Dealing with Illness
Unfortunately, many of us will become severely ill at some point in our lives, and most of us will feel ill at some point during the year, even if it is only a bad stomach ache or a winter cold. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, there are different ways to approach an illness.
If you have had an accident or suddenly feel seriously ill and require urgent attention, get to the nearest accident and emergency department as soon as possible. If you are unable to get there without help, call 999 for an ambulance; you will need to give details of your problem, your name and address. When you arrive at the A&E your case will be assessed and a doctor who specialises in emergency medicine will decide how your case should be treated.
If your symptoms are less severe, you do not need to visit A&E: this is for accidents and emergencies only. You may wish to call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 for advice, or call the medical helpline offered by your private health insurance, if applicable. If they are unable to solve the problem, or you continue to feel ill, you will need to visit your GP. Make sure that you call your GP's surgery before making your way to the practice. You will often be able to get a same-day appointment if you need immediate care, or at least be informed of the emergency appointment times which will prevent you waiting at the surgery for an unnecessarily long time.
Your GP will be able to assess your condition and advise you on the next step. They may prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist at a clinic or hospital for further tests or treatment. Your GP or specialist should continue monitoring your case, advising tests and treatments until you have been diagnosed and later recovered, or continue treating your case if it is ongoing.
If you have been diagnosed with a serious, life-threatening or incurable condition and you need support, there is help available. Your doctors should be able to organise medical care for your condition, but you may feel that you need help coping with the psychological effects of the diagnosis. If you are having difficulties coping, talk to your GP. They may be able to reassure you, or refer you to a counsellor who can help. You can also contact NHS Direct, NHS 24, or your private health insurer's helpline, if applicable, for advice.
The internet hosts a wealth of forums and online support groups for sufferers of a particular disease, as well as medical charity websites offering tips on coping with the illness. Alternatively, your GP may be able to recommend a local support group that you could attend. However desperate you feel it is important to remember that you are not alone. If you wish to talk to someone anonymously, you can contact the Samaritans twenty-four hours a day on 08457 90 90 90.
