Fell and sustained displaced humeral fracture. Treatment at ED at FSH was pretty awful. After several hours the wrong sort of cast was applied to my arm, despite not being given much pain medication. Sedation was offered but not given. It was incredibly painful. After two days at home I thought something was wrong, so returned to ED, whereupon a physio said cast was wrong and removed and applied correct cast, which would actually aid in fracture healing. Sadly this cast lost its anchorage point, so attended a different hospital, two days later and fortunately got a longer lasting cast applied.
Two week follow up at FSH had cast removed and brace applied and told would be out of this in six weeks.
At the time of writing this, am now at 15 weeks+ and it seems no healing has taken place. Was told that at twelve weeks surgery is necessary. Had to see my gp to try and get something happening. This eventuated in a CT scan showing no healing. Was told I was placed on 'emergency' theatre list and to expect surgery the following week. That week came and went and so is this week... I have heard nothing. I am not sure if I am on the list and there has been a lot of emergencies, or if I have been forgotten. This has happened to me before at this hospital.
Meanwhile I sit at home with my 15+ week old painful and useless arm and shoulder, unable to perform most daily living activities.
Best experience at FSH has been the wonderful staff at the Hand Therapy Unit. Thanks to Rachel, Amy and Stuart for your help, in hopefully keeping my right hand functional through this prolonged period.
I know our hospitals are very busy, but a little communication goes a long way.
I have no pending appointments, and not sure what to do next. I think I have been very patient and complied with all orders, but am feeling somewhat hopeless and totally reliant on partner's help.
Have reached out to Patient Liaison, but apparently can take some time for a response.
Really not sure what to do next.....
"Non-healing fracture in limbo"
About: Fiona Stanley Hospital / Hand and Upper Limb Therapy Unit Fiona Stanley Hospital Hand and Upper Limb Therapy Unit Murdoch 6150 Fiona Stanley Hospital / Orthopaedics & Ward 4A Fiona Stanley Hospital Orthopaedics & Ward 4A Murdoch 6150
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Update posted by not diagnosed (the patient) 10 months ago