Worried.

[Breathless1943]

I have been suffering pain jus under my shoulder blade ,on the right hand side. I’ve had it now for 3 days,so I’m now getting slightly worried about it. At one time I could just see my GP,and a decision would be made and that’s it. But we can’t do that any more. So my options are 111-999-or sit in A&E for hours. I suffer with emphysema so my hubby’s worried it’s inflammation in my lungs. I also have multiple health issues,plus I’m 79yrs old. So I really don’t want to unnecessarily end up going to a hospital.

Has anyone got any suggestions,as I really don’t want to be bothering the emergency services over something I may get myself over. All suggestions very welcome.

[Bevvy]

Have you tried ringing your gp and asking for an urgent appointment? My gp if you phone at 08:00 then usually will get at least a telephone appointment, especially if urgent. Then gp can make decision whether or not to see you. Otherwise I don’t believe you have any choice but to ring 111 who may well arrange a paramedic to visit or arrange a gp appointment.

Ultimately I agree with your husband. Someone medical needs to see you I’m afraid. A pain under shoulder blade could be a multitude of things ranging from a simple pulled muscle to something far more serious such as pleurisy. When I have had pleurisy (had multiple times) I have had pain under shoulder blade.

I think you should be taking action now. You’ve had it 3 days and not improving. If is some form of chest infection it is only going to get worse so please don’t delay.

[Breathless1943 in reply to Bevvy]

Hi,I had pleurisy some years back,but that was more in my shoulder.

I do think your right I do need to do something about it,but to be honest I’ve been messed about with that many times,I’m fed up of it,and I really don’t want to go into hospital. Thank you for taking the time to reply to me so fast.😄

[Bevvy in reply to Breathless1943]

There is no reason to assume you will need to go to hospital. I have been seriously ill with pleurisy or pneumonia a number of times (I also have COPD) but never been hospitalised. In fact GPs have worked extremely hard to keep me out of hospital due to concerns about hospital acquired infections. GPs have even seen me every 2-3 days to keep me out of hospital!

I would urge you to do something now though. Remember it is Friday tomorrow and then bank holiday weekend, so if you leave things you may end up with no choice but to go to A&E.

[Breathless1943 in reply to Bevvy]

just thought I would let you know,my GP is phoning me at 4-00pm if I get no satisfaction I will go to A&E tomorrow. Thank you for your time.

[Bevvy in reply to Breathless1943]

just wondering how you are doing?

[Breathless1943 in reply to Bevvy]

Oh that is so nice of you to ask. I went to A&E today around 10-00am I got home at 5-00pm after blood tests and a X-ray,and everything is alright,he thinks it’s just a pulled muscle,but he did say it was best that I went,because it was like the signs of a blood clot. So 1 thing it’s taught me is what you may think you have wrong,it could be something you never thought of. Hope you understand that.

But it’s put my hubby’s and sons mind at peace.