Is It Necessary to Return to the Emergency Room?
Earlier today, I experienced a fall that resulted in a dislocation along with two fractures in my ankle. Following the incident, I visited the emergency department where they provided sedation in order to realign the bone. When I inquired about pain relief twice, I was given one dose of Norco, but I do not recall the strength. They also advised me to reach out to a surgeon in the morning and supplied me with a prescription for a total of twelve Norco tablets. Having left the hospital four hours ago, I am now struggling with severe pain and unable to find any rest. I find myself contemplating whether I should return to the emergency room or consider a different hospital for further assistance. The pain has been overwhelming to the point of tears, and I am experiencing tremors due to the discomfort. For reference, I am a 37-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighing 225 pounds.
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 9:10:57 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel distressed after experiencing significant pain from a recent injury. Given that you have a dislocated ankle with fractures, and you’re currently experiencing overwhelming pain, it is important to assess your situation carefully.
Main Points: You are experiencing severe pain following your injury and are unsure whether to return to the emergency room or seek help elsewhere. Given your current level of pain and discomfort, returning to the hospital may be necessary.
Explanation: Severe pain can indicate that your injury may require further treatment or adjustment. Pain that is not well-controlled, especially after a significant injury like a fracture and dislocation, warrants further medical evaluation. The fact that you are in tears and experiencing tremors indicates that your pain management is inadequate at this time.
Next Steps:
-
Return to the Emergency Room: Given the severity of your pain, it is advisable to return to the emergency department. They can reassess your injuries, provide additional pain management, and ensure there are no complications.
-
Take Note of Symptoms: Before going back, document your symptoms, including the severity of your pain and any other changes, such as swelling or mobility issues. This information will help the medical staff assess your situation more effectively.
-
Bring Your Prescription: Make sure to bring the prescription for Norco you received, along with any other medication you have taken. This will provide the healthcare staff with a complete view of your pain management so far.
-
Stay Calm and Breathe: While waiting to be seen, try to practice deep breathing techniques to help manage some of your anxiety and discomfort.
Your health and comfort are priority, and it’s important to ensure you receive the right care and pain management as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to seek urgent help.
Related Questions
Seeking Help for Unexplained Pain
Hello to anyone taking the time to read this. I’m a 30-year-old male and I’m reaching out for some insight. I've undergone physical therapy, X-rays, and a recent MRI, all of which returned normal findings. However, I've been experiencing significant discomfort primarily in my lower left back and the left side of my hip. When I attempt to bend backward, I feel a sharp and intense pain that is quite alarming. Additionally, while performing the "dead bug" exercise, a grinding or popping sensation occurs in my hip and lower back area. It's worth noting that I've only had one back injury in the past, about 16 years ago, but the acute pain I’m feeling now began this past spring. Thank you for your support!
Seeking Insights on Unfamiliar Symptoms
Hello everyone! I’m a 32-year-old woman reaching out in hopes of gaining some clarity about some unfamiliar symptoms I'm currently experiencing. Historically, I've battled hypothyroidism since I was around 18. Recently, an endocrinologist mentioned the possibility of Hashimoto’s disease, pending further confirmation through blood tests. They have also recommended a thyroid ultrasound, which will involve scanning my throat. However, in recent months, I’ve had symptoms that I believe might not be directly connected to my thyroid issues. Before my next visit with my doctor, who has been somewhat dismissive in the past, I thought I’d seek input from this community. Lately, whenever I stand or walk for an extended period, my knees exhibit a concerning red, blotchy rash that feels hot and causes a burning sensation. In addition to this, I've noticed that my knees swell significantly more during these episodes. Just today, this happened again, and although I attempted to share photos, I’m having some trouble with the link function, so I’ll either post them here if I manage it or include them in the comments. Another issue I've encountered recently is significant swelling in my ankles, which have grown much thicker than usual—turning into what I jokingly call "kankles." Additionally, I stopped taking Adderall on April 30, after previously battling an addiction to various substances, including narcotics and benzodiazepines. I had been clean for an extended period before my doctor prescribed Adderall, which I ended up abusing. Since quitting, I've experienced considerable weight gain; I normally avoid the scale due to a history with eating disorders, but I suspect I may have gained around 25 to 35 pounds. Previously, while abusing Adderall, I was significantly underweight (around 105 pounds at 5'4"), but now I might be nearing 140 or even 150 pounds, which is quite distressing for me. This noticeable weight change comes with feelings of panic since I’ve always struggled with body image. I’m curious if such weight fluctuations are typical after ceasing amphetamines, and if it's possible for my weight to stabilize over time. I’ve also been dealing with abnormal abdominal weight and overall bloating, which feels peculiar, and I wonder if it could be linked to the swelling in my knees, legs, and feet that I’ve been experiencing more frequently this year. Furthermore, I've noticed my heart rate has been unusually high this year. Initially, I attributed it to the effects of Adderall, but after walking at the mall yesterday, my Apple Watch indicated my heart rate reached 154 BPM. I recognize that these symptoms may or may not be interconnected, and I apologize for the lengthy and somewhat scattered nature of my post. I also cope with CPTSD and ADHD, which makes communicating like this a bit challenging for me. Thank you in advance for any insight or suggestions regarding what I might be dealing with! It is greatly appreciated! 🫶🏻
Nail Pain and Discoloration: Seeking Advice After a Week of Discomfort
I’m a 27-year-old female, and I find myself in a troubling situation that I’ve never encountered before. For the past four days, I’ve been experiencing discomfort in the nail beds of three fingers on my left hand. Initially, I noticed some faint lines resembling small bruises; however, I can't recall any injury or trauma that would explain this. The situation has escalated to nearly constant throbbing pain and noticeable discoloration. A distinctive white patch has developed on the back of my thumb and there’s redness surrounding the affected finger. While it doesn’t feel warm to the touch, any pressure causes significant pain. At 36 weeks pregnant, I've reached out to my OB for guidance and am currently awaiting their return call. Although I don’t suspect this issue is linked to my pregnancy, I’m eager to determine if there are any medications I might take in case it’s a nail infection. I attempted to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, but unfortunately, their next availability falls after my due date. The pain is quite intense, and I find it challenging to perform my duties at work, where I type for 12 hours a day and frequently use a handheld radio. I urgently need a solution, as this is affecting my everyday life, particularly with a toddler and a newborn on the way.
Unexplained Discomfort Everywhere
At 32 years old, I manage my high blood pressure effectively with labetalol, and up until now, I've been feeling okay. However, I woke up yesterday experiencing pain in my knee, ankle, and arm all on the right side of my body, which seemed odd – almost as if I had taken a tumble. While the knee discomfort is somewhat manageable, the pain in my arm is particularly unusual. It feels akin to having a dead arm or as though I had been weightlifting; lifting my arm or pulling it back is quite painful. The ache runs from my shoulder down to my bicep and elbow. I initially suspected I had simply slept in an awkward position, or perhaps I strained my arm while curling my hair due to the odd angle I often have to hold it. Additionally, as a parent of a toddler who often sees me as a playground, I try not to overreact to muscle soreness or discomfort. Despite the discomfort, I took some Motrin at work and managed to get through the day. However, I've noticed that resting on my arm for an extended period exacerbates the pain when I attempt to move it. This morning, the arm pain persists, but I also discovered that my right ankle and randomly my middle toe on the same side now hurt, as if I've strained something, especially when applying weight on it. Furthermore, my left wrist and hand hurt when I try moving them up and down. Another peculiar symptom I’ve been noticing is that when I lean on my elbow or text on my phone, I get a quick onset of pins and needles in my hand, which subsides once I extend my arm. I'm not certain whether these symptoms are interconnected or merely coincidental, but the spread of these unusual pains is concerning. I’ve battled with medical anxiety in the past, frequently ending up in the emergency room, so I’m trying to refrain from jumping to conclusions. That said, I’m curious if anyone has experienced anything similar or has insights. Of course, I plan to reach out to my doctor if these symptoms persist, but I wanted to share my situation here first, anticipating the advice might lean toward over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen!
Addressing Knee Pain in a 50-Year-Old Woman
My mother, who is 50 years old, has been experiencing significant discomfort on the inner part of her left knee. This issue has intensified over the past few months. After visiting an orthopedic specialist, she was prescribed some pain relief medication, which seemed to help temporarily. However, now that she has stopped taking the painkillers, the discomfort has returned worse than before. The pain particularly intensifies when she walks or attempts to stretch her leg, and at times, she has the unsettling sensation that her knee joint feels stuck. We are seeking advice on how to maintain the health of her knee joint and what measures can be taken to strengthen it in the long run, beyond simply relying on pain medication. Any recommendations for exercises or lifestyle adjustments would be greatly appreciated.