Would you go to A and E?

[boymama82]

For the past 4 months I've had horrendous diarrhoea for 2 days a week. For the same amount of time I've been totally wiped out and had nagging pain in my liver. I've been taking dihydracodeine for many years and really think my liver is failing. I feel terrible, really really sick and weak, pain in my liver has intensified and the diarrhoea is awful. I've had bloods and stool sample done at my doctors but I feel so bad now like I should be in a hospital bed! We've got a 3 and a 4 year old and my husband already had to stay off work today. I don't know what to to do.

Can you get an emergency GP appointment?

I would probably suggest an OOH GP appointment or ring 111.... if they suggest a&e then so be it.

What are you taking the dihydrocodeine for? Could it be that condition causing the pain?

I would call 111 and see if I could get an out of hours GP appointment.

I would definitely try and get seen today. Perhaps try 111, but to be seen will likely mean going to A&E. If you feel really, really weak and have severe pain, I think that warrants a visit to A&E.

The dihydracodeine is for back pain but I've taken too much for too long and really feel like my liver is failing

Any signs of jaundice? What's your urinary output like? And itching/ swelling legs/rashes/vomiting?
I'd say it warrants a call to 111 maybe. Pulse and temp okay?

I'm not weeing but think that's cos I'm dehydrated now, I don't have rashes but have horrendous nausea, my pulse is quite fast

Yes I'd say maybe OOH GP or 111. I'd be happier if you got checked.

I'm not a qualified HCP by the way - I'm a third year student nurse

Call 111 - it’s not fun sitting in A&E with fountain bum.

Did you have your liver tested at the GPs? Why are you so sure your liver is failing if you say you're not symptomatic of liver failure?

Have you had the results of your blood tests yet? They would make the state of your liver clear.

I've got a lot of pain in my liver but my blood tests were clear so I'm really confused. I can't carry on like this though, it's been months 😫🤯

How long have you not had a wee for? Have you been drinking normally? How high is your heart rate? Can you count it?

@boymama82 are you not taking rehydration salts to combat diarrhoea? If not, then dehydration will leave you feeling dreadful - weak, exhausted, sick...

Boots Rehydration Salts or Diarolyte are an absolute must for chronic diarrhoea- taken several times a day. And also loperamide (immodium). Get someone to go to your nearest late night Boots tonight if you don't have them at home.

If you feel you need to be seen tonight then call 111 or use the NHS symptom checker: https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-symptoms

Obviously if you meet any symptoms for emergency care then dial 999 and don't worry about wasting time:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-call-999/

How do you know it’s your liver? Could be intestines or gall bladder all in the same area. I get pain under my right rib after having some painkillers. If your bloods are clear it can’t be your liver

Why is it only for two days a week? Are you ok for the rest of the week?

What's triggering it if it's only 2 days a week, is it after eating certain foods. I'd call 111 for advice. How much dihydrocodeine are you taking each day.