Cast came off this morning!

[Kathianne]

Still in pain and a little ticked off today. Have a migraine and I think from the pain and the frustration with everything.

The doc didn't even call, the same woman who casted my arm did. That's cool, she's a doc, but not in charge. But NOW she says "The doctor looked at the xrays, says he thinks things are ok but just needs time, and to give it another 4 weeks".

Uggghhhh.

So I ask if the extended pain, and the swelling that I had - coupled with the fact that she said there was an additional break in the wrist, and even showed it to me - I asked if I should be concerned? The swelling and pain I was told was NOT normal by them on Friday. She seemed very surprised with the additional small break, enough to have thought that I had fallen a second time, which I didn't.

So now she says the Doc said it's fine and no surgery would be necessary at this point, to let it continue healing - and that - "sometimes these things get worse before they get better".

Ok, so swelling and pain I can see. But an additional break? That's normal as part of this "getting worse before better" thing? I'm thinking perhaps it's in the first xray and that's why not as much concern by him. But I just hope he truly is going with the appropriate course of action at this point.

I know it's not been forever, but they all expected healing by now. So with surgery being optimal in the first 2 weeks, then knowing where I'm at now - assuming a longshot of non-healing in another month - will surgery THEN be the course of action? And if so, beyond the obvious which is suffering for longer, which I'm cool with if it's to successfully avoid surgery. Would it have any adverse actions considering long term dealing with it? Ya know, pain, lack of usage?

And if all remains equal, and the results would be the same no matter what, then I don't mind taking a cautious approach. But at the same time, knowing the success in the surgery, the long term success being better....

And one would think that a crappy ortho surgeon 'could' also schedule surgery, make a lot of money, when it truly wasn't needed. And I surely don't need unnecessary surgery. But if truly needed, the majority would be covered mostly anyway. So him being conservative, perhaps he knows what he's doing?

I know, I know, some will say go get a second opinion. I'm tired of it all right now. I don't feel like finding yet another place, another place taking new patients, taking my insurance - and not also demanding 4 more xrays of their own. But even if, it's all a pain just to get to that point. And then how do I know someone else knows what they're talking about, and would't give a quick approach to surgery just to draw me away to be a patient, out of need aka 'emergency' or whatever. It's a larger complex that I use, and they get quite busy, but the doc is highly rated - hence why I used him the first time around.

So now I took Naproxen and try to chill and forget about it for a few hours at least. It's frustrating more than anything, and the amount of things you CAN'T do with just one arm.

I would ask them to send both sets of xrays to a new radiologist. The follow up with an orthopedist. Not a joke, broken bones do not require 10-12 weeks to 'show improvement.' Stop saying, 'it's too much, I'll just forget about it." Seriously you need to get another opinion, maybe a lawyer's.

Actually that's a good idea, have both sets of xrays sent to an attorney, bet you'll hear something pretty quick, like an offer to pay for 2 more opinions at the very least.

[jimnyc]

I would ask them to send both sets of xrays to a new radiologist. The follow up with an orthopedist. Not a joke, broken bones do not require 10-12 weeks to 'show improvement.' Stop saying, 'it's too much, I'll just forget about it." Seriously you need to get another opinion, maybe a lawyer's.

Actually that's a good idea, have both sets of xrays sent to an attorney, bet you'll hear something pretty quick, like an offer to pay for 2 more opinions at the very least.

I'm trying to remember, I think it was only like June 3rd according to the thread I wrote here on the board, so as Friday when they looked at it was like one month and a few days? (4 weeks and 4 days) And the Doc looked at them today, July 8th (exactly 5 weeks). So 4-5 weeks, assessment made on the 8th, the 5th week on the dot.

Do you feel the same?

[Kathianne]

I'm trying to remember, I think it was only like June 3rd according to the thread I wrote here on the board, so as Friday when they looked at it was like one month and a few days? (4 weeks and 4 days) And the Doc looked at them today, July 8th (exactly 5 weeks). So 4-5 weeks, assessment made on the 8th, the 5th week on the dot.

Do you feel the same?

I thought the permanent casts were usually for 6 weeks. If they are now telling you to wait an additional 4 weeks, that would be 10. That's what I was figuring on.

In any case, it seems perhaps inadvertently the dr. who removed the cast told you more than the other doc wanted, so I'd immediately-like tomorrow, ask for copies of the xrays to be sent to a medical related attorney and a radiologist of his/her suggestion.

The arm should not be hurting as it is. I did take your complaints to heart the first time, but like Mrs. Jim, figured your low pain threshold needed to be taken into account too. Not anymore-the arm needs to be dealt with, now.

[jimnyc]

I thought the permanent casts were usually for 6 weeks. If they are now telling you to wait an additional 4 weeks, that would be 10. That's what I was figuring on.

In any case, it seems perhaps inadvertently the dr. who removed the cast told you more than the other doc wanted, so I'd immediately-like tomorrow, ask for copies of the xrays to be sent to a medical related attorney and a radiologist of his/her suggestion.

The arm should not be hurting as it is. I did take your complaints to heart the first time, but like Mrs. Jim, figured your low pain threshold needed to be taken into account too. Not anymore-the arm needs to be dealt with, now.

Hmmm, I wonder how willingly they'll fork over xrays and how easy it is? I know a new doc can request them, but that's kinda obvious. Why do I tell them I would like a copy? and I guess I would need to get a radiologist first to be able to bring them too. And an attorney, mention those words and that'll be the last time you may see the doc! But if I get copies somehow, then I can just use them for both purposes, no? I'm just so dang confused and unsure right now. I know if I ask my wife it's gonna be her opinion that will dictate things. She tends to be on the conservative side of these things and always thinks you should suck it up! I need to explain things very thoroughly to her and make her aware of everything and all options to help me decide what to do next.

[NT'sGirl]

Hmmm, I wonder how willingly they'll fork over xrays and how easy it is? I know a new doc can request them, but that's kinda obvious. Why do I tell them I would like a copy? and I guess I would need to get a radiologist first to be able to bring them too. And an attorney, mention those words and that'll be the last time you may see the doc! But if I get copies somehow, then I can just use them for both purposes, no? I'm just so dang confused and unsure right now. I know if I ask my wife it's gonna be her opinion that will dictate things. She tends to be on the conservative side of these things and always thinks you should suck it up! I need to explain things very thoroughly to her and make her aware of everything and all options to help me decide what to do next.

I have never had a problem getting a copy of my medical records they are in fact your records and what you choose to do with them is really up to you. Ask them for a formatted disk of the x rays and findings. You want a copy of the current plan of treatment as well as initial findings. You will need to at some point have a different doctor evaluate it, but having a hard copy can prevent them from leaving out information, as well as you can check to make sure they gave you all your records.

[Kathianne]

Hmmm, I wonder how willingly they'll fork over xrays and how easy it is? I know a new doc can request them, but that's kinda obvious. Why do I tell them I would like a copy? and I guess I would need to get a radiologist first to be able to bring them too. And an attorney, mention those words and that'll be the last time you may see the doc! But if I get copies somehow, then I can just use them for both purposes, no? I'm just so dang confused and unsure right now. I know if I ask my wife it's gonna be her opinion that will dictate things. She tends to be on the conservative side of these things and always thinks you should suck it up! I need to explain things very thoroughly to her and make her aware of everything and all options to help me decide what to do next.

They are your xrays-they must provide them to you or anyone you choose to send them to. You will have to pay some fee, but it's negligible. You do not have to give them a reason, obviously when you request they be sent to an attorney's office, they may make some assumptions-hopefully for your good.

I think your wife wants your arm to heal the best way possible. You want good doctoring, not good lawyering. However, it looks like to get the first, you need the second or at least the threat of it.

What you do not want to do is sit there sniveling over your aching arm, especially if time may be making it worse.

[Kathianne]

They are your xrays-they must provide them to you or anyone you choose to send them to. You will have to pay some fee, but it's negligible. You do not have to give them a reason, obviously when you request they be sent to an attorney's office, they may make some assumptions-hopefully for your good.

I think your wife wants your arm to heal the best way possible. You want good doctoring, not good lawyering. However, it looks like to get the first, you need the second or at least the threat of it.

What you do not want to do is sit there sniveling over your aching arm, especially if time may be making it worse.

Here's what I think may happen: You make the request. Doctor is going to call apologizing for not speaking with you today. Hopefully offer an immediate appointment. Take it and listen, take Diane with you! Seriously. I think you are beyond listening and comprehending and you hurt and are scared. She won't be. Hells bells, if I wasn't on the other end o the country, I'd go with you!

Bottom line, you don't want to sue, you want to know what the heck is going on and how to fix it. You do NOT want to be under pain meds, you want a freaking cast or surgery or whatever is necessary to get this done, ASAP. Straight information and action. If they are not the best doctors, get one that is-ask for a referral if they think that is the way to go. I don't believe in suing, but the threat of lawyers can be the cheapest and most effective way to go.

[Abbey Marie]

Jim, I had a really bad spiral break on my upper arm. I was given a choice of cast or surgery the next morning. Ortho told me if I chose the cast, I had to be very careful not to move it too much or in any odd way. I thought that sounded precarious so I chose surgery. Some pain for about a week afterwards, but it was manageable with Advil after the first day or so.
Just telling you this because you may be better off having surgery at this point.

[Kathianne]

@jimnyc let us know what today brought! Lots of us worried ladies here!

[jimnyc]

What a pain in the ass this all is so far.

I called and called yesterday and everyone was wanting appointments weeks down the road or not taking new patients. I finally found someone and have a 1:30appt today. I hope I can find something out at the very minimum.

I called my doctors office to ask for all of my records, and they don't make it easy. So I'm at their mercy as to when I can get them more or less.

But this place today has their own stuff and they'll do a new xray and I guess take it from there.

I called the Doc today about the records and then went and took a shower. When I was out they had called me back, but naturally his assistant. It's nearly impossible to see the one who is supposed to be the expert and the one that charges the high fees.

So I expect them to be "distant" should I end up staying where I'm at. I complained about the pain again yesterday and his assistant called me back and said "the doc said it shouldn't hurt any more and to see a pain management specialist if the pain persists. Huh? I'm not paying to see doctors all over the world. I'll just deal with the pain. And I don't want anyone to think I'm doctor shopping in any way, so I wouldn't even dream of asking this guy today, and would have to even turn it down if he asks. Not a good thing to have on your record!

Hopefully this guy today will make me feel better about things and maybe I just continue with him if I like him. Time will tell. Slept like crap last night tossing and turning. Arm hurts when I hit it of course, and it's just a plain old pain in the ass to sleep with.

[Kathianne]

What a pain in the ass this all is so far.

I called and called yesterday and everyone was wanting appointments weeks down the road or not taking new patients. I finally found someone and have a 1:30appt today. I hope I can find something out at the very minimum.

I called my doctors office to ask for all of my records, and they don't make it easy. So I'm at their mercy as to when I can get them more or less.

But this place today has their own stuff and they'll do a new xray and I guess take it from there.

I called the Doc today about the records and then went and took a shower. When I was out they had called me back, but naturally his assistant. It's nearly impossible to see the one who is supposed to be the expert and the one that charges the high fees.

So I expect them to be "distant" should I end up staying where I'm at. I complained about the pain again yesterday and his assistant called me back and said "the doc said it shouldn't hurt any more and to see a pain management specialist if the pain persists. Huh? I'm not paying to see doctors all over the world. I'll just deal with the pain. And I don't want anyone to think I'm doctor shopping in any way, so I wouldn't even dream of asking this guy today, and would have to even turn it down if he asks. Not a good thing to have on your record!

Hopefully this guy today will make me feel better about things and maybe I just continue with him if I like him. Time will tell. Slept like crap last night tossing and turning. Arm hurts when I hit it of course, and it's just a plain old pain in the ass to sleep with.

Your current doctor sounds like an ass. As someone said before, you really need the two sets of xrays, on a disc. It doesn't take long to get them and you can pick them up at their office. You have a RIGHT to them, they are yours and you/insurance paid for them. Yes, a fee for the disc, but no screwing around.

You are NOT looking for pain meds, you want an explanation of WHY YOU'RE IN PAIN, when you shouldn't be. Don't go all defensive. YOU are the one who needs to be dealt with, not them.

Man up, you got this!

Let us know what the new doc says, but I'm betting (s)he really would like the two sets of xrays, over and above what they take today.

[jimnyc]

Your current doctor sounds like an ass. As someone said before, you really need the two sets of xrays, on a disc. It doesn't take long to get them and you can pick them up at their office. You have a RIGHT to them, they are yours and you/insurance paid for them. Yes, a fee for the disc, but no screwing around.

You are NOT looking for pain meds, you want an explanation of WHY YOU'RE IN PAIN, when you shouldn't be. Don't go all defensive. YOU are the one who needs to be dealt with, not them.

Man up, you got this!

Let us know what the new doc says, but I'm betting (s)he really would like the two sets of xrays, over and above what they take today.

I faxed in the forms to get all my records and now I have to call tomorrow morning to see if I can expedite and come pick them up instead. In the meantime, this doc will take new xrays today and at least tell me what he sees. And he can maybe explain this 2nd break and the whole it "sometimes gets worse before getting better thing". If he agrees across the board, so be it. But at least I can explain things to HIM and maybe get some better answers too. Then decide how to go forward.

My doc also said "the days of individualized care are gone, and now you see assistants and others and don't always see the doctor. Depends on his patient list and what takes priority at that moment. WTF? If I'm seeing a 'high priced doc" - I expect to SEE him at least.

Maybe today will be successful in at least finding out more about where I stand and what he feels I should do going forward.

[Kathianne]

I faxed in the forms to get all my records and now I have to call tomorrow morning to see if I can expedite and come pick them up instead. In the meantime, this doc will take new xrays today and at least tell me what he sees. And he can maybe explain this 2nd break and the whole it "sometimes gets worse before getting better thing". If he agrees across the board, so be it. But at least I can explain things to HIM and maybe get some better answers too. Then decide how to go forward.

My doc also said "the days of individualized care are gone, and now you see assistants and others and don't always see the doctor. Depends on his patient list and what takes priority at that moment. WTF? If I'm seeing a 'high priced doc" - I expect to SEE him at least.

Maybe today will be successful in at least finding out more about where I stand and what he feels I should do going forward.

Hoping all goes smoothly today. Do ask him if you should drop the disc off once you've got it, hopefully tomorrow. Let us know, I'm praying for you!

[Abbey Marie]

Jim, can’t you get the xrays directly from the radiology place that took them? That’s how I got my C-scan. I did not have to deal with my doc. As Kath said, they will give you them for a small or zero fee.

[jimnyc]

Just got back from new doc, and am I glad I went to them. He specializes in this issue and I was lucky enough to get in today. It's a much nicer facility - and the Doctor actually sat with me for awhile, explained things to me and answered all the questions I had.

The good news is that they took the cast off and left it off, and let me leave with a small brace on my arm.

The bad news is that is until Monday when I go in for surgery.

He asked me if anyone showed me the xrays, of which they did, but not every last one. He showed me the one of my arm sideways, where they showed me my arm flat on the table.

Well, in the sideways shot, you can easily see that the radius bone and the bones in the hand above were not lined up. He used some tools and put a pointer on the bottom left of my wrist and then to the upper right above the injury. He said if correct, this should read 100, meaning it's fully aligned. Mine read .72, meaning it's a good amount off where it needs to be. It needs to now be reset back to that position, and then a small plate and a couple of screws to hold it in place.

He confirmed - he stated I can start PT in 2 weeks after surgery as it heals much faster, and that in the long term there is less chance of ongoing issues. He said if I was 75 and up, maybe no surgery, but at my age, if I want my range of motion back, and pain free as possible, the surgery should get done.

He needed not tell me anymore once proof of it being out of alignment. Do the damn thing and get it over with, and then 6 months to a year getting her back into shape. Better than what the alternative may have been if I left it off like that.