Bone mets and fractured arm

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My husband (aged 73) has advanced prostate cancer with bone mets. A few months ago he started having upper arm pain. After being diagnosed (over the phone) with rotator cuff injury, being seen by a physio (who gave him exercises) it was finally x-rayed and this revealed a bad diagonal fracture of the upper humerus. He was seen in a fracture clinic a month ago and told he needs surgery. Since then he has been in constant pain and unable to move the arm at all. Phone calls to the hospital resulted in him being told it is 'being dealt with', no more than that. Is it right he should be left in so much pain for so long? Surely this should be dealt with urgently? People have suggested we contact PALS, but I didn't think they could do much with regards to waiting lists? He already has back and groin pain from the cancer, it seems unreasonable to expect him to put up with this as well. Any thoughts please?

johnam 14 days ago

Personally I would contact PALS, your MP and anyone who will listen .

hope your husband is seen quickly .

best wishes to you both

Liz & OH xx

Millibob 14 days ago

Hello SpiritintheSky

I agree with johnam here - PALS then the Hospital Complaints Team followed by an e-mail to your local MP.

You could try his Cancer Team - they may well want him sorted out as he has bone mets.

Please do let us know how you get on.

Best wishes - Brian.

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Alwayshope 14 days ago

Hello SpiritintheSky . I have only ever had broken ribs which normally heal themselves but from my understanding the healing process starts at around 2 weeks and for the humerus it takes 6-12 weeks for the process to complete. I tried to get a feel from the literature as to when surgery should take place and generally it says between 1-2 weeks after the injury. This is because it is important to start shoulder physiotherapy as soon as possible to prevent long term issues. If the bones are misaligned then the repair tissue will have started forming around it at 4 weeks creating a permanent misalignment. If the bones are knitting properly then it says that the pain levels should start reducing after 3 weeks. This is definitely one for PALS and/or your CNS stressing that your husband is in a lot of pain over and above the cancer pain.

I hope your husband gets seen quickly.

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