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Do I go to A&E?

JayCee
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Hello all. This is my first post and not the way I'd hoped to introduce myself

I'm on the 2 week pathway with an appointment Thursday 3rd March to see a gynaecologist for an irregular nobbly growth on the anterior wall of my vagina. I've been having urinary problems for 5-6 weeks now and 2 weeks ago, discovered a big lump in my vagina. My GP put me on an urgent referral.  My question is, I don't think I can wait until Thursday! My peeing has increased to every 10-20 minutes and the pressure I'm feeling is comparable to that of a baby's head bearing down in the birth canal! I've had 2 stressful nights worrying that my urethra is going to get shut off by this growth and put me in a medical emergency, but because I live alone, and the horrors of ambulance waiting times lately, I'm thinking of going to A&E to get seen. But it's Sunday, no consultants working, and they could send me home in the early hours of the night! What would you suggest I do? 

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    Hello JayCee, 

    Our nurses are not online over the weekend and will get back to you very soon.

    If you feel you can't wait until Thursday and that you need urgent medical attention it is indeed an option to go and get seen at A&E. Perhaps you could give 111 a call first and explain how you are feeling and the uncomfortable pressure you describe - they may be able to advise you based on your symptoms as to whether it is a good idea to go to A&E. But if you feel  it is urgent and you need to be seen immediately, then either ring 999 or go to A&E. It's good though that you will be seen by a specialist on Thursday and I hope that you get some definite answers very soon. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Thank you for your reply Lucie. I decided to stick it out another night at home and as of today, I'm staying at my sister's for moral support and she's accompanying me to my appointment on Thursday. 

    I'm sure I'll be posting more on my journey, whether I get good news or unwelcome news.

    Thanks again
     

     

  • Offline

    Hi JayCee and thanks for your post

    I see that you are now with your sister and this must be reassuring for you, having someone with you.

    Although you say you will now wait until your appointment later in the week, if you feel your symptoms are getting worse or are feeling unwell, do go to A&E or ring 111 if you are unsure as to what to do and ask for further advice.

    I hope you are able to have a good discussion with your gynaecologist about what the next step may be and do make them aware of how difficult the last few days have been for you - they do need to know.

    If you would like to go over anything either before or after your appointment, do give us a ring - on Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    All the very best to you

    Wanda

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Wanda

    Hi Wanda,

    Thank you for responding and offering your advice.. it's a relief to have this safe space to share our fears and experiences with dedicated professionals to hand at times when we feel lost, bewildered and need some direction. 
     

    Being at my sister's has helped take my mind off the fears I keep inside and I've limited my fluid intake this evening to reduce trips to the loo. Rest assured, I'll be telling the gynaecologist on Thursday about my symptoms and having my sister with me will ask those questions I may forget to ask. 
     

    I'll write about my examination experience at the end of this week. Thanks again for taking the time to help.

     

    JayCee x 

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