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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not know where to turn for help with this?

333 replies

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 22:01

I fell and fractured my ankle a week ago. I was told it’s a stable fracture to be treated like a sprain. I also really tore up my knee, which has been very slow to heal.

A week on and I’m still incredibly swollen, bruised and my ankle is becoming more and more painful. My knee is still very sore, the actual skin is numb but I have pain at the base and top of my kneecap. It also feels a little unstable and I am getting sharp stabbing pains to one side of my kneecap.

My GP isn’t interested. They say that I have to go to physio if I need, as it’s a muscular injury.

Physio has an eight week minimum wait for a video consultation.

This obviously isn’t an A&e situation (shamefully I did go to A&E for the initial injury because it had a very short wait time, it seemed to be a quiet time of day!), and they wouldn’t take a look at my knee anyway as it’s a “superficial injury”.

Minor injuries is now by appointment only in my area and appointments are gone within a minute of opening.

I’ve tried the pharmacy for the graze that isn’t healing but they just say to dress it and keep it clean and it’ll heal “eventually”.

I feel like I’m being turned away at every turn but I’m in so much pain, I’m left feeling sick by lunchtime because my ankle is that sore, and by the end of the day I can’t stand walking around. I have basic physio exercises from my last sprain years ago but I can’t do them, but I can’t be seen by anyone.

Please don’t suggest a private physio assessment, it’s not within my budget at all. AIBU to just feel despondent and like I can’t get help anywhere?

OP posts:
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Needmorelego · 16/09/2026 23:07

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 23:02

I just don’t want to make a nuisance of myself. I don’t want to make it seem like I think I know better

It's not making a nuisance.
You have an injury that needs treatment.
If you work in a hospital then your entire job exists because people require medical treatment.
Are they all a nuisance too?

I give up.

JustaDomperignon · 16/09/2026 23:07

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 23:02

I just don’t want to make a nuisance of myself. I don’t want to make it seem like I think I know better

Sometimes you just have to. You are at risk of making your foot much worse and ending up with a limp! You really need to go back.

Partingofthewaves · 16/09/2026 23:06

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 23:02

I just don’t want to make a nuisance of myself. I don’t want to make it seem like I think I know better

Getting appropriate treatment is not making a nuisance of yourself.

Happyjoe · 16/09/2026 23:06

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 23:02

I just don’t want to make a nuisance of myself. I don’t want to make it seem like I think I know better

You have a confidence issue.

You're scared of work and think you'll be in trouble for being off sick.
Now you won't go to A&E and have a look because you are worried you will be a nuisance.

And yet you're here, saying you have nowhere to turn and don't know what to do?!! Put your big girl pants on (I mean that kindly) and take control of your situation. Nobody else will do it for you!

TokyoSushi · 16/09/2026 23:06

Here…

To not know where to turn for help with this?
Partingofthewaves · 16/09/2026 23:05

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 22:59

It’s just the skin on the knee that’s numb, where k grazed it. It’s probably really normal for a bad graze but it turns my stomach when I try to clean it up, I don’t know how to explain the feeling it gives me!

At the very least a GP practice nurse should be able to clean and dress it for you. Are you able to get to an appointment if you get offered one?

TokyoSushi · 16/09/2026 23:04

OP this is bonkers, I’m a COO of a company, if you’re sick, then of course you can call in sick, I’m pretty sure it’s against employment law to forbid you. You’re genuinely making yourself worse by not getting yourself seen to and causing more hassle all round in the process.

Happyjoe · 16/09/2026 23:03

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 23:00

I absolutely can when I’ve been in work for a week.

No you can't. Too many variables (as you are experiencing). Things can get worse as well as better.

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 23:02

JustaDomperignon · 16/09/2026 23:01

I had to take my daughter to minor injuries last week as she had stupidly twisted away from her horse, whilst wearing flip flops!
They took an x-ray and the nurse had a look and said it will be fine, just go and rest. She was in a lot of pain. We went back to the hospital and this time a doctor looked at the xray and said you have an avulsion fracture. They said she must not weight bear and to wear a boot and use crutches for the next few weeks.
It sounds like you need a boot and crutches!

I just don’t want to make a nuisance of myself. I don’t want to make it seem like I think I know better

OP posts:
Studyunder · 16/09/2026 23:01

A minor and stable fracture is only the status at the time the X-ray was taken. This can easily change for worse. Repeat images for comparison and to confirm normal healing process are required. You need to go back to A&E. Call 111 if you’re not convinced and they’ll tell you the same. There’s nothing a GP or pharmacist can do other thar pain management advice.
If there been deterioration in the status then it may need intervention now to avoid potential complications. Just go back to A& E

JustaDomperignon · 16/09/2026 23:01

I had to take my daughter to minor injuries last week as she had stupidly twisted away from her horse, whilst wearing flip flops!
They took an x-ray and the nurse had a look and said it will be fine, just go and rest. She was in a lot of pain. We went back to the hospital and this time a doctor looked at the xray and said you have an avulsion fracture. They said she must not weight bear and to wear a boot and use crutches for the next few weeks.
It sounds like you need a boot and crutches!

Needmorelego · 16/09/2026 23:00

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 22:57

I genuinely do not know how many more times I can say it. I cannot call in sick. My managers would not accept it. I would likely face a disciplinary.

That sounds illegal.

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 23:00

OneNewEagle · 16/09/2026 22:59

You cannot face a disciplinary for being off sick with a fractured ankle.

I absolutely can when I’ve been in work for a week.

OP posts:
Happyjoe · 16/09/2026 23:00

Tetchypants · 16/09/2026 22:54

She hasn’t got a broken ankle, she has a minor/stable avulsion fracture which is treated like a bad sprain.

OP is this basically what they told you?

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/leg-and-foot-problems-and-conditions/ankle-avulsion-fracture/

I think if you’re particularly concerned about pain or bruising you’d be better going to see your GP. A&E aren’t going to tell you anything different.

She wasn't given a cast, boot or crutches.
A&E I think have let her down, even if it's just for a referral if not done straight away.
Her GP isn't helping and her knee is also numb in places and hurting in others. I don't know about you, but this doesn't sound good or that she's been looked at properly.

SKLM · 16/09/2026 23:00

@ihowlforyou i'm turning in for the night myself OP.

I hope you feel a bit better in the morning and get some rest.

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 22:59

Partingofthewaves · 16/09/2026 22:58

I’ve had a severe sprain and I couldn’t walk on it for about 3 weeks. I can’t believe you are doing 5,000 steps a day. What does Protection and Optimal Loading actually mean?

Absolutely no idea. From Google it looks as though I need to protect the ankle (???? Shin pads maybe?) and from what I can tell optimal loading is not hiking on it, or that’s how he described it to me

OP posts:
OneNewEagle · 16/09/2026 22:59

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 22:57

I genuinely do not know how many more times I can say it. I cannot call in sick. My managers would not accept it. I would likely face a disciplinary.

You cannot face a disciplinary for being off sick with a fractured ankle.

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 22:59

Happyjoe · 16/09/2026 22:56

I think you need to go back to A&E for a second opinion on the ankle as well as get the knee looked at.
And forgive me if am wrong, I thought when things went numb, it was a nerve issue rather than muscular? I would deffo get the knee xrayed too, sounds like something may be being compressed (at a guess) and I seriously would question walking on that ankle, esp with no boot.

Sorry OP, if I remember right your work were not happy about you being off? Don't be afraid to take the day off to get yourself from hospital and go from there.

It’s just the skin on the knee that’s numb, where k grazed it. It’s probably really normal for a bad graze but it turns my stomach when I try to clean it up, I don’t know how to explain the feeling it gives me!

OP posts:
Partingofthewaves · 16/09/2026 22:58

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 22:09

I was told I could! He said it’s minor, stable, and just to be treated like a severe sprain - POLICE (Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). I was sent away being told to buy a compression tubi grip from boots and not go hiking. No crutches or anything like that, and to do 20 minutes on of ice and 40 minutes off. I’m elevating as much as possible at work and icing as and when I can

I’ve had a severe sprain and I couldn’t walk on it for about 3 weeks. I can’t believe you are doing 5,000 steps a day. What does Protection and Optimal Loading actually mean?

OneNewEagle · 16/09/2026 22:58

You can’t be walking. Elevate and rest. You get a fit note for work as you are not fit to work.

Agatha1989 · 16/09/2026 22:58

You have to go off sick. Seriously. Go to another hospital, another A&E department, get yourself sorted out.

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 22:57

TokyoSushi · 16/09/2026 22:56

Is this you who posted last week when you did it? I think you need to try to take a bit more control of the situation.

Your reluctance to see anybody else and your attitude of continuing to work under the guise of “well I’m still breathing” (under pressure from your work I think) isn’t really doing anybody any favours and is just prolonging the agony.

Call in sick tomorrow (it IS possible, unless you’re genuinely saving lives) get back to A&E for a second opinion, get your ankle and your knee strapped up properly, and go back on Friday in better shape. Come on now, you can do it!

I genuinely do not know how many more times I can say it. I cannot call in sick. My managers would not accept it. I would likely face a disciplinary.

OP posts:
Campanulaceae · 16/09/2026 22:57

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 22:17

I an unable to go off sick. It’s just not feasible, I’d be letting a team of people down.

I'm sure you feel that way, but unfortunately everyone is expendable.

I would also recommend go back to A&E if your symptoms are worsening, and I'd also insist on a boot or crutches or something. If they flat out refuse then ask for another doctor.

Is there anyone on your local Facebook group who has crutches you can borrow?

Happyjoe · 16/09/2026 22:56

I think you need to go back to A&E for a second opinion on the ankle as well as get the knee looked at.
And forgive me if am wrong, I thought when things went numb, it was a nerve issue rather than muscular? I would deffo get the knee xrayed too, sounds like something may be being compressed (at a guess) and I seriously would question walking on that ankle, esp with no boot.

Sorry OP, if I remember right your work were not happy about you being off? Don't be afraid to take the day off to get yourself from hospital and go from there.

TokyoSushi · 16/09/2026 22:56

Is this you who posted last week when you did it? I think you need to try to take a bit more control of the situation.

Your reluctance to see anybody else and your attitude of continuing to work under the guise of “well I’m still breathing” (under pressure from your work I think) isn’t really doing anybody any favours and is just prolonging the agony.

Call in sick tomorrow (it IS possible, unless you’re genuinely saving lives) get back to A&E for a second opinion, get your ankle and your knee strapped up properly, and go back on Friday in better shape. Come on now, you can do it!