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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not take DS to A&E

178 replies

AtSea1979 · 06/09/2016 19:20

His teacher said to get it looked at but I doubt they'd do anything.

DS might have broken his finger, it doesn't look bent, it's swollen and sore though, he can't straighten the end joint. I doubt A&E would do anything other than splint it which I can do. AIBU not to take him and sit there for hours?

OP posts:
PotteringAlong · 06/09/2016 19:21

Yes. He might have broken his finger and you don't want to waste your time going? Go and let them treat it properly.

Hmmnotkeen · 06/09/2016 19:22

You should take him, and I'm not one of those A&E for everything types. Unless you're a medical expert.

Glassofwineneeded · 06/09/2016 19:23

Minor injury clinic? I'd get it looked at by a professional. Even if it meant sitting around for a while. Yes you're probably right, not much they can do except strap it up. But I'd still rather a professional made that decision if it were my child.

LolaStarr · 06/09/2016 19:23

Seriously? Take him.

Glassofwineneeded · 06/09/2016 19:24

Andy if you had taken him straight after school he would have been seen by now and you could have been home, dinner on the table and wine in hand!

Ditsyprint40 · 06/09/2016 19:26

To be fair, I regularly advise parents to go to a&e/walk in if child is complaining even if it looks ok - covering our backs. Use your judgement. Having said this, really minor looking injuries often come back as broken!

Scarydinosaurs · 06/09/2016 19:26

Minor injuries.

Becca19962014 · 06/09/2016 19:26

Fingers are best looked at. I speak from experience - problems left and not sorted can become a bigger problem. Yes they might 'just' splint it, but at least you will know it's been splinted properly.

iwantavuvezela · 06/09/2016 19:26

Go to A and E, it is probably broken, they will take an x Ray and be able to tell you. Would you rather be up later today night with a child in pain.

If needed you will also get signed up to see someone in the morning if needed.

Lelloteddy · 06/09/2016 19:29

For real?

Lweji · 06/09/2016 19:29

Take him.

Becca19962014 · 06/09/2016 19:30

I assumed you don't have minor injuries nearby because I don't I'd get it looked at e.g. X-Ray before splinting (assuming you're a medical professional).

newmumwithquestions · 06/09/2016 19:30

It's not an emergency and it sounds like you are competent at splinting so I'd agree. Far too many non serious things end up in A&E.
My paranoia would make me go to a drop in minor injury clinic though!

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 06/09/2016 19:32

Take him!

IF they only splint it then that's their decision, you have no idea how bad it is unless you're medically trained so you need to get it checked out.

alfagirl73 · 06/09/2016 19:34

Take him; I've seen minor injuries like un-treated broken fingers turn into more significant problems. Not worth the risk.

rosesarered9 · 06/09/2016 19:36

It's better for him to go now than have to go through surgery later.

Original poster
AtSea1979 · 06/09/2016 19:38

Blimey I wasn't expecting that response. I doubted they'd even X-ray it and just strap it and send us on our way.

OP posts:
newmumwithquestions · 06/09/2016 19:38

Actually I just re-read and you say he can't straighten the end joint. In that case you should get it checked.

emmantfc · 06/09/2016 19:39

I've broken a finger twice in the past year as well as a bang on the head (sporting injuries) and all three times was in and out of my local minor injuries unit in under 30 mins! Much better than going to A&E.

MrsBobDylan · 06/09/2016 19:42

On behalf of my sil who has two fingers permanently bent and misshapen since breaking them as a child, take him please. My very lovely mil didn't think they were broken eitherSad.

Original poster
AtSea1979 · 06/09/2016 19:43

It's not misshapen but struggling to splint as he can't/won't straighten it

OP posts:
ayeokthen · 06/09/2016 19:45

I had this debate with my friend the other day. I'm not a "rush to A&E" type of mum, only ever been for stitches (twice) and a head injury. But if you suspect a break/fracture it's best to go. My pal disagreed and left it 2 days and her son has a broken wrist.

ShowOfHands · 06/09/2016 19:46

My sil couldn't straighten the end joint of her finger. She needed emergency surgery. She was v surprised. It wasn't broken iirc. It was a tendon injury.

January87 · 06/09/2016 19:46

Ehm, then take him to a&e where the professionals will give him some anesthetic so they can straighten it and splint it properly.

Beggars belief really... I can splint it myself, well actually I can't because he can't straighten it out.

Binglesplodge · 06/09/2016 19:46

If he can't straighten it you need to get it looked at. If there's any bone or tendon damage you need to let them assess it because any treatment is best as soon after the injury as possible.