stupid broken hand question

[teag1rl]

I'm really hoping I haven't, but I might have broken my hand. Metacarpal I think it is-bone on the outside of palm nearest little finger. Would it be really stupid not to go to the doctor? Do they put such things in casts? I'd have to get someone to drive me for xray incase they do and it's an hr away, and weeks in a cast is not an option anyway as I need to drive to work. I can still drive, type etc, So if it's not too bad, do I risk causing permanent damage? And how long is it likely to hurt for?
This is such a dumb question and I know the advice I'd give anyone else would be to get to docs, but I'm just wondering if anyone has a similar experience?

[fat rascal]

get yourself to the doctors or the nearest A&E.. if you work with it and it is broken you might cause more damage, it might just need a splint?

hope it is ok!!

xx

[IggyB]

i broke that bone in my hand (the one connecting to the little finger) it was really very annoying - do get yourself to the hospital quickly, they told me off for delaying as the bones were not aligned properly and needed to be manipulated back into place (i was told this would have been less painful if i had sorted it a bit quicker ooops -i only waited a day!). Anyway it was very important that this was done because if it had healed in the wrong position i would have suffered pain and loss of movement until the bone was rebroken in an operation and manipulated back into place - not very easy and the results are never as good as if it is sorted first time round.

All they will do is strap your little finger to your other finger to act as a splint, though this is annoying it didn't stop me driving or typing etc. Then after 3 weeks its back to the hospital for a check up and another x-ray to make sure its all fully knitted - after a month all should be basically fine again (though a bit weaker than you were)

good luck (i drove myself to and from the hospital so maybe give this a go too - but maybe NHS direct could be more help)

[myselfness]

my dad has broke his hand several times and doesnt go to hospital for it... he says it hurts for lke a month and then it sstarts to heal itself but it wont go back to the way it was... as in it wont work propoerly...
so if you depend on your hands its better to go to the hospital and have it in a cast for a few weeks rather then permanently damaging it...

[SaxyJag]

Casualty now, unless you did it more than about 48 hours ago, because I know our casualty are funny about that.

[teag1rl]

Thanks everyone. I have seen the light and booked appt at docs this afty-bound to send me for xray, but at least then I'll know. I really think it's just bruised as have had worser injuries that havent resulted in break, so I'll keep my fingers crossed! I've been to casualty a few times on mondays with Saturday night injuries, and doc always said to lie bout timescale!!