Injury from Elevator Incident
Greetings. I am a 43-year-old woman experiencing ongoing challenges with Bipolar disorder. At present, I am managing stomach complications with Tylenol and antispasmodic medication. Recently, on Thursday, I attempted to prevent the elevator doors from closing, which unfortunately resulted in my left hand getting caught. Thankfully, I managed to extract my hand and sought treatment at urgent care. Initially, the doctor reported no significant concerns; however, later a Radiologist mentioned there might be two fractures. What causes the uncertainty around this diagnosis? Currently, I am in a splint or a soft cast and have scheduled an appointment with an orthopedic specialist for August 6th. The pain has been quite intense, and the Tylenol isn't providing relief. I would wish to share the X-ray results, but I'm unsure of the process to do so. Appreciate your assistance!
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 7:20:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your hand injury and the ongoing challenges you're facing. It's understandable to feel concerned about the potential for fractures and the pain you are experiencing.
Main Points:
- Uncertainty around fracture diagnosis can happen due to overlapping shadows on X-ray images or subtle fractures that are hard to detect initially.
- It's essential to manage your pain effectively while awaiting further examination and treatment.
Explanation:
When an X-ray is performed, sometimes the images can be unclear, leading to different interpretations. Minor fractures, especially in the hand, can be difficult to visualize if they don't clearly disrupt the bone structure or if there's swelling that obscures the view. This can lead to different opinions from the treating physician and the radiologist.
Next Steps:
-
Pain Management:
- Since Tylenol isn't helping much, consider using a cold pack on your hand for 15-20 minutes every hour, which can help reduce both pain and swelling. If your doctor has not advised against it, you might also try over-the-counter ibuprofen for additional pain relief, but check for any contraindications with your current medications.
-
Prepare for Your Orthopedic Appointment:
- Bring any relevant documents, including the X-ray results and notes from the urgent care visit, to your appointment.
- Prepare a list of questions or concerns you have about your injury to discuss with the orthopedic specialist.
-
Sharing X-Ray Results:
- If you wish to share the X-ray results, contact the urgent care facility and request copies of your X-ray or ask them how this process works. Most facilities will provide this information directly to you or your specialist upon your request.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on your pain levels and any increase in swelling or bruising. If you notice significant changes, you may need to seek immediate attention before your orthopedic appointment.
Remember, you are taking the right steps by seeking help and monitoring your condition. If you have any questions or need more guidance, feel free to ask.
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