Broken Nose

If you are hesitant to go to the ER you can wait until Monday and go to a regular dr or urgent care. I would base it on how your daughter is feeling. If she is hurting go NOW... if not it can wait. There isn't going to be much they can do for a broken nose anyway. I'm sorry she has to go through this.

Amber-- get over yourself. I am a 24 mother of two and I don't have insurance either. It is not the end of the world and you have no right to judge anyone else. GROW UP.

E.,
I'm really not sure as to whether the age comes into affect. I do know that hospitals have charity care for a reason. It is designed to help those of us without insurance to be treated. I believe every hospital has the policy that regardless of insurance, you have a right to be treated. I would take her the the ER and take it from there. The end result could be getting the hospitals form of charity care (which at Moses Cone lasts for 6 months) I am very good at the paperwork required, feel free to get in touch. ____@____.com

I hope this helps

S. J
________FIGHT LYME DISEASE
www.ShazzArtisticVisions.com

I agree with the moms who said "don't listen to amber". Who the heck does she think she is? Were you asking HER to pay for your doctor visit? Anyway, that's beside the point. I broke my nose at around 12 and my son broke his around 8, we both have slightly crooked noses but nobody but us really notices. I went to the doctor and there was nothing they could do so we didn't even take our son. And as far as taking your kids to incredible dave's when you can't afford insurance, there's a big difference between spending a few dollars for a night out with the kids and having to come up with a few HUNDRED every month for insurance. I still can't believe the nerve of that woman!

I'd say if it's swollen, at least use ice packs & give acetaminaphen for pain. The bone around the edge of the nose is actually pretty short (doesn't protrude from the skull much) and the nose is mostly cartilege. If she can stand it, you can probably gently feel around the edge of the opening of the bone (look at a picture of the skull) and see if the edge is still straight and smooth (I mean, I was never one to rush to the ER, either & I've not had experience with broken noses, but since a doctor didn't see her already, I'd at least try that.)

I agree with Amber that you should have medical insurance for your children and that it's as important as paying your rent/mortgage.

That being said, I do not agree with her lecture of you for taking your kids out for some fun. I understand that we only have a sliver of your story and don't know your circumstances. I know a lot of people are getting laid off and losing insurance, or can't afford both health insurance and putting food on the table.

As far as the broken nose, if she is in pain, you should get it looked at. It could just be very badly bruised but it could be broken. They don't do much for broken noses, but it would be good to check it out to make sure there isnt any other damage.

As another mom suggested, maybe you could look into applying for medicaid for the kids. Some states also have an insurance plan, where you pay for insurance but it's at a reduced rate, sometimes on a sliding scale.

I understand what it's like without insurance, but please try not to let that decide whether or not you go to the doc or urgent care or ER. urgent care is usually cheaper than a hospital's er, but a hospital will see your daughter even if you cant afford to pay.

I hope your daughters nose isnt broken and that she's not in any pain. If it's very swollen,you might want to give her Advil - it will help relieve any pain but more importantly, it's an anti-inflammatory and will help with the swelling.

She needs to go to the doctor - that's without a doubt. Insurance is an issue, but if you go to a hospital they must see her and then you can set up a payment plan. Also, even if just for her - get Medicaid - hospitals accept this. There could be permanent damage - and if it is broken, the longer you wait, the more painful it will be for her. Good luck!

Don't listen to Amber... she obviously doesn't have a clue and really needs to get off her high horse. As for the broken nose, I agree with most everyone else and say just go get it checked out, just in case. You can easily set up a payment plan with the hospital, they will work with you. Alot of times, they can even write things off... so I suggest just going to make sure she's okay and for your peace of mind! Good luck and God bless, I hope things look up for you soon!

I broke my nose when I was around 10. I only broke it on one side (not all the way through). I didn't realize it was broken but it did turn blue. Later on in life, I'm now 5l, that side of my nose is harder to breath out of, but not really bad. A small hump formed under the skin on that side of my nose also, but it isn't really noticable unless you are looking at it. I would just keep a watch on her and maybe ask a doctor later on, unless you see she is having complications, then do take her to the doctor.

Whoever told you that a toddler could break his nose was incorrect. My friend's little boy has broken his twice! Probably no long term damage. If she complains of breathing issues, visit your pediatrician.

E.,

I have three children, and we have had a couple of broken noses. My daughter, when she was two, and one son at age 7. I did not take the 7 year old in to see the doc, since I had been through it already with the younger one. I was told that in most cases the nose is not broken. We did not have to have anything done to aid in healing. Both of my kids reacted severely, with very watery eyes, pain, tenderness and swelling. They had pain when they got active or lowered their heads for a week or so. My 7 year old had bruising on the outer sides of his nose, but the bridge was completely straight. Looking up into his nose, it appeared straight and free of any obstruction. At his next well child check, his doc. said the nose was fine and would not have needed any thing. This is a tough one, but If your daughter has prolonged pain or swelling, or begins to breathe through her mouth instead of her nose, You might ought to have her checked. You can get on the Mayo Clinic.com sight and check the injury section for some solid advice. It's a free and safe sight. Good luck, M.

Yikes! What a horrible story... I'm really sorry to hear about this. I love Incredible Dave's and I know exactly what maze you are talking about... that is so scary!

I really hope that your daughter didn't break her nose, but it doesn't sound good. I know you don't have insurance but it might still be worth it to take her to the ER or at least an urgent treatment center (usually cheaper if you don't have insurance). At least that way you'll know for sure. Better to pay some money now than to have to pay for it for a lifetime, right?

Good luck!

Please don't listen to Amber C. Yes, insurance is a must. But obviously Amber has never lost a job and her insurance at the same time. Amber has no idea who was paying for your night at Dave's, and it isn't any of her business. Besides, kids deserve some fun too. Take your child to ER and explain about the lack of insurance. They should be able to set up you on Medicaid.

A note to Amber: Have some compassion. You are pretty judgemental for not knowing someone's whole story. Times are tough and E. was asking for advice and help, not a lecture.

well, I think I broke my nose once too... same sx, din't get it xrayed so don't know for sure. My nose has been slightly crooked ever since, but no harm except vanity. If it looks straight, there's no point in going to thr expense of having it officially dxed. It's not like they would do anything about it anyway. maybe wear a metal brace over it for a few weeks, nothing you couldn't do yourself. If too crooked, could cause sinus problems, which is a pain, but not as bad as trying to wear the brace or pay the bill, without insurance! I don't have any either. As my dh & i are both self-employed with 7 kids, we never had the money to get insurance, so I understand that just because you don't have insurance you are not necessarily being negligent as some here have implyed. I pray they are never in a situation to find out how wrong they are!
In the meantime, drinking comfrey tea daily helps bones heal better. And as others havee said, ice for the 1st 24 hrs, to reduce swelling, then heat to increase blood circulation to the area, and tylenol, naprosyn or ibuprophen for pain should suffice.

Listen, I broke my nose in 8th grade gym. The Dr. was SHOCKED that it didn't bleed, b/c one side of my nose was literally DENTED... He told my parents that I needed surgery, my parents were skeptical that it was that bad, but they agreed to the surgery. After pulling out the "dented" cartilage, about 3-4 ounces of blood came out of my nose during surgery; they completely reconstructed my nose that day... point is, if I hadn't gone to a Dr. and had tests run, that blood would've been trapped in my nasal passages and my nose would've been crooked/dented for the rest of my life; it's best to see a Dr.; even if it is an Urgent care type facility. good luck to you!!