Mum in pain, what do I do?

[Zizzag]

About 4 months ago my mum (who is 78) fell down some steps in a department store.

She has suffered with a bad back for many years and although she was in pain she managed to catch the bus and get home.

She didn't go to the doctor and didn't make much fuss but after about a month she booked herself in with a very gentle chiropractor.
I went with her to the appointment.
The chiropractor said that my mum had twisted her pelvis and tried to gently manipulate it back saying she would need a few sessions to sort it out.

Unfortunately then came the lockdown and everything stopped..

My mum has been suffering in silence ever since. I visit her 3 times a week to take food and sit 3+ meters apart outside because she lives alone in a very quiet road.

About 3 weeks ago I eventually phoned the Dr who phoned my mum direct and prescribed her some strong pain killers and amitriptyline. As she hasn't been sleeping well and said they would refer her to a physiotherapist (my mum doesn't know I spoke to the drs)
The pain relief tablets are making her nauseous and she is still not sleeping well.

She is looking tired and I can see that she is still in pain and still can't walk very well.

I need to get treatment for her as soon as possible. She probably never told the Dr how bad the pain was.

Where do I go. Everything is closed due to covid.
I've gone to all the private hospitals, no treatment available.
Private physios are closed

I have even thought about a and e but that is the last place I / or she would want to be,

Does anyone have any constructive advice how I can help her

She is one of those who refuses to make a fuss. And is quite frail but very independent.

[CiderJolly]

I think she needs an X-ray to be honest- something could be broken.
So yes I would go to a&e and I would be very insistent.
Your poor mum. Hope you get this sorted quickly for her.

[Coldhandscoldheart]

Is she taking the painkillers?
Honestly, I’d get back on to the gp as a starting point.

Is your mum able to eat & drink okay, is she going to the toilet (some painkillers can make you dreadfully constipated).

Any other symptoms?

[TheSandgroper]

Well, my last chiropractor wouldn't touch me until I had an xray. I second the going to A and E and not coming home without one.

And then I would prepare to share households so she gets kind care, proper rest and monitoring. (I am not in the UK but would still feel the same).

[EmmaGrundyForPM]

I had a fall.last autumn which resulted in very bad back.pain. I was assessed by a physio and had some treatment but then everything stopped.

The pain then. became unmanageable and I spoke to my GP. I was also prescribed very strong painkillers. Th Amitriptyline was awful for me but I spoke to the GO again and he rejigged my medication. It's really helped.

Get your mum to speak to her GP again.. I hope she gets it sorted

[Incontinencesucks]

An xray maybe? Minor injuries? Check if your unit does then though.

[DianaT1969]

I think physis and chiropractors within hospitals will be working. After the x-ray it may be less risky (Covid-19) to find one who will visit her in her home. I'm sorry for her. On top of lockdown she has pain and immobility.

[Standrewsschool]

Go back to the gp, and explain the situation. Maybe they can change the painkillers.

Hospitals aren’t closed so they can send her for an x-ray. If the doctor doesn’t mention this, then request it.

[aLilNonnyMouse]

If she isn't taking the painkillers due to nausea, get her some anti-sickness tablets. You can get some over the counter, or the GO might prescribe some.

I used to feel horribly sick when I was first put on painkillers but it does go away after a couple of months as your body gets used to it. My GP gave me some anti-sickness meds for a couple of months to help the adjustment.

[Zizzag]

She is eating normally. I take her a big Sunday lunch each way which she always finishes, and she can walk and still does her household chores ( not many when living in a small place alone) it's just hard not knowing what to do for her.

[bridgetreilly]

A&E is safe. Honestly. You need to take her and reassure her that it is safe.

[endofthelinefinally]

A friend fell downstairs recently, suffered at home for 48 hours then eventually went to A&E. The place was deserted. In and out very quickly, Xray showed a fracture, painkillers, treatment and advice given. I agree with pp that she needs to be seen.

[EmmaGrundyForPM]

My physio and Gp were both very clear that if my symptoms got worse or if I had any trouble passing urine (have you checked your mum is ok?) then go to A & E.

Also, some painkillers can upset your stomach. You need to ensure you never take them on an empty stomach unless advised otherwise.

[WonderWebbs]

I would phone the GP and consider A&E firstly.

Regarding treatment if you are in the UK you might find that a chiropractor will be available soon. I've just had a call from from my osteopath to say they will have limited slots this week.

[NaturalBlondeYeahRight]

My mum has an issue a couple of weeks ago, honestly A&E couldn’t have been nicer. Sorted pretty quickly too.

[endofthelinefinally]

What painkillers is she taking?
If opiates she will need stool softeners, if NSAIDs (Ibuprofen,naproxen or similar) she should have something like Omeprazole to protect her stomach.
Sometimes GPs neglect to prescribe something to prevent side effects, especially if they think the painkillers will only be short term.

[endofthelinefinally]

Did the chiropractor enquire about osteoporosis?

[CiderJolly]

Did you take her?

[caribooshriek]

Hi OP. My mum has fallen multiple times and has fractured her pelvis at least twice. The pain is excruciating. I would recommend your mum gets an X-ray to rule this (or some other possible damage) out before anything else!

[AriadnesFilament]

Honestly, I’d get her to A&E given her age and that it’s her pelvis. Urgently.