broken nose??? Anyone have experiance?

[mykidsand_i]

OK, I was walking through a parking lot this weekend and I walked between 2 SUV's...didn't see anyone inside. As I walked between them, one of the back doors swung open pretty fast and smashed me in the face. I saw stars, had blood gushing out of my nose, my mouth and lip was bleeding. My husband brought me to the hospital. I had a consussion and a "cracked" broken nose. My face got all swollen. My nose was (and still is) huge. The break is between my eyes.

Has anyone else had a broken nose? How long did it take for the pain to get better for YOU? I know that everyone is different, and that all breaks are different, but I'm wondering how long this pain usually lasts- I was told anywhere from a few days to a week. It just happened on Sat. and I am still in a lot of pain. There's still a lot of swelling and large amounts of bruising. I'm on vicodin (spelling???) and it seems to help, but I can only take it once every 4-6 hours and by hour 3 1/2 , I'm miserable! I'm hoping that gets better soon. I'm also taking Ibuprophen for swelling and using tons of ice packs...what I was told by the Dr. to do.

I'm supposed to have a birthday party for my daughter on Saturday afternoon! I don't know what to do. I would hate to postpone it, because of our schedule this month being super busy, I don't know when else we could have it!

 

[golfgal]

Did you happen to get insurance information from the driver of the car? Chances are the hospital will end up filing a claim through the auto insurance company-I know you the vehicle wasn't moving but since it involved a vehicle, this is how it is done.

Now, for the pain, are you taking the ibuprofen at the same time as the vicodin? I would stagger them so 3 hours after you take the vicodin you take the ibuprofen.

 

[mykidsand_i]

Yeah, i've been taking the Ibuprophen about 2 1/2 or 3 hours after the vicodin.

And, yes, we got their insurance info. and exchanged numbers and everything, but will I have a problem since an actual 'police report' wasn't filed? I've been told by a friend that it may be a problem...

We didn't have time to stick around call the police...I had to get to the hospital.

And, off and on I've been tasting blood. Is that normal? It's not a lot, but twice today for about 20 minutes each time.

 

[golfgal]

Yeah, i've been taking the Ibuprophen about 2 1/2 or 3 hours after the vicodin.

And, yes, we got their insurance info. and exchanged numbers and everything, but will I have a problem since an actual 'police report' wasn't filed? I've been told by a friend that it may be a problem...

We didn't have time to stick around call the police...I had to get to the hospital.

And, off and on I've been tasting blood. Is that normal? It's not a lot, but twice today for about 20 minutes each time.

Not having a police report will only matter if the other party contests the claim-which happens.

Tasting blood, yes, you are probably getting some drainage down your throat, just like you do with a runny nose.

Is the ER you went to a good one? If not, it might be worth your while to see a different doctor. Did they do x-rays or a CT scan?

Oh, and btw OUCH

 

[Disney Doll]

I'd get a copy of your hospital since I am assuming someone documented "hit by a car door, broke nose" somewhere on it. That could be some evidence in the event of a problem with insurance paying.

 

[glitterkittyy]

It's not too late to file a police report, you know. I would probably do that just so you have your side documented should anything untoward come up.

My nose was broken in a car accident, and I hate to say it, but the bruising didn't go away for close to 2 weeks. The swelling went down about 4-5 days in (with ice packs being used). And to this day, if I bump it wrong, it still hurts a bit!

 

[Imzadi]

It's not too late to file a police report, you know. I would probably do that just so you have your side documented should anything untoward come up.

Yes, file right away. This way, if they claim they were not in that parking lot, there may actually be receipts from stores or gas stations, contradicting themselves, to prove they actually were in that area. If the police aren't able to get a hold of those, they can't at least, produce different receipts to prove that they were somewhere else.

It also sounds like you had a witness with you. Both of you, write down descriptions of the person. Don't leave it to memory. People tend to forget the small details. Writing it down helps jog memory later. Between having the person's license, car & insurance info & description of person, it would be hard to randomly have picked a "car door" that ran into you.

 

[golfgal]

Just a tip--use a small bag of frozen peas vs an ice bag. It will work better and they are lighter and not as sharp as ice. Also, don't use a towel between the ice bag and your face. It won't do any good if you don't get the area cold enough to get red and numb.

 

[mykidsand_i]

I've been using one of those 'gel ice' bags that don't get hard. It seems to keep cold for quite a while. We do have all the info. from the suv. And they gave us their cell phone number...which is correct, because the mom called to ask how I was doing. It was their son who opened the door...he's around 10. It was a complete accident. She went in to her insurance today and told them what happened. I gave a full discription of what happened on the hospital report and I have a copy of it. I also have the address and name of her insurance agent who is dealing with it. I think the next step is my hubby sending a copy to that name and address she gave us. We've had a very bad experiance with insurance before (fighting over who should pay what with another insurance company) so we made sure to get all the facts put down on all of the reports (Dr...their insurance and ours)

The only thing I'm concerned about right now is the pain and swelling of my nose and face. I desperately want it to go away so I can have some form of a birthday party for my little soon to be 6 year old. She's been so excited about it!

So, the taste of blood is normal? I was getting a little nervous about that today.

 

[HeatherH]

First of all, OUCH, what an awful thing to have happen to you! My eyes are watering just thinking about it!

Did the ER doctors tell you to follow up with your own physician? I have to believe there will some follow up visits to be sure you are healing correctly. I would ask your doctor about the taste of blood, it's likely that you have a nosebleed up high in there that is just draining down the throat instead of out your nose.

Hopefully you can get into a a regular physician (or an ENT if you can, since that is their specialty area) this week to see how things are progressing. You still have a few days before your little one's birthday party, and I'm betting by the end of the week you will be feeling and looking well enough to make it happen. Good luck!

 

[JessicaR]

How many days is it? If you are feeling blood down your throat for 20 minute periods you need to have that looked at. What a horrible accident! OH I feel so bad for you. That has to be extremely painful. Also if your pain is not being controlled with the medications you are presently taking ask for something stronger.

I think you should have an ENT have a look. I really hope you heal quickly and you get your pain under control. Awful, awful, awful.

 

[A4Disney]

I just had to say I'm soo sorry.I cringed reading that-poor thing!Feel better soon!

 

[mykidsand_i]

Thanks to all of you for giving thoughts and opinons. I think it helps to talk about it and get ideas from others! Yeah, I have an appointment with my Dr. on Thursday, but I've been told by one of his nurses that he may refer me to an ENT for as soon as I can get in. I asked the nurse about the blood taste- she thought it was normal. All of the swelling has caused blood to be trapped...when I use ice, the swelling goes down for a bit and so my nose bleeds- but it goes down my throat instead of out my nose (I actually would prefer to have it drain through my nose, it wouldn't taste as horrible!!!)

The swelling is still quite bad tonight, along with the throbbing- I'm hoping it is better in the morning. I've got 3 gel ice packs in the freezer and will use those. The pain is ok for about 3 hours after I take vicodin, but after the 3rd hour it's one entire hour of pain before I can take another vic...I've also been taking ibuprophen- 2-3 hours after the vic. but the ibu. is more for swelling purposes, it doesn't do a dang thing for the pain...

Is there something stronger than vicodin that can be used while out of the hospital?

 

[Jennasis]

Thanks to all of you for giving thoughts and opinons. I think it helps to talk about it and get ideas from others! Yeah, I have an appointment with my Dr. on Thursday, but I've been told by one of his nurses that he may refer me to an ENT for as soon as I can get in. I asked the nurse about the blood taste- she thought it was normal. All of the swelling has caused blood to be trapped...when I use ice, the swelling goes down for a bit and so my nose bleeds- but it goes down my throat instead of out my nose (I actually would prefer to have it drain through my nose, it wouldn't taste as horrible!!!)

The swelling is still quite bad tonight, along with the throbbing- I'm hoping it is better in the morning. I've got 3 gel ice packs in the freezer and will use those. The pain is ok for about 3 hours after I take vicodin, but after the 3rd hour it's one entire hour of pain before I can take another vic...I've also been taking ibuprophen- 2-3 hours after the vic. but the ibu. is more for swelling purposes, it doesn't do a dang thing for the pain...

Is there something stronger than vicodin that can be used while out of the hospital?

Vicodin is worthless. Ask for NORCO. Side effects can be rough, but it is the only thing that has ever touched my screaming, agonizing back pain.

 

[Feralpeg]

I broke my nose as a kid. I got hit in the face with a batted baseball. Back then, they really didn't do anything. Unfortunately, I've dealt with a deviated septum since.

OP, do go to the ENT and make sure that everything is in alignment. Worse case, they will need to pack your nose. It isn't pleasant, but much better than having breathing issue for the rest of your life.

I feel for you!

 

[XTinabell]

My friend broke his nose about 6 months ago. The pain didn't last long for him, but he's also a guy so I can't say if he was just saying it didn't hurt or if he was serious, but the swelling lasted about a month. He had to go have them pop it or something like that, twist it back in place with some metal tongs. It's still crooked and will be unless he gets surgery to fix it.

Hopefully the pain won't last much longer for you, and hopefully the swelling won't last long because you've been icing it.

 

[Trish Bessette]

I just wanted to wish you well. So sorry this happened to you! Glad you are being seen again on Thursday. Also glad to hear the other family is cooperating with this.

My DD13 was hit Friday in the nose playing gym at school. Her nose bled for over an hour. I had to go get her as she was dizzy and had a headache. I immediately put cold packs on it. The swelling is gone but she said it still hurts to even try to touch it. It isn't black and blue or anything like that so I think it was just a bad hit.

My bet is you will be all set to have a magical birthday for your DDthis weekend.

 

[JessicaR]

Is there something stronger than vicodin that can be used while out of the hospital?

Percocet - Oxycodone would be a step up. You could also ask if you can take two Vicodin.

Again I reiterate, you should get in to see an ENT sooner rather than later.

Vicodin is worthless. Ask for NORCO. Side effects can be rough, but it is the only thing that has ever touched my screaming, agonizing back pain.

Norco is hydrocodone, so is Vicodin. Vicodin and Norco are Brands. Norco does have less Acetaminophen.

 

[mykidsand_i]

Holy cow. I sneezed today. I haven't felt pain like that in quite some time. I think it hurt more to sneeze than it did when my nose was first broke...? Although, I don't really remember too much pain immediately after I got hit, because I was in a daze until I got to the hospital.

Going to see the ENT tomorrow. My Dr. refered me to the local ENT and the nurse from there called me today to ask questions. She said that I shouldn't still have as much bleeding as I do. It's normal for a day or two, but I have tasted blood like 5 times today (for a long time after I sneezed too!)

My sinuses have started to hurt. I'm wondering how normal that is? Or could there be something damaged in there too? The entire sinus area hurts and it hurts really bad on the roof of my mouth (not right up front, but more towards the back)...I actually feel worse this afternoon than I did yesterday.

 

[golfgal]

Holy cow. I sneezed today. I haven't felt pain like that in quite some time. I think it hurt more to sneeze than it did when my nose was first broke...? Although, I don't really remember too much pain immediately after I got hit, because I was in a daze until I got to the hospital.

Going to see the ENT tomorrow. My Dr. refered me to the local ENT and the nurse from there called me today to ask questions. She said that I shouldn't still have as much bleeding as I do. It's normal for a day or two, but I have tasted blood like 5 times today (for a long time after I sneezed too!)

My sinuses have started to hurt. I'm wondering how normal that is? Or could there be something damaged in there too? The entire sinus area hurts and it hurts really bad on the roof of my mouth (not right up front, but more towards the back)...I actually feel worse this afternoon than I did yesterday.

You might have some blood backing up into your sinus cavities. It's a good thing you are getting in sooner. Did they do x-rays or a CAT scan in the ER?