Diverticulosis, ER Trip, Phone call with Rheumy

[Missus835]

After my phone appointment with Rheumy on May 2, I stood up and completely urinated myself, without sensation (like water breaking). She wanted me to go into ER or Walk-in Clinic about the continuing dull pain in my left side. During the night same happened with the peeing myself (no sensation to go). Had discussed cauda equina earlier on this forum briefly and also with the back surgeon. Went into ER May 3, 8AM. Here are my vitals, which was more scary than the rest.

BP: 170/90 (scary), Glucose 9 (also scary), no fever. I asked her to prick my finger at Triage. From previous blood work April 28th, Cholesterol is 6.42 (most of it LDL).

Told them it could be cauda equina which got me seen about 5 hours later, before many many people as Waiting Room was packed to capacity and they were sending the accompanying guests/care givers out.

Doctor did a "complete" workup including CT scans of abdomen and my lower back. Manipulated me legs so now my back is much worse, but he had to. CT scan showed diverticulosis as pockets are not infected. No kidneys stones. Everything else is good (which is good), including the bladder. They are sending my urine for cultures as white platelets were elevated.

Next day, had terrible diarrhea and abdominal pain. When I say terrible, I did not make it to the loo as I can barely walk. Such a mess! This could possibly have been from the liquid they make you drink for the CT or the dye (because I had both).

Was awakened at 3 this morning with excruitating pain in my left side (which was not like this prior) it was a dull pain for approx. 5 months (which previous ER called a UTI) and mostly through the night. Also, horrible lower back pain on getting up to go into the washroom. After urinating, the pain in the side eased off just slightly. This morning, I am ruminating about going back into the ER which the doctor said to do if it got worse or go to a walk-in and have the high BP and glucose addressed as ER did not do this. Yesterday didn't make it off the couch very often.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If the ED said to go back if it got worse and it has got worse - that is where you go, They can do tests that the walkin centre can't,

[Missus835 in reply to PMRpro]

Exactly. That was my choice for that very reason. They can access my records, whereas WI cannot. I almost called an ambulance at 3AM. Now I will call my daughter. Thank you Pro form that added push. All of you are amazing.

[Missus835 in reply to PMRpro]

I am here at ER now and waiting on doc . 🙃

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Missus835]

Good luck!

[SheffieldJane]

What a dreadful frightening experience. Please let us know how you get on. Wishing you well - hugs!

[Pixix]

Take care, I believe you are now in the right place!! My husband was diagnosed with diverticular disease, after a colonoscopy last year. Some of your story is familiar, but by no means all of it…I think you need immediate help, good luck with the crowds of patients. Hugs, S x