To go for xray or not to go?

[pinkhappy]

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?

[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]
@Carrotcakeforbreakfast

Presumably if someone is isolating/covid positive and breaks a bone (e.g. fell down stairs at home) they would be allowed in for x-rays?! I guess you'd have to take extra precautions with PPE etc?

I'd wonder whether delaying an X-ray/potential treatment will lead to the need for more visits to healthcare settings and thus more long term exposure to covid (whether perceived or actual). The risk of getting Covid from an outpatient department will be low. My local hospital has strict guidelines in place for social distancing, mask wearing and hand sanitising.

@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.

Hip breaks and fractures are well documented as being susceptible to leading to major and, in some cases, especially with the elderly, life threatening problems. Generally, not just during Covid, unfortunately.

Your friend really should have gone when the doctor wanted her to, but I guess that horse has bolted.

Hope she is OK.

@Poppins2016 yes that right. Or sometimes they just come through a&e as their breathing is worse.
We don't get any extra ppe for a positive patient than we do a negative.
Surgical mask, visor, apron and gloves.
Only exception is if they're aerosol generating then we get the FFP3 mask.

I feel for your friend as it's very unlucky timing, but she should definitely go for the x-ray.

Finding this thread somewhat ironic as there are so many people needing healthcare but being refused it due to Covid, and yet the people being offered it don't want to take it up ...

@RedskyBynight

Finding this thread somewhat ironic as there are so many people needing healthcare but being refused it due to Covid, and yet the people being offered it don't want to take it up ...

Indeed. And in many cases refusing the healthcare will likely only lead to longer term issues, costing more in terms of health and NHS spending.