Supertrooper
Well-Known Member
I was going to say is there any way you could go private
Not the day I planned… but I got an ambulance ride!
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Pearlsacarolsinger
Up in the clouds
Yes it was. When you feel more like it, I think you should put in a formal complaint. When I was in hospital, several years ago having a broken leg operated on, the patient in the next bed was very sick, post op. The ward sister told her that she would bring the complaints form, which she felt that she should fill in, as she had been given morphine despite a wristband saying that she was allergic to it. These things only stop if someone draws attention to them.
scats
Well-Known Member
I’ll have to look into the costs of private but I’d be surprised if I could afford it to be honest.
If anyone wants the technical stuff I got a peek at the CT scan while it was on the screen and managed to get a fuzzy pic of the jargon down the side which I think I’ve interpreted correctly-
Partially displaced fracture through the neck of the medial malleolus extending into the tibiotalar joint
Flecks of bone within the tibiatalar joint medially
Further displaced fractures of the posterior malleolus with small adjacent fracture fragments
Associated Weber C fracture through the distal fibula
A bony fragment is noted inferior to the lateral malleolus Just lateral to the talar neck which is thought to be an avulsion fracture originating from the talus.
I have very little understanding of any of it but I do know it hurts!
This is the front view (I think) CT.
If anyone wants the technical stuff I got a peek at the CT scan while it was on the screen and managed to get a fuzzy pic of the jargon down the side which I think I’ve interpreted correctly-
Partially displaced fracture through the neck of the medial malleolus extending into the tibiotalar joint
Flecks of bone within the tibiatalar joint medially
Further displaced fractures of the posterior malleolus with small adjacent fracture fragments
Associated Weber C fracture through the distal fibula
A bony fragment is noted inferior to the lateral malleolus Just lateral to the talar neck which is thought to be an avulsion fracture originating from the talus.
I have very little understanding of any of it but I do know it hurts!
This is the front view (I think) CT.
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ponynutz
Well-Known Member
I don't know what it's meant to look like but that's screaming all sorts of 'ouch' to me!
Feel better soon!
luckyoldme
Well-Known Member
Oh god that's awful, I had a two week wait but during that time I did feel that the pain lessened.
I hope you find the same, it felt like I was desperate for the op.so I could start to recover.
I also had the same feeling as you, that it was just another broken bone and quite trivial to them and a much bigger deal to me.
I did find some of the fb groups for broken heels/ ankles helpful.
I hope you get your op a my bit quicker than quoted.
I hope you find the same, it felt like I was desperate for the op.so I could start to recover.
I also had the same feeling as you, that it was just another broken bone and quite trivial to them and a much bigger deal to me.
I did find some of the fb groups for broken heels/ ankles helpful.
I hope you get your op a my bit quicker than quoted.
scats
Well-Known Member
I’m trying to remind myself that. I am just a number to them, another leg that needs fixing. The next person who goes in probably feels exactly the same as me.
Im partly worried because my job involves being on my feet all the time so I now have no income at all and the longer this drags on, the longer I have no income.
Pearlsacarolsinger
Up in the clouds
I know it's the weekend now but could you ring your GP and ask for effective pain relief, pending the op?
luckyoldme
Well-Known Member
It's shocking, I saw the specialist last week and he said he knew I would heal quick because I was only on SSP, even worse for you as self employed.
I had to go back too soon, but in some ways I'm glad I did because in the long term I've healed well.
It's a horrible time and I had quite a few bloody good crys. Later down the line I've got an air boot might come in handy for you if it can be of some use. I lent it to someone else but I can get it back and at least it would save you a few pennies!
wren123
Well-Known Member
Oh I'm so sorry, what a disappointment. That seems a ridiculous wait.
As others have said phone your gp on Monday to get better pain relief.
Could you text your physio customer thanking him profusely but at the same time let him know it's a two of three wait for the operation, you never know he may be able to help more.
As others have said phone your gp on Monday to get better pain relief.
Could you text your physio customer thanking him profusely but at the same time let him know it's a two of three wait for the operation, you never know he may be able to help more.
LuckyLoki
New User
I broke my ankle a few years ago and never once felt secure enough on crutches. The hospital gave me a zimmer frame which was hard work but at least I felt comfortable that I wouldn't fall. I looked into other options for mobility and there are sites where you can hire wheelchairs for a few months. There are also knee scooters that you can rest your plastered foot on you can hire for a reasonable price, although I do appreciate that you are probably too sore to use them right now. Zimmer frames are not too expensive either if the hospital won't give you one and you have to buy. If I were you given the pain you're in and the fact your parents are there to help, I would hire a wheelchair. I didn't hire one, but I did have a wheeled office chair that I used which made life a lot easier. I also placed chairs on any route where I couldn't take the chair so I would have places I coudl rest.
There's also a device called an iwalk which you can look into which might be useful as your healing progresses. I got pinned and plated on both sides too and still find it uncomfortable to be honest and will probably have the metal removed at some stage. (It's a long story why I haven't got it removed.) I'm good to go for walks though so it's not that bad.
I was admitted into hospital the night of my accident and operated on the next day. It was a truely horrible experience, but I realise now how lucky I was to have everything happen so fast. Reading your story brings it all back. Best of luck. Can you still attend your Wednesday appointement? You might meet a different doctor and have better luck.
There's also a device called an iwalk which you can look into which might be useful as your healing progresses. I got pinned and plated on both sides too and still find it uncomfortable to be honest and will probably have the metal removed at some stage. (It's a long story why I haven't got it removed.) I'm good to go for walks though so it's not that bad.
I was admitted into hospital the night of my accident and operated on the next day. It was a truely horrible experience, but I realise now how lucky I was to have everything happen so fast. Reading your story brings it all back. Best of luck. Can you still attend your Wednesday appointement? You might meet a different doctor and have better luck.
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
Barbaric does not cover it
I did just short three weeks with my leg unplastered but I was in a trauma ward
That’s such crap news
I did just short three weeks with my leg unplastered but I was in a trauma ward
That’s such crap news
Michen
Well-Known Member
Oh scats you brave gal! I am so sorry to read this. So re showering, I bought a special bin bag thing to put around my cast. That and lots of grippy matts.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterproof...wer+cast+protectio,aps,457&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
I am sorry to say that when I had my ankle operated on (which was no where near as bad as your injury) it hurt more post op. The ache was horrible. I much preferred the pain pre op! So you need to get sorted with some painkillers that you can take and will work for you.
Nothing to add other than I'm so sorry this has happened xxxxx
I am sorry to say that when I had my ankle operated on (which was no where near as bad as your injury) it hurt more post op. The ache was horrible. I much preferred the pain pre op! So you need to get sorted with some painkillers that you can take and will work for you.
Nothing to add other than I'm so sorry this has happened xxxxx
EarsofaSnowman
Well-Known Member
Can you get in touch with the orthopaedic specialist you saw in trauma, and say that you're concerned because they said within 5 days, and you're now being told longer, that you're worried about further damage, and the pain is difficult to manage...
If you have a name you may be able to track down their secretary, and get a callback from one of their immediate team.
I learnt to be persistent otherwise I felt I was being dismissed, and getting lower down the priority list. I also learnt to fully explain the circumstances of the injury to each person I saw, as my notes were either not complete (or not read).
As long as you're polite and good-natured about it, it can't harm, and if nothing else you may get reassurance.
If you have a name you may be able to track down their secretary, and get a callback from one of their immediate team.
I learnt to be persistent otherwise I felt I was being dismissed, and getting lower down the priority list. I also learnt to fully explain the circumstances of the injury to each person I saw, as my notes were either not complete (or not read).
As long as you're polite and good-natured about it, it can't harm, and if nothing else you may get reassurance.
Pearlsacarolsinger
Up in the clouds
Yes make as much fuss as you can by any means that you can. I started a thread in AAD when I was in hospital with my broken leg. Sister got PALS involved when I was having trouble getting something suitable to eat (allergies), things improved cosiderably after that.
ETA, I was in hospital 10 days waiting for the swelling to subside, with the consultant checking every couple of days and saying "not yet". But, although I was taking up a bed in the middle of Covid, there was no suggestion that I should take an unstable fracture home.
honetpot
Well-Known Member
Thats nasty.
This trouble with fractures, is they often see them as non urgent, in surgical terms. I would try making more fuss and not be stoic, especially as you are SE. The longer it is left it will try and heal and fill in the gap.
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
As above you might have to have a bit of a melt down being stoic can definitely work against you .
AmyMay
Situation normal
It certainly did when I had appendicitis.
Cragrat
Well-Known Member
Is there anyway you can send this photo/ notes for a second opinion? Even unofficially?
I agree re: kicking up more of a fuss, however much against your nature it is. I also have experience of how poor communicaion is within and between hospitals and between different professionals - you need to keep repeating your medical notes back to whoever you are currently talking to :/
Esmae
Well-Known Member
Bit of a disappointing appointment, though obviously very grateful to have got in this quickly!
Doctor I saw was quite dismissive and told me that there is a 2-3 week wait for surgery because there are 60 people on the list. He said the bones moving shouldn’t cause any further problems unless I weight bear, so provided I stay off my foot, it will be fine. He was unconcerned about my pain levels and that things are feeling different in there. I know he must see broken legs all the time but there’s nothing worse than feeling vulnerable and in pain with an injury that you’ve been told needs surgery and having someone be so dismissive of you. I told him that the orthopaedic specialist who came to see me in the trauma unit on Wednesday had told me that he was going to do my surgery and had been very definite about the plan and that he wanted it done within 5 days, but this doctor just gave me a sort of rolled eye look and said “you do realise there are loads of orthopaedic surgeons here”… I’m still unsure what that had to do with anything ?
Anyway, I was then sent for a swell check and had the bandage bit of the cast cut open and the areas around my foot and ankle pressed really hard (ouch!!) They said it didn’t look too bad but to still keep it elevated high.
Then I went for a pre-op and met 2 lovely nurses and a trainee who took bloods and did an MRSA swab. I was sent back to wait for the trauma nurse to see me but eventually they told me she couldn’t come down so just to go home and await a phone call for surgery.
I’ve just got to hope that they decide to move me up the list a bit because 2-3 weeks of this seems really barbaric
If nothing else, it was nice to get out of the house. I’m pretty tired now though.
Lovey, this is barbaric. I would complain like no tomorrow!! Get on to PALS, your MP anything to get this moving. It's just not acceptable for this d*ck of a Dr to tell you it's okay for you to be like this for 3 weeks!! It's not his blinkin leg!! I am fuming on your behalf!!! Is there anyway you can go private? Can we do a crowd fund????? Something???
scats
Well-Known Member
I really wish I’d kicked up more of a fuss in trauma the other day. Initially I was told they would keep me in overnight on a ward and do surgery the next day because although my leg was now straight, it wasn’t anatomically straight and needed to be done sooner rather than later. Then that changed to it might be up to 5 days so we will send you home because it will be better for you and we are struggling for beds. I didn’t want to be a burden and I felt like a right loser when I told the nurse I was worried about how much my leg was moving in the cast. She kept saying it’s better for you to go home because you’ll be more comfortable. They had very quickly chucked me out of the bed that I had been lying flat in for 6 hours and onto a plastic chair with my leg suddenly downwards. I felt dizzy from the sudden movement and I’d not had anything to drink so was a bit dehydrated. I queried the pins and needles in my foot and toes and was told not to worry and I think eventually I just got a bit overwhelmed with everything and said “ok, just push me to the car and I’ll go home”. I just wanted to lie down again.
Now I just wish I’d refused to go because I think if I’d have been taking up a bed, they would have been forced to do it quickly to get me out.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing! ?
Now I just wish I’d refused to go because I think if I’d have been taking up a bed, they would have been forced to do it quickly to get me out.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing! ?
scats
Well-Known Member
Im going to go and search for your thread now x
Pearlsacarolsinger
Up in the clouds
That is appalling treatment! Of course you didn't make a fuss you weren't in a fit state to do so. Make as much fuss as possible until you get your op.
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
The melt down would need to be on Monday , not much point at the weekend .
Bradsmum
Well-Known Member
Oh that's a bummer. Definitely try contacting the hospital (not always easy to get the right person/dept). I'm pretty sure I almost got forgotten about until I phoned 2 weeks after the accident. I then got admitted, got told I was going down for surgery and therefore starved only for it to be cancelled twice due to emergencies. Eventually got op on the evening of the 3rd day. If I'd not been taking up a bed I'm not sure I would even have got it then. Sorry but these days you need to push for action unfortunately. Good luck.
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
You are going to have to hassle them to get in but nothing is going to happen over the weekend .
How was the sleep last night ?
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
I'm not sure about that. My broken arm was plated on a Sunday afternoon because there was space on an already scheduled list that night, after a kick that morning. I think if I was Scats I'd be trying, if it's possible, to sit in A&E firmly saying that I'm not prepared to go home until my pain levels are under control and somebody has made sure that the bones I can feel moving haven't become displaced again. And if it needs reducing again I'd insist on a GA this time, which also might encourage them just to do the op.
If you do that Scats, don't eat while you are waiting, because it will stop them operating immediately if they have an unexpected space on the list.
.
Equi
Well-Known Member
So sorry this has happened! If you ever feel it’s really not right go to a&e, they have to see you
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
Honestly the idea of sitting in Aand E at the weekend with an unstable fracture makes me feel sick .
luckyoldme
Well-Known Member
Absolutely second this! Tried both approaches and crying like a baby got better results!
scats
Well-Known Member
I slept quite well last night. Woke quite a bit with the pain but easily went back to sleep again. It’s amazing how exhausting I found just a few hours out yesterday. I’ve gone from someone who literally never stops from 5.30am to a person who is shattered from trying to get down the stairs ?
I’ve even managed a shower this morning and washed my hair. Managed to sit on a stool in the bath and keep my leg dangling out with a towel on it and the shower curtain across my knee. Mum handed me the shower head and placed my shampoos and things around me and I was as happy as Larry. She stayed there just in case I needed help or felt funny, but I was absolutely fine.
I feel so, so much better for being clean! You take those things for granted when you are well, but just to have warm water running on me was heaven.
I am going to order the waterproof cast protector thing though, so I can actually sit with my legs in the tub too. I had to sort of swing my good leg in to wash that and that required some gymnastics that I wasn’t prepared for ?