Broken ankle?

[kaytee87]

I think I've broken my ankle, at first I thought it might be sprained but the pain is getting worse and is unbearable even whilst lying still. I know I need to go to hospital but how the hell am i going to get there? I wouldn't be able to manage into a taxi, what do I do??

[DingleBerries]

Urgh as a trainee nurse I absolutely hate hearing this kind of thing.

It’s rife in adult wards from what I hear (I’m a Student children’s nurse).
You absolutely need to complain.
I had a medical management miscarriage recently and I had a weeks worth of opioids (can’t remember the name?!) and there was no talk of addiction although I know full well it’s a risk.

OP, sometimes paracetamol drip is very good for pain. It’s much better than paracetamol of course.

When I had appendicitis (which I realise is v.different) the morphine didn’t touch the sides but paracetamol drip was an absolute dream.
Perhaps suggest that until the stupid nurse gets told it is ok for you to have Oromorph.

[kaytee87]

I've just been given one bit of freezing cold toast for breakfast. Last nights dinner was cold chilli con carne so I only ate half of that and obviously I was fasting / in surgery prior to that. Beginning to feel quite ill from hunger now.

[kaytee87]

And they put sugar in my tea when I only wanted milk I just want to go home now but there will be no one to look after me there either

[QuestionableMouse]

Is there any way someone can come in and help you? You sound so fed up. Maybe contact pals and see if they can get anyone to advocate for you with the nurses.

Failing that, it there a ward sister you can talk to?

[TammySwansonTwo]

Okay, should have been a shift change recently so press your buzzer now. Tell the nurse you've had no pain relief and the consultant has written you up for hourly oramorph. If they even start to refuse, tell them you want to speak to the doctor urgently as you are in terrible pain. Getting the doctor round will be an enormous ball ache for them, as they're so busy, and it's easier for them to just give you what's on your drugs chart. I know how hard it is to advocate for yourself but you are in pain and are entitled to help with this.

I have a high tolerance to opiates and during my last lap my anaesthetist wrote me up for very large quantities of morphine and fentanyl post-op. I was in recovery in agony, literally screaming, and the nurse wouldn't give what was prescribed because "it was too much". She was giving me 1mg a time and waiting 15 mins between each dose. Eventually the anaesthetist came in and ripped her a new one for assuming she knew better than he did and letting me suffer unnecessarily. Ended up discharging myself two hours after I got out of recovery as I has better access to pain relief at home (regular prescribed amount!) than they were giving me.

Completely unacceptable. Kick up a fuss. You'll be home soon and will never have to see these people again! x

[kaytee87]

I've had oramorph now and cocodomol and brufen. I think I'm getting out today but still waiting to see a doctor and physio.
Was given a bedpan without a plastic bit under it so obviously the cardboard collapsed and now I'm covered in pee they've changed the sheet but I'm still wet. They've put a towel and soap on the table beside me but I'm not meant to get out of bed so can't wash obviously.

[cakeandteajustforme]

OP hope you're kicking up a fuss now and getting some and drugs.

It's hard today but with each day you'll be a step closer to recovery.

[cakeandteajustforme]

God that sounds awful. When's your mum back from hols?

[kaytee87]

She got back last night but has a meeting this morning, she's hoping to come at lunchtime I think. I've asked her to bring food.

[kaytee87]

Mum wasn't going to be able to come til tonight but when my dh told me that I almost cried so I think he phoned her.

[liz70]

Poor OP, you sound like you're having a much shitter time of it than I did. I know the staff were run off their feet when I was in hospital on (female ortho) nine years ago, but your experience sounds awful. Complain, complain, complain - nobody should have to put up with this treatment.

[GinandGingerBeer]

If you’re still in tonight, get a pizza delivered!

[liz70]

"I just went with a GA as I don't have any earphones or anything with me and I was worried about what I would hear during the surgery."

They should have offered you noise cancelling headphones if you'd opted for spinal, but that's done now, just concentrate on getting yourself better. Take all the help you can get and and go very easy on yourself. You've had a rough time.

[TammySwansonTwo]

Glad you've had pain relief. I too had a collapsed bedpan and was left soaking in pee all night, ended up with a wound infection. Ask for help to wash - they're being ridiculous!

[lalalalyra]

Get a claim for PIP fast tracked! You are entitled to the Enhanced Mobility & Care rate whilst in that state! No assessment needed and doesn't matter if you're working or what income you have. (My friend had a snapped fib & tip and a rod down her bone. Had PIP for several months. Really helped!)

You can't claim PIP for a temporary injury. You must have had the issue you are claiming for for three months and it must be expected to last for at least 9 months.

As for 'fast-track' the only way to have a claim for PIP under the special rules is to have someone involved in your care sign a form that states you could reasonably be expected to die within 6 months.

[yasmin05]

Get help from a friend or family member. Ice your injured feet. That's gonna get swollen in no time so you need to do first aid in order to prevent any further damage to the muscle.

[TammySwansonTwo]

Sadly PPs are right - PIPs is only for longterm conditions, unless you have a terminal diagnosis.

[kaytee87]

Defo not interested in claiming PIP, will leave that for those who need it.

@yasmin05 you're a couple of days behind I've been to hospital and had surgery yesterday.

[liz70]

I'm so glad to be put straight about PIP. I was beginning to feel a bit cheesed off that I might have missed out on a small fortune.

Hope you're feeling slightly cheerier, OP. You should be home soon, at least. I was discharged the following day after my op. I was also alone except for when DH and our DDs could visit in the evening (I was on holiday when I had my accident, but not too far away from home). I just chatted to the lady in the next bed who was in for a knee replacement.

Sorry, I missed which ward you were sent to?

[headinthecloud]

You poor thing! When I broke my leg I used a wheelie office chair to get around at home as it meant I had my hands free to carry things.

[Debby08]

Elevate the injured foot and phone for an ambulance. I hope you get seen soon.

[liz70]

You're a bit late to the party, Debby…

[kaytee87]

I'm on an acute receiving ward or something as there's no space where I'm meant to be.

[liz70]

All this talk of bed shortages and poor care really is sobering. Are you in a room on your own, OP, or can you chat to people in the next or opposite beds? I remember feeling that moaning to fellow sufferers helped me when I was in.

[kaytee87]

In a room by myself and the nurses keeps shutting the door and blinds.
I feel like I'm going to pass out I'm so hungry. 1 cold bit of toast is not enough food and I've had no pain meds' in hours again.
I've asked for food and painkillers half an hour ago.
My heart rate was high at my last obs and I was shivering. I said it's because I'm in pain and hungry!