Do I go to A&E??

[Memoo]

Sorry this probably doesn't belong here but wanted to get quick replies.

Long story very short, Been having weird neurological symptoms for months including weakness in my hand and legs. I attended A&E last weekend on advice of out of ours GP. They wanted to keep me but I was reluctant. They agreed to let me home as long as I went back if symptoms worsten. They also said they'd contact my GP to get her to arrange an urgent MRI scan. I then have an appointment with neurologist on 24th July.

Anyhows, today I can't lift my left leg up off the bed at all when it is straight. I can sort of walk on it once I manage to drag myself up. I can also bend my knee and bend my leg up towards my body.

My left thumb isn't bending very well either.

Do I go back to A&E today or just wait for out patients MRI which I don't yet have an appointment for. I really really don't want to stay in hospital over night.

It doesnt sound like an emergency. RIng NHS direct.

Yes. Go to A&E. Stay over if you need to.

Your symptoms have worsened. The instructions were to go to A & E if symptoms worsen weren't they? Go.

But I did that last weekend squeaky and they phoned an ambulance because I get numbness in my face. I am not going anywhere in an ambulance.

Your symptoms have worsened. Your outpatients appointment is still a month away and you have no date yet for an MRI. I would imagine you'll get an MRI quicker as an inpatient but if you go to A&E today. Yes, you're likely to be admitted. I hear what you say about not wanting to stay in, no sane person wants to be in hospital if it's not necessary but is your long term health worth risking for an overnight stay?

Yes they did say to go back if things worsten.

It is up to you. I took it to mean if your symptoms worsened overnight, not a week later to be honest. I would say A & E is for accidents (which this isnt) and emergency (which this isnt as such) if they have found it okay enough to let you wait for the neurologist.

But it is your body, and you should probably ring the experts and ask them what they suggest you do.

I know you're right hungry women. Just mulling things over

Squeaky, the nurological appointment was made about 2 months ago before my symptoms got this bad. Last weekend they wanted to keep me in and I'm thinking that's what I should have done.

Go up there then, it might speed things up in finding out what it is that is wrong.

As a neurology nurse, my advice is go, get it checked out, and hopefully they will get on top of it. The pattern of your symptoms is getting worse, you would be better off being seen before your appointment.
Good luck xx

Thank you guano. I think I will do x

I think you need to go back. The obvious route is via a and e (ok this is prob not an emergency but you need to see a specialist and that is the quickest way).

You should be prepared to stay for a couple of nights (consultant wont be about until tomorrow probably and it can take a while for them to secure a slot in the MRI machine).

Good luck Memoo. I often have the same words with my DD who is always reluctant to go in and often leaves it longer than she should I am often tempted to kick her to A&E myself but have resisted the urge thus far.

That made me laugh hungrywoman :))

Thanks ranceroo

I'd go, if you're admitted you'll get the necessary tests quicker than if you were an outpatient, and as you said your symptoms have gotten much worse since you were booked in for your appointment.

Lots of luck.

Just thought id update as really appreciated all the advice yesterday.

Came to hospital and have been poked, prodded and pulled every which way. I'm to stay on tonight too and I have an MRI tomorrow and a neurologist is coming to see me.

Very bored! A bit sad but trying to stay optimistic. Whatever will be and all that.

good that you're in the right place and getting the tests that you need - hope everything goes well.

Hi Memoo,

Glad you've updated, I was wondering about you. How are things today?

Hope they are looking after you and you are closer to getting some answers.

You're in the best place and they can get to grips with your symtoms more quickly. Hope all goes well and also hope the foods not too bad

The food is awful but I could do with losing a bit of weight anyway :)

I'm just really bored tbh and a bit nervous about the MRI. I'll just be happy when I have a few answers. The doctor said they might do a lumber puncture too. Having a full mot!

Don't be nervous about MRI. Close your eyes, imagine yourself somewhere nice and pick some music you like to listen to. It will be fine .

Had a lumbar puncture a few yrs ago - really not that bad, although you can get a headache afterwards so make sure they're prepared to dose you up with painkillers if necessary.

Memoo - I've seen some of your recent posts on your health problems, - I'm glad they have brought your MRI forward so you can get closer to some answers. Nothing very helpful to add, but just wanted to wish you well