I need to whine a little.

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AdrienneKaren
AdrienneKaren Posts: 168 Member
in Motivation and Support
I broke my hand 12 years ago in a car accident when a drunk driver hit me. My hand wasn't fixed because the doctors were concerned with fixing everything else that was broken. Since that accident, my hand has given me issues. If I move it the wrong way or lift wrong, it hurts because it's deformed. I finally went to a hand surgeon today (I'm an awesome procrastinator) to see what my options were to either fix it, or at least make it less painful. The doctor was horrible. He took a couple of x-rays and then had me make a fist. He said that since I could make a fist, he wouldn't do anything for me. Not couldn't. Wouldn't. It didn't matter that it was excrutiating to make that fist. He told me that my fingers were aligned just fine and he wouldn't prescribe narcotics for something like this. One, if my fingers are aligned then why do the middle fingers overlap? Why does my pinky stick out? Two, what the hell made you think that I want narcotics?!?!?! He said the pain might be nerve related so I should see a neurologist, "But they'll just give you nerve medication and those have side effects." When I asked him if there was anything I could do right now to make it feel better, he said no. I have never left a doctor's office with absolutely no hope of feeling better in my life. I'm going to get a second opinion, but that'll be awhile. I don't know what I'll do until then. I can't exercise because the slightest movement kills. My house is a mess, I feel gross and fat, and all around crappy because I can't do anything. This is my dominant hand, too. I've been through a whole lot of *kitten* in my life and sometimes things like this really piss me off.

Replies

  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,522 Member
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    images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRdbRr0DUpDlYwHqGiii_WQfhDa2tq-IAZ8CYElNfE-pLJYWAUV
  • lizard053
    lizard053 Posts: 2,344 Member
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    Get a second opinion! You have every right to get treatment for this. If you're in constant pain, think about finding a pain specialist to help you through too. They will prescribe drugs, but if you find a good one, they'll work with you to achieve YOUR goals and not theirs.
    What a horrible doctor. I'm so sorry you had to go through this. Try another doctor. Travel if you have to. YOU DESERVE IT!
  • QueenJayJay
    QueenJayJay Posts: 1,139
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    images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRdbRr0DUpDlYwHqGiii_WQfhDa2tq-IAZ8CYElNfE-pLJYWAUV

    Time and a place.

    I'm really sorry you're going through this. My suggestion: see a doctor with a better bed side manner.
  • serene00
    serene00 Posts: 8 Member
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    Get a second opinion immediately - maybe your primary care physician can recommend a good hand surgeon. Or if you've had physical therapy, ask your PT if they know a good one. Don't let this guy get you down.
  • spinitoff
    spinitoff Posts: 33
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    Stop going to Dr. UponThisRocks's offices. :bigsmile:
  • dirtbikegirl5
    dirtbikegirl5 Posts: 391 Member
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    This doctor sounds like a nut job. Find another doctor who will listen to you.
  • KareninCanada
    KareninCanada Posts: 830 Member
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    Absolutely look for someone else to give you a second or third opinion.
  • atlantapiper
    atlantapiper Posts: 133 Member
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    awww....I'm sad for you. You are beautiful girl. Don't give up, find someone better and maybe do some research before you go in, so that you can provide some ideas of what you'd like them to explore re: possibilities of surgery. Tell them you need to be able to use that hand to work out and get your life back. Keep looking until you find someone that will help you. Until then, get busy on the computer and do some research. :)
  • kit_katty
    kit_katty Posts: 994 Member
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    Get a second opinion! You have every right to get treatment for this. If you're in constant pain, think about finding a pain specialist to help you through too. They will prescribe drugs, but if you find a good one, they'll work with you to achieve YOUR goals and not theirs.
    What a horrible doctor. I'm so sorry you had to go through this. Try another doctor. Travel if you have to. YOU DESERVE IT!

    This ^

    As for exercising, you had mentioned you don't feel you can do it, I'd suggest maybe wrap around weights, that go on your wrists (if that doesn't hurt) and cardio is always a good option too. Good luck!
  • Tropical_Turtle
    Tropical_Turtle Posts: 2,236 Member
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    I am so sorry for all the grief he gave you. I would talk to your PCP to find out about a pain management class and find a new doc to get your hand looked at. You do not deserve that bahooey - good luck to you!

    :flowerforyou:
  • kmozymoz
    kmozymoz Posts: 187
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    I broke my hand 12 years ago in a car accident when a drunk driver hit me. My hand wasn't fixed because the doctors were concerned with fixing everything else that was broken. Since that accident, my hand has given me issues. If I move it the wrong way or lift wrong, it hurts because it's deformed. I finally went to a hand surgeon today (I'm an awesome procrastinator) to see what my options were to either fix it, or at least make it less painful. The doctor was horrible. He took a couple of x-rays and then had me make a fist. He said that since I could make a fist, he wouldn't do anything for me. Not couldn't. Wouldn't. It didn't matter that it was excrutiating to make that fist. He told me that my fingers were aligned just fine and he wouldn't prescribe narcotics for something like this. One, if my fingers are aligned then why do the middle fingers overlap? Why does my pinky stick out? Two, what the hell made you think that I want narcotics?!?!?! He said the pain might be nerve related so I should see a neurologist, "But they'll just give you nerve medication and those have side effects." When I asked him if there was anything I could do right now to make it feel better, he said no. I have never left a doctor's office with absolutely no hope of feeling better in my life. I'm going to get a second opinion, but that'll be awhile. I don't know what I'll do until then. I can't exercise because the slightest movement kills. My house is a mess, I feel gross and fat, and all around crappy because I can't do anything. This is my dominant hand, too. I've been through a whole lot of *kitten* in my life and sometimes things like this really piss me off.

    Sometimes doctors can be total a**holes, excuse my language. Especially if it was a specialist, they tend to be extremely arrogant and think you're a waste of their time if you're not an immediate surgical case. I would definitely go see a different one, and do some online research if you can about which ones have been reviewed well by patients. Best of luck!
  • luv_lea
    luv_lea Posts: 1,094 Member
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    Seek a second opinion.
  • leannems
    leannems Posts: 516 Member
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    I am glad you are getting a second opinion. Keep going to doctors until you find one that you are comfortable with, and who you believe is competent and is listening to you.

    As for what to do until then - can you sling your hand while trying to get in some exercise? Maybe stabilize it in a sling, and then go for a walk? Any movement is good movement and will help you with your journey here.
  • AdrienneKaren
    AdrienneKaren Posts: 168 Member
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    Thank you all so much for your support! It helps a lot! I've got the name of another doctor so I'll give him a call. Until then, I'm hoping this splint I bought will keep my hand from moving enough that I can at least walk. Now I just need to find a sidewalk without ice on it. Lol! I have a stationary bike attachment on a Total Gym that I might try, too.

    Thank you again to everyone! You all rock!
  • serene00
    serene00 Posts: 8 Member
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    Please let us know how this worked out - I wish you the best.
  • BaconMD
    BaconMD Posts: 1,165 Member
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    I'm hoping this splint I bought will keep my hand from moving enough that I can at least walk.
    You haven't been able to walk for the past 12 years and you've only just now bought a splint? Yeah, my wife thought I was a bad procrastinator, but I'm gonna show her this thread!

    Good luck with the doctors. (You're gonna need it... Judging by my experience).
  • teacup8285
    teacup8285 Posts: 26
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    Absolutely you must get a second opinion! He was extremely unprofessional. I was in an accident and had an old man hit me at 70 mph while stopped and throw me over one of those cement medians in a construction zone. I had shoulder and knee surgery but my neck never felt better. My doctor was so arrogant but he did send me to a spine and neck doc, who found the problem, 3 bad disc's from whip lash causing a nerve problem. He is kind and considerate and gives me pain meds because I am in pain all the time. Your doctors discourteous behavior is appalling. Please see someone else.
  • vvanm
    vvanm Posts: 157
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    I have seen so many doctors over a lifetime with a clear symptom that they just shrug off and charge me $300. Their responses have often left me speechless, especially when they try to blame everything on stress or anxiety without a fundamental search for other causes. A neurologist may be of help to you, but I was told that they just prescribe Neurontin to block the pain. Is there a procedure that can block the nerve? I would see a physical therapist to see it they could help the hand function better.
  • serene00
    serene00 Posts: 8 Member
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    How are you doing? Did you see a second doctor?

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