Back Pain in the elderley

[yelenots]

My mother is 87yrs old and has been feeling unwell for several weeks but refuses to go to the Dr. This morning she pulled the emergency cord in her flat as she had severe back pain and couldnt move. We went round and rather than call an ambulance rang the NHS helpline and in turn a Dr turned up within 2hrs. He has diagnosed a Urine infection although reading up on she doesnt really have the same symptons. He did a urine test - and passed no comment at all! She has terrible stabbing pains in her lower back and looks really dreadful. He says her blood pressure is high and she should get it checked at the Dr's. He's given her paracetamol and some antibiotics for 5 days - I'm really worried ...... does his diagnosis sound right?

[Sqad]

He was the man on the spot and on the basis of what you have said has made his diagnosis.
Is it correct? On the basis of your account I would not offer an opinion for or against.

[glenbar]

Because of a recent experience with doctors I would not hesitate to dial 999 now. There was a time when I would have felt awful doing it, but several months ago my partner was taken il and the doctor told me on the telephone to go to the chemist and buy him a urinal to save him getting up. Two days later he was taken to hospital with multipal organ failure. This was 5 months ago and he is only just recovering. The paramedics are wonderfully understanding I have found and if they thought hospital was not necessary would say so. Please dont be alarmed by this, my partner is diabetic with other complications. All I am saying is that with an elderly person its not worth taking a chance.

[yelenots]

glenbar thank you for your reply - going to see how she tomorrow....but I'm not convinced she has a UTI !