I have a broken bone and no pain meds... how do I get them without asking?

[Cvee]

I'm sorry if this has been covered already, but I've been searching for hours online for some answers. I went to the doctor today for what I thought was a nasty sprained ankle.. well after x-rays doc is pretty certain I have a fractured fibula (hairline fracture). I was completely honest regarding the pain I was in and all I got was some diclofenac, which is just an NSAID. I told her I already took a bunch of 800mg Ibuprofens and the swelling didnt go down and didn't help my pain whatsoever. I also told her that i've been using ice packs with no luck.

So she referred me to an orthopedic doc just to make double sure its a fracture, and I'm supposed to hear back soon so I can get my plastic boot thing. Well the pain is getting worse and the swelling has only gone down a tiny bit. My toes are starting to go numb on and off and the pain is starting to radiate through my leg and all over the foot. I was walking just fine at the doc office but I feel like im starting to limp a little- not sure if its the ace bandage but it feels different. I have a pretty decent pain tolerance, so I feel that because im not screaming in pain I'm not getting narcotics.

Do I call the GP back and tell her that I need something stronger, should I go to urgent care, idk what to do. I may not be able to get in with a specialist for a while- like over a week is possible. I can't afford the ER, and I absolutely CANNOT be labeled a drug seeker (I'm not) because I already have a prescription for xanax- which I also legit need. I only go to docs my insurance covers so every visit they put notes about my visit online, so they deff communicate with eachother.

Wth do I do I'm really in a lot of pain and worried about my bone & this crappy NSAID does nothing! Terrified to even ask for some tylenol 3!

 

[namnoc16]

I don't typically give advice to people on how to get stronger meds but I just feel you are telling the truth and nothing I'm gonna say is dishonest. You need to call your GP tomorrow as soon as they open and tell them(politely) that you must see your doc again asap. Just be honest and let the doctor know the NSAIDS are offering little relief and you can't wait until next week because of the amount of pain you are in. Don't over play your pain just level with him/her and ask if they can prescribe you something that will make the pain more bearable. As long as you have an honest an open relationship with your doctor they should prescribe you something until you see the ortho. They will start you out as minimum as possible and if you don't contact them again they figure it's good enough but if you gave your meds a day or so and no relief is offered they will usually adjust you unless you have a habit of "getting hurt".

 

[Cvee]

Thank you for believing me- I'm definitely in pain and its scary that it's getting worse. I will take your advice and call first thing in the morning. I do go to the doctor a lot but never for injuries. I'm always sick and usually just need antibiotics. I'm actually annoyed I paid money for this medicine that doesn't work.. I was willing to give it a shot tho.. Maybe I'll keep it for headaches or something. I have to be able to take appointments on Saturday I'm in hair school and on my feet all day and usually don't even get a lunch break. Thanks for the advice

 

[Cvee]

Just an update- They were able to get me to the orthopedic doc today!!! The fracture is much less severe than the GP made it out to be. I don't even need the plastic boot! It was an option but I wouldn't be able to drive or do people's hair in it, so I'm in a brace for the next 6 months. I'll take that any day over boot & crutches! The torn ligament is actually more severe than the itty bitty hairline fracture. and to top it all off I walked out with a script for 40 vicodin, which will definitely get me through the next few days, maybe weeks if I can control the pain with a lot of ibuprofen.

 

[namnoc16]

That's great news, I'm glad it worked out for you!