Emergency pred?

[artisam]

Hello all. I’m currently away from home looking after my Dad while my mum is in hospital. Things have changed while I have been here and it has been decided to nurse mum from home. I am now in the position of wanting to stay whilst this is sorted out, but not expecting this, I did not bring enough medication with me. I am on 3 mg and have enough until Monday. Things may well be sorted by then, but if not, am I in any danger if I do not get home in time or will it just be uncomfortable? I could try reducing to 2mg to eke out the pred further. I am really exhausted arguing with medical staff and the thought of the 45 min wait on the phone to the GP surgery and then then combat with the receptionist is filling me with dread. Aargh!!!

[SnazzyD]

Going without Pred or cutting the dose would be unwise given the stress you are under due to potential adrenal crisis. In fact I’d even be considering upping your dose as some of your exhaustion may mean your current adrenal function is not up to making up the extra cortisol you need for this.

How far are you away from home? Can you pop back to get a prescription or go to a local GP and tell them the situation or ask a pharmacy for some with proof obviously. Or try 111. You can’t be left without steroids and anyone speaking to you should know that and if the receptionist is playing hard to get, you need to remind them that they are not medically qualified to make this decision that could be literally life or death.

Is the decision about your mum’s transfer home being made with your input? Has a proper package of care been set up such that you are not stuck there before you have been able to take stock of the situation long/medium term?

[artisam in reply to SnazzyD]

Hi, thank you. Unfortunately In am 200 miles away from home, so not a quick pop back I’m afraid. I need to be here as my dad is profoundly deaf so I have to be his advocate. They can do no more for mum now and we all feel that home is the best place for her; she so unhappy and her mental health is declining. A full care plan is in preparation, but I have not seen or approved it yet. I am on the case and know what is required, believe me! On other occasions,I have just had my prescription sent to the pharmacy here, but I had just collected my new monthly supply so it won’t be so easy. I know I have to contact the GP, was just hoping for a way out! I think I’ll see if Dads GP will see me and go from there.

Thank you for your input. Take care xx

[BlueKiwi in reply to artisam]

The NHS has useful info here on emergency supplies:

nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescri...

And your current situation falls under Sick Day Rules, which say to double your dose.

[artisam in reply to BlueKiwi]

Right I’m on it - thank you so much xx

[Rubha in reply to artisam]

I found myself low in medication so went to a Boots Pharmacy. I gave my details if GP practice etc and they phomed my GP. I think their call speeded it up. Worth a try. Good Luck.

[artisam in reply to Rubha]

Oh wow, that sounds brilliant, thank you so much. I’m going to give 111 a call as well and see what they recommend, but that certainly seems like a plan to me. Xx

[SnazzyD in reply to artisam]

They really should help you. If a diabetic was left without insulin in this situation they couldn’t just shrug their shoulders and say they can’t help. This is a similar situation. It’s not as if Pred is expensive either!

[artisam in reply to SnazzyD]

Absolutely! I think I’m probably panicking unnecessarily, I just need to get on with it.

[Excelsior80 in reply to artisam]

sometimes a pharmacy can give an emergency supply i think, they did for my brother in law who forgot his heart tablets. Not sure though, that was some time ago

[artisam in reply to Excelsior80]

Yes, Rubha just suggested Boots, so I think there is help out there. Thank you, take care.

[Nanatoo]

I didn’t take enough preds with me when I went on holiday to Dorset last year but a phone call to 111 had things sorted in a few hours with a local pharmacy. I’m sure this will be the same for you x

[artisam]

Just done this! What a brilliant service. Take care xxx