How selfish would this be?

[Jourdain11]

I just need a sounding board because I don't trust my own judgement any more and don't want to freak out my family and friends, many of whom are already struggling at this difficult time...

So as not to drip-feed: I'm not very health-anxious and have been coping okay with the Covid-19 situation up till now. We had a case at work very early in proceesinfa and got locked down. Husband is a PS teacher and working this week. We have been reasonably sensible and socially isolated, but of course we're all getting exposure through him!

My dilemma is this: for the last about 4 weeks, I've been really wiped out. Really exhausted, achey, weak. I've also been getting lots of nosebleeds (unusual) and people have been commenting that I look really pale and asking if I lost weight. I've actually lost about a stone, but it may be lack of appetite.

Of course, I looked up my symptoms and got worried ... so made an appointment with the GP, telephone (natch) and spoke to a GP who I've never seen before, who said this is classic anxiety, everyone is anxious, to practise breathing techniques and mindfulness, etc. He may well be right, but my issue is... I haven't been feeling that anxious. I'm generally quite a day-by-day person and haven't felt this as hard as many others.

I tried the relaxation.. but basically, I'm just concerned it might be more. And I'm now scared that if I wait till I can get a face-to-face, some time in the long and far distant future (!!!) it might be "too late". Blah blah blah. You get what I'm saying.

My GP surgery are saying absolute no face-to-face and they can refer me for IAPTs but it will be a long wait. If I think I need something quicker, I should go to the local hospital Urgent Treatment. And I'm almost at the point where I will go....... but it seems so bloody selfish to go at a time like this?

I just don't know. So please, any thoughts will help!

Yes - Go. The worst that can happen is I'll waste little bit of NHS time and piss off some overworked staff.

No - Don't go. I'm being selfish and ridiculous to contemplate it!

Thx v much à l'avance.

[Jourdain11]

@NemophilistRebel I think I'm in the clear regarding the thyroid probs - not hot, hungry or feeling jittery!

[Jourdain11]

@iVampire don't worry, you've not suggested anything I hadn't thought of! And I'm trying not to freak out ... it is very unlikely, don't make a drama, etc. But I feel rubbish. I had another huge nosebleed this morning and I feel all weak and dizzy. Sore tummy, etc. I'm so knocked out I've just gone back to bed. God knows how I will keep the DC entertained until 5pm or so! One has now been "practising lovely music" on her recorder for half an hour, so I may soon be arrested for breach of peace anyway

Think the best may be to call back GP at the end of the week.... and book maybe a private appointment if they have no availability. Thx for all the tips on private appointments too!

[willdoitinaminute]

Nose bleeds and weight are a bit of a red flag. Make a telephone appointment with another GP. Don’t underplay the symptoms. Stomach discomfort could be gastric ulcer which has potential for major emergency. Please don’t ignore it.

[Oliversmumsarmy]

How old are you?

Dp had these symptoms at the beginning. Including the nosebleeds. He then after a while started to eat more and turned to sugary drinks (he had never had a coca cola ever before).

I ask about age because Dp was diagnosed at 39 and you can get Type one diabetes we were told up to the age of 40


It turned out it was Type 1 diabetes.

[Jourdain11]

@willdoitinaminute Oh God, I don't know what to do for the best!

I don't want to over burden the poor struggling NHS staff (and in London too, so it's already going to be bad here...). But husband keeps nagging/encouraging me to be seen f2f. I think that's why he liked the Urgent Care idea - because it will be guaranteed and they might even run a blood test too. But I feel bad because I know I could be carrying his school germs

[Jourdain11]

@Oliversmumsarmy I'm 33.

[silver1977]

As major as coronavirus is, there are still other illnesses going on! Symptoms for possible cancer should not be ignored. It is likely to be something else op but you should still be investigated like you normally would have been. The country will be having another sort of crisis otherwise!

[silver1977]

If I was you I think I would be paying private initially. Like pp said they can put you back to NHS if needed after. They could be worth every penny for peace of mind.

[silver1977]

I know we need to be careful with money right now but as this pandemic has proved, health is everything!

[Greenandpleasanter]

I'd really think of having a private GP appointment with a blood test. If there was anything concerning then you could go back to your NHS GP to be referred on. You are not being selfish using the NHS if you need treatment. But they are overwhelmed and probably trying to triage more strictly than normal.

[Reginabambina]

Have you taken a pregnancy test? Nosebleeds are common in pregnancy (especially in cold weather) as are a loss of appetite, anaemia, dizziness, breathlessness, tiredness, nausea/queasiness, weight loss etc.

[6000choccybiccies]

Its not selfish to use the NHS, but please do so appropriately. Don't go to Urgent Care just because you think that will force a f2f situation and blood tests. Get these through correct channel - GP

[FlowerArranger]

Having read your updates, yes, if there is an Urgent Care or Minor Injuries unit near you, go there. If not, insist on another telephone consultation with your GP. Failing that, arrange a private consult.

Make sure you have a succinct, concise list of your symptoms and history.

[Jourdain11]

Definitely not pregnant! I thought of that one and did a test (terror in my heart, lol). And then another one to make sure!

I rang the GP. They said they've got no phone slots till next Friday and said if I feel it is "really urgent" to go to the UTC, which they say "will probably be very quiet" (really??). I might bite the bullet and do it once husband is back from school. It's literally 5 mins walk so if they don't want to see me, it will be no harm done.

[ThanksForAllTheFish]

Being pale and exhausted are big red flags for iron deficiency anaemia. As are lots of other random symptoms like hair loss, craving ice, heart palpitations, feeling itchy, food tasting strange.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034



I’m very prone to anaemia but it took me a long time to figure out that’s what was wrong. Usually the doctor will order a blood test to check and it’s a course of high dose iron tablets.

Also worth mentioning I had the light headed / dizzy feeling all the time but it’s not listed on the nhs symptoms. Also I always felt cold, even when everyone else was warm I was freezing, and also got pins and needles in my legs and foot cramps. Symptoms all cleared up once I got my iron levels back to normal. Every so often they drop again and symptoms return but I know what to look out for now so catch it before it gets bad.

All that said I still think you do need to see some one, I would try another doctor call and see what they say.

[Jourdain11]

Thanks for this - I've definitely got the cold-all-the-time and the pins and needles. Fingers crossed it may be something that can be cleared up with taking supplements! It would be very nice to feel normal physically even if everything else is going to be not-normal.

[Jourdain11]

I've psyched myself up for going now, so I am going to try not to U-turn again!

[Tiredmum100]

Definitely go today. You are young and need to be seen!

[Firsttimelottie]

At the very least you should have a general check over and bloods done. Good to hear you're going today.

The health care assistants at our surgery are still taking bloods although GP's aren't having face to face apts. If you're not satisfied after being seen today then call your doctor again and explain you are concerned about how you feel, weight loss etc. Don't mention anxiety. Earnestly request a blood test. Hopefully they'll do a form for you and you can schedule an appointment.

Good luck today.

[KnobJockey]

Sounds like it could be anaemia and b12 deficiency- they are linked.
B12 deficiency causes extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, pins and needles, brain fog, forgetfulness. Needs injections every 8-12 weeks to help.

I would look at getting some b12 supplements, iron medicine (the ones you drink or mix with orange juice seem to be more effective) and vitamin d tabs.

[Jourdain11]

Thank you for all the replies - now that I've made up my mind to go, I am going to try not to do any more speculation at all!

I'm going to go as soon as husband gets back from school (which is likely to be earlier, thankfully). And will hopefully get some answers or guidance one way or another!

[Jourdain11]

I've been working so hard at the no speculation that I got the kids making crispy cakes - the kitchen may never recover.

[Jourdain11]

I just wanted to say thanks again for listening and giving advice earlier. It was really helpful and I appreciated it. I don't want to bore you all to death with my ramblings. But I thought I owed a bit of an update! I've been here about 3 hours now and nor sure what the plan is, but my blood tests didn't come back so good. Everything else was okay but apparently everything on the FBC was low, which seems to be problematic. It's all such a mess! And I feel really bad for having a problem when there's a worldwide pandemic...... it seems very inconsiderate somehow!
But thanks again anyway 🙂

[Tiredmum100]

Really glad you went. Hope you're ok. Keep us posted.

[CheekyMango]

Wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery, gut instinct is a wonderful thing, well done for going! Xx