Sharp pain, it's killing me!

Potsie, I hope you forgot to say I have an appt with my dr. Any kind of a fall like that needs to be checked out by your dr.. Better to be safe than sorry.

Hope all checks out ok.....Susie

I'm going to UCC(urgent care clinic) at Parkland hospital on Thurs. I'm going to request an MRI. Would that show what's wrong, or should I have another test run? Thanks for replying!!!

MRi, CT (Cat scans) and Xray's are all good at spotting certain things and not so good at spotting others.

You can request all you want but I have serious doubts the doctor is going to order an MRI right off the bat if you have not had other images taken of the area since the fall.

Most likely the doctor is going to want a plain, everyday series of X-rays. Depending on what they show it is up in the air as to what he will want to do next.

There is also the insurance factor too. If you do have any kind of insurance they usually require less expensive imaging test first unless the doctor can truly justify skipping straight ahead to more expensive ones and to do that it usually means a time constraint and life and death issue.

I agree to get it checked ASAP and push for whatever tests you can. Insurance company red tape is horrific. I've been there done that.

Personally, I think making people wait for specific tests, and following insurance company protocol's on treatment (starting with basics and moving up as needed) sometimes makes things worse.

Having to follow my ins. co. protocol wasted 8 months of my life with back pain; had the MRI been done first, would have saved so much time & money going out in co-pays/meds that didn't work etc.!

So push for whatever you can get - as fast as you can gain access!

Walking is probably not the best idea, if/when you can avoid it. If it's a long wait to find out the source of your pain, but the pain continues to be severe/affect daily life then the Dr will probably prescribe you something to help with the pain.

The number one thing is not to make things worse if you have a break of some sort, so if putting weight on that leg is too much, that's your body trying to tell you something is really wrong and listening to it would be a good idea.

Please let us know what happens!

I'm supposed to start taking Pregabalin. I have Sciatica in my right leg. This pain involves my left side. Should I wait to start taking that until I find out what's wrong here?

Good idea straydog. Thanks!

I called my PD and I'm waiting for them to call back.

Sorry to hear that Potsie....Unfortunately with the holiday weekend....Trying to reach them on that Friday was going to be tough....

I think the walker is a good idea. The one my mom has we got at Sams Club....it was a good investment of $130 as it's the heavy duty ones with the large 4 wheels....and has the breaks on it and a seat so you can stop and sit when needed.

Hopefully you can get a hold of them on Tuesday to get an appt. and maybe they can at least prescribe you something for pain until you can get the MRI...

Keep us posted...

Thanks for the suggestions. I already have pain meds that were prescribed for another problem, but they aren't strong enough for this pain. I have Parkland Health Plus and pay very small co-pays and don't pay a penny for tests. The only problem is that it's a public hospital(mostly for the poor) so you always get put on a waiting list. I'm afraid to become bedridden. It wouldn't surprise me if I have to wait for awhile.

I've got symptoms of Sciatica in my right leg. My pain management doesn't believe in prescribing narcotics for chronic pain. Just meds like Pregabalin and shots. Also, chemo therapy. I haven't started the Pregabalin yet until I see what's wrong with my hip.

Also, should I use ice or warm on my hip?

Post Edited (Potsie) : 5/28/2012 8:54:47 PM (GMT-6)

Susie, the swelling is in my salivary gland. No swelling in my hip, or my leg. I was asking if I should use ice or heat on my hip. I'll start taking the medicine. Thanks!