Seeking Advice on My Brother's Injury
Hello everyone. I'm a 28-year-old male, standing at 5'9". I’m reaching out because I’m concerned about my younger brother who is 25 and 5'10". Last night, he had a motorcycle accident and is experiencing severe shoulder pain. He was taken to a private hospital for an emergency assessment, where they performed a tetanus shot and an X-ray, which revealed two fractures. The doctors indicated that he would need to be admitted and undergo surgery. Unfortunately, I don't have the full details since my brother went with someone else, and I wasn’t allowed to leave work early to accompany him. I did suggest that they move him to a public hospital for admission, considering the high costs involved at the private facility. However, upon arrival at the public hospital, they sent him home, stating that his condition wasn’t serious and would heal naturally, even after he had an X-ray performed there. Earlier today, I assisted him in getting dressed, and he mentioned feeling significant discomfort, with sharp pains. This has led me to worry quite a bit. There’s another public hospital I know of, but I fear they might also just send him back home. I don’t mean to question the doctors at the public facility; I’m just feeling anxious seeing my brother in pain every time he moves. He does have an arm sling for support, but I still feel uncertain about his situation. Will he recover, as the second doctor suggested? 😅 I have the X-ray results, but I’ve been informed that I can’t share them here. I’m not familiar with how to use a hosting site, unfortunately.
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 4:10:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your brother's motorcycle accident and the challenges you're facing with his care. It’s understandable to feel anxious when a loved one is in pain. Here's a summary of the situation and what steps can be taken to ensure he gets the help he needs.
Main Points:
Your brother sustained two shoulder fractures in a motorcycle accident and is experiencing significant pain. The first hospital recommended surgery, but the second hospital deemed his condition manageable without immediate intervention.
Explanation:
Fractures can be serious, and recovery depends on factors like the type and location of the fractures, his overall health, and how well he follows rehabilitation protocols. It's a good sign that he received a sling for support; however, persistent pain and discomfort can indicate that he might need more than just conservative management.
Actionable Steps:
-
Pain Management: Ensure he is taking over-the-counter pain relief (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as appropriate, unless contraindicated by his health history. This helps to manage his discomfort.
-
Keep Mobility Minimal: Encourage him to keep the arm as still as possible in the sling to allow the fractures to stabilize. Movement can exacerbate pain and complications.
-
Follow-Up Care: Consider visiting another healthcare provider with experience in fractures, preferably an orthopedic specialist. You might mention the X-ray findings even if you cannot share them.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on his symptoms. If he experiences worsening pain, swelling, or any signs of complications (e.g., fever, discoloration), seek medical attention immediately.
-
Ask Questions: When seeking care, don't hesitate to ask the doctors directly about the treatment plan. Share your concerns about his pain and the initial recommendation for surgery to ensure they consider that history.
It's completely normal to feel uncertain during this time, especially when there's a lack of clarity about your brother's condition. Reassure him that with proper care, many fractures can heal well. Stay attentive and supportive as he navigates this recovery process.
Related Questions
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Navigating Ear Infections While Traveling in Thailand
**Age:** 23 **Height:** 6'3" **Weight:** 88 kg **Medication Taken:** 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate, along with pain relief and antihistamines. **Summary:** I’m hesitant to consult a doctor overseas only to receive a prescription for the same antibiotics available at a local pharmacy for a fraction of the price. What strategies can I employ to effectively manage this persistent ear infection? Am I being too hasty in my expectations? I have a long history of ear infections, often triggered by exposure to water or any activity impacting my ears. I regularly use a specialized oil before showering to prevent water from entering my ears. While backpacking in Thailand, I've developed a particularly severe ear infection over the last several days. Initially, a course of 500mg amoxicillin seemed effective, but significantly, just yesterday my condition took a downturn, shifting from nearly healed to painfully inflamed. Now, my ear is not only swollen but also incredibly sore. In an attempt to combat this, I’ve been taking 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, having consumed seven tablets in the last two days; unfortunately, there's been no noticeable improvement. I’m reluctant to seek medical attention, fearing I would be prescribed the same medication I could acquire from a pharmacy, albeit at a much higher cost. Yet, I’m also starting to question the efficacy of the pharmacy’s medication. I’ve only recently begun the stronger treatment since my symptoms returned. Any advice would be greatly valued! In addition, I’d like to share that just a week into my four-month journey, I feel as though my ongoing ear issues are gradually dominating my life. I am incredibly grateful for this travel opportunity, and while my health isn’t at risk in a serious way, these ear complications are becoming quite overwhelming. Could there be surgical options available? Might there be an underlying health concern that I’m unaware of? It doesn’t seem normal to be plagued by constant ringing, popping sounds, and wax buildup in my ears. Moreover, it feels excessive to have to apply products in my ears every time I shower.
Injury to the Sciatic Nerve
At 25 years old and weighing 135 pounds, I am currently taking naproxen and Lyrica to manage my sciatic nerve injury. The pain in my right leg has made it incredibly difficult for me to remain upright. It’s been two weeks since I first sought treatment; I consulted a physician who advised medication and attended a physiotherapy session. Initially, I experienced some relief after the appointment, but unfortunately, the pain returned the following day—even the prescribed home exercises exacerbated my discomfort. Just yesterday, I attempted the cobra pose, along with the flossing technique, which only heightened my pain. I find it nearly impossible to stand for more than a few seconds before the discomfort becomes intolerable. Additionally, I have an appointment with an osteopath on Tuesday, but I can't shake off my worries— is it normal to still struggle with walking after two weeks? Although I am experiencing some numbness in my toes, I haven’t encountered any loss of bladder or bowel control, worsening numbness, or weakness in my legs, so I feel stable in that regard. Nonetheless, I fear the possibility of never fully recovering and being left with a lasting disability. The pain is overwhelming, adding to my anxiety about the future.
Inquiry Regarding Metronidazole Use for Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis
I am a 32-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 248 pounds. My current medications include Vyvanse at a dosage of 40mg, a medication for asthma, vitamin D, a 325mg iron supplement, and as of now, I am also taking amoxicillin to treat strep throat. I am about to begin using Metronidazole 0.75% Vaginal Gel, with a total of 70 grams available. The instructions indicate that I should administer 5 grams vaginally twice a day for seven days, followed by twice a week for a period of two months. During the initial treatment phase when I will apply the gel twice daily, I anticipate abstaining from sexual activity. However, once I transition to the twice-weekly application, is it permissible to engage in sexual intercourse? I would normally consult my physician about this matter, but she is currently unavailable, and the nurse is also out of the office, which is quite frustrating.
Concern Regarding Persistent Tongue Bump with White Coating
I am a 24-year-old male, standing at 190 cm tall and weighing 109 kg. For the past five weeks, I've experienced a peculiar issue on my tongue. Specifically, there's a noticeable bump on the right side near the tip, which I believe may have been developing over time, although I'm not entirely sure about that timeline. Recently, I've been troubled by an unusual sensation, including dryness, an odd taste, and a slight decrease in my sense of taste. Additionally, I've observed a white coating that is more pronounced on the aforementioned side of my tongue. The bump in question: - Does not cause any pain. - May have increased slightly in size over the weeks, though I'm uncertain. - Appears smooth with a pink surface, free of bleeding or ulceration. Given that this issue has persisted for over a month, I am feeling quite anxious and am concerned that it may indicate a serious problem. I have no significant medical history, but I confess that my dental hygiene has not been up to par, as I haven’t been brushing regularly. At this moment, I’m also under medication for H. pylori, known as Pylera, but this tongue concern predates my treatment. I am a non-smoker and am reaching out for any insights on this condition. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could this be a sign of irritation, infection, or something benign? I really appreciate any guidance you could provide. Thank you!