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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to be appalled by delayed NHS care for possible shoulder fracture

89 replies

WiggyClawsThe2nd · 16/06/2026 15:50

So I requested a doctors appointment for excruciating pain in shoulder 5 weeks ago now. Got an appointment 2 weeks later. Was referred to an urgent physio to assess, this was another week later. Physio booked an urgent xray for another week later (today) to check if it was broken. Told it'll be another 2 weeks to find out if it's broken. So by the time the results come, it'll be 6 weeks since it was broken. I know the NHS is struggling but this is ridiculous is it not? Surely a break will be impossible to fix right by then?
AIBU to be absolutely appalled?

OP posts:
Original poster
WiggyClawsThe2nd · 16/06/2026 16:54

SooPanda · 16/06/2026 16:53

I doubt it’ll take 2 weeks for the xray results. I went for a chest xray and they said it’ll be 10 working days, the result was through about 3 days later. I think they just have to manage expectations that there might be delays.

That is reassuring, thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
WiggyClawsThe2nd · 16/06/2026 16:53

backformoreofthesame · 16/06/2026 16:14

Excruciating pain which you put up with for 3 weeks before seeing anyone - there you go

why should they think it urgent when you waited 3 weeks ?

Rtt
I didn't wait for 3 weeks.
I went to the earliest appointment I could get. And it was the physio who said it could be broken.
Can't use arm at all.

OP posts:
SooPanda · 16/06/2026 16:53

I doubt it’ll take 2 weeks for the xray results. I went for a chest xray and they said it’ll be 10 working days, the result was through about 3 days later. I think they just have to manage expectations that there might be delays.

Original poster
WiggyClawsThe2nd · 16/06/2026 16:51

I was told by an osteopath friend that it was most probably a rotator cuff tear.
But they won't refer me without checking whether it's broken.
Hadn't even considered that as a possibility tbh.
Apparently the lady that did the xray isn't a doctor so can't tell me either way.
Just seems peculiar that the physio suspected a break yet there is no urgency at all.

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 16/06/2026 16:47

This is why people go to a and e or go private.

i went private

Deliaskis · 16/06/2026 16:41

Asking for a GP appointment is a fairly unusual pathway for a suspected break. Usually people would present at A&E, if there's been a trauma incident likely to lead to a fracture. If there hasn't, then the likelihood of it being a fracture is low really.

That said, even with serious displaced fractures they sometimes delay anyway. DH had a displaced collarbone fracture (it was in 6 pieces) last summer, and he waited a LONG time in A&E and then to see anybody, and they more or less said it has to be set straight away, or left a week or so for inflammation to go down and then set. After a week of waiting we were still only being offered a telephone appointment another week later, so we went privately in the end.

SpottyPyjama · 16/06/2026 16:35

YANBU

Next time you are in pain you will know not to bother with the GO and just go straight to A&E.

LIZS · 16/06/2026 16:31

Unless the fracture were displaced (and you would know that from the pain and range of movement) or complex treatment consists of a sling for comfort, painkillers and physio. You could go to minor injuries for an xray or ct scan. However if you have reasonable movement it is more likely soft tissue damage/bruising.

Spidey66 · 16/06/2026 16:21

I've broken both shoulders in separate accidents....both times I was in a &e so got a diagnosis and referrals to fracture clinic straight away. On one occasion I needed surgery which happened a week later.

Is there a reason why you didn't attend a&e at the time?

backformoreofthesame · 16/06/2026 16:14

Excruciating pain which you put up with for 3 weeks before seeing anyone - there you go

why should they think it urgent when you waited 3 weeks ?

Velumental · 16/06/2026 16:11

Was there an associated trauma? If mot then why do you think it's broken? I fell years ago and broke my proximal humerus and clavicle (3 breaks in total in my joint) and I couldn't get up off the floor. If it was a traumatic injury why didn't you go to a and e for an X-ray yourself?

foreversunshine · 16/06/2026 16:10

If I was in excruciating pain and genuinely suspected a broken shoulder, I'd go to A&E and endure the very long wait to be seen. If I could wait 5 weeks for a GP appointment, I wouldn't consider it too bad.

MidnightPatrol · 16/06/2026 16:09

And this is why people show up at A+E…

What was the explanation for the two week delay in feedback on the xray? That in itself seems unusual.

I would assume the reason for the slow
service is because they can’t actually do anything major / time-sensitive to fix it. But - yes it would be better if they explained that to you…

RestlessSnail · 16/06/2026 16:07

Did they say whether they suspect a stress fracture or a standard one?

With a stress fracture there is a hairline crack, & the bones don't separate, so a delay would make less difference.

But also, if you're in excruciating pain/can't use arm etc maybe it would be appropriate to go to A&E. I say this hesitantly as it's not what the physio recommended, but still, maybe worth considering.