Advice

My friend is waiting for biopsy test results but has developed jaundice. He does not have an official diagnosis yet so how can he get seen urgently. The GP has alluded to the possibility of the cancer having spread to the liver but as he does not have a diagnosis no one is treating him. His GP advised to go to A and E but the wait time is over 48 hours and his condition is life threatening. If anyone has any advice or knows how best to get treated please please can you let me know 

  • Hello AuntyR

    I'm sorry to hear about your friend's situation and that he's particularly unwell at the moment. Please do call NHS 111 as they will be able to offer some advice and support outside of normal GP hours. If you feel that his condition has deteriorated and his symptoms are immediately life-threatening then ring 999. 

    You can also call the Consultant secretary to advise them of the change in his condition but in the meantime give NHS 111 a call. 

    I hope that he's able to access the care he needs soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thank you so much Jenn. NHS 111 just told him to wait. Because he hasn't had his biopsy results yet he doesn't have any direct contacts but the jaundice has come on since the biopsy was done. His GP just advised to go to A and E but there was a 48 hour wait. I can't understand how he isn't being admitted to a ward as surely the Jaundice is life threatening (he also has what they call lesions on his liver) but they haven't tested these yet. 
     Are there any other options for him to be seen as he is deteriorating quickly every day.

     

    best wishes and thanks in advance for your help 

  • Was your friend referred to a specialist by their GP and then the specialist arranged the biopsy? If so, I suggest your friend contact the specialist's receptionist to inform them of the jaundice. The specialist should then decide on the next step. Otherwise A&E is the only other option - they will do some tests and link up with the specialist and probably admit your friend if they are very ill. I know the waiting time is terrible but at least they will get triaged and may get dealt with quicker. 

    I've had three admissions into hospital in the last 12 months due to an infected gallbladder and then pancreatitis caused by an endoscopy. On discharge each time I was told that, if it looked like I was getting jaundiced, to get straight to A&E. Your friend needs medical intervention asap.

  • Hi Angie,

    Sorry to hear about your health journey.
     

    Thank you for your reply. It's all been a bit of a nightmare as he got blood clots before he was due to have a colonoscopy so that got delayed so he is still only listed as an outpatient. 
     

    The A and E was 48 hours wait so he has gone home to try and rest as he is in so much pain. I'm trying to look into other options for him to be admitted to hospital because he needs urgent care but keep drawing a blank because 48 hours is just too long.

  • Was the colonoscopy arranged by his GP and that's why he's an outpatient? In which case A&E really is the only route. Is there another hospital he can attend? If it's jaundice he isn't going to feel better with rest. 

  • Yes colonoscopy I think went through the GP although was conducted at the hospital. I think he is going to try a different  A and E tomorrow now. 

  • Good luck. Hopefully he will be seen and sorted out tomorrow.