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GP won’t see 4yo for 2 weeks [Title edit by MNHQ - Please read beyond the OP before responding]

573 replies

trombolese · 12/01/2024 12:03

Hi, just need to get an opinion on what people would do in my situation.

Some background on my 4yo - severe silent reflux from birth which meant awful awful sleep and feeding. This went undiagnosed for 7 months which then led mega tonsil problems, golf ball size which then caused severe obstructive sleep apnea. Tonsils out at 2.5. Grew back 5 months later to full size, if not bigger (didn’t think possible, consultant at Evelina said she’d never seen it happen that quickly) - constantly infected, had them out again at 3.5. Never weaned properly due to feeding issues, always bad with food. Quality of life crap due to tonsil problems. Since having them out it has only very mildly improved to be honest. He has also suffered with constipation the past year due to poor diet.

Since beginning of October he has had a fever at least once a week, sometimes explained, sometimes completely unexplained. The longest he has had fever for is 8 days with no other symptoms. GP not interested and said these things happen (we have 2 other kids…it doesn’t happen). So many lots of antibiotics, a couple of long lasting chest infections and since November an ear ache that hasn’t gone and he is still suffering with today. Yesterday he spiked another fever of 39, no other symptoms but sent home from nursery. He barely eats a thing, some days he will only eat 2 squares of toast. The rest of the day he drinks like a fish, just water other than 1 x cup of milk before bed and sometimes 1 x in the morning. He’s lost about 3kg so far. He’s so so unbelievably pale, puffy eyes and big bags under his eyes too. He’s recently taken to crying a lot. A lot, a lot. Over things very trivial to the average person but these crying episodes can last up to an hour. He’s extremely irritable and sad. He seemingly can’t walk longer than about 15 minutes without complaining his legs are hurting loads (to the point where he will just crawl along the floor instead if we let him!) and more recently he is waking in the night complaining of itching. His tiredness and lethargy some days is another level.

Seeing as this is his 10th fever in as many weeks (I am keeping a diary now) I contacted the GP with a massive list of his symptoms as I am now actually really concerned. They can’t see him for 2 weeks and have told me to “contact the HV” for advice in the meantime. What advice can they possibly give?! I am really concerned he is lacking something important in his diet or god forbid, something even worse.

AIBU to call 111? Do I take him to a&e?! This just seems crazy now. He has missed so much nursery and it just breaks my heart that his QOL is so shit.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
newrubylane · 12/01/2024 20:43

MMUmum · 12/01/2024 18:31

Before you get through to receptionist my Gp surgery now has a recorded message to say that in accordance with government guidelines only patients with symptoms that started in the last 24 hours will be seen the same day, anyone else will be given an appt within 2 weeks, It's rubbish now trying to get Gp appointments, I would suggest A&E, goid luck

This is madness. What happens if you get ill on a Saturday?

Fullofxmascbeer · 12/01/2024 20:43

Good luck getting to the bottom of it.

3luckystars · 12/01/2024 20:46

newrubylane · 12/01/2024 20:43

This is madness. What happens if you get ill on a Saturday?

That makes absolutely no sense??

wouldn’t the people with symptoms for longer need to be seen sooner

Lizzypet · 12/01/2024 20:48

MMUmum · 12/01/2024 18:31

Before you get through to receptionist my Gp surgery now has a recorded message to say that in accordance with government guidelines only patients with symptoms that started in the last 24 hours will be seen the same day, anyone else will be given an appt within 2 weeks, It's rubbish now trying to get Gp appointments, I would suggest A&E, goid luck

That's ridiculous. As well as the risk of excluding people who've tried to wait to see if their symptoms improve, and who have a worsening problem, this is just going to encourage people to say their symptoms only started within 24 hrs - which will only serve to complicate diagnosis.

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 12/01/2024 20:52
Flowers
RandomButtons · 12/01/2024 21:01

Hope you’re getting answers OP

tokesqueen · 12/01/2024 21:02

11NigelTufnel · 12/01/2024 20:35

Red flags all over here. Our doctors have spare appointments elsewhere in case of urgent cases, so it's terrible that yiu are being told there is nothing. The thirst is an obvious indicator for diabetes and itching can be liver issues. I hope you get answers soon. Disgusting that they will leave a child like this.

Our urgents are often full by late morning. There isn't an indefinite number. And another GP retiring in three months.
Not saying the surgery was right.

justasking111 · 12/01/2024 21:05

Lots of sickness in our practice. So they're short staffed again. Socialising at Xmas New year affects everyone.

ISSTIUTNG · 12/01/2024 21:15

justasking111 · 12/01/2024 21:05

Lots of sickness in our practice. So they're short staffed again. Socialising at Xmas New year affects everyone.

Wait, hold up...are you suggesting that healthcare professionals shouldn't socialise in case they get sick?

MissusWeasley · 12/01/2024 21:27

Another who is glad you’re at A&E. I hope you get help soon. If you have any input to what blood tests they hopefully take, it may be worth asking for the coeliac test to be added.

MissusWeasley · 12/01/2024 21:27

ISSTIUTNG · 12/01/2024 21:15

Wait, hold up...are you suggesting that healthcare professionals shouldn't socialise in case they get sick?

Sounded like just saying that lots of people get sick after big social occasions?

justasking111 · 12/01/2024 21:42

ISSTIUTNG · 12/01/2024 21:15

Wait, hold up...are you suggesting that healthcare professionals shouldn't socialise in case they get sick?

No I'm saying that they're not immune either.

Alohapotato · 12/01/2024 21:42

go to Emergency room at the nearest hospital tonight or go tomorrow to the nearest walk in centre.

JustAnotherManicMomday · 12/01/2024 21:47

Hospital. The weight loss alone is a concern. For his age I'm guessing that is over 10% of his body weight. That's considered serious. Our go told me with our son when he was losing alot if he lost any more straight to a & e for admission.

TreeStone · 12/01/2024 21:51

JustAnotherManicMomday · 12/01/2024 21:47

Hospital. The weight loss alone is a concern. For his age I'm guessing that is over 10% of his body weight. That's considered serious. Our go told me with our son when he was losing alot if he lost any more straight to a & e for admission.

Expressing it as a percentage is a good idea.

Hope you get some answers soon OP.

velvetstars · 12/01/2024 21:55

Glad you're at A&E - hope your poor DS is seen soon.

Makeitmakesensetoday · 12/01/2024 21:59

trombolese · 12/01/2024 15:14

Will keep you all updated as I can, we have just got here due to unreal queues for our general triage. He is asleep.

In fairness to our GP, they are usually absolutely amazing! I have never not been able to see someone same day if it was needed, especially for my kids (I have 3 under 6). I don’t know why the hell they have left us in the lurch with some very concerning symptoms, I don’t know if it’s because it’s been going on since November or what, maybe they just think what’s another couple of weeks? It seems bonkers to me. A&e is the last place I want to be with all these virus’ flying about.

How do it go? Some really concerning symptoms, it was screaming liver/kidneys at me but the itching is also reminding me of something a few of my friends and family members have experienced, I won't say the word but it all needs checking out urgently. Well done you for advocating so well for your son.

Daysie · 12/01/2024 22:00

I hope things are ok now you are where you should be.

So glad you went to a&e.

Topsyturvy78 · 12/01/2024 22:05

Can you get him to a children's hospital? They will take your conserns more seriously. Our local hospital kept sending a friend of mines son home. Told to let antibiotics and iron tablets work and see how he is. She took him to a children's hospital and saved his life literally. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer 2 days later.

Vonesk · 12/01/2024 22:19

Have you looked into dietary issues.
Did you know ANIMALS don't eat WHEAT?????
Try wheat free diet.
Don't go randomly to A &E when 111 Can manage this and point you in the right direction and liaise with GP then contact you with appointment.

Look into ' food combining' for health. When there's difficulty in digestion, believe it or not can be remedied with avoiding certain combinations of foods. Read about Dr. Hay .

Homebird8 · 12/01/2024 22:22

Vonesk · 12/01/2024 22:19

Have you looked into dietary issues.
Did you know ANIMALS don't eat WHEAT?????
Try wheat free diet.
Don't go randomly to A &E when 111 Can manage this and point you in the right direction and liaise with GP then contact you with appointment.

Look into ' food combining' for health. When there's difficulty in digestion, believe it or not can be remedied with avoiding certain combinations of foods. Read about Dr. Hay .

Harvest mice?

ISSTIUTNG · 12/01/2024 22:22

Vonesk · 12/01/2024 22:19

Have you looked into dietary issues.
Did you know ANIMALS don't eat WHEAT?????
Try wheat free diet.
Don't go randomly to A &E when 111 Can manage this and point you in the right direction and liaise with GP then contact you with appointment.

Look into ' food combining' for health. When there's difficulty in digestion, believe it or not can be remedied with avoiding certain combinations of foods. Read about Dr. Hay .

This right here is why you don't ask for medical advice on a public forum

VerbenaGirl · 12/01/2024 22:23

It’s a while ago now as my DDs are teens+, but our HV was able to fast track us to GP when referred to them but they were concerned.

Coffeeisnecessary · 12/01/2024 22:26

Really hope you see a good paediatrician who can find some answers.

Thecatmaster · 12/01/2024 22:46

Always listen to that slight niggle at the back of your mind and don't be fobbed off. I learned this the hard way. If I'm doubt, get it checked out.