To get a private X Ray

[MN224]

Went to minor injuries and told I’ve two fractures in my foot, the metacarpal 5th bone. They gave me an air boot and said fracture clinic would see me this week. Clinic phoned to say they’d see me in six weeks and to wear boot until then.

My foot isn’t really that sore just tender. Would it be unreasonable to book a private X Ray at 4 weeks to see if it has healed and out of the boot for Christmas??! Can’t drive now so very inconvenient.

To note this injury occurred a week ago before I went to get it checked as I had little pain and thought it was just a sprain.

Bones don’t heal quicker if you go private. Of course YABU. In adults 6 weeks is pretty much the minimum healing time for a fracture.

If it gives you peace of mind you can easily afford it. Get the xray. Comfrey oil is good for fractures. Apply topically to foot when the boot comes off.

Not sure you can get a private x-ray. It would have to be requested by a doctor or nurse practitioner because of the radiation. So you'd probably have to book to see an orthopaedic consultant who would then refer you for x-ray (if they thought it was necessary).
To be honest, I don't think I would bother but obviously its a personal decision. Unfortunate timing though for a boot.

Your x-ray has already been reviewed by a trauma & orthopedic doctor. That you sustained the injury a week before your attendance at the minor injury unit will have been documented in their referral to fracture clinic. The orthopods are following the recommended advice for undisplaced fifth metatarsal fracture/s, these are expected to heal with a walking boot. If you're having problems before your scheduled appointment then contact the clinic sooner as I'm sure they've discussed with you.

For example, see the fifth metatarsal fracture leaflet here
www.royalfree.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-leaflets#leaflet-list

It would cost a fortune as you'd need to book a consultation privately with a view to treatment and then they'd do xrays. All at great expense.

Im not sure you can do an x ray then just leave it at that. On its own its meaningless unless you have an expert to look at it. And whilst you're still under NHS Id just say stick with them.

I dont know how old you are but things can take a lot longer than 6 weeks to heal. Thats what I was told by many different doctors and specialists after a bad fracture in the 5th.

Radiation in X rays is quite small. CT scans have more significant radiation. You could get a private XR if you wanted.

You'd know yourself by taking it out of the boot and using it, if in pain not healed!! Save your money😂 son had fractured 5th metatarsal and just put in plaster for three weeks.

Regardless of what the private x-ray shows you still won't be able to drive before 6 weeks is up as that's the standard advice.
If you feel you don't need the boot towards the end then don't wear it or just wear it when you need to eg walking outdoors.