Not the day I planned… but I got an ambulance ride!

[Goldenstar]

That sounds better, a wash and clean hair makes everything less bad .
Your body is working overtime behind the scenes atm that why you get tried .
Just keep going these times will pass .

 

[Goldenstar]

If you can sit outside for a while it’s a good idea the fresh air and daylight make you feel better and help maintain your sleep pattern .

 

[catembi]

Go private! Do a crowd fund! I’d contribute to get you out of pain sooner. Some private places do payment plans. The Private Hospital which is doing my toe surgery does. In 20 years, you won’t look back and begrudge the money. You will be out of pain sooner, mobile sooner and back to work earlier. And you’ve got that X-ray to send to potential consultants.

 

[Goldenstar]

By the time a private admission can be arranged hopefully the op will have been done .
I have had private surgery for trauma but the situation was very complicated, the surgery was done in a NHS hospital .

 

[scats]

PAS- I’ve just read your thread in ADD. I remember you doing it and I popped in and out to check your progress at the time but my god you went through it!
How did you find riding again? What are the long term implications for you?

We’ve just had the blokes here trimming the back trees and mum was telling one of them about my accident. He said he waited 5 weeks for surgery on his elbow this summer after breaking it, and now he is unable to move it past a certain point. He can no longer climb the trees to trim them so has to leave that to the other lads while he does the lower branches and the bushes.
It’s so scary to hear how many peoples lives are being affected long-term by these delays.

It was amusing talking to the nurses yesterday because the trainee nurse was asking what I’d done and when I said it was a riding accident she thought that was quite exciting because she said that she was surprised how many bad breaks happen just from people simply falling over getting into the car or stepping down a step. One lady in the waiting room had snapped her Achilles getting out of bed! ?

 

[millikins]

Glad you're feeling a little better. I wouldn't advocate just going to A&E but it might be worth calling 111, insist on a visit and lay it on thick about your uncontrolled pain, concern about the unstable fracture and the risk to your foot of losing circulation. Or if you can wait until Monday do the same with your GP, insist on a visit, you are essentially housebound since you would be putting yourself at risk travelling in a car.
Re going private, I think you'd find it very expensive, my daughter broke her collarbone badly during lockdown, I was not happy with the local orthopod's decision to treat conservatively as the bone ends were practically in different counties. The cost for that, far simpler than your ankle, would have been around 7.5K which I would have taken a loan out for but contacts within the NHS managed to get her on the list for a London consultant who fixed it next day. I remain eternally grateful to the husband of a friend of a friend.

 

[twofatladies88]

I really feel for you Scats - I am so grumpy if I cannot do my ponies and have a bath. I am the world’s worst patient ( and I have to be looked after by the world’s worst nurse!). I am livid on your behalf about the treatment you are receiving from the NHS. I really hope you get your operation soon.

 

[scats]

I really feel for you Scats - I am so grumpy if I cannot do my ponies and have a bath. I am the world’s worst patient ( and I have to be looked after by the world’s worst nurse!). I am livid on your behalf about the treatment you are receiving from the NHS. I really hope you get your operation soon.

Im struggling not seeing the horses. I only ever take one evening off a year (Boxing Day) so this is just so alien to me. To not be there every morning and evening is odd and I’m really missing my yard cat. Friends are sending me daily pictures and updates and I have a stable cam to check in on them but I miss them so much. As soon as the op is done and I’m a bit more stable on crutches, I am going to visit.

I have lodged a complaint with PALS. I partly felt guilty doing it, but perhaps speaking out might help someone else. Perhaps not, but I can only try.

 

[twofatladies88]

Fingers crossed for you - it’s so wrong that you have to complain to try to get something done ?

 

[Esmae]

PALS are helping me. They've been very good. Everything is such a flipping fight these days. Fingers crossed for a speedy resolution.

 

[SusieT]

Not directed at OP as you sound like you are making the best of a bad situation: For all of those advocating laying it on thick and claiming to be housebound etc - yes this isn't nice, but you have to remember that a fracture that's been splinted is actually not that unsafe. Yes - sore and don't get me wrong I'm very sympathetic to how sore this must be - BUT do you really want the GP's who are hard pressed having to take 4-5 appointments worth time out to attend someone with a broken ankle who could probably manage to get into a car albeit it won't be much fun?

And the reason there's a backlog for surgery is that you will have people with open fractures, dislocated joints, fractures higher up that truly make them bedbound, or are pressing on significant nerves and those who have already waited some time ahead of you.
Yes- pester them and remind them you exist but please don't make it worse than it is (I accept it's pretty rubbish!) or tell people to try and egg it up to get seen sooner.

Hopefully as all the bruising goes down you will find it gets much better. I would ask them if you could get the cast changed mid/end next week if not operated on by then as the swelling will be going down and you might find it needs tightened.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

PAS- I’ve just read your thread in ADD. I remember you doing it and I popped in and out to check your progress at the time but my god you went through it!
How did you find riding again? What are the long term implications for you?
?

I haven't actually ridden again but that is mostly because I have a very green cob and after the accident, was diagnosed with heart arrhythmia, so take blood thinners, and osteoporosis. GP has said that I can ride but not jump and if I still had the old girl, I would do so regularly. It is my intention to have some sessions on a mechanical horse but the local one is no longer there and i haven't got myself organised.
I did ride after I broke the other ankle and had it plated. I fell just before Spring Bank and was back on board a very sensible Clydesdale mare, who practically knelt down for me to mount, by November.
My leg functions perfectly normally now, the only reminder is the 16 scars that are left where the pins were. My high heeled shoes have had to be mothballed though

 

[EventingMum]

So sorry you are going through this. As a self-employed person you should be eligible for ESA which won't be a fortune but will be some income and will cover your NI contributions you should be able to phone DWP to set it up. Once you are over all this have a look at an income protection policy for some peace of mind in the future although hopefully, you won't need it again.

 

[scats]

Not directed at OP as you sound like you are making the best of a bad situation: For all of those advocating laying it on thick and claiming to be housebound etc - yes this isn't nice, but you have to remember that a fracture that's been splinted is actually not that unsafe. Yes - sore and don't get me wrong I'm very sympathetic to how sore this must be - BUT do you really want the GP's who are hard pressed having to take 4-5 appointments worth time out to attend someone with a broken ankle who could probably manage to get into a car albeit it won't be much fun?

And the reason there's a backlog for surgery is that you will have people with open fractures, dislocated joints, fractures higher up that truly make them bedbound, or are pressing on significant nerves and those who have already waited some time ahead of you.
Yes- pester them and remind them you exist but please don't make it worse than it is (I accept it's pretty rubbish!) or tell people to try and egg it up to get seen sooner.

Hopefully as all the bruising goes down you will find it gets much better. I would ask them if you could get the cast changed mid/end next week if not operated on by then as the swelling will be going down and you might find it needs tightened.

I don’t think I have it in me to ham it up if I’m honest. I definitely think I have reason to express my concerns to PALS, which I have done, but I will just suck it up and wait it out. I might chase them up with a phone call if I haven’t heard anything by end of the week.

 

[SusieT]

Good plan. It sucks. It should get better in terms of the really horrible pain soon though as a lot of that is bruising so the fact you are getting a bit better is good - hope you get sorted soon.

 

[misst]

Oh Scats I'm so sorry I have just read all of this! I think you have been super unlucky. I am amazed no one offered gas and air and you can request this for plaster changes etc. It is cheap (very) and safe and no "bother" for staff to bring to you - so make sure you request it.

Please speak to PALS about all your concerns. They are probably the best way to contact the team looking after you. It shouldn't be that way but it is sadly.

I am in awe of you. When I had to help with reductions of fractures or dislocations or open fractures it is the only time I ever struggled. I used to even avoid reducing dislocated fingers because I hate the "clunk" when they go back, so I have nothing but admiration for you feeling/listening to that AND feeling it!

Someone should be checking that little sore on your toe as it should not be happening and you don't want infection. Have they explained that you can check sensation (by touching) and circulation in your toes by pressing gently until the end goes white. It should pink up within 2 seconds ideally. If it takes more than 3 seconds you need the cast splitting/losening. They are the basic safety checks you should have been advised of.

Please take care, you are doing so well xxxx

 

[maggiestar]

I've just read this thread and have to say you are one hell of a trooper OP. I hope you get some good rest despite the pain. Shocking to hear of your treatment so far. I know the NHS is under strain so it shouldn't be surprising but stories like this drive it home somehow. When my mum needed an ambulance in her final illness my Dad had to argue with the person on the phone because it was a bank holiday weekend and they were busy and didn't have the resources. They weren't going to send anyone even though she was paralysed. Dad had to argue even though it's not his nature. Not sure why this is relevant except it shows we have to fight sometimes. I really hope you get the treatment you need. Nobody should be left in such pain.

 

[twiggy2]

Scats this is just an idea but do you read books, do jigsa puzzles or anything else that can while away a few hrs for you?

 

[Goldenstar]

How was last night Scats it’s Sunday tomorrow you can get on the phone and start pushing to get in .
Even if have to stretch the truth a bit and say your parents can’t help much longer .
I would want to understand what the implications are for your recovery from delay if you know anyone whose in that line of business then have a talk to them so you understand .
You also should understand their plan for fixing it and check it’s the best option for return to function at the level you need .

 

[Skib]

It is my intention to have some sessions on a mechanical horse but the local one is no longer there and i haven't got myself organised.

@Pearlsasinger I post this as an elderly rider who was recommended years ago to ride a mechanical horse prior to having dressage lessons at BHS recongnised RS. A mechanical horse was useless for me and could have ended my riding for ever.

Our regular RI who worked with RDA always points out that very few people and also very few horses have entirely regular bodies. The answer is to understand one's crookedness and how to compensate for it riding on each rein. And to do this on a living moving horse, rather than on a machine.

I did so badly on the mechanical horse that I was rejected as a student. 20 years later I am still hacking out and riding in the school both on my own and with the YM. Horses themselves will balance and compensate for some crooked riders, I guess.

Yet I still need to think of those corrections. My first long canter on the present share, I felt precarious on a long left curve. RI said this was nonsense. Either one could canter or could not canter. And she said, I clearly could canter.

Yes, I can canter, if a horse spooks and makes off. But none the less, as one ages, it doesnt hurt to remind oneself to stay straight on the horse. Last week as we reached a left curve canter I must have remembered my weakness and I told the mare we werent going to canter the first part of the bend. But on a living horse, and taking ones own decisions out there on ones own, ones riding skills come to ones aid.

That doesnt happen on a mechanical horse.

 

[scats]

How was last night Scats it’s Sunday tomorrow you can get on the phone and start pushing to get in .
Even if have to stretch the truth a bit and say your parents can’t help much longer .
I would want to understand what the implications are for your recovery from delay if you know anyone whose in that line of business then have a talk to them so you understand .
You also should understand their plan for fixing it and check it’s the best option for return to function at the level you need .

I had quite a good night last night. I spent yesterday downstairs after my shower and my brother and sister in law came round with the baby so by the time I went up to bed I was exhausted and ready for sleep. My wonderful mum had changed all my sheets and I had my lovely thick fleece duvet set on so it was heaven!

I’ve managed another shower this morning and have come downstairs again. I’m definitely going to try and carry this on as I feel a definite difference between day and night then.

Fib bone is really moving today. I assume maybe the swelling is coming down so things aren’t being held so tight. Cast feels looser, until I get up and the blood rushes back down there. Then it feels like my leg is trying to bust out of it ?

Oh Scats I'm so sorry I have just read all of this! I think you have been super unlucky. I am amazed no one offered gas and air and you can request this for plaster changes etc. It is cheap (very) and safe and no "bother" for staff to bring to you - so make sure you request it.

Please speak to PALS about all your concerns. They are probably the best way to contact the team looking after you. It shouldn't be that way but it is sadly.

I am in awe of you. When I had to help with reductions of fractures or dislocations or open fractures it is the only time I ever struggled. I used to even avoid reducing dislocated fingers because I hate the "clunk" when they go back, so I have nothing but admiration for you feeling/listening to that AND feeling it!

Someone should be checking that little sore on your toe as it should not be happening and you don't want infection. Have they explained that you can check sensation (by touching) and circulation in your toes by pressing gently until the end goes white. It should pink up within 2 seconds ideally. If it takes more than 3 seconds you need the cast splitting/losening. They are the basic safety checks you should have been advised of.

Please take care, you are doing so well xxxx

Thanks misst. I wasn’t told anything about checking my circulation in my toes, but a lovely HHOer messaged me about that the other day. It was a bit chaotic when they chucked me out so I think a lot got forgotten. There was a man coming in who had been hit by an HGV and he needed my bay, understandably. His accident was on the local news later on. No-one gave me a sharps bin for the needles so I’m collecting them in a bottle at the moment and will contact my GP tomorrow to get one. The nurses were run off their feet, it’s no wonder things get missed.

Scats this is just an idea but do you read books, do jigsa puzzles or anything else that can while away a few hrs for you?

My friend brought me an early Christmas present over to read yesterday, but I’m a fast reader so I’ve nearly finished it already ?

 

[SEL]

@scats I'm a fast reader too so a single book doesn't entertain for long! I don't think you're anywhere near me sadly or I could drop off a box full.

I feel queasy when you say you can feel that bone moving. Definitely something to tell them to try and hurry them along I think.

 

[misst]

Scats do you have a kindle ? You can download so many books free and they are often not that expensive even if they aren't free. Though for me nothing beats a book in my hands.
I hope each day you feel a little better x

 

[HashRouge]

I had quite a good night last night. I spent yesterday downstairs after my shower and my brother and sister in law came round with the baby so by the time I went up to bed I was exhausted and ready for sleep. My wonderful mum had changed all my sheets and I had my lovely thick fleece duvet set on so it was heaven!

I’ve managed another shower this morning and have come downstairs again. I’m definitely going to try and carry this on as I feel a definite difference between day and night then.

Fib bone is really moving today. I assume maybe the swelling is coming down so things aren’t being held so tight. Cast feels looser, until I get up and the blood rushes back down there. Then it feels like my leg is trying to bust out of it ?



Thanks misst. I wasn’t told anything about checking my circulation in my toes, but a lovely HHOer messaged me about that the other day. It was a bit chaotic when they chucked me out so I think a lot got forgotten. There was a man coming in who had been hit by an HGV and he needed my bay, understandably. His accident was on the local news later on. No-one gave me a sharps bin for the needles so I’m collecting them in a bottle at the moment and will contact my GP tomorrow to get one. The nurses were run off their feet, it’s no wonder things get missed.




My friend brought me an early Christmas present over to read yesterday, but I’m a fast reader so I’ve nearly finished it already ?

Scats do you mind giving a rough geographical location? I've got a stack of books waiting to go to the charity shop but I could drop round a selection of good ones if you're anywhere nearish to me (I'm in Sussex).

 

[AmyMay]

What books do you like?

Maybe we can have a HHO book collection for you?

 

[scats]

Thank you so much everyone. I don’t want anyone to go to any trouble! I’ve already ruined my poor parents life at the moment ??
But I really appreciate the thought xx

 

[AmyMay]

Thank you so much everyone. I don’t want anyone to go to any trouble! I’ve already ruined my poor parents life at the moment ??
But I really appreciate the thought xx

It’s no trouble. Just shout if you want any. I’m sure we’ve all got lots of books we could send you ?

 

[Caol Ila]

Scats, PM me if you would like my books. The ones I've written. They are long, lol! I will happily wing copies your way. They are about NYPD homicide detectives.

 

[misst]

I can recommend Caol Ila books - they are long but they aren't boring

 

[jnb]

@scats please get on to PALS today - they will advocate for you and push you to be operated on ASAP. Also, worth telling them you'd be happy to go geographically anywhere to get it done quicker (Robert Jone & Agnes Hunt Orthapaedic hospital is only at Oswestry which isn't that far from you)
Waiting list may not be as long elsewhere.