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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

nhs- surgery why is it my decision now or later?

18 replies

abouttobeevicted · 07/02/2015 10:44

I posted last week that I broke my arm on a skate board- stupid I know

well I went to the fracture clinic yesterday and got another cast and an xray. so when I saw the Dr again he said I will need a plate or rod in my arm.
OK but he then said its my decision as to when? it could be next week or I can wait to see if the cast holds then probably still need to do it in 2 months. do when do I want to do it?

so aibu to have expected the Dr to make this decision not me?

OP posts:
TwoOddSocks · 07/02/2015 10:47

i don't understand your problem. You can get it over and done with now or wait a month and there's a small chance you won't need the plate at all. As long as you're fully informed I think allowing you to make the decision is a good thing.

If I was you I'd just get it done now but I'm impatient and pessimistic.

DesperatelySeekingSanity · 07/02/2015 10:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TheCowThatLaughs · 07/02/2015 10:58

The thinking now is that the paternalistic model of "doctor knows best" was a bit crap, and it's better to involve patients in decisions about their treatment. Of course not every patient wants this! In a case like this though, it's apparently not urgent and you might not be able to get time of work immediately etc, so it's good to get the choice isn't it?

Caronaim · 07/02/2015 11:00

Its up to you what fits in with your life better.

lljkk · 07/02/2015 11:01

yanbu, but there are MNers who will flame you for being "Naive" that you don't think you should have to take the responsibility for taking a good decision.

I'm a "Wait & see if treatment is really necessary" type person, "Any treatment can go wrong as well as right so best to delay in case not needed", so I would wait & see. Other people just want it sorted.

Next time, there is no harm in asking Doc "What would you want done if it was your arm?"

I've broken my arms three times, last time hurt a lot, sympathies! Flowers

Original poster
abouttobeevicted · 07/02/2015 11:02

I do know that. it was just phrased in a weird way.
I guess as he kept stressing that it would need surgery anyway that now or later was a moot point. it wasn't phrased as a is this week OK or shall we book it for later.

anyway has anyone had a plate put in? apparently its just an overnight. then I don't know how long to recover as I need to go back to work asap.

OP posts:
brainwashed · 07/02/2015 11:49

I am hoping not to be in the same position next week when I go to the fracture clinic...but if I am I would go for an op as soon as poss...get it over and done with! Am only 1 week after breaking my arm and am so fed up and bored.

Original poster
abouttobeevicted · 07/02/2015 12:43

hi brain- how did you do it? where have you broken?

OP posts:
brainwashed · 07/02/2015 17:48

Broken the radial head so up near the elbow of my dominant hand :-(
I fell off a pull up bar onto concrete.

PlantCurtain · 07/02/2015 17:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HicDraconis · 07/02/2015 18:03

As a doctor, when anyone says "What would you do if you were me" I say I can't answer as I'm not them. If I were the one with the injury an op would have different risks and concerns as my medical history is different to theirs.

We have to involve patients in decision making now. It's highly likely that you'll need an operation if you wait but not definite (otherwise there is no point in waiting). The questions you need to ask are "what are the risks and benefits of going ahead now versus the risks and benefits of waiting?"

You know the main risk of waiting - that you may need surgery in any case. Timing may make surgery more or less likely to be successful. With that information you can decide which choice is right for you, based on work commitments / plans / lifestyle etc.

SauvignonBlanche · 07/02/2015 18:13

It's your decision as it's your arm. It's the doctor's job to give you all the relevant facts including the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.

Notmeagain1 · 07/02/2015 18:14

I personally would have the surgery. It really depends on where the break is.

My DH broke his left arm right near the elbow and didn't have surgery as quickly as he should have. Now he can only straighten out his arm about 80% so his left arm is about 5 inches shorter since he cannot physically straighten it out. He has been offered them to re-break the arm under GA and reset it properly. Thanks, but no thanks for that.

I hope you get things sorted soon and heal quickly. In the mean time, stay off those skateboards.Grin

Original poster
abouttobeevicted · 07/02/2015 18:28

I'm not annoyed about being given the choice I guess I was confused about the option. that was really my aibu
I did ask about risks and they seem reasonable. obviously I'd rather have the operation when its easier to fix.

now just waiting until the hospital calls to tell me when to come in. I believe it'll be this week as I have humerus and an arrow in pen on my left arm .

OP posts:
brainwashed · 07/02/2015 18:55

Hope it goes well x

Original poster
abouttobeevicted · 11/02/2015 21:41

thanks
going in tomorrow for surgery!!

OP posts:
sharonthewaspandthewineywall · 11/02/2015 22:21

You fell off a skateboard???
How awesome are you?!

knackered69 · 11/02/2015 23:24

Aw - hope it all goes well for you x

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