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Original poster

Would you attend a routine hospital appointment now??

61 replies

Rollercoasteride · 13/05/2020 22:11

Myself and my child, both have Asthma. We haven't left our house since March 22nd. We live in the middle of nowhere and get our shopping delivered.

My child had his appendix removed before xmas, and went into anaphylaxis shock in theatre....so he was referred to a large city childrens hospital for allergy testing. He has had some tests (household allergies and anesthetic), in February.
Now the hospital want to test him with penicillin, in the next few weeks.

So my question is would you attend an appointment in a high risk area or would you try and defer the appointment?

The nurse said it's very safe and people haven't got it there! But you can't guarantee this.

I know he needs it doing but will it be worth the risk right now.

OP posts:
Clymene · 13/05/2020 22:12

Yes I would. People are needlessly dying because they're afraid to go to hospital. Don't put your child's health at risk

Ilovemyhairbeingstroked · 13/05/2020 22:17

Yes absolutely go .

LilacTree1 · 13/05/2020 22:18

Yes.

ThreeFish · 13/05/2020 22:18

Yes.

MajesticWhine · 13/05/2020 22:20

I think all precautions will be taken at the hospital. I would go.
(I have attended a non urgent hospital appointment, and it was great - the place was deserted)

LilyPond2 · 13/05/2020 22:20

If appointment is in next few weeks rather than immediate, could you keep an eye on infection rates in the area and decide nearer the time?

Original poster
Rollercoasteride · 13/05/2020 22:23

Thanks everyone. I think I am just scared, if gets another reaction and it stops him breathing again, and we get CV it would put him in a very vulnerable position.

OP posts:
cantarina · 13/05/2020 22:23

I have to go to hospital for appointments at present. They are pretty empty these days and I think the risk of infection is low. Can you drive there? If so, I would go.

Original poster
Rollercoasteride · 13/05/2020 22:26

Yes I can drive there. I think I need to stay 'alert'. Its in Manchester, so not sure about the cv rates in the north west.

OP posts:
effingterrified · 13/05/2020 22:27

I wouldn't. An emergency one, obviously.

To some degree it depends what area you live in and how busy it is.

But I wouldn't risk it, sorry.

effingterrified · 13/05/2020 22:27

Think rates in the north west now quite high?

EekThreek · 13/05/2020 22:29

I would have gone for any appointment at any point in the last 2 months.

Two of my dc are allergic to penicillin. I'm glad you're getting to find out in controlled circumstances!

effingterrified · 13/05/2020 22:31

I know someone who caught Covid off the asthma nurse and then infected the whole family, so wouldn't risk it in your situation.

effingterrified · 13/05/2020 22:32

And what you're suggesting sounds really non-urgent. He's not going to come in contact with penicillin normally.

Why are you even considering this?

ginsparkles · 13/05/2020 22:33

Yes, I took my daughter for an urgent blood test last week. All precautions taken, we went through a different entrance. It was very quiet!

LilacTree1 · 13/05/2020 22:34

Eek “ Two of my dc are allergic to penicillin. I'm glad you're getting to find out in controlled circumstances!”

Exactly this!

Kahlua4me · 13/05/2020 22:35

I had to take my son to see our gp today and then on to a&e.

The gp was excellent on the phone when we booked our appt with him and said to bring masks and gloves if we had them. He then advised us to go to hospital as wasn’t sure of diagnosis.I was scared really but he was very reassuring and said that there is no risk there as all covid patients are completely separate from everyone else.

Actually I found the whole process was well managed and much smoother process than usual but maybe because the hospital was empty! Loads of room in the carpark and cleaners everywhere 😊.

I think you should go and it will be fine.

33Carr · 13/05/2020 22:37

Currently working in a hospital, I would go and encourage any of my family members to go. They wouldn't arrange the appointment if it wasn't deemed necessary.

AppleKatie · 13/05/2020 22:37

Yes I would follow the professional advice of the NHS nurse you have spoken too.

I would take all precautions re hand washing, masks, avoiding public transport not touching face whilst out etc etc...

What I would not do is follow the random advice of strangers on the internet if it contradicted the actual medical advice I had been given.

Notquiteagandt · 13/05/2020 22:39

Yes I would and I am. My daughter has a ct scan next week. Its not urgant. But it is needed. I am keen to get the ball rolling. Shes 15m so its going to be hard. I plan to just swaddle her up in a blanket so she doesnt touch anything on her way in. I imagine it is alot cleaner than the local shops etc.

We too are shielded so it will be our 1st time out.

They have good infection control in place. So you go straight in no waiting in waiting room etc they stagger appointments so people dont see others.

Maybe worth asking them their policy. Just to put your mind at ease.

Givenupno · 13/05/2020 22:39

With all the additional precautions currently in place, it’s probably safer now than it ever has been

Hagisonthehill · 13/05/2020 22:40

Do go.
Most hospitals are split so that Covid wards are seperate to all other areas.There are almost no visitors do no one wandering around.
You would not have an appointment if it were not safe for you and the staff to do so.You will not be hanging around in a full clinic,it is all well organised.
And actually if he had an anaphylactic reaction to penicillin this is vital to know as so many antibiotics have it as a common base.If he needed to have antibiotics for any reason you need to know this so that he can have a safe alternative.

effingterrified · 13/05/2020 22:40

If you do go, OP, good luck!

Absolutely no way I would be doing this in your situation though.

geojojo · 13/05/2020 22:41

Yes. Am taking my child to a routine check up on Friday,

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