacies if they don't have them in stock. Otherwise, go to A&E or a local MIU if you have one. Try 111 online if you're still unsure.

Just go to a&e. You're still going to be waiting anyway and it sounds like you'd be safer there where they can check you out. I doubt oral meds are going to work fast enough to make you feel better in the short term!

If you're bleeding this much and feeling very dizzy, you need to go to A and E.

Go, even if you get the tablets right now they are going to take some time to work. You can't keep losing blood at that rate.

As a former A&E nurse, I recommend going to A&E. Sounds like you may need an infusion, probably of the same thing you are being prescribed orally, which I’m assuming is tranexamic acid.

Yes, it is worth the trip if you are losing excessive amounts of blood. Keep hydrated as well. I might be wrong, and it sounds grim, but seal single used pads so they can weigh them to measure blood loss. But absolutely go. And I’d call ahead to the pharmacist if you really wanted to try that route. Conserve your energy. Personally the GP said go if feeling worse and you are. Taxi or a lift with someone if you’re struggling

Please go OP. Don't dismiss this as 'women's stuff'. Losing that amount of blood, you will feel very unwell very quickly and you won't be safe at home.

For the love of God take the advice of the medical professional who has actually seen you - you were told to go to A and E, go!

If anyone on here says different ignore them.

How are you doing @ThisisHalloween96 ?

Thank you for everyone’s replies and responses! 💐the bleeding did get worse and the pharmacy had to order my medication in (they still haven’t got it now!) so I did end up in hospital last night, had a huge bleed again in A&E so I was fast tracked, given IV medication instead and discharged early hours of this morning, doing a lot better now! X

Glad to hear it!

I'd recommend getting a mirena coil, it'll stop the heavy bleeding

Thanks for the update @ThisisHalloween96 and I'm glad you're better now.