Don’t Ignore These Symptoms

Trust your instincts!

Do not Ignore These Symptoms Trust Your Instincts Poster

If you develop any symptom that is unusual or begins to worry you, please get in touch with the Surgery. Do not neglect yourself! During the current Covid19 crisis our Surgery can resolve many problems through either telephone or video consultation. At present, it is only rarely necessary for you to come into the Surgery. Even hospital appointments can be arranged in a way that reduces any risk of Covid19.

Remember, trust your instincts!


Introduction

We have included a list of symptoms here. It is a long list, but even this is not everything. If you or anyone you know has developed a symptom listed below, please encourage them to get in touch with the Surgery. If you’re not sure, get in touch with the Surgery.


Head or Neck

Think about your head or neck … do you have:

  • Voice hoarseness that isn’t going away
  • A new lump in the neck area
  • Painful swallowing

Mouth

Think about your mouth… have you noticed:

  • Mouth ulcer there after 3 weeks
  • Red or white patch in the mouth
  • Hard lump on the lip or in the mouth

Chest

Think about your chest… do you have:

  • Cough with spit that has any blood in it
  • A new lump in the neck area

Breast Aware

Both men and women should be “breast aware” … have you noticed:

  • Breast lump with or without pain
  • Lump in the armpit
  • Nipple discharge or any change to the nipple

Tummy

Think about your tummy… have you felt:

  • A new lump in the tummy
  • Any difficulty swallowing with or without indigestion that’s not getting better
  • Changes to skin colour, especially any yellow tinge to the skin or eyes

Poo

Your poo is important to be aware of … have you seen:

  • Changes to poo colour
  • Any bleeding in the poo
  • Change in bowel habit – especially if you notice diarrhoea

Wee

Your wee tells you a lot about your health … have you noticed:

  • Any visible blood in the urine
  • Any burning or tingling when you pass wee
  • Difficulty starting or stopping to wee

Testicles

Men should be aware of their testicles… when you feel them do you notice:

  • A hard lump within the testicle or groin
  • Testicle enlarging with or without pain
  • Anything coming out of the penis that shouldn’t, for example blood or pus

Skin

Everyone should notice their skin… when you look do you see

  • Unusually pale skin or skin that has changed colour
  • A brown or black mark that is changing
  • A sore or ulcer that is not healing

Womens Health

Women have some extra things to think about …

  • Any vaginal bleeding when you’re not on your period or after the menopause
  • Tummy pain or bloating or feeling full easily after small amounts of food
  • Any lump at the entrance of the vagina

Additional Items

Is there anything else I need to watch out for? Yes – call us if you notice…

  • Any unintentional weight loss
  • Drenching night-sweats or fevers at night
  • An unusual reduced appetite or severe itching.

Mental Health

What about my mental health? We would like to hear from you if …

  • You feel sad or anxious
  • You are having any thoughts of harming yourself or others
  • Use of alcohol or other substances is getting out of hand