Recovery After My Accident: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 32-year-old woman currently taking birth control, sertraline hcl, ferrous sulfate, Zepbound, and vitamin B12. On July 2, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in significant swelling and bruising in my right leg. The following day, I experienced difficulty walking and adhered to the R.I.C.E. method for care. Later, I went to an urgent care facility after developing pain in my shoulder and neck. An X-ray was conducted on my neck and chest, but they didn’t address the issues with my leg. At that time, I was limping and had trouble moving my right foot, both in pointing and flexing. As treatment, I was prescribed a week’s worth of 800mg ibuprofen and 500mg methocarbamol. I returned to my job on July 8, where I work in a kitchen with shifts lasting between 8 to 10 hours. My mobility gradually improved with each passing day; however, July 13 marked the day of the most intense pain I've experienced, despite the medications. By July 14, I noticed that I still have prominent, hard bruises (over three inches long) on both the front and side of my leg. Although the bruising is finally showing signs of improvement, my leg has started to feel itchy. Currently, my primary care physician is away for the week. I'm uncertain if I should wait for her to return or if I should seek immediate care. I’m apprehensive about going to urgent care due to the possibility of being dismissed. I know I can handle pain well, but I fear I might overlook a serious issue that could arise in the future if I don’t get it checked out soon.
Answers (1)
7/15/2025, 3:50:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are going through a challenging recovery following your accident, and it's understandable to be concerned about your leg and overall well-being. Here are the main points to consider based on your situation:
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Current Symptoms Monitoring: You should closely monitor the swelling, bruising, and any changes in your leg. While some pain and discomfort can be normal after such an injury, persistent or worsening symptoms may need to be evaluated.
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Itching and Bruising: Itching can sometimes occur as a bruise heals due to the skin's healing process. However, if it becomes severe or is accompanied by a rash or other symptoms, it could indicate an allergic reaction or secondary issue that needs attention.
Explanation:
- Bruising and Pain: Bruising can take time to resolve, especially with the kind of trauma you've described. The fact that the bruises are improving is a positive sign. Pain can also continue for several weeks depending on the extent of the injury.
- Leg Mobility: Difficulty pointing and flexing your foot may indicate muscle or tendon strain, and it's essential to listen to your body, especially as you are on your feet for long hours in a kitchen job.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of any changes in your symptoms, including pain intensity, the color of the bruises, and any new symptoms like swelling or redness.
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Manage Pain and Discomfort: Continue taking the prescribed ibuprofen and methocarbamol as directed. If after a week you experience minimal improvement, or if the pain escalates, it could warrant further evaluation.
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Seeking Care: If you notice any red flags such as increased swelling, severe pain that does not improve with medication, or if you develop any new symptoms like fever or numbness, it would be wise to seek care sooner rather than waiting for your primary physician to return. Trust your instincts—getting evaluated can provide peace of mind.
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Rest and Gradual Return to Activity: While it's important to stay active, consider modifying your work duties if possible to avoid overstraining your leg. Allowing time to heal will aid your recovery.
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Follow Up When Possible: Once your physician returns, schedule an appointment to discuss your ongoing symptoms for a professional evaluation and advice on recovery strategies.
It's great to hear that you are already seeing improvements. Remember, it's important to be proactive about your health, and seeking help when you feel uncertain is always a good decision.
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