Doctor or home care

[thegreylady]

Dh is nearly 82. He has had a flu type virus since about 30/12. Every time we think it is better he has a day of respite then it starts again. Last night he coughed off and on all night. We had cough mixture and I gave him paracetamol as his temp was 38.3.
This morning he seemed better, temp down and not coughing but very tired. He is eating and drinking normally. He has been mainly in bed but sat out to eat tea and watch a bit of TV.
We are now in bed, he is coughing and temp climbing. I don’t know what to do.

He needs to see a doctor tomorrow.

Thanks Anna I agree they are just so busy at the moment and we didn’t want to bother them. I’ll ring at 8.30. Is there anything to help him rest? Would a honey lemon and whisky in hot water be safe?

I think he should a dr today because it has gone on so long
In the meantime do whatever will comfort him

That's too long, and a temp of 38.3 for such a prolonged period needs to be investigated. He's of an age that puts him in a high risk group, also. Don't delay in getting him assessed by a doctor.

Sounds like he might have a touch of pneumonia. I would get him seen today.

Well I rang the GP and they said that if I could bring him in at the end of surgery they would see him. The Doctor also said that there is a high volume of patients with similar symptoms and I should monitor him and only take him in if I was really worried because of the danger of further infection.
This morning his temp is normal 36.8 and he hadn’t had paracetamol since last night. He isn’t coughing as much and seems better in himself too. Morning surgery ends at 11.30 so I rang with an update and they said keep him at home, lots of fluids and if he worsens someone will see him at 6pm.

No, really really take him. It's been going on since 30/12 not just a couple of days. He needs to be seen.

You reallly must make sure he sees someone. As mentioned upthread he could have a touch of pneumonia.
My DH is early 70's. His horrible never ending cough started three weeks ago today. GP gave him antibiotics which didn't help so he was given a puffer, then another prescription for antibiotics. Today he went back for a check up. Looks like the chest infection has cleared but given another puffer "just in case". I think he has had the flu as well.

My advice would definitely be to see the doc for peace of mind. Weekend is coming up then it could be a nightmare.

You sound like a really nice person who doesn't want to bother the doctor as they are so busy.

Well the doctor will be awash with people far less unwell who are not so nice as you and your husband.

Eventually when you and he do turn up, he will be very sick and the doctor will say 'why didn't you come earlier'. Happens all the time in healthcare that a very sweet person is quietly being very ill in a corner while a shouty person with not much wrong is taking up a lot of time.

Totally with you on that Anna

Another vote for Anna's advice. This has been going on for three weeks - at his age he needs to be seen.

We saw an out of hours doctor today. She said his oxygen levels were low and so was his blood pressure however, she wasn’t too concerned. She gave him a course of antibiotics and said we had to see the GP early next week to arrange a chest X-ray and some blood tests.
He feels reassured and seems better again tonight.

She also hesitated about sending him to hospital today but said it would be horrendous with lots of sitting waiting to be seen. She put a flag on his notes and said we must ring them at once if he got worse before Monday.
Thank you everyone, especially Anna for your help and support.

Grey lady - what was his bp?
I would keep a very close eye if his bp is low and he’s still unwell.

80/54

I looked back and it is a bit low for him(it is always low) the doctor told him to stop taking the beta blockers for the next few days until he has the blood tests.

The greylady, his blood pressure is low. Did they check his heart rate today? What was that? How low was his oxygen? Is he passing urine normally?

I'm quite surprised the doctor has sent him away.

It’s so hard for us to advise when we aren’t with him, can’t see him and don’t know him like you do but I think take him into hospital if you have even the slightest concern that he’s getting worse or isn’t improving. Hopefully the antibiotic will make a quick big difference. Don’t worry at all about being a nuisance on the system or not - there are far less sicker people than him being brought in. Finally please be aware of the symptoms of sepsis given he’s been ill for so long and bp is low - if any doubt take him in straight away to get seen again. Even the best drs can make errors of judgment sometimes. Hoping he’s better over night/tomorrow!

www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/#sepsis-symptoms-in-older-children-and-adults

Thank you. The doctor did listen to his heart and seemed happy with it. She didn’t tell me what his oxygen levels were just ‘a little low’. He is peeing normally. He had a decent night, temp not raised and he had two boiled eggs, toast and tomato juice for breakfast. He is currently having a nap. Unfortunately I became a bit ill in the night. I promise we will ring the GP in the morning. He does seem a bit better today.

That’s great - hope he continues to improve

And that you feel better soon!

Really glad you have seen a doctor - that is a low BP.

Please, please, please don't leave it as long next time. It sounds like your DH has some complicated medical problems and needs seeing sooner rather than later when he is unwell.

Get well soon both of you