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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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