Opinions - medical query

[owen]

Hey guys, some of you may know that I broke a bone in my hand. What two doctors missed initially was that there is another bone that is broken in there and this one could do with some wiring and pins and stuff. Now the specialist said that it would heal if I left it and there wouldn't be any arthritis, or pain as it's not in the joint but I would be left with a bit of a lump and a shorter knuckle.

Now to get it operated on I'd need to go up to the public hospital at wollongong, the place where I waited for 4 hours to be basically dismissed afterwards.

So I have a choice to make, leave it and put up with a lump or try to get it operated on 2.5 weeks after the incident.

What would you do?

[Nnnnsic]

Will the lump irritate you?

Will you wake up everyday going "Bloody lump... why are you here?" ?

If so, then yes.

[blacknstormy]

To be honest, if it's not going to affect you, or become arthritic - I'd stick with the lump

[sirhc55]

Go the lump Owen

[Michael]

I hurt my nose when I was younger now its rather large and slightly of center.

Mum offered me a nose job for my 18th birthday and then my for my 21st which is yet to come, But I think I'll keep the lumpy bent nose.

I think as long as it isn't hurting too much leave it, there is a possibility that the docs could bork it up even more.

[Matt. K]

Lump it!
Hospitals are dangerous places. Golden Staph will rot your arms and legs off but a little lump won't hurt you. Some foreign doctors may be less than 'skilled'.....be wary if they are wearing thongs or sandels.

[owen]

Thanks guys. I am convinced, the lump is staying. Now to figure out what to call him. I can only be reminded of a family guy episode where Chris names his pimple Doug...

Thanks again

Owen.

[antman]

Personally, it would depend on the size of the lump. If its not too significant then I would probably leave it. If its a sizeable one then I would probably consider having the surgery, bearing the mind the risks associated with the procedure e.g infection risks, anaesthetic risks etc. Also the fracture may not be that easy to operate on as there would already be significant healing after 2 1/2 weeks.

If you were to be operated on, then Wollongong may or may not be a great place to have it done. There are many very good surgeons at these non-tertiary facilities as there may be bad ones. The best thing to do is ask around about the surgeon that may be operating on you. GP's often have a reasonable idea of the quality of surgeons work or you may know someone who works within the hospital who might be able to get some inside info for you.

Good luck with your decision.

[terminaltackle]

Ok so who did you punch? As far as the surgery is concerned, simply weigh up the pros and cons.

Starting with the cons, All invasive proceedures carry risk of infection and complications (thats the word they use to cover all stuff ups and oversights).

Then how will it be done, Nerve block or under a general anesthetic these all have specific risks and complications.

Now recovery time and physio if it is required.

And lastly the next time you hit someone or have a similar incident to the initial accident, you could probably bet london to a brick you know what is going to break!!

Pros you wont have a lump on your hand, and could possibly get some work as a hand model..

Besides a few bumps, scares and lumps is what life is all about and unless it is going to impede on your lifestyle, give it wide swerve

[owen]

Thanks for the input Geoff. The lump is there but it's not that noticeable. I appreciate your advice.
owen

[owen]

Pros you wont have a lump on your hand, and could possibly get some work as a hand model..

You have made me see the light, I will book in asap

Seriously though I appreciate your advice, I just wasn't sure about it earlier. Partly because as it has been 2.5 weeks so far my decision has to be very soon. I am not as concerned as I was though, and I thank everyone for helping me realise that it ain't that bad

[NikonUser]

Lump it!
Hospitals are dangerous places. Golden Staph will rot your arms and legs off

What a lovely description

[Geoff]

Lump it!
Hospitals are dangerous places. Golden Staph will rot your arms and legs off

What a lovely description

I have learnt to type very well with my nose

[gstark]

Lump it!
Hospitals are dangerous places. Golden Staph will rot your arms and legs off

What a lovely description

I have learnt to type very well with my nose

All three of them.

[Manta]

Will you wake up everyday going "Bloody lump... why are you here?" ?

Sounds just like the long suffering Mrs Manta..

[Glen]

Owen,

If I thought the lump would impress my wife, daughter or other girls I met with how rugged I was - I would go with the lump.

If I thought there was less risk or discomfort with going with the lump - I would go with the lump

If I thought going with the lump would restrict me doing anything I wanted to do - I would go without the lump.

Owen, I work in finance feel free to ask any other medical questions you have

[Ant]

I got to agree with the others. I lost the use of my left hand for almost a year (two operations and 6mths physio each time for a broken, smashed finger). If you can live with the lump avoid the other issues. If it is restricting you from doing something, remove it.

Ant.

[Dug]

Now to figure out what to call him. I can only be reminded of a family guy episode where Chris names his pimple Doug...
.

Thats not funny at all

Anyway about the lump how do I say this in a quiet simple and dignified manner?

GET THE BLOODY THING CHECKED OUT BY A QUALIFIED GP NOT A BLEEDING CAMERA GROUP YOU IDIOT!

there was that OK?

Seriously there can be long term implications to untreated broken bones it may be fine for years but you should use your hands your whole life.


Q1 How old are you?
Q2 how long do you plan to live?
Q3 do you enjoy the use of both your hands?
Q4 do you wish to have continued use of both hands?

A simple x ray should give the full story. Stay away from hospitals. Find a GP who is willing to bulk bill if money is a problem.


Get it checked out then make a decision.

[owen]

Owen, I work in finance feel free to ask any other medical questions you have

I realise that this is a photography forum but I am a lowly computer geek without a clue, so any input is welcome input.

Ant, that's a terrible story, but one that reassures me in my decision. I hope your hand has healed up alright now.

Cheers,
Owen.

[Killakoala]

No matter which way you go, i wish you a speedy recovery!!!!

[Mitchell]

As you have said, the main thing to be sure of is that you will have no long term complications from the break.

If you are worried and want a second opinion about this, I know a couple of good hand surgeons (it is a specialty in itself) in Sydney - not sure if you ever get up this way.

They are based at Sydney Hospital (free ) or St Luke's in Potts Point (not so free ).

PM me if you want some names.

Cheers

[Glen]

Mitchell, you work in the field, what are you doing posting in this topic

[Mitchell]

I am responding purely as a photographer, not a doctor...

[Geoff]

Was wondering when you'd put your two cents in Mitch - I worked a night last night- how the bloody hell are ya?