81yo Dad - broken back in 3 places

[MintyCedric]

81 yo dad fell from top to bottom of stairs on Monday morning - he's fractured his T8, T11 and T12 vertebrae, 2 are unstable but they've run it by local neurology unit who have given the OK to put him in a brace briefly today.

What's really worrying me atm is that his speech seems to have been affected. Afaik there's nothing sinister showing on his MRI or CT scans (had a brain scan Monday as also banged his head and is on Warfarin) and they are saying it's just a combo of exhaustion and dehydration. He has been largely nil by mouth since yesterday after choking quite badly and needing suction. Is now on IV fluids and they're hoping to get him upright enough to eat tomorrow rather than having to resort to tube feeding.

I have no idea what is normal in a situation like this. He was nearly sent home by A & E on Monday and we've not seen the consultant since he's been in so am a little lacking in faith as far as the hospital is concerned (although the nurses have been great).

Has anyone had a similar experience? I'd be really grateful to hear positive stories or advice. TIA.

OP I apologise if this isn't relevant

the X ray - what is it for? I have had fractured vertebrae and was told not to have repeat xrays as the treatment plan was the same.

If he's having unexplained pain then I can see the issue, or if the x ray is for a different reason? but if it's for vertebrae, sadly I fear it might be a case of unnecessary investigations. I appreciate that mostly doctors do a brilliant job, but I've had a lot of experience of parents in hospital and for some reason, max chaos seems to occur with elderly!

I wish you all the best, it is so hard to cope with all this

PS not just thinking of exposure to Xray but dont want them rushing your dad's physical recovery just so they can do an xray.

Grace if anything they seem to going at snails pace!

For some reason the neuro team at the bigger, city hospital want to see pictures of the lowest section of his spine. I have no idea whether this is to check for further damage or to ensure that the brace is doing what it's meant to.

I have spoken to 4 docs since he was admitted, all seem fairly clueless, no contact whatsoever with the consultant.

Going to speak to PALS on Monday as really not happy with the lack of communication/explanation and the fact it is taking so long for them to do anything.

dotty I raised this with the nurse today. She said they were happy with all his vital signs which would apparently indicate if this was the case. They did double check Monday's scan and confirm nothing was apparent then.

I'm not entirely convinced but even if they suggested another scan it would probably take about a week to actually get it done based on our experience so far.

Disclaimer - as well as experiences with parents, I have recently had some bad experiences myself with unnecessary investigations

so I may be biased, but I cannot help wondering if they are keen to do this scan because they want to find out something that will help medical research generally rather than it directly being of benefit to your dad

it's one thing to actually ask a patient if that's okay but it seems that sometimes you only find out when you push

I would ask them very specifically why they want him to have this scan. If there's a good reason for it, then they can just tell you - it shouldn't be a mystery. Also, you say a bigger hospital - so while he is in pain, he has to be transported there? There would have to be a very solid reason for him to consent to that, IMHO.

No, he 's in the orthopaedic ward at our local hospital. Our nearest city (12 miles away) has the nearest spinal trauma/neurosurgery dept.

Our hospital has all the facilities for x rays/scans etc, but consultant appears to be looking at them, then sending to city hospital via email for a second, more expert opinion.

The extent of his injuries has changed in an almost daily basis. I think ibneed to insist on seeing the consultant when I go in on Monday.

The fact that A&E initially diagnosed one compression fracture and tried to send him home, I'm more inclined to think they are trying to cover their arses and prevent any more cock ups.

At least count they'd identified 4 broken vertebrae and a cracked rib.

okay, so he doesn't have to go anywhere but has to be able to stand for long enough?

I would still say you need to speak to the consultant in case he's not strong enough to do this by the time they want it done. I did have one day in hospital where I had to go in outside of visiting hours to see the consultant, the nurses were good about letting me in but that's also partly because i was helping to feed dad. If you are helping you might get away with this too - a lot of hospitals will let a carer type person be on the ward outside visiting hours.

Back again...he was in too much discomfort yesterday for them to attempt second x ray (they need to be 100% sure the brace is holding the entire spine where it should be when he mobilised as 2 of the fractures are unstable). He is due to be going down at 4pm today.

Was expecting SALT to be round this morning but that hasn't happened. When I was here yesterday the night team had told the day team at handover that only staff should assist him with eating and drinking. No idea why. Spoke to doc today and explained I'd been here with the SALT on Friday and he confirmed he was happy for to do meals/drinks so long as a nurse is aware.

Unfortunately there are 2 guys on the ward with dementia and one of them in particular is very difficult and constantly talking to himself and frequently shouting and calling out and haranguing the nurses.

It's incredibly disruptive and distressing and dad really isn't getting the rest he needs but there's no scope to move him.

SALT has been round whilst I've been typing and seems quite concerned about how his positioning is affecting his ability to eat and drink and his overall well being. She has had a word with the ward team so hopefully that will get things moving.

Still no sign of consultant...

Absolute joke. Still here.

Went down at 5.30pm to find out what was happening re x ray. Apparently the radigraphers have been texting day doc all day woth queries about what's needed and he's not replied.

Had word with the ward staff who have called for the on call doc at least twice now to come and see me and sort it out...still nothing.

I did say I wasn't moving until I saw someone and it was dealt with but I've got a 14 year old due home soon.

It's bloody ridiculous...even the Junior Sister on the ward has said she's raising it with the matron and planning to file a report.

It's a sorry state of affairs. At least you can advocate for your dad. Hope his care is a bit more seamless tomorrow.

Turns out doctor hadn't filled in the request form at all.

I am going to be on the phone first thing to check the paperwork has been done and in at 10 to make sure the x ray has happened.