First aid (but definitely not urgent help)

[Theworldisfullofgs]

Posted in health but no response (and if you read it you wouldn't be suprised). Slipped 3 weeks ago or so and hurt wrist. It wasn't a massive slip (going up some steps) and I braced myself on a low wall to stop fall. I hurt my wrist but didn't think much about it. Swelled a little but ok ish by next day except certain movements and weight bearing/lifting. When doing these things it's still v ouchy.

I'm assuming now it was a sprain and I didn't take good enough care. I tried to get a go appointment for some advice but booked.
Popped into town to get a wrist support. Tried a splint one but that's really ouchy. Would you tubular bandage or strap up or just leave alone to heal in time?
(Sorry I'm a grown up but tend to be a bit grin and bear it so I need someone sensible to give me some advice. Dh would just tell me to go to a&e which seems unnecessary. )

If its still painful after 3 weeks it should be examined by a professional and probably x-rayed so go to the local minor injuries unit if it hasn't been closed due to funding cuts.

If it’s painful after 3 weeks I would book appointment with gp ASAP. Do you have a walk in centre? They would deal with these sort of things.

We don't have one here. One small a&e . It just feels like I'd be bothering them for nothing.
I was planning on strapping it up and trying to rest it for a week and see how it was...

You need it x raying. I broke mine that way. Depending on how it is broken, only certain movements hurt.

This is not a case of “bothering them”. It is really daft not to go.

St John ambulance first aider here - you do need to get it checked out if it's still painful after three weeks. Try and keep it as elevated and supported as possible. Use ice if there's still swelling and take an anti inflammatory like ibuprofen if you need to. But definitely get it looked at!

I have tried to get a gp appointment but my normally wonderful up surgery is completely booked up.

Ok. I'll see if I can toodle off to a&e later.
It really doesn't hurt unless I do certain things....I can still type!

There’s no point seeing a gp. There’ll send you for an X Ray anyway.

I am a (not practising any more) doctor.

Doesn’t your gp do emergency appointments? Call in the morning let the receptionist know what’s happened and ask if they could fit you in.

I'd go to A&E then. I fell similar to you and damaged the ligaments in my wrist. I had to have an x-ray then MRI then be strapped up for about 4 weeks.

What does hurt? Is it turning your wrist over?

Turning my wrist over hurts. Imagine turning it to play the violin - that movement and lifting a heavier plate to put in the dishwasher made me go ouch. Which made me think about it a bit more.

Your gp will send you straight for an x rat with that description. A and e.

Ok. I'll go this afternoon. (When is it likely to be quieter?)

Just get an X-ray!!!

Been seen, xrayed and splinter. No fracture but told complete rest and told off for not taking pain killers. (But it only hurts if I do particular things though it was v tender on examination and a bit swollen apparently). Told that the x-ray will be reviewed and they'll call me if a problem.
Great junior doctor. My local hospital is generally v good so we're v fortunate.

On review I have a hairline fracture so just as well I went.
Thank you for making me!