LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
I know this probably belongs in "off topic" but it looks like no one ever looks or posts there....
I am havning hard time being a mom!
My 19 yr old dd plays volleyball for her university which is about 20 min form home.
She rolled her ankle last week very badly. Looks like pulled ligaments to me and is swollen badly. She has trouble bending her toes and has tingling feelings. She went to ER and they said to see specialist.
Her coach wants her to see the team dr., but they made her wait until today, and she just told me the dr cancelled for today and rescheduled for wednesday afternoon!
The team is going to Texas on Thursday! and she has an ace bandage and a tiny little velro splint!
I am sick over it - and my TBD is making me freak out and I can barely handle my self let alone this happening to my kid.
She has her own insurance to cover 100% of dr visit if I took her to local dr here.
Should I demand that I take her to our dr??? or idk what to do..... I am near hysteria at this point
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3562 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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Keebler
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Member # 12673
posted
- When overwhelmed, start with logic. Stay with logic. Your thought for her to see a private doctor, ASAP is logical and right on target.
Of course, she should not be putting any weight on that ankle, and be using TWO crutches (never just one). -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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t9im
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Member # 25489
posted
Hi Lisa:
I have had a few "sprained" and "rolled" ankles in my days as a runner / x/c skier.
A bad sprain can take a while to recover from but if a mild sprain one may be able to tape it and continue with activities.
Not easy to see an orthopedic unless you have a prior relationship or he / she is the team MD. Sounds like the Team MD is the good approach.
I have an existing relationship but on the first injury (knee) it took 6 weeks to see him. After that when I broke the ankle, wrist, shoulder he saw me right away.
-------------------- Tim Posts: 1111 | From Glastonbury, CT | Registered: Apr 2010
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Keebler
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posted
- It's true a sprain can take a very long time to heal.
Did the ER image the entire foot to be sure there is no bone injury? Hope so. But, sometimes, they made need the swelling to go down first.
Did they give her crutches? Hope so. She made need to rent or borrow a wheelchair for a while. Most campuses have some they can loan out.
From my own experience with may twisted ankles, I wish I had known that it is absolutely necessary to avoid putting ANY weight on that foot until imaged - and some healing has been allowed to take hold.
Not all doctors on staff for college medical centers are as well trained / experienced as those in private practice. Some are. Find out exactly who this "team doctor" is and his/her professional credentials and experience.
She can see her own private doctor now and still see the team doctor when he gets around to having some time for her and decides to keep the appointment.
Arnica ointment can help, elevating it, and other certain instructions that I hope the ER gave her.
I assume she is not going to be traveling with the team for this Thursday?
Underneath that velcro bandage, she should be wearing clean white (not dyed) cotton sock, a fresh one each day after washing the foot. This is to keep the skin clean and dry to avoid any kind of skin issue.
That foot needs to be elevated as much as possible - not quite as high but nearly equal to the hips (not below, not above), where ever she is, even in a class room or when eating. At the correct angle of elevation, it can help reduce swelling and encourage circulation.
When on crutches, TWO crutches, never one as just one can throw out the whole spine and put too much pressure on the good leg/foot. I learned that the hard way.
I highly recommend borrowing / renting a wheel chair ASAP from student services, with crutches for short trips to bathroom, etc. -
[ 09-09-2013, 06:39 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
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steve1906
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posted
Did the ER take X-rays? You really didn't say they did. You only said - (Looks like pulled ligaments to me and is swollen badly).
If not, I would get X-rays. You don't need permission to see you own doctor; I would see her doctor as soon as possible.
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
yes, no broken bones, she got crutches and was told no weight on it.
THis dr is actually a group practice dr that is from a very well known place near me. It is not a team physician per se.
She IS suposed to travel with the team to texas for like 5 days! I am worried especially if there is no real protection on that area.
I feel so helpless for myself and my kid and that is making it so much worse- this stupid tick crap, i am so sick of it..... My brain is twittling away... I cannot even make good decisions for my own child. I wanted to get her some arnica and other supplements today and I totally forgot.
I have told her to elevate. It is hard because she is 19- almost 20 and to her she is adult and wants to handle this.
yes, so, there was Xray and they said no broken bones, but that is all they said.
thanks everyone. I am going to try and get her some things over there. I am not sure I can get her apt now for tomorrow. ugh. O well. Iknow my Bart or whatever is giving me HUGE anxiety today. It is making everything really difficult for me. just terrible
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3562 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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LisaK
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Member # 41384
posted
I should explain- I am basing the ligament idea on my own past experiences . I had trimalleolar fracture with a dislocated ankle and torn up ligaments about 10 yrs ago. The huge egg on the side of her ankle looks just too round to be just a sprain, and the fact she had trouble feeling her toes andmoving them at first worries me.
SHe is def keeping total weight off so that is one worry off my mind, thanks.
and yes, I did hear that the swelling has to go down a bit til they can do something.
I just wanted her to get better protection, and actually I wanted the dr to realistically tell her if she should go on that trip!
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3562 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Lisa,
you say that are "sick over it - and my TBD is making me freak out and I can barely handle my self let alone this happening to my kid . . . " (end quote)
I'm concerned with now overwhelmed you are right now. This is of concern, of course, yet these things happen all the time. And I know that may not help to know that - just be sure to stop. Breathe. And see this as some sort of game where a new "event" card just popped up.
You might think of how a particular easy going person from your life (or a book or film character) might handle this. "Channel" them and take on a "role playing" sort of game yourself.
Write out the logical steps on paper and it may then seem less intense. When _____ happens, do _____. Then you have a plan. It may help to write it out in outline form.
Breathe. Music is always good then for not just for distraction but for some enjoyment.
Yes, this throws more into the "game" but you can take it easy as you move through each step. It takes no more time to approach something calmly than in fear. And it saves time - and our nerves and some adrenal rushes - along the way.
TBD can have us "freak out" due to the endocrine and stress hormone rushes -- or we can do an about face and "chill out" if possible - "Acting out" the cooler cucumber of a person or actor you've ever seen.
Be sure your adrenal support, magnesium & fish oil are on board. Sardines can be a very good helper, too. So much great nutrition to help keep us steady in action.
Take care. -
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steve1906
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posted
Lisa, I'd like to point this out to you:
I was always staining my ankles years ago, (2-3 times a year) always felt like a break.
Every time it would swell up like a balloon, discolor, and my whole foot would go thumb. It would take 4-6 weeks to feel better.
I think Keebler gave you very good advice, good luck!
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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LisaK
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posted
OK, thanks. I am starting new abx tomorrow so hopefully that will help. I feel like I am tailspinning.
I will try and calm down. gotta figure out what helps. Maybe just keeping busy with my art work.. Music seems to make me more anxious... funny, I used to NEED music and now I don't want it all
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3562 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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Carol in PA
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posted
"She IS suposed to travel with the team to texas for like 5 days! I am worried especially if there is no real protection on that area."
Well, that's dumb. She'll need a wheelchair to get around the airport -- she can't run to get to a gate. She'll need to elevate her leg while on the plane -- good luck with THAT.
She's certainly not going to be able to play any games for several weeks.
"I have told her to elevate. It is hard because she is 19- almost 20 and to her she is adult and wants to handle this."
Is she trained in the proper way to apply the ACE bandage to the foot/ankle? You start wrapping around the instep a couple times to help anchor it, then criss-cross several times around the ankle, then several times above the ankle to finish anchoring it.
It's REALLY important not to wrap it too tightly, as it can cut off the circulation.
If she sits on the sofa, she should sit sideways with her leg up. If she sits on a chair, she should put another chair sideways in front of her, and prop her leg on it, perhaps with a pillow.
When she's in bed, she should put a pillow under the affected leg, supporting the calf and the ankle/foot. This raises the foot above the heart, so that excess fluids in the tissues can drain.
She could also raise the foot higher than the body for 30 to 60 minutes every day. Do this by lying flat on the floor and propping your leg up on a chair. My mother-in-law did it by lying flat on the couch and propping her leg/foot straight up against the back of the couch.
If you have a SOTA Magnetic Pulser or another pulsed electromagnetic therapy device, now is the time to use it. This is wonderful for reducing inflammation and swelling and helping bones, ligaments, and tendons to heal.
Posts: 6947 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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LisaK
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posted
Thanks Carol.
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3562 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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sammy
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posted
I'd wait to see the team physician. Usually they are the very BEST specialists in the area. They will have the knowledge and experience to treat your daughter well. They will also take into consideration that she is a top athlete and will need to heal perfectly so she may need professional help to safely recondition before jumping back into the game.
The University wants to see your daughter healthy and whole and able to play again. They have the same goals as you do.
Often you have to wait several days to reduce swelling to get good clear images on repeat x-rays or MRIs. Major swelling makes images hard to read and it is possible to miss hair line fractures. So hang in there, waiting has some positives.
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sammy
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posted
One more thing, besides the Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to help reduce swelling. She can take some Aleve or Advil regularly to reduce the inflammation and pain.
If she was given some other pain medicine in the ER she would not want to take them together but may later switch over to the OTC anti-inflamatory med. May help her feel better and heal faster.
She should always take pain medicine with food or milk so it won't irritate her stomach.
Aleve has really helped me through some tough injuries and long recoveries.
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LisaK
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[Often you have to wait several days to reduce swelling to get good clear images on repeat x-rays or MRIs. Major swelling makes images hard to read and it is possible to miss hair line fractures. So hang in there, waiting has some positives. ]
yes! I forgot about that! thanks for the reminder. thanks Sammy!
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3562 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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LisaK
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posted
so she finally saw the dr and he told her he thought she had torn ligaments, but then didn't advise her to stay home from volleyball trip to Texas! and now she just text me saying she thinks she has strep throat! ugh, do I ever get a break! I need to control this anxiety or it's gonna kill me!!!
My poor child.... They are in San Antonio and doing a lot of sightseeing! It is taking everything in me fro saying, "I TOLD YOU SO"!!!
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3562 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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steve1906
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posted
Strep Throat - Symptoms Common symptoms of strep throat in children and adults include:
Severe and sudden sore throat without coughing, sneezing, or other cold symptoms. Pain or difficulty with swallowing. Fever over 101�F (38.3�C). Lower fevers may point to a viral infection and not strep. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck. White or yellow spots or coating on the throat and tonsils camera.
Bright red throat or dark red spots on the roof of the mouth at the back near the throat. Swollen tonsils, although this symptom may also be caused by a viral infection.
In teenagers, mononucleosis can cause a severe sore throat that looks like and has symptoms similar to those of strep throat. For more information, see the topic Infectious Mononucleosis.
It is easy to tell when you have a sore throat or a cold. It is harder to know when you have strep throat. Typically, sore throats are caused by a viral infection and not strep bacteria. Strep throat usually does not occur with cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or a runny or stuffy nose. The more cold symptoms you have, the less likely it is that your sore throat is a strep infection.
In some cases of strep infection, a skin rash develops and spreads over the neck and chest and eventually over the whole body. The rash feels rough like sandpaper.
This condition is called scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics. This usually leads to a quick recovery. Scarlet fever is not dangerous if treated.
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
I hope she is enjoying her trip! I used to live in San Antonio. Loved it.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96227 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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LisaK
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Member # 41384
posted
I LOVE San ANtonia Lymetoo!
Geez, Steve, I didn't even think of MONO!!! o no.
She said her head is pounding. and she is napping a lot. She has sweats when she sleeps. She also has "swollen glands" and trouble swallowing.
great. I can't shake this anxiety!!! trying to keep busy
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3562 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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steve1906
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mononucleosis is very common these day's, she should go to a walk-in Clinic.
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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LisaK
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posted
I called her doc here, they said nothing she can do for anything there anyway. I made her apt for Monday. when she gets back
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3562 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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LisaK
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posted
so update if anyone's still out there checking in
she has a bad sprain with some tearing. So dr thinks won't need surgery - good- and he thinks she will be able to hit the courts again in a couple of weeks with lots of therapy now. Too bad season ends just about then.
Her spirits are down, poor dear.
She managed Texas alright, but of course it was difficult. Who wants to do the River Walk when you can barely walk.
I am giving Positive thoughts so she gets full recovery!
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3562 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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Keebler
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posted
- Hope it heals well. I will pass along the best information from doctors (finally after years of ankle sprains) "If you don't say off of it, it will never heal."
That advice really helped with improvements that were longer than times before I understood that. -
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