I need to go to urgent care, don’t I

[SunsetCat]

I have a wound that has become infected. I’ve tried antibacterial gel, keeping it clean, changing bandaging and it isn’t getting better. I have a phobia about hospitals after a bad experience but I just need to knuckle down and call 111 for a referral, don’t I?

have you called them?

Do you have wed urgent care/minor injuries near you? No need for 111 if do. Go now (or as soon as they open) and hopefully it won't be too busy and you can be in and out quickly.

Yes op you do, please go now as pp says or call now. The longer you leave it the worse it will get and it will take longer to clear up.

I called them initially when it was becoming inflamed and I was developing a slight fever. They told me to call my GP, which I did (unsuccessfully). I was on hold for an hour and never progressing up the queue. I thought after that I’d try to do self-care and see if it improved, which in a way it did as the fever disappeared and the inflammation went down. But it’s still infected.

I'd call your gp

On a weekend?

111 or UCC. Now, before it gets any worse

Sorry what is wed urgent care? We have urgent care at the local hospital. I would prefer not going through 111 again if I can just drop in!

They open at 8am, I’ll start getting ready, thank you for the support x

You don't need to call 111 to go to urgent care. Just head there.

Hope it goes well.
Let them know about your phobia if you can, they are usually really understanding then.

Thank you so much everyone, needed this push!

Go and see a pharmacist. A colloid dressing would probably work but they can also prescribe antibiotics now too

If you've got a fever, it's suggests the infection is causing you to be systemically unwell. It's just before Christmas, and sepsis can kick in frighteningly quickly,( sorry, don't want to unduly alarm you, but you do need to know the facts. )Where is the wound?
I'm thinking that the relief you'll feel, having bitten the bullet and gone to Urgent Care, got it seen and treated, will be immense.
Best of luck. X

Wed was a typo, so sorry!

I'm glad you're going, hope it's nice and quick for you

As someone who’s had septicaemia from a small cut. It can kick in fast! I ended up in hospital for days and honestly any sign of infection and having had a fever I would call 111. I know you said you have a fear of hospitals but longer you leave it worse stuff like this gets. Any sign of a serious infection a doctor will advise you go to hospital.

I’ve been using colloid dressings which have been good, but it’s just staying the same and not getting better.

The fever went thankfully and my temperature has been steady but the infection is stubborn. It’s on my inner lower arm near my wrist. Hopefully urgent care doesn’t yell at me too much for not going sooner!

Oh, OP, all the best, sounds like a grim scenario for you. But not so grim as @thiscantbemylife.
Keep us updated on progress, and Happy Christmas!

Pharmacists can only prescribe Antibiotics for certain conditions under the “Pharmacy First” scheme. I think infected wounds is one of the conditions on the list.

I don’t* think

Good luck 🤞 Hopefully you won't have too long of a wait at urgent care

Thanks all! Waiting at the out of hours GP at Urgent Care now. Not sure of the wait time but does feel better to be having it seen to.

Hope they can get you sorted swiftly

Well done OP, hope you get it sorted quickly 💐

Good move op.