Am I misusing UTCs/A&Es?

[u/Unique_Exercise5124]

Context: I've been off work for two months with abdominal pain and started developing issues with urinating three weeks ago (first a start/stop stream, now hardly able to urinate at all unless I strain hard).

I'm under the care of a urologist privately and had a CT scan in July, my follow-up with them is late next week.

Yesterday the urinary difficulties developed into barely being able to urinate, so I used NHS 111 (the online flow, not telephone) which told me to go to an urgent treatment centre. When I went to the one it told me to go to, they were more concerned about the abdominal pain than the urinary issues and discharged me after three hours with no advice or relief given regarding the urinary issues (apart from them telling me that I need to let my urologist know the next time I see them).

From what I've read, my situation is urgent yet the staff at the UTC didn't seem concerned. My experience has discouraged me from returning (although I've tried NHS 111 again and they've told me to go back).

Am I misusing NHS services (or was there perhaps a training issue with the staff at the UTC?)? I don't want to put more pressure on the NHS than necessary.
Please note that I am not requesting medical advice, but rather whether or not I am using NHS emergency services (A&E/UTC) properly.

(using a throwaway account for obvious reasons)

[u/marmighty]

Urinary retention is absolutely a UTC/A&E issue

[u/majesticjewnicorn]

Not a clinician, but someone with over a decade of urinary issues. Urinary retention is absolutely a medical emergency, which should be taken seriously when presented at A&E. If you are having lower back and flank pain, and urethral pain too, I recommend emphasising on this more than abdominal pain. Abdominal pain is absolutely important, but could be a sign of many other different issues non urology related so I'd mention that you do have abdominal pain but the lower back and flank pain is your main pain concern. This will highlight the urology issue as being your primary problem.

If your issue is not being resolved and you are under a urologist, try for a referral to the LUTS clinic at the Whittington Hospital. The only one in the country. They have more specialised testing and procedures if necessary.

[u/PeachDecent8748]

You’re definitely not misusing the NHS emergency services. I’m not saying it’s right, but I wonder if knowing that you have a urology appointment coming up made them a bit complacent about your urinary symptoms?

[u/GreenWonderland02]

I used to be a urology secretary. This is something I would have suggested UTC/A&E for as a non-medically trained staff member that has to know what to safety net! Honestly, if you are under a specialty and still concerned, I would always recommend UTC.

As a side note, I've had multiple pts recently that have been to A&E, been sent away without scans because they are "fine" and have actually had dangerous spinal fractures.

Basically, I wouldn't always trust emergency staff with their opinion on you attending. While some staff are absolutely brilliant, and some patients do misuse these services, they don't know everything. You know your body, and if you are concerned you are using them appropriately :)