I fell 4 months ago and hit my left hip hard on a flagstone step jutting out. We quickly went to the ER for a hip x-ray because I’d had a successful hip replacement the year before. According to them, the hip was fine, the replacement was fine and I just needed to continue to use my rollator until the bruising healed. I couldn’t walk without pain unless I had some support. Two weeks later I was in more pain than when I fell. I went to a primary care physician (mine was out of town so they found a sub). She sent me across the way for a pelvis x-ray. That showed two fractures with a possible third. The PCP sent that on to the orthopedist on call. He sent me for a CT scan that showed 3 fractures for sure and a possible 4th. I’m not sure why they didn’t notice those on the hip x-rays because they sure noticed my wonky back, commenting on my “seriously degenerating spine.” My pelvic fractures did heal and when the orthopedist dismissed me at 11 weeks, I asked for a physical therapy script which he gave me. I have a wonderful PT that I’ve had for 8 years. I couldn’t get in with him until this week, 12 weeks since my fall. The fall also impacted my back but no one made mention of that being any cause of my pain aside from two radiologists making mention of its deterioration. I have to use at a minimum, a cane, to go any distance. I use a wonderful Swedish all terrain outdoor rollator to walk my dog each day and I have a small indoor one that I end up using by the end of the day because my back has had it by then.

Anyway, after a thorough evaluation, my PT agreed that my pelvis is fine, my hip is fine, my back is a mess and we started a 12 week program for my back even though the order was for PT for pelvic fracture.

I guess I’m trying to say that you know your body best. And you have to keep fighting for the help you need. Just because I was told that my hip was fine and was dismissed, didn’t mean that there wasn’t something else wrong and it turned out to be a pretty big thing that was wrong; 3, maybe 4 pelvic fractures (and a dislodgment to my back, not mentioned.)

The medical profession has changed so much over the years we’ve been alive. They don’t have the time to take with us and insurance companies want a minimal diagnosis in order to treat you minimally so that the cost of your care doesn’t impact their bottom line and shareholder value. My PCP actually told me at my yearly check-up that she’d see me in a year and if I had any issues before then, to go to Urgent Care. Well, that fall was a pretty big issue so when I needed to figure out who I needed to see for a resolution, I ignored her advice and called her office. That wasn’t an Urgent Care issue. Fortunately, the receptionist agreed and found me a PCP to see that day. I’m 73 and aside from the aging process of my back and other joints apparently, I’m pretty healthy. Even so, I have to advocate for myself relentlessly these days. I hope that you can get the proper healthcare that you need to get your issues resolved. Is there a patient advocate in your area that can help you?