Getting advice or treatment of a wound without discussing it

[interestedcat]

Not interested in discussing it, don't particularly want to show it and not ready to anything right now. But is a pharmacist the best option, maybe show a picture/description? Would they then go back to gp and make a thing of it?
Not interested in discussing it here either. Genuinely not looking for help or to talk.

Depends what sort of wound and how bad. If it needs stitches probably A and E. Same for a bad burn. They'll ask what happened but they can't force you to say anything.

Deep wound or burn needs hospital to look at it
Small wound or if it looks infected gp or practice nurse
Pharmacist would only advise you see a doctor and offer a dressing
No one will pressure you to give details if you don't want to

Pharmacists will give you some good advice on how to clean it, dress it etc plus whether you need tetanus or further treatment which can only be given at a hospital for example.
They often have side rooms so you can discuss things in private if preferred.
If they just give basic advice it's not referred to anyone as far as I know.
Hope you get some help with it all.

Good to know. Not doing a&e, concern with gp/practice nurse is they'll end up going on. Some kind of minor injuries would be ideal. Doubt they have time or the will to talk.
Hopefully wont come to that.
Thanks.

What about an online GP? You'd have to pay but more anonymous.

This may be a shout, thank you.

Op, you don't have to give details but are you safe? From yourself as well as others right now?

If your not there are people who will help you. There are people who care. Please work towards making yourself safe.

My local pharmacy patched up someone's hand who had a minor accident at work, so either that or minor injuries depending how bad it is

Yes. Not done any more. Trying to avoid unavoidable treatment so its been a few weeks. Thanks

Pharmacy is a good option but I would suggest one that's larger.

For example my village pharmacy is quite small and not a place it would be easy to have a private conversation.

The one in the next village along is much bigger and has separate consultation rooms you can email ahead and ask to use.

It's better to show the injury but if it makes a difference in seeking help or not you could take pictures and ask "on behalf of a friend" who is struggling to access support.

You're not required to give your details to a pharmacist for advice (give a fake name) so no opportunity for them to tell/pass on information to your GP.

Good idea.

My thought is that if you feel able to show a pharmacist even a picture of the wound they will at least be able to suggest next steps.

As in if you can treat it at home (and how) or you need professional medical help. In which case you could consider an online GP if you can afford it (if you need a prescription for antibiotics for example).

Obviously it's difficult without knowing the injury/severity but I appreciate you don't want to discuss that I'm hoping you've had some advice that means you feel able to access support x

GPs are too nosy. Can it force us to seek help this way. Sometimes knowing everything and making people talk doesn't make them safer

No need for this to be a big deal or drama on any way.
If you don't want your GP to know then you simply don't give any details. You just present at a pharmacy, minor injuries or A and E and refuse to talk about it. You're an adult, you can't be forced to talk or give details.

Like this. I don't think it's totally true because you'll be asked name. Unfortunately I don't think pharmacy will sort it.
It's not true that a&e and minor injuries don't communicate with gp. They absolutely do.

You really don't have to give a name if you don't wish to. Many people due to mental illness or whatever refuse to give details when attending A&E.

If you don't want to give details then simply don't. That's the simplest, easiest solution to your problem. You've not got a gun to your head when they ask your name.

Many people in your position do actually want to be asked what happened and want further help but pretend they don't for whatever reason. If that's you, then you're honestly better just being upfront with the staff so they can help you get the ongoing support you need .

What are you frightened of op? Nothing bad will happen from people trying to help you.

You can't be forced to answer questions. If they ask your name give a pseudonym.

It's important you get treated. If the wound is infected your risking sepsis and then you really are in trouble.

I always keep steri strips in the house for cuts. You can use them close together/touching for a strong pulling together of a cut, they come in lots of sizes.

e45 cream and a drop of lavender essential oil for burns/skin issues ( also found it stops the ‘branding’ marks I get off the oven shelf)

tea tree oil for small infections, I also mix with it with e45 cream

hope your ok OP, visiting a large chemist does sound a good idea

Is the wound infected? If not a good independent pharmacy will likely have a decent supply and range of dressings. Including iodine patches, and different levels of absorbancy too.

They will have to ask some questions - mainly to rule out risk of infection, but it's unlikely they'll ask for your personal details.