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Original poster

Classic should i go to A and E thread

80 replies

Pineda · 08/05/2023 06:08

Fell over in the mud yesterday and apart from looking like a tit, I put ny arm out to break my fall. I've done something to ny upper arm. Shoulder I think is ok and wrist fine. But anything that involves using or moving upper arm and bicep muscle is really painful. If it stays in the sling it's OK. Slept OK as long as I didn't move upper arm. Nothing visible maybe the beginning of a bruise. A and E?

OP posts:
holaholiday · 08/05/2023 19:11

Pineda · 08/05/2023 18:11

I'm worried I have a bad bicep tendon tear and according to Google...that might not heal without surgery. I want full use of my arm as I weight lift - or used to.

I was about to post the same, I hope they did the right hands on examination to exclude a rupture but it can be difficult because if you are in a lot of pain and spasm it can inhibit your muscles so sometimes this sort of thing gets missed in a&e.if you don’t start to be able to move it actively in 48 hrs or so after regular painkillers and ice packs, do get it looked at again. Sprains and strains can be badly managed because people are sent home with “it’s not broken” but with no follow up…ankle sprains are typically badly managed and people end up with a chronic injury.

Original poster
Pineda · 08/05/2023 20:34

holaholiday · 08/05/2023 19:11

I was about to post the same, I hope they did the right hands on examination to exclude a rupture but it can be difficult because if you are in a lot of pain and spasm it can inhibit your muscles so sometimes this sort of thing gets missed in a&e.if you don’t start to be able to move it actively in 48 hrs or so after regular painkillers and ice packs, do get it looked at again. Sprains and strains can be badly managed because people are sent home with “it’s not broken” but with no follow up…ankle sprains are typically badly managed and people end up with a chronic injury.

Show quote history

They couldn't really examine me as I can't even take my t shirt off. I can't move it. Will see what its like in a couple of days.

OP posts:
lolalouisa84 · 08/05/2023 20:41

Im glad you got it seen.

A few years ago i injured my shoulder at work, not breaks or dislocations, but my mobility of joint was virtually none 3 months later, i had to get my daughter to brush my hair for me as i couldnt reach up to do it with my right arm. In the end i paid for a chiropractor, and honestly, best money i ever spent. So worth it. If you can afford it, and once all the swelling has gone down and its had some time to heal naturally, it may be worth considering down the line

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General health
holaholiday · 08/05/2023 21:37

Pineda · 08/05/2023 20:34

They couldn't really examine me as I can't even take my t shirt off. I can't move it. Will see what its like in a couple of days.

Show quote history

sometimes with a biceps rupture you will see/feel a mass or lump in your arm so if its like that then def go back asap. can you lift your hand towards your shoulder (ie. just elbow movement without moving your shoulder) or is it just that you can't move your arm(from the shoulder) forwards or out to the side ? biceps rupture at the shoulder is usually conservative management but biceps rupture at the elbow is usually surgical management. If no alarming symptoms it's generally best to keep trying some gentle movement if you can, using other arm to assist if you can or pendular swinging ( where you lean forwards with your arm down and swing gently) but if too painful to move at the moment you should at least move elbow/wrist and finger joints as able. Could also be a rotator cuff injury so see if you can move your arm in towards your stomach or away from it whilst keeping your shoulder still and your elbow at a right angle by your side. Cross fingers it will start to settle down and get less painful with analagesia and ice.

Original poster
Pineda · 09/05/2023 03:36

you can't move your arm(from the shoulder) forwards or out to the side

This. I can bend my elbow,just. Can also flex wrist.

OP posts:
Willmafrockfit · 09/05/2023 03:40

but you moved your arm for an X ray?

Original poster
Pineda · 09/05/2023 04:03

Willmafrockfit · 09/05/2023 03:40

but you moved your arm for an X ray?

No, I stood up against the plates and they took it like that.

OP posts:
Original poster
Pineda · 09/05/2023 12:25

Thought it might be feeling a bit better today so decided to go for a walk, but there is no way I can get my coat on 😢😢😢

No bruising or any signs of swelling and I can touch all round my arm. Just a deep ache inside that twinges badly just below shoulder and if bicep muscle engaged. I'm suddenly really depressed about it.

It doesn't help that dh is depressed with significant business problems and now I can't even do the shopping! (We live rurally and need to drive everywhere).

OP posts:
Original poster
Pineda · 09/05/2023 13:28

It's BROKEN

Consultation just rang. They missed it.

OP posts:
Augend23 · 09/05/2023 13:31

Oh no! Obviously that's bad news, but good I guess that they reviewed it. Have they given you an appointment for review?

WoofWoofBeachLife · 09/05/2023 13:52

Bloody Nora! What's broken? Wee soul no wonder you can't move it at all. Xx

Original poster
Pineda · 09/05/2023 14:30

Top of the humerus. Just waiting for dh to arrive to take me back in.

OP posts:
ADHDDDDDDDBOOM · 09/05/2023 14:39

Pineda · 09/05/2023 13:28

It's BROKEN

Consultation just rang. They missed it.

This is exactly why they get reviewed!

Poor OP! But I bet you're relieved in a way a sit justified your pain and concern.

I hope you get a good plan regarding healing and input, if any.

Original poster
Pineda · 09/05/2023 14:50

I do feel slightly justified in moaning about the pain!

OP posts:
Willmafrockfit · 09/05/2023 17:17

when i broke mine i really struggled to get dressed, and had to sleep sitting up,
sympathies

Original poster
Pineda · 09/05/2023 17:39

Willmafrockfit · 09/05/2023 17:17

when i broke mine i really struggled to get dressed, and had to sleep sitting up,
sympathies

I can't put my coat on 😢 had to get dd2 to do up my bra. Sleeping on the sofa with one of those neck pillows.

OP posts:
Willmafrockfit · 09/05/2023 17:46

it will mend soon, @Pineda

Crikeyalmighty · 09/05/2023 17:47

I broke my wrist like that slipping on ice - bloody awful

lljkk · 09/05/2023 17:53

Odds are that treatment will be exactly the same as if it weren't broken, and you may have ligaments / soft tissue damaged in addition to a broken bit.

Let us know anyway, what happens ?

JayAlfredPrufrock · 09/05/2023 17:54

If you have an automatic car I have a knob on my steering wheel that makes driving one handed a doddle.

Original poster
Pineda · 09/05/2023 19:01

JayAlfredPrufrock · 09/05/2023 17:54

If you have an automatic car I have a knob on my steering wheel that makes driving one handed a doddle.

I don't, sadly!!

OP posts:
Milliways · 09/05/2023 22:15

Ouch, at least you know why it hurt so much!
Are you in a collar and cuff sling?
get them to give you the details of early pendulum swing exercises you can do - because they kept debating about surgery or not with me I apparently was late in starting them. The rule to lift nothing heavier than a cup of tea for 3 months meant no ironing etc though!
I am still having very hands on physio every 2 weeks and can do most things for myself now, the physio reckons there is more movement to be gained back, but mine was in several pieces and I lost 1” of length in the humerus in the crush, so you should be back to normal quicker than me.

Birdsongsinging · 09/05/2023 23:15

Oh poor you. When I have taken my children I often have mixed feelings, while its good that something isnt broken, it also justifies going in and the pain they feel if it is broken. I have 3 children and they have had around 7 breaks between them!

So, while I feel sorry for you - it does make it understandable and good in some ways!!!

Original poster
Pineda · 10/05/2023 03:26

Milliways · 09/05/2023 22:15

Ouch, at least you know why it hurt so much!
Are you in a collar and cuff sling?
get them to give you the details of early pendulum swing exercises you can do - because they kept debating about surgery or not with me I apparently was late in starting them. The rule to lift nothing heavier than a cup of tea for 3 months meant no ironing etc though!
I am still having very hands on physio every 2 weeks and can do most things for myself now, the physio reckons there is more movement to be gained back, but mine was in several pieces and I lost 1” of length in the humerus in the crush, so you should be back to normal quicker than me.

Yes collar and cuff sling. I've spent the day watching TV and eating toast. Had two glasses of wine and shared a bar of chocolate with dd. Now in a panic that I'm going to put on loads of weight- was trying to lose a stone. Need to finish the bottle of wine and not buy any more. Its just sinking in that I'm trapped here for weeks as you have to drive to get anywhere. I can't cook either. Feel extremely depressed all of a sudden. Ibuprofen gives me wind and my left armpit is itchy and sweaty as my arm is clamped to my side! Happy days.

OP posts:
WoofWoofBeachLife · 10/05/2023 14:17

The first 2 weeks are the worst, when is your next x Ray to check the healing? For the itchy sweaty armpit I used Hibiscrub to gently clean under my arm, my DH did it with a facecloth. I did mine in July though and it was so hot. I had to come off Naproxen, the consultant said it inhibited the initial healing stage. Ice helped me too. 💐 its frustrating but no heroics 😂 let it heal. Xx