Son broke leg, full leg cast. Cry with me pls

[monsterkitty]

First of all I understand your disappointment. It sucks when kids get injured especially when it is a freak accident. I just want to make sure that the ortho cleared air travel. I know when my neighbors daughter spiral fractured her leg twirling on the hard wood they could not travel due to the risk of a blood clot. There daughter needed to elevate her leg a certain amount of time everyday as well. Air travel can cause swelling so that would be a concern I would have about this weekend. If the injury was 3 weeks into healing I would not be as concerned but the fact that it is so new I would just clear the air travel with the doctor. Hang in there.

I was also going to add about the swelling that will occur nor only during the flight, but also the altitude of Denver. I would check with your ortho as well before traveling.

If your son complains about the cast feeling tight or his foot is falling asleep, the cast may be too tight from swelling. Children's Hospital in Aurora is great.

If you are able to come for the game, you all may need a few pain killers because our Broncos are doing so hot right now.

I was in a full leg cast for three weeks when I had ankle surgery. It was in the 90s in my classroom (no A/C) and everything swelled from the heat. My doctor told me to ice my foot but the ice kept melting haha. If you can, get an ice machine for home so you can always have ice for him before you travel.

 

[princesscinderella]

So sorry to hear about your son’s leg. Best of luck an lots of baby wipes if he can’t take a shower in his cast. I broke my wrist a few years back a the throbbing pain the first couple weeks while it was healing was awful. I wish him a speedy recovery so he’s back wrestling soon.

 

[Pink Partridge]

They start on his leg getting ready to set and cast it. About a min into it the original dr comes in and I hear them talking and realize they only gave him Tylenol and ibuprofen . The ortho is like uh you better get him something now bc we can’t stop what we are doing. By the time the nurse came in with anything else they were done. This poor kid screamed his head off getting his leg set with nothing to relax him and otc pain meds!!! I was so furious.

This is awful! Healthcare is odd at the moment. So many fresh-out-of-med-school doctors around here that truly don't care.

When I see the amount of doctors and nurses making tik toks and trying to go viral, I lose hope for the future.

I had to go to the ER this summer while on vacation, and I was so relieved to have both a 50ish year old doctor and nurse. Professional, engaged, and excellent bedside manner.

And maybe your son's incident had nothing to do with age, but I see healthcare slipping all around me daily (I work in a setting with physicians). I don't know how half of these kids get into med school, let alone graduate.

Also, no more wine. Gin is your friend

Give us an update when you can. Hugs to you and your boy.

 

[dez1978]

I was also going to add about the swelling that will occur nor only during the flight, but also the altitude of Denver. I would check with your ortho as well before traveling.

If your son complains about the cast feeling tight or his foot is falling asleep, the cast may be too tight from swelling. Children's Hospital in Aurora is great.

If you are able to come for the game, you all may need a few pain killers because our Broncos are doing so hot right now.

I was in a full leg cast for three weeks when I had ankle surgery. It was in the 90s in my classroom (no A/C) and everything swelled from the heat. My doctor told me to ice my foot but the ice kept melting haha. If you can, get an ice machine for home so you can always have ice for him before you travel.

I did check with his dr about it. That was the 1st thing I told the boys we had to check on before we went any further with our plans. I will be sure to keep an eye on it. Of course it'll be cold as heck, so that might help lol. Its only about a 2.5 hr flight so I'm hoping it'll be ok. I guess we will see. Thanks for the tip on the hospital if we need one.

What on earth is wrong with this team, and why havent they fired the coach yet??? I had such high hope with Wilson, but man... it's been a disaster. We live in Mo, so KC country so my kid (the one in a cast) pretends to be a Chiefs fan just to irritate me. His xmas list include several KC things. Santa is accidentally going to put some of my presents in his bag, which will be exactly what he asked for, but Denver instead lol. I told him if he was going to keep it up, he was going to have to find a new family. I can't have a KC fan in my house (it's all in good fun and he knows I'm teasing him before anyone gets upset)

It seems like you are from the area. Any kid friendly wheelchair accessible things you'd reccomend? We always do the aquarium. I'd planned the zoo if it was warm enough, but I'm not sure if that will be too much pushing a wheelchair around.

 

[Nora03]

Pink Partridge - I have to disagree about young fresh out of medical school doctors. We have a new young doctor who is so eager and dedicated. I’m getting lots of tests and seeing specialists that my former doctor brushed off. He phones me with test results and follows up on everything. Something was detected in a CT scan and I’m having a procedure next week. We recommended him to friends and they love him too. Most of the specialists he’s referred me to are also young and eager. Sorry that you’re experiencing the opposite.

 

[TCRAIG]

95 year old dad fell and broke 4 ribs - ER doc sent him home with NOTHING! No pain meds, no bandaging…nothing…and he lives alone. Told him to just ‘take it easy for a few days’…I was LIVID - good thing I live close and I also hired some home health care…

 

[Dan Murphy]

No suggestions for you and your boy, dez. But sure have to say the doctors sure screwed up on his pain meds. That was a shame. My best for him, as well as you and your husband.

 

[BlueStarryHat]

Sending all the good vibes I have to your son, @dez1978 ! It's horrible to break a bone, I know, especially for a kid it must be awful. I hope he heals quickly!

 

[dez1978]

Pink Partridge - I have to disagree about young fresh out of medical school doctors. We have a new young doctor who is so eager and dedicated. I’m getting lots of tests and seeing specialists that my former doctor brushed off. He phones me with test results and follows up on everything. Something was detected in a CT scan and I’m having a procedure next week. We recommended him to friends and they love him too. Most of the specialists he’s referred me to are also young and eager. Sorry that you’re experiencing the opposite.

In our particular situtation, I don't think it has anything to do with the age of the drs, although the admitting er dr and the 2 ortho drs we saw were all probably in their 30's. I'd say it has more to do with the fear of prescribing anything that is an opioid. And to be honest, I am ok that they didn't send us home with anything. What upset me was the lack of pain control while he was there. There was absolutely no reason they couldn't have given him something there. Even his primary who is affiliated with the hospital was livid. She said the normal course with kids is versed and ketamine. I'm not sure if that makes it hurt less or if you just don't remember it, either way that would have been better than what he got. And for being a childrens hospital, and a teaching hospital at that, I expected better. I know sometimes at "regular" hospitals you sometimes get drs who are unsure what to do with kids, or how to interact with them or be patient. Having 2 active, sometimes not so smart boys, we've been to that er at least 5 times, and have never had a poor experience until this one. The whole system dropped the ball this time and I have def complained about it. Even his primary's office failed us this time, and I let her know that too. I sent her a message that detailed every thing, from what happened at the hospital, to how many times I tried to reach her thru the office nurse line and via messages and from Saturday evening I heard nothing from them until Tuesday afternoon. And by that point, the worst of it was (hopefully) past.

 

[Skippy918]

I did check with his dr about it. That was the 1st thing I told the boys we had to check on before we went any further with our plans. I will be sure to keep an eye on it. Of course it'll be cold as heck, so that might help lol. Its only about a 2.5 hr flight so I'm hoping it'll be ok. I guess we will see. Thanks for the tip on the hospital if we need one.

What on earth is wrong with this team, and why havent they fired the coach yet??? I had such high hope with Wilson, but man... it's been a disaster. We live in Mo, so KC country so my kid (the one in a cast) pretends to be a Chiefs fan just to irritate me. His xmas list include several KC things. Santa is accidentally going to put some of my presents in his bag, which will be exactly what he asked for, but Denver instead lol. I told him if he was going to keep it up, he was going to have to find a new family. I can't have a KC fan in my house (it's all in good fun and he knows I'm teasing him before anyone gets upset)

It seems like you are from the area. Any kid friendly wheelchair accessible things you'd reccomend? We always do the aquarium. I'd planned the zoo if it was warm enough, but I'm not sure if that will be too much pushing a wheelchair around.

i hope his doctor gave him a handicap placard to use. That will come in handy for your trip.

 

[monsterkitty]

I did check with his dr about it. That was the 1st thing I told the boys we had to check on before we went any further with our plans. I will be sure to keep an eye on it. Of course it'll be cold as heck, so that might help lol. Its only about a 2.5 hr flight so I'm hoping it'll be ok. I guess we will see. Thanks for the tip on the hospital if we need one.

What on earth is wrong with this team, and why havent they fired the coach yet??? I had such high hope with Wilson, but man... it's been a disaster. We live in Mo, so KC country so my kid (the one in a cast) pretends to be a Chiefs fan just to irritate me. His xmas list include several KC things. Santa is accidentally going to put some of my presents in his bag, which will be exactly what he asked for, but Denver instead lol. I told him if he was going to keep it up, he was going to have to find a new family. I can't have a KC fan in my house (it's all in good fun and he knows I'm teasing him before anyone gets upset)

It seems like you are from the area. Any kid friendly wheelchair accessible things you'd reccomend? We always do the aquarium. I'd planned the zoo if it was warm enough, but I'm not sure if that will be too much pushing a wheelchair around.

Hacket will be gone after the last game. The players really like him, but he's just not ready to be a head coach. We're shocked about Wilson as well, but I think a lot of that has to do with the coach. I'm also not sure he's bonded with the other players or gained their respect and trust. I mean, what other NFL starting QB has his own office at the practice facility?

I hear you about the KC fans - my stepmom was from Sugar Creek, MO but was a Bronco fan. Her children, though, Chief fans. She always wondered where she went wrong, haha!

Well, since sledding, snowboarding, and skiing are out, I would still check out the zoo for as long as you can. The animals seem to be more active when it's cold and are really fun to watch if it snows. They are also doing Zoo Lights right now but you probably have to get tickets ahead of time. If it's too cold, the Museum of Natural History is right in the area as well. They have an IMAX but I'm not sure what's showing these days.

The Gaylord of the Rockies has their "Spirit of Christmas" going on right now, featuring the Peanuts gang as well as a Cirque show. (There is a discount code of BUY2GET2 that I think ends today.)

If I think of anything else I'll add to the list!

Stay away from the 16th St Mall, especially at night.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Oh my. What a horrible experience for you and the kiddo. They only dosed him acetaminophen and ibuprofen before setting his fracture? OMG I would be livid! Poor kid! I'm so sorry y'all had to experience that. Hope he is on the mend and comfortable.

 

[Allison Joy]

If you are having trouble positing the casted leg, try bean bag chairs if can locate any. Very helpful for positing with large casts because they can be formed around it, and formed into almost any position.

 

[VFL]

95 year old dad fell and broke 4 ribs - ER doc sent him home with NOTHING! No pain meds, no bandaging…nothing…and he lives alone. Told him to just ‘take it easy for a few days’…I was LIVID - good thing I live close and I also hired some home health care…

Wow. Out of curiosity, where do you live? My 79 year old MIL had a UTI that we couldn’t get diagnosed because she wouldn’t / couldn’t give a sample. She ended up falling out of the bed which required EMT to the ERnwhere the UTI was finally diagnosed. FYI - for those with older parents this is common and causes symptoms that can be confused with dementia but are very quickly onset. Something we did not know when it happened. She was sent from hospital stay to rehab and we had const inquiries into her progress and wellbeing Once she was released. Sending your dad home at his age with no follow up care is terrible.

 

[TCRAIG]

Wow. Out of curiosity, where do you live? My 79 year old MIL had a UTI that we couldn’t get diagnosed because she wouldn’t / couldn’t give a sample. She ended up falling out of the bed which required EMT to the ERnwhere the UTI was finally diagnosed. FYI - for those with older parents this is common and causes symptoms that can be confused with dementia but are very quickly onset. Something we did not know when it happened. She was sent from hospital stay to rehab and we had const inquiries into her progress and wellbeing Once she was released. Sending your dad home at his age with no follow up care is terrible.

I live in South Carolina - in a fairly large suburban area…it’s weird too because back in August I fell and really banged up my knee (it’s still black and blue and swollen) same ER doc as my dad - he wanted to give me Fentanyl - I said no way - I absolutely did not trust him…and speaking of UTIs in older patients - I read somewhere that chronic UTIs are very common in patients with dementia - also lower back pain that gets dismissed as arthritis can really be gall stones…
All of which leads me back to the OP - good luck and hope your son gets well soon!

 

[Pink Partridge]

Pink Partridge - I have to disagree about young fresh out of medical school doctors. We have a new young doctor who is so eager and dedicated. I’m getting lots of tests and seeing specialists that my former doctor brushed off. He phones me with test results and follows up on everything. Something was detected in a CT scan and I’m having a procedure next week. We recommended him to friends and they love him too. Most of the specialists he’s referred me to are also young and eager. Sorry that you’re experiencing the opposite.

I am very happy for you that you have a young doctor that cares. We do have a few like that, but (sadly) the majority of them are uncaring and aloof.

 

[momz]

long time medical professional here. I spent the first 16 years of my career in ER, was a nurse and later a provider. Anyway, I have seen significant changes. Back in the 90's pain meds were handed out like candy, we were told that pain is subjective and that if the patient says their pain is 10/10, then that is absolute truth and they should be treated with narcotics. And viola...people became dependent. Fast forward and the healthcare system has over corrected to the point that it takes getting placed on hospice to get a prescription for narcotics (I'm stretching a bit, but not by much). I honestly feel that this is an issue with administration/politics on the highest level. Both policies (the first being to treat everything and the current to withhold pain meds) assume that health care providers don't have the ability to use judgement in deciding how to treat pain. It's policies and policing in the form of prescription audits that has created the appearance that providers don't care. I contend that providers DO care about their patients, but are hamstrung by policies. I could on about this for days, it's not only pain control, but many many issues created by the "healthcare system"...it's broken.

All that said, when it comes to broken bones, narcotics generally don't relieve the pain. However, they will affect your perception in that you won't care about the pain so much. But, the ultimate treatment for the pain of a broken bone is realignment (called reduction) and stabilizing it so there is not further movement/shifting of the broken bits (fixation). Once it's in place and not moving, the pain is VASTLY better. Getting from the moment of impact to the moment of reduction and fixation is the miserable part.

Also, seeing your child in pain is gut wrenching.

As for the wrestling season, I'm sorry he's missing out. It may be important that he still attend the meets to support his teammates. You will know what's best there. On the plus side of all of this, he will gain resiliency. I recommend that you try to avoid making a big deal out if this, don't make him the center of attention (meet his needs, but try to just go with the flow). Continue to participate in life while making the adjustments necessary...I imagine bathing, dressing and transportation are the biggest obstacles.

This will give a whole new appreciation for what people with mobility disabilities deal with every day and it will likely have a positive impact on his development of empathy toward people with disabilities.

 

[momz]

95 year old dad fell and broke 4 ribs - ER doc sent him home with NOTHING! No pain meds, no bandaging…nothing…and he lives alone. Told him to just ‘take it easy for a few days’…I was LIVID - good thing I live close and I also hired some home health care…

I'm so sorry. I can give a little perspective on this. Narcotics are not a good choice for rib fractures (and for elderly) as they will decrease respiratory effort which, along with rib fractures, increased the risk for pneumonia. Also, bandaging the ribs does the same thing...it discourages deep breathing thus allowing fluid to settle in the lungs and creates a breading ground for pneumonia.

Unfortunately, the issue of him living alone is a social services concern and is not something that ER can fix. I'm sorry he fell. A fall is always concerning for anybody, but especially the elderly. So an additional concern is what caused him to fall, and could there be another underlying health issue that contributed to the fall?

Anyway, the current healthcare environment requires us to adjust our expectations when it comes to emergency services. The ER no longer has the time, space and staffing to fix broken ribs. I know that doesn't make you feel better, nor does it help your father. But you might try to get his primary care provider to address his pain control, there's a product called lidocaine patch that is commonly used for broken ribs.

healthcare is broken and it's just going to get worse i'm afraid.

 

[TCRAIG]

After multiple back and knee surgeries- my perspective on pain killers is that they really don’t lessen the pain - they just make it so that you don’t care that you’re in pain.
As far as sending my dad home - I think if he can’t stand - they should at least keep him overnight for observation - they can do that in the ER - or at least write up the need to have home health so that insurance will cover part of it…I had to beg for that..

 

[dez1978]

Hacket will be gone after the last game. The players really like him, but he's just not ready to be a head coach. We're shocked about Wilson as well, but I think a lot of that has to do with the coach. I'm also not sure he's bonded with the other players or gained their respect and trust. I mean, what other NFL starting QB has his own office at the practice facility?

I hear you about the KC fans - my stepmom was from Sugar Creek, MO but was a Bronco fan. Her children, though, Chief fans. She always wondered where she went wrong, haha!

Well, since sledding, snowboarding, and skiing are out, I would still check out the zoo for as long as you can. The animals seem to be more active when it's cold and are really fun to watch if it snows. They are also doing Zoo Lights right now but you probably have to get tickets ahead of time. If it's too cold, the Museum of Natural History is right in the area as well. They have an IMAX but I'm not sure what's showing these days.

The Gaylord of the Rockies has their "Spirit of Christmas" going on right now, featuring the Peanuts gang as well as a Cirque show. (There is a discount code of BUY2GET2 that I think ends today.)

If I think of anything else I'll add to the list!

Stay away from the 16th St Mall, especially at night.

Has 16th st gotten scary or just overcrowded?
And why isn’t Wilson playing Sunday if he’s been cleared. If it’s not freezing we will check out the zoo I think.