Fracture clinic

LithaRiddle
LithaRiddle Online Community Member Posts: 11 Connected
in Housing and independent living

Hello, last Friday I was hit by a car while using a zebra crossing and fractured my glenoid bone in my shoulder. The problem is the doctor at accident and emergency didn't see the break on my xray so I had to go to the walk in centre on Tuesday in my powerchair and they found the injury on my xray.

The problem is I'm right handed and use my right hand to drive my powerchair. Obviously because of this I couldn't be fitted with a sling at the time. I've been referred to the fracture clinic and I've been trying to use a left hand drive powerchair but I'm struggling to drive.

Is there any other way the fracture clinic can fix my arm without making it impossible for me to use my powerchair? I'm so worried and it's really triggering me that I'm hurting my arm more by trying to grab onto things because I'm scared of the chair! Please tell me I can have my arm fixed without grounding me at home until it's healed. College is one of the few things keeping me going while I'm in pain and frightened to cross over roads now. :(

Comments

  • MW123
    MW123 Scope Member Posts: 1,715 Championing
    edited November 23

    @LithaRiddle

    That’s just awful, being struck while using a zebra crossing must have been so frightening. I’m really sorry you’ve had to go through that, and then to have the fracture missed at first on your x‑ray as well. On top of the pain and the struggle with your chair, it’s no wonder you’re worried about losing your independence while your arm heals.

    When you go to the fracture clinic, make sure you explain clearly that using your right hand for your powerchair is essential. They should take that into account when deciding on treatment, and there may be ways to protect your arm without leaving you stuck at home.

    I hope the clinic listens carefully and works with you so you can stay mobile while your arm recovers.  Take care xx

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 2,409 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Oh my goodness @LithaRiddle I'm so sorry that happened to you. Do you have someone at home to help you? As MW123 has said, make it clear that you need to use your right arm and hopefully they can work around it.

    What are you studying at college?

  • LithaRiddle
    LithaRiddle Online Community Member Posts: 11 Connected

    I'm studying art, design and fashion. I want to make clothes and accessories for use with my wheelchair so I have dresses that won't get caught in my wheels and some fancy accessories like a side bag so I can feel fancy. I love clothes and fashion but struggle to find things suitable for wheelchair users.

  • LithaRiddle
    LithaRiddle Online Community Member Posts: 11 Connected

    I live alone with my four cats. So sadly it's difficult getting treatment by medics just because I am alone so no family to complain on my behalf.

  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Online Community Member Posts: 3,017 Championing
    edited November 24
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/140092/fracture-clinic

    Are you suing the driver who hit you ?

    Proving who was responsible for the zebra crossing accident and how it happened is vital if you’re to be compensated. Some of the evidence that could help includes:

    • Dashcam or CCTV footage of the accident occurring. You are entitled to ask for a copy of recordings of yourself but you’ll need to act quickly.
    • Medical notes and x-rays from the hospital that treated you. These can be used to help prove the severity of your injuries.
    • Details of anybody who saw your accident happen. Witness statements can help if the defendant denies liability for causing the zebra crossing accident.
    • The driver’s personal details and information about their vehicle. Most claims will be made against their motor insurance policy so ask for details of this as well.
    • Photographs of the accident scene to help establish what happened. Pictures of any visible injuries could also prove useful as well.

    The special damages you can be compensated for when claiming after an accident at a zebra crossing include lost earnings, medical bills, care costs, and travel expenses. However, in order to recover these costs, you must be able to provide proof. So, keeping any receipts, bank statements, or invoices related to the financial impact of your injuries is helpful.

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