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AIBU?

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Original poster

A&E worthy or?

37 replies

Mrsknackered · 03/05/2017 06:38

A week ago yesterday, I tried to be a cool mum and went on a ridiculous slide with my 4 year old, it all went horribly and I injured my coccyx.
When I sit up with weight on that area the pain is so bad it makes me squeal and I am waking frequently in the night due to pain, but walking and standing I feel little to no pain.
I didn't think I had broken it but the pain is worse a week on. From past experience I went to the GP with a broken bone, I was told to go straight to A&E for X ray and cast. But I know a coccyx can't be cast. I don't think anything can be done!
Should I just try get on with it best as possible or go?

OP posts:
MsJamieFraser · 03/05/2017 06:42

Have you got a walk in? Most have x-ray machines, phone 101 for advice.

Intransige · 03/05/2017 06:47

I doubt they would X-ray it. The treatment for coccyx pain is self-care (bruising can take a few weeks to go down) plus the other things in the link below, followed (after months usually) by steroid injections if it doesn't resolve on its own.

www.nhs.uk/Conditions/coccydinia/Pages/Treatment.aspx

You have my sympathy! I've bruised my tailbone before and it really really hurts.

SorrelSoup · 03/05/2017 06:47

If you contact your gp as an emergency this morning will they refer you straight to xray? Mine does this, and you don't need to wait in a and e. I'd definitely get it looked at.

Supermagicsmile · 03/05/2017 06:48

I fractured mine 13 yeas ago. A and E were not able to do anything and didnt even X-ray.
I took about 6 weeks before I could sit comfortably on the toilet again and a good few weeks before I could get in and out of bed properly.
Couldn't sit on hard chairs for about 6 months and then took about 2 years before I could sit for more than about 30 mins without having to get up because of the aching.

13 years down the line it still aches if I sit for long periods on a hard chair but it's generally okay now!

WellErrr · 03/05/2017 06:50

Go to the GP. They'll be rightfully pissed off if you pitch up at A&E with a week old injury.

Original poster
Mrsknackered · 03/05/2017 06:53

Supermagicsmile oh no Sad it's really getting me down. When I sit up at night to breastfeed that's when I feel it at it's worst.

Jamie no walk - in (some surgeries have it but you have to be registered to that particular surgery and my surgery doesn't have it) but there is a minor injuries clinic in the hospital. Is that the same as A&E?!

OP posts:
Nospringflower · 03/05/2017 06:55

I would see GP.

MaisyPops · 03/05/2017 06:56

Call 111 and get them to book you into minor injuries. (Aim of minor injuries is to keep minor sprains, breaks etc out of a and e)
They can x ray it and give some self care guidance if it is broken or fractured.
I'd probably just self care and save the hassle.

GiraffeorOcelot · 03/05/2017 06:58

On a practical note, buy a coccyx cushion. They really help.

MsJamieFraser · 03/05/2017 07:02

I've just advised you to call 101, please don't do that it's the non emergency police number ShockGrin

It's 111 you need to call

Yes the minor injuries would be suitable as well.

TheMonkeyandthePlywoodViolin · 03/05/2017 07:03

A coccyx cushion, anti inflammatory painkillers and ice pack are what you need.

See GP but definutely not A and E

honeycheeerios · 03/05/2017 07:11

They won't x ray the coccyx due to the amount of radiation needed.

I would go to your GP and ask for an MRI referral then possibly physio once they can see the injury and what treatment is best.

I don't think you can get an MRI through turning up at A&E unless you've been admitted or it's an emergency.

sparkli · 03/05/2017 08:40

I broke mine falling down a flight of stairs nearly 2 years ago. No x-ray - doc said he was certain it was broken, but nothing they can do other than pain relief. It took months for the pain to subside. Even now I still have periods of discomfort and find sitting painful.

Rossigigi · 03/05/2017 08:58

I went to the GP with a similar injure except I fell over a skateboard! He sent me straight for an x-Ray as he suspected a crush fracture to the coccyx. So u would go to your GP first.

DancingLedge · 03/05/2017 08:59

Slight tangent, but sitting at night to bf? Sounds like hard work, even without a sore coccyx. Have you tried feeding lying down?

GP or walk in is the medically appropriate response.They can check, but no treatment possible.

When any trauma has initially resolved, say 2 -3 months, ime a session of private physio, where someone pummels out the muscle tightnesses that arise from pain, will set everything back to rights for you.

Flowersit is painful. Ring cushions, or children's swimming rings are your friend here.

Rossigigi · 03/05/2017 08:59

Posted to soon- so if you do need an x Ray you can go straight there bypassing A&E

DancingLedge · 03/05/2017 09:03

Sorry, failed to RTFT. Minor injuries would be fine.

JaneEyre70 · 03/05/2017 09:03

Your GP can decide if you need an xray or not.

1AnnoyingOrange · 03/05/2017 09:07

A&E or GP both probably wont do an xray as the treatment for injury vs fracture is the same.
I would say see GP if you want to be reviewed/opinion.
But avoiding pressure on area and allowing it some weeks to heal is probably the way to go

harderandharder2breathe · 03/05/2017 09:10

GP, they won't x ray and the only treatment really is pain management

Popskipiekin · 03/05/2017 09:11

Yup get a ring cushion. My local pharmacy actually ordered & received one for me within the day - it was just a blowup one but was marvellous. I fell with all my weight onto a tube seat armrest and have never been in so much pain - and I doubt I broke it, actually, but it still took 6 months to resolve.
Bf at night - I have to sit up to do it as otherwise baby vomits everywhere. But do try it lying down if you can, it's bliss if it works. What about topical relief too - voltarol gel for example, that stuff is the business.

Hoppinggreen · 03/05/2017 09:15

My DD was experiencing coccyx pain and the GP sent her for X-ray.
After waiting for ages and persuading 12 year old very self conscious DD into a robe at the hospital we went into the X-ray room on,y for the Radiographer to explain that they don't actually X-ray that area, especially in young girls due to the amount or radiation. She was pretty cross with our GP
We went back to the GP who apparently didn't know this and gave up paracetamol. I think it just needs to heal on its own, I injured mine on a boat about ten years ago and after a week of extreme pain and another couple of weeks of discomfort it was fine

NavyandWhite · 03/05/2017 09:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BollardDodger · 03/05/2017 09:26

Maybe it feels worse because the bruising has just come up - that can take a while to come through. If you are living with the pain, then perhaps the GP will be most appropriate - at least if you need A&E you will be referred there, rather than just turning up and getting vilified for just turning up with a minor issue.

TheTabardOfDoom · 03/05/2017 09:27

There is a condition called Cauda Equina that you might like to Google. It's unlikely but I think you should see your Doc with it OP

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