View Full Version : Sick call diaries
Alright gents, excuse me if I placed this in the wrong forum I'm not asking for a diagnosis, I'm asking for help on what to do next. First allow me I explain my situation. I am an E-4 regular army, I injured my hip doing rope climbs in preparation for SFAS. I've done rope climbs before but not at this intensity, so the next day I have a little soreness it feels like it's in my thigh I think O well a muscle group I've never worked out before is sore not a huge deal. Well I end up going and completing sfas in excruciating pain. It's been almost a month since I've been back and my pain has not subsided. From my own self diagnosis I think I have hip bursitis I have the same symptoms. Although LT PA thinks its a muscle strain. I've strained plenty of muscles and never had one hurt this long and this much. But I'm not about to tell this LT how to do his job. Anyways after 2 trips to the emergency room and many trips to sick call I'm still in lots of pain, the kind of pain that keeps you up all night. I've taken ibuprofen and naproxen and that doesn't do anything. When I visit the ER they are nice enough to give me narcotics for a day or 2. I've talked to patient advocacy and they have done nothing. Ive tried going to an off post dr and paying straight up cash, but I need to be referred by my DBAG LT. Well what I'm asking from you guys is what else can I do?
And here's something funny to tell y'all how much of a DBAG this LT is. He said I get it you've been to selection and rucked a few miles and your sore we've all been there. I wanted to rip his throat out after that comment.
bost1751
10-14-2014, 18:30
Go to an orthopedic surgeon or good pain management Dr.
I tried. I called their office and asked if I could pay cash but it needs to go through my clinic. I'm in agony at the moment I can't keep up with this.
NurseTim
10-14-2014, 20:45
I'd talk to the most senior 18D I could for a doorknob consult and if he comes up with the same Dx, explain why you think it is not and that you have tried to tough it out. Have you had X-rays?
I'm in regular army so I deal with the 68w's that don't seem to do anything. I've had X-rays, but the bursitis I believe I have is only detectable my MRI. I'm thinking about going in there and telling them about buying drugs off the the street and drinking myself to sleep To get through to them. Last night was unbearable and these medical workers shrug my problem off. Giving me an appointment from a month from now. I know going to the ER isn't recommended unless it's life limb or eyesight. But is it acceptable to go of I'm in this much pain?
miclo18d
10-15-2014, 05:21
I would go back to DBAG LT and say it is getting worse not better. Does your Bn not have a Doctor? You should be asking to see a Doc. If you are going to a TMC, how are you ending up with the same Lt each time?
Bursitis sucks. I had it on my elbow after the landing on the Tarmac at Torillos Intl during Just Cause and it lasted for more than a year, but only bothered me if I tried to do preacher curls.
You need a second opinion. From a Doc, preferably an orthopedic Doc
A good DDX would include:
Strained muscle
Pinched nerve
Bursitis
Fracture
(Docs, did I miss any zebras?)
For the time being ice the location as much as you can, 10-20 minutes at a time then off for 20-30 then back on!
The x-Ray should rule out the fracture, bursitis can sometimes be filmed. MRI would confirm but takes awhile to get an apt, sometimes months (don't you love socialized med?). A steroid injection would help. There are about 4 different Burgas in your leg' where is the pinpoint pain located, specifically?
Your comment about drugs off the street concerns me. I would hope that you were just telling a bad sick joke. That would be the fastest way to end your career and probably NOT get your problem fixed. Don't kid around about that!
I'm not serious about the drugs off the street it's just me being really pissed off. Getting in touch with the doc is next to impossible. And the location to the pain it's mostly right in front of my left hip but sometimes radiates around my ass cheek, and along down my thigh although way to my ankle. I've read a cortisone injection would work quite well. And I've tried contacting an off post doc but again I need a referral . Well I'm at sick call now I'm not expecting anything then the old here's an appointment
I'm not serious about the drugs off the street it's just me being really pissed off. Getting in touch with the doc is next to impossible. And the location to the pain it's mostly right in front of my left hip but sometimes radiates around my ass cheek, and along down my thigh although way to my ankle. I've read a cortisone injection would work quite well. And I've tried contacting an off post doc but again I need a referral . Well I'm at sick call now I'm not expecting anything then the old here's an appointment
DIYPatriot
10-15-2014, 07:51
Does it hurt when you're in the front leaning rest? How does it feel doing mtn climbers? What about lying on it at night and then getting up bright and early - does it take a few moments of movement/stretching before it sort of feels any better? Does the pain radiate down your leg and feel like it takes your breath away with each step you take on the affected leg?
If so, then your symptoms sound almost identical to what mine were after I was injured doing some climbing. Long story short, I went to an ortho and they found some fractures in my hip and I needed surgery. The fact that I could keep applying weight and embracing the suck only made it worse. At night, I was literally in tears.
This is my thread (http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45919) regarding it and I'm scheduled for another surgery in 3 weeks. I'm not saying anything to scare you or make you think the worst. It's better to prep for the worst and hope for the best. Get that leg/hip looked at and don't waste any time doing so.
Feel free to PM me if you want/need any info. Take it from me (and several others on this board) do not self-diagnose and keep asking questions until you find the information that helps you improve. Good luck!
If I remember correctly RA BNs do not have MDs. My Infantry BN had a PA. The MD should be at Brigade level. Take your ass up there and go in. He/she should have an open door. Do not take no for an answer. Go to the post hospital and make your way to the hospital commanders office for a respectful discussion of the lack of care you have been receiving. Hell, the Army fired Womack's commander a while back so a visit should get things moving.
Don't do anything disrespectful or illegal but demand quality care, it is your right. I am going through a small battle with a MD that resulted in me going around him to get an MRI. It gave a dx that was different than his and he ate some crow and was pissed but I now have a legit diagnosis and care plan.
Never give up
Snaquebite
10-15-2014, 08:51
If you aren't getting the attention you need at the clinic, go through your chain of command or request to see the IG.
Does it hurt when you're in the front leaning rest? How does it feel doing mtn climbers? What about lying on it at night and then getting up bright and early - does it take a few moments of movement/stretching before it sort of feels any better? Does the pain radiate down your leg and feel like it takes your breath away with each step you take on the affected leg?
I've tried doing push ups, but just getting down in the position is extremely painful, I wouldn't even think about trying mountain climbers. When I first get up from sitting down the pain is terrible, after a few steps I can almost stand up straight but still in quite a bit of pain. The pain is at it's worst when I'm either laying flat on my back or stomach, I'm not able to completely sprawl out with out being in pain. Last night was one the worst nights after I showered, each step was terrible I laid in bed crying until the last of my pain meds kicked in.
Today at sick call I received mobic (it's not like the naproxen or ibuprofen worked so why bother with this) and a come back in 4 weeks. I asked for meds so I could sleep, I was declined.I also asked (I know this will sound ridiculous) for a profile that says I can only wear one uniform a day. Just changing my clothes is torture.
This clinic is fucked up last year I fractured my leg, they told me I had shin splints. Until one day they rushed me in and showed me.
Idont want to keep running back to the er for pain meds but it's the only way I'm getting them. Through out the day, I don't care I'll be in pain but if I can't sleep because of it I need something a little beefier than some ibuprofen.What is with these docs they act like it's coming out of their pocket.
The Reaper
10-15-2014, 11:34
I hate to say it, but wait till after hours and go to the Emergency Room.
TR
DIYPatriot
10-15-2014, 11:55
Entire post
I'm with TR and others...get to the ER. Your situation sounds just like mine. I dreaded sleep. I dreaded waking up even more. This sounds silly, but I recall stepping up onto a sidewalk and the heel of my boot barely caught the edge of the sidewalk just enough to make me miss my step. The pain from that literally took my breath away. Push ups were a killer for me as was anything else that was considered a weight bearing movement to my hip.
Speaking from personal experience, consider going easy on the pain meds b/c your body is trying to speak to you. There's a reason why you hurt so much. Also, if you're susceptible to addictive behaviors, that stuff can be hell. I watched a buddy damn near lose his family over them. I couldn't stand taking them bc I hate dry mouth and feeling nauseous. YMMV
Red Flag 1
10-15-2014, 12:12
I don't see anything about a diagnosis in any of your posts.
My diagnosis is a strained muscle. The lt made me feel both muscles on each leg and he swore the left one was tight. I didn't feel a difference but again I'm no doctor. I can't do my job, I can't do anything. Most days I lay on our shop floor til my boss tells me to go home. Like I have said before, I have strained many muscles but this is completely different from anything I have ever felt before.
When I go to the ER, I can tell they are pissed because the clinic is not doing their job, and then when I go back to the clinic they are pissed and proceed to lecture me about its not life limb or eyesight. It is very discouraging to even go back to either the ER or my clinic. Thats why I have tried to go off post on my own.
There is something wrong with this medical system, on one side of our clinic is the typical medical issues run by the army soldiers, and the other side is dental run by civilians. The dental workers, they get shit done, I had a tooth ache, same day they shaved my tooth down and I was good to go. I broke a crown, same day they fixed that and give me a new one, with a smile on their face.
I am an aircraft electrician, when a helicopter is about to run up and something is wrong we go out there and fix it. We don't tell them to go fly and see if the problem goes away, we also don't say we'll get to it in 3-4 weeks. And when our unit has to many birds to work on, we give it to another unit. So when this medical system is booked, why in the world can't they refer me to another location! Sorry for this rant. Its probably best I get it out here, than to the wrong person at the clinic.
Red Flag 1
10-15-2014, 14:33
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I can ask, when I go back to work tomorrow. I signed up for some college classes since I knew I was not going back to the gym anytime soon. But this pain is so bad I cannot even sit at this computer chair without being in agony. If it does not subside I will be going to the ER again.
The Reaper
10-15-2014, 15:07
I would also stop fishing around for pain meds outside OTC unless you have scripts for all of them.
One piss test can be a career ender.
Screw 'em if they don't want you going to the ER, they should take care of you in the clinic.
Ask for the hospital IG, Patient Advocate, or Ombudsman. They should be able to get you seen and fixed, or sent out to competent local specialists.
TR
You know I love a steady pay check, but at this point I'm really losing faith in the army. All patient advocate does is call the clinic, and pretty much says Spc so and so thinks LT DB isn't doing his job.
So one bad experience and you are losing faith in the whole Army? Not to lecture Specialist but man the fuck up and get aggressive about your healthcare. Does it sound like you aren't getting the care you need or deserve? Yep. Is that an indictment of the whole Army? Nope. Fix the problem through the correct avenues that numerous guys here have suggested and stop with the I might leave the Army insinuation. Mother Army is making cuts like a 15 yr old Emo girl. She won't care if you split but you might 2years from now and she won't be waiting on you to come back.
11ber this is the second time they fucked me. About my broken leg, the PA also told me it looked like cancer. Idk if you have ever had news like that but it really fucks with you and your family.
Red Flag 1
10-15-2014, 19:35
11ber this is the second time they fucked me. About my broken leg, the PA also told me it looked like cancer. Idk if you have ever had news like that but it really fucks with you and your family.
Deal with your current issue, and yes, I have had bad news days.
I feel like a new man. Got myself a toradol shot, called up the girl said it's go time. That's a joke. But I did get the shot, unfortunately it lasts about 7 hours. The nurse that saw me seemed very experienced and she said labral or labrum tear can't exactly remember what she said and she's pushing for the MRI. I just need the PA to follow through tomorrow morning. I'm quite excited about this, maybe it's just the toradol numbing all the pain and I'm in one jolly mood!!
Red Flag 1
10-16-2014, 12:45
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Nurse told me to stay on crutches until the MRI tells us what is up. Although I didn't get a profile. I'm going to have to go back in for it. Also had to talk to behavior health because I don't have any interest in doing anything. But it's clearly a pain issue and not mental. Got some 800 mg ibuprofen that helps quite a bit, and a handful of hydros for sleeping. I talked to the brigade surgeon, he seemed a little pissed off that I've been to the ER twice this week. But they left me no choice. He also witnessed me shedding some tears this morning, I think that's how i ended up with the hydrocodone.
Red Flag 1
10-16-2014, 18:22
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Thanks Red Flag, I am still in pain, but I'm starting to feel better now that I have this MRI to look forward to. So I'm out of the gym for however long this takes. The doc said I could only work arms, and my tris are going to get huge just from crutching. I'm taking a couple of college classes. I'm currently reading American sniper, and storming the court. Any other ideas on how to keep a person occupied?
DIYPatriot
10-17-2014, 12:08
My path has been similar to yours. For me, it was a trip to the er, crutches, pain/injury mgmt, follow up with an ortho, surgery, phys therapy, follow up's, PT and now another surgery to remove the hardware so I can press on. I'm curious about your diagnosis and to see what they do for you. Surgery was really the only option for me.
The cool thing, though, was that I literally had the hottest nurses. When it was all over with I could no longer blame the meds for my obvious flirtations, though I tried. My wife told me she was gonna break my other leg. I told her that after this recent trip, that was fine with me so long as those nurses were part of my post-op team.
Lol. My old ortho doc was extremely attractive. But with our different personalities it never would have worked. :rolleyes: My biggest issue at the moment is sleep. I toss and turn for an hour before I give up and do somthing somewhat constructive. I'm not trying to up the dose on my meds anymore.
So it's been almost 2 months since I've been back from sfas, I've found a routine of pain meds that will allow me to sleep and get on with the day. If I skip the meds I'm back where I started, in tons of pain, can't stand up straight, and no sleep. I just got my MRI results and what they have said is it's a contusion, and that's a bruise from what I have gathered. The doc said it's no big deal you'll be ship shape in no time. But I was also told this 2 months ago. Do any of y'all have any insight on this?
Red Flag 1
11-03-2014, 11:28
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What is contused? Bone or soft tissue? I am 2 months post either a stress fracture or a bone bruise (reason for the or is they appear the same on MRI) and was just cleared to get rid of the Cam walker last week. If this is a bone bruise it will be a while but it does get better.
I wasn't told much I just spoke to the nurse. But I imagine muscle since I didn't fall or get hit in that area.
DIYPatriot
11-04-2014, 14:55
I wasn't told much I just spoke to the nurse. But I imagine muscle since I didn't fall or get hit in that area.
Maybe I'm just an over the top type A personality and took A Message To Garcia (http://www.birdsnest.com/garcia.htm) to heart, but I asked a ton of questions and researched my ass off until I knew as much as humanly possible about my condition prior to beginning my journey of healing. For starters, I didn't want to waste my doctor's time and I didn't want to waste mine or my wife's time with a less than optimal game plan for getting myself mended and back on the path.
When my ortho sees me, he rolls his eyes, smiles and cringes because he knows I'm not gonna leave that room without having every question answered and contingencies for my contingency plans as they relate to my status, recovery, phys therapy, training, my future, etc.
If I were you, I would make sure I knew exactly what was going on with my hip (or any other body part for that matter) because this shit can sideline you for a long time, if not forever, if you don't properly treat yourself and recover.
Well DIYPatriot I have researched quite a bit I was confident it was bursitis I have those same exact symptoms. But the PA said it wasn't. I researched my ass off because my clinic wasn't doing a damn thing. I was really relying on this MRI to tell me what's wrong, and my diagnosis is a bruise! Honestly I think my PA is going to give me another you'll be ok in 2 weeks profile. Today has been a pretty bad day. Very sore and my muscle feels as if it's vibrating.
Hello everyone it's been a year since this injury happened and almost a year since I completed selection. Still having this hip and leg trouble, recently I have been seeing a physical therapist that is scraping and massaging the scar tissue and I have been getting better temporarily. I've had trigger point injections that have also helped but are also temporary. Just recently I noticed this divot in my quad and havnt been able to talk to my PA. The picture attached shows both legs for comparison, any ideas on what this could be?
Red Flag 1
09-07-2015, 15:01
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Red Flag 1
09-09-2015, 17:06
"Just when I thought I was out... (ps.com) pulls me back in!" Thanks a lot, RF1.;)
I agree with post #42; that image isn't necessarily the most diagnostic. Could you pour a liquid into this "dent", or get a kind of shadow thing going on, and then take a photo?
DDx:
A natural separation in the muscle fibers, recently accentuated
Lipoatrophia semicircularis
I know the feeling:).
Here is a picture of the bad one.
And the good one for comparison. With the added shadow effect.
Most of the pain is in the hip and deep in the glute, but it radiates from my lower back all the way to my knee. That specific spot actually doesn't hurt, but I received trigger point injections in that muscle and I was almost normal for about a month.