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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go to a&e at a time like this

27 replies

Msgiggles30 · 01/04/2020 12:39

Hi all,
I have hurt my wrist/thumb area. I think it may be the scaphoid as I have fractured this before. Its kept me awake most of the night. When not using the hand there is only mild discomfort but when I use my thumb or put any pressure on my hand at all even drying hands etc the pain is intense. There is no swelling so dont know if it could be a fracture?
Obviously I am really reluctant to get this looked at in the current crisis. One because I dont want to put strain on nhs for something minor and two dont want to be near a hospital for obvious reasons! There is no minor injury unit here only A&E. My plan is to ignore it best I can until tomorrow and see if it's just something random. But if I still cant use my hand tomorrow would you get it checked? Really do not want to but aware untreated scaphoid may not heal and cause more issues! Thanks

OP posts:
Mischance · 01/04/2020 12:41

That is difficult - when I fractured my scaphoid it was plastered in a strange way with thumb sticking out, so just binding it up would not do the trick. Talk to 111 maybe?

tiredanddangerous · 01/04/2020 12:43

Do you know how you injured it?

sleepismysuperpower1 · 01/04/2020 12:44

could you try and get an appointment on the LIVI app (an app where you talk by video call to a doctor, its free if your area is eligible -it asks where your local gp is- or you pay as you go), and see what the doctor on there says? they will be able to give you an idea as to whether you need to go to a&e or not since they will be able to see it

MadMadMad · 01/04/2020 12:44

If you think you may have fractured your scaphoid you really do need to go and get it looked at - as you already realise if it is broken and untreated you could end up with permanent damage (and I beleive even lose your thumb) if you don't. I say this as someone who has done this twice (once each hand) and was lectured by the hospital about how important it is.

Purplewithred · 01/04/2020 12:44

I would say go to A&E; definitely tomorrow if no improvement. They are segregating possible Covid from not in A&E to keep non-covid people safe and whizzing people through as fast as possible (and 'clean' A&E is relatively empty round here). As you say scaphoid really does need to be checked.

FaithInfinity · 01/04/2020 12:46

I agree with purple, A&E near me has been segregated and is currently quiet. Get it checked if it’s that painful!

user1353245678533567 · 01/04/2020 12:46

If you end up with a long term disability because you didn't get it seen to that's going to put more strain on you and services.

Ponoka7 · 01/04/2020 12:46

111 is on average an hour and a half wait. A&E in some parts of the country is empty.

OP you need it checked out.

SinkGirl · 01/04/2020 12:49

Yes, scaphoid treatment is different to other wrist injuries. And sometimes it can’t be seen on X-ray right away IIRC (pretty sure when I did mine I got given a splint and then had to go back for another X-ray and a cast). Definitely don’t leave it.

Original poster
Msgiggles30 · 01/04/2020 12:57

This is the thing I didnt really have a fall as such. I stumbled to the toilet half asleep in the middle of the night but sort of tripped and used my hand against the wall to steady if you see what I mean. Didnt hurt straight away but then kept waking every hour with aching turning to pain. This is why I'm thinking is it more likely to be a sprain. Last time I broke it I was pulled over by the dog lead round my legs and fell forcibly so dont know if this can happen without much force?
The pain is felt from what they would call the 'snuff box' up to and all around the thumb

OP posts:
TheGreyInThisCity · 01/04/2020 13:01

This thinking is exactly the reason that people are staying away from hospitals and actually ending up becoming more unwell. Just because we are in a pandemic doesn’t mean that people stop getting injured or sick enough to need emergency treatment, and emergency departments are open as normal.

The rule of thumb (pun not intended) is that if you have an injury or an illness that’s not coronavirus related and under normal circumstances you would go to A&E, then go.

If you are still not sure maybe you could give your GP a call and see what they think?

DivGirl · 01/04/2020 13:01

Minor injuries often have x-ray capabilities, alternatively A&E is mostly empty at the minute because of everyone staying away.

I don't recommend this but if you wanted a home treatment you'd be looking for a spica splint, you can order them online and sometimes buy them in pharmacies or mobility aid shops.

Chillicheese123 · 01/04/2020 13:04

My brother did this TWICE in two years both times he left it about 3 days because he couldn’t remember a specific injury. Think the second time was opening a stiff door! So it’s very very possible you’ve broken it. Maybe ring 111 but honestly If you’re confident you’ve not corona symptoms just go to a&e, they are happy to still see people no doctors would want you in pain

Original poster
Msgiggles30 · 01/04/2020 13:28

There is no minor injuries here unfortunately. I think I will keep an eye today and definitely go tomorrow if no better. A friend suggested pharmacist for a splint but I assume this is a bad idea and really need it checked just incase Confused

OP posts:
PotholeParadise · 01/04/2020 13:35

This is the thing I didnt really have a fall as such. I stumbled to the toilet half asleep in the middle of the night but sort of tripped and used my hand against the wall to steady if you see what I mean. Didnt hurt straight away but then kept waking every hour with aching turning to pain.This is why I'm thinking is it more likely to be a sprain.

No.

You're going to have to go to A&E. They're strictly separating people with possible Covid-19 and ordinary A&E admissions and you'll probably get the quickest treatment you've ever had.

Covid cases are only going to increase with each day, so go today.

Makeitgoaway · 01/04/2020 13:38

Yes. A&E depts are really quiet at the moment and this is something you should go with

PinkSnowAndStars · 01/04/2020 13:40

I work in an A&E - go. Without an X-ray no one can say if it’s broken or not.

edwinbear · 01/04/2020 13:43

OP I got appendicitis a week ago which required emergency surgery. A&E was fine and they said I'd done the right thing by going in as leaving it could have resulted in a burst appendix which would have required more resource ultimately.

Original poster
Msgiggles30 · 01/04/2020 13:44

Okay I will go today. I think I just needed that push that I'm not being a time waster!

OP posts:
QuestionableMouse · 01/04/2020 13:44

Go.

If you leave it too long you're risking permanent damage. I don't mess about with head injuries, joints or eyes.

Go and get seen!

Autumnwindinthewillows · 01/04/2020 13:46

My dh dislocated his shoulder turning on the light so anything could cause it. I agree with pp - go to A&e

scarbados · 01/04/2020 14:11

Msgiggles30 Wed 01-Apr-20 12:57:13

This is the thing I didnt really have a fall as such. I stumbled to the toilet half asleep in the middle of the night but sort of tripped and used my hand against the wall to steady if you see what I mean.

With a history of a previous fracture, this could have been enough to re-fracture it. Please go to A&E.

x2boys · 01/04/2020 14:24

My local A&E has two separate parts now Covid related and none Covid related,my Dh had to go.last week on the advice of our GP.for something that could have been a medical emergency .

showgirl · 01/04/2020 15:02

Go to your nearest minor injury unit. Please use hospitals if needed.

Original poster
Msgiggles30 · 01/04/2020 19:01

Update: I went, hospital has been split up and you get screened outside. I was then sent to trauma and was only myself and one other there. Ward apparently deemed a 'green' zone so fingers crossed not too risky. Am now in a cast for suspected scaphoid fracture - they couldnt quite see on xray. Thanks for not making me feel bad for going :)

OP posts: