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Original poster

To go for xray or not to go?

32 replies

pinkhappy · 12/02/2021 13:10

My friend who is 70 fell over and damaged her leg about a week ago. The GP said it is a hair line fracture and to rest it. But it's so bad now she can't walk at all. Today the GP suggested an x-ray to see if it was a proper fracture, in which case she would need an operation.

But, she will get vaccinated tomorrow. Should she risk going to the hospital for an x-ray or should she wait a few weeks so the vaccine can work first?

OP posts:
missbipolar · 12/02/2021 13:11

She should go! Waiting could lead to more issues down the line

Mischance · 12/02/2021 13:14

I have had several appointments and x-rays at the hospital - they are being very careful. I think it is more important that she gets this leg sorted than her fears about attending the hospital. I am surprised the GP felt able to pronounce that it was a hairline fracture without an x-ray!

CarryOnPlainHunting · 12/02/2021 13:33

Absolutely she should go. If she does need an operation then the sooner the better.

emmathedilemma · 12/02/2021 13:34

Go!!

OpheliasCrayon · 12/02/2021 13:35

Clearly it needs x-raying

However, I do always get concerned when I see posts like this. It is in no way appropriate or safe to take advice on something like this from strangers on the internet.

Please take proper medical advice OP

MadisonMontgomery · 12/02/2021 13:37

If the GP says she needs an X-ray, she needs an X-ray. People are so terrified of going to the hospital, yet happily trot off to the supermarket etc 🙈

OpheliasCrayon · 12/02/2021 13:40

@MadisonMontgomery

If the GP says she needs an X-ray, she needs an X-ray. People are so terrified of going to the hospital, yet happily trot off to the supermarket etc 🙈
I've been in the hospital for weeks and I've not caught covid yet! I've had MRIs...multiple x-rays.. all sorts... There's not covid literally flying everywhere you turn!
RedskyBynight · 12/02/2021 13:41

Of course she should go! There is hardly anyone in hospitals these days and all precautions are taken. I'd say the supermarket feels more dangerous (been to hospital a few times over recent weeks).

Carrotcakeforbreakfast · 12/02/2021 13:45

I'm a radiographer

We have covid times in our trust in an outpatient setting.
So covid only come in between one and two.

Obviously a&e is different but there will be hot areas ( for suspected covid) and cold for those with issues like that of your friend.
There will be different x-ray rooms for each of these type of patients.

AfternoonToffee · 12/02/2021 13:52

Bloody hell, of course she should go. Small risk of catching Covid vs potential long term mobility issues.

People's ability to risk assess is totally shot to pieces over covid.

OpheliasCrayon · 12/02/2021 13:54

@Carrotcakeforbreakfast

I'm a radiographer

We have covid times in our trust in an outpatient setting.
So covid only come in between one and two.

Obviously a&e is different but there will be hot areas ( for suspected covid) and cold for those with issues like that of your friend.
There will be different x-ray rooms for each of these type of patients.

How can covid come in for x-rays if they're isolating ? Sorry maybe I'm being dense
OpheliasCrayon · 12/02/2021 14:00

@AfternoonToffee

Bloody hell, of course she should go. Small risk of catching Covid vs potential long term mobility issues.

People's ability to risk assess is totally shot to pieces over covid.

This is so true it's scary. I just don't understand how it's even a question that OPs friend needs an x-ray if they can't walk...
Original poster
pinkhappy · 12/02/2021 14:11

This is so true it's scary. I just don't understand how it's even a question that OPs friend needs an x-ray if they can't walk...

I guess one problem is that an elderly relative recently went to hospital for a broken hip and as they were recovering got covid and died two days later. it does seem like anyone who spends time in a hospital gets covid. I guess the risks are lower for an x-ray however.

OP posts:
bloodywhitecat · 12/02/2021 14:13

She should go, DP has been in and out of hospital during these COVID times and it has always been as safe as it possibly could be. How did the GP diagnose the hair line fracture in the first place?

RoseAndRose · 12/02/2021 14:14

Follow the GP's advice.

They are best placed to assess the risks, and have made a clear recommendation.

And surely this is up to your friend, not you? Is there any particular reason for you to insert yourself into their healthcare?

barberousbarbara · 12/02/2021 14:49

Not everyone who spends time in hospital gets COVID. I've had 2 inpatient stays plus several outpatient appointments since the beginning of December and didn't get COVID. I'm CEV and having treatment which impairs the immune system.

The GP wouldn't suggest a X-ray if they didn't think it was needed. She should go.

NearlyAlwaysInsane · 12/02/2021 14:53

I went in for a referral (10 months later, but at least I was finally seen) last week and the doc asked me to do an xray on the day. It was fine. Normally busy hospital was fairly empty, xray waiting room only had me and someone else waiting in a massive room, windows open, masks on, sanitiser easily available. There were elderly people being wheeled in on a regular basis, perhaps they were Covid sufferers or maybe not, but they went straight in and were placed in a different waiting area. I worried a bit on the day but frankly, it seemed to me that it was safer than places like supermarkets by a long shot.

AfternoonToffee · 12/02/2021 14:58

@pinkhappy

This is so true it's scary. I just don't understand how it's even a question that OPs friend needs an x-ray if they can't walk...

I guess one problem is that an elderly relative recently went to hospital for a broken hip and as they were recovering got covid and died two days later. it does seem like anyone who spends time in a hospital gets covid. I guess the risks are lower for an x-ray however.

Hospital acquired infections have always been an issue, currently it is covid that everyone talks about. I guess the current cleaning regimes has kept the usual big killer this time of year - noravirus at bay.

There has always been a risk there, but the risk to her function and quality of life is much higher than catching Covid.

GoldenPenPot · 12/02/2021 17:00

If a doctor tells you that you need an x-ray then go to get the x-ray.

LIZS · 12/02/2021 17:10

Would she be able to get her vaccine if she cannot walk. A direct referral for xray should mean minimal contact and risk.

Original poster
pinkhappy · 12/02/2021 17:31

She is going for her vaccine tomorrow and will think about the x-ray next week apparently.
I don't know what she will decide. Thanks for all the advice.

OP posts:
OpheliasCrayon · 12/02/2021 17:32

@pinkhappy

This is so true it's scary. I just don't understand how it's even a question that OPs friend needs an x-ray if they can't walk...

I guess one problem is that an elderly relative recently went to hospital for a broken hip and as they were recovering got covid and died two days later. it does seem like anyone who spends time in a hospital gets covid. I guess the risks are lower for an x-ray however.

That's very sad I'm sorry for your loss

Not everyone in hospital gets it though, I mean I haven't yet and I've been here for weeks!

I mean sure it's a risk but as other posters have said there is always a risk of hospital acquired infections - and there will be after covid but, if someone is unable to walk and their GP is recommending am x-ray and possible surgery...
Trust me... As someone who didn't get that x-ray and surgery (because I was a student and drunk and very very stupid ).... The lifetime of problems you're left with.... Isn't nice

CarryOnPlainHunting · 12/02/2021 18:51

I’ve been in and out of hospital so much in the last couple of months that one nurse at the fracture clinic joked that I’m part of the furniture.

I haven’t caught covid. I’ve had countless Covid tests at the hospital. Lateral flow tests at each appointment. The PCR test before by operations with 3 days self-isolation between each test and the operation.

I stayed overnight in a ward that had a bay for Covid patients (thankfully in a side room at the other end).

Carrotcakeforbreakfast · 13/02/2021 02:37

@OpheliasCrayon I should have been more specific. GP surgeries can still request chest x-rays for ?chest infection/ shortness of breath etc.
So while they're not specifically covid we treat them as such.
Some people do test negative and actually have it.
We have a few every week negative pcr but short of breath on their form and when we do the x-ray... there are covid changes clear as day.
Better to be safe and assume they are.

OpheliasCrayon · 13/02/2021 03:54

[quote Carrotcakeforbreakfast]@OpheliasCrayon I should have been more specific. GP surgeries can still request chest x-rays for ?chest infection/ shortness of breath etc.
So while they're not specifically covid we treat them as such.
Some people do test negative and actually have it.
We have a few every week negative pcr but short of breath on their form and when we do the x-ray... there are covid changes clear as day.
Better to be safe and assume they are.[/quote]
Thank you I understand now - I thought you were meaning you were x-raying people for anything (bones etc ) whilst they were isolating. Makes sense now I know you mean for suspected covid! Sorry! Probably should have worked that out really!