Concerns Regarding My Fracture Recovery Process
Age: 35, Height: 5'2", Weight: 150 lbs. I suffered a grade 4 plateau fracture in my right tibia at approximately midnight on June 30, 2025. An ambulance transported me to the hospital where X-rays were conducted to assess my hip, knee, and ankle. By 3 PM on the same day, a surgical procedure was performed to stabilize my leg using a "right knee spanning external fixator". Ever since the surgery, I have been waiting for a follow-up operation to realign the bone, yet I have received minimal information on what to expect. During my stay in the trauma unit, I was an inpatient where I was informed daily that the second surgery would occur the next day. This left me on an NPO status daily from midnight until about 3 PM. On July 4, 2025, I was discharged with the assurance that the surgery would be taking place the following week, though no specific date or time was provided. Initially, I left without any pain relief, but fortunately, a nurse intervened, facilitating a prescription from the on-call doctor for pain medication. I was given 5 mg of oxycodone every six hours, though in the hospital, I was on a regimen of 10 mg every six hours along with several muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications, plus access to 2 mg of morphine every two hours as needed, which I often utilized. Since around 4 PM on July 4, 2025, I have been experiencing excruciating pain that has rendered me unable to eat or sleep, and I still lack a scheduled date or time for the second surgery. Additionally, I have noticed numbness in my outer two toes since July 5, 2025, which I have communicated during a phone consultation with the on-call physician. Now, as of 10 PM on July 7, 2025, my pain has escalated to unbearable levels. I feel exhausted and famished, struggling to maintain clarity in my thoughts, prompting me to reach out for assistance. My primary concern is understanding when I should be worried about the potential for improper healing of my fractures due to the delay in my follow-up surgery. Is it acceptable to wait until Friday, July 11, 2025, or even longer, such as July 18, 2025? Moreover, if this delay continues, what complications might I face? At what point should I consider seeking another surgeon to perform the operation? I deeply appreciate any advice or insights you can offer. Thank you for taking the time to read my situation and for your willingness to assist those in need online, even without any personal gain. I am truly thankful.
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 3:21:13 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're experiencing with your fracture recovery process. It's completely understandable to feel concerned about pain, recovery timelines, and the lack of clear communication. Here are the main points to address your concerns regarding your injury and recovery:
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Pain Management and Symptoms: Unmanaged pain and new symptoms like numbness in your toes are critical concerns that need immediate attention. Persistent pain can interfere with recovery and should not be ignored.
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Surgery Timing and Healing Risks: Delays in scheduling your follow-up surgery can impact the healing process. It's essential to have clarity on when to expect this surgery, as well as to monitor for complications.
Explanation
Pain and Numbness: The pain you’re experiencing, along with the numbness in your toes, may indicate issues such as inadequate blood flow or nerve irritation/compression, which may need to be addressed urgently. It’s important to communicate these symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Surgery Timing: Although some surgeries can safely be delayed for a short time, prolonged waits (beyond a week) may lead to improper healing or complications such as malunion (bones healing incorrectly) or nonunion (bones failing to heal). Ideally, follow-up surgeries should be performed within 7-14 days after initial stabilization for better outcomes.
Next Steps
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Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Reach out again to your surgical team or the trauma unit. Clearly express your severe pain, the numbness in your toes, and your concerns about the delay in surgery. Request specific information about when you can expect the follow-up operation.
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Consider Pain Management Alternatives: Discuss pain relief options with your healthcare provider. If you are still struggling with pain, there might be alternatives or adjustments to your medication regimen that can help.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including pain levels, any changes (like the numbness), and overall physical condition. Share this information during your follow-up discussions to provide a comprehensive view of your recovery.
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Seek a Second Opinion: If you do not receive adequate responses or if your symptoms worsen, consider consulting another orthopedic surgeon or specialist for a second opinion on the necessity and timing of surgery.
Remember, it’s crucial to advocate for your health and seek answers about your recovery. Your well-being is a priority, and it’s acceptable to ask for additional insights and clarifications regarding your treatment.
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