ER for just pain?

This is probably absolutely not the place to post this, but I HAVE to ask in hopes I get an answer.

If I go to the ER tonight after work, because my arm is in the most pain I have ever felt in my life, are they going to think I am annoying?

I'm just looking for advice from people who work in an ER.. I'm 17 weeks pregnant and I have a pain in my upper arm that hurts so bad constantly that I cannot sleep at night at all. I told my FP about this at last month's visit and he said it was probably tendonitis(sp?) and didn't tell me to do anything with it. Tylenol doesn't work, etc. So I'm contemplating going to the ER tonight, but I don't want them to look at me and tell me they can't do anything. This is seriously a 10 on my pain scale and i'm no wuss!!

again i apologize for posting this here but i would really like to know what they are going to think..

-tiff

[Tiiki]

You are pregnant, you are experiencing something that is keeping you awake at night. If you had called our triage desk we would have told you to come in. Pain can mask so many things. It is never wrong to get checked out. Because there are so many abusers of the ER, the legit ones hesitate to come in..thinking "is this necessary." If it is waking you, you aren't finding relief at home, head to your ER.

Good luck, let me know how it turns out!

JO-ANNE

[RNConnieF]

Go to the ER, do not pass GO. ANY prolonged pain that is not relieved by normal means is not normal and should be assessed.

[l.rae]

TL...l work in the ER and primarily l tell people if they are uncomfortable with a health issue and feel they need to be seen then they should come in...this is a big CYA...however, your primary concern should not be about annoying the staff, that's their problem....(and l've been guilty at times)....if you go l advise you to stress that you have been evaluated by your MD, that you did follow up...but that the pain has become acutely uncomfortable over the past x amount of hrs...it wouldn't be a bad idea to call your md and let him advise you...if he says go to er then that is his call not yours....you never know he might call something in...(probably not likely) then see you after weekend...ER staff likes to here that people tried other conservative measures before coming to ER....They tend to get real irritated at complaints of pain for ''months/weeks/days'' cause..''why didn't you see your DR''.....so inform them of the changes of symptoms...the increase in pain...not sleeping so they will know that there is an acute developement even though the problem is ongoing...hope this helps...hope you feel better...let us know what happens........LR

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Howdy yall

from deep in the heart of texas

If it hurts that bad, then go simple.

[pebbles, BSN, RN]

I'd rather piss off some nurse in the ER than lie there in agony wondering... worse yet taking chances with your health.

(No offense anyone!)

[BadBird, BSN, RN]

When I herniated a disc in my back I laid in bed 10 days before I went, I was in agony at that point I didn't care if I died. The ER doc and nurses were wonderful I wish I didn't wait so long. I suggest if you are in that much pain don't be like me and wait just go and get taken care of.

[Fgr8Out]

Tendonitis can be horribly painful. Mine was in my elbow and the Dr. recommended a brace for "tennis elbow" and an anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen)... actually she prescribed vioxx, but insurance doesn't cover.

In any case.. I'm never up to date on what can be safely taken during pregnancy... and if your doctor hasn't recommended something, I'd certainly go to the ER. As another poster said... you've sought help and taken other routes before deciding on ER... unless you want to continue to be in pain, you don't appear to have any choice.

Good Luck!!

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Howdy yall

from deep in the heart of texas

I like magnets for pain relief

[Amy ER Nurse]

Call your OB-GYN, that is what they are for. I had pain in my arm while pregnant, and it would wake me up at night. My OB told me that it is common in pregnancy, and sometimes you end up wearing a brace, like those the carpal tunnel folks wear. He only said Tylenol, but Docs can differ on this. But most of all I stress notify your OB, because they need to be aware of what is going on with you. They may refer you to the ER, or tell you over the phone what to do.

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Howdy yall

from deep in the heat of texas

I believe in dilaudid for everything

[kaycee]

Just thought you all might want to know tladams original post was from sept 01. Hopefully she's already had her baby.

Just thought it was cute that she was getting responses almost 1 yr later.