tailbone

[mim828]

I'm a 58 female, have M.S. (for 30 years), osteoarthritis, 2 hip replacements and recently lost my balance in the bathroom & fell on my tailbone, ( nothing cracked or broken), but it does hurt, even in the right groin area . the dr. gave me tylenol #3 and I take ibuprophen to help.  Anything I can do to help?  Afraid I'm going to fall  & break the hip.  The right hip was the latest hip replacement done (4 years ago).  How long till the pain stops, I use a cane to help the balance & to help walking, along with my husbands arm. Any suggestions, or helpful ideas!!

[Tuckamore]

You're welcome. Thanks for the update I am glad that. you are feeling better. I think it's wise to have it rechecked.

That spams in your buttocks could be a SI Joint issue aggreviated by the fall.... so if it keeps up don't ignore it. :o)

I'll look forward to hearing from you again.

~Tuck

[mim828]

Hello Tuck, thanks for the info.  'Recently' was Jan 9 2011, so it hasn't been that long, I guess it is now healing.  It IS feeling better, I think I was just afraid of another 'pain' like I had 4 years ago with the hip  problem.  I think I might take your advice and have another x-ray done, 'just in case'  I do have the spasm in the right buttock so I'll see my  dr. to get something for that.  Thanks, once again, for the reply!

[Tuckamore]

Hi Mim,

So sorry to hear about your fall and resulting pain. Just how recent is  "recently"?  If it's been seven-ten days you should just be healing. If it's been 3-4 weeks you should be feeling better and your pain should be subsiding. Any improvement?

Often bruises, sprains, strains are more painful and take longer to heal than an actual fracture (FX). If they did an x-ray very shortly after the fall it's also possible that they missed a FX. Sometimes a FX takes several days to reveal on an x-ray. A jacket of cells forms around the fracture called a callus almost immediately. However it can take days before the build up of cells can be viewed  on x-ray as the healing process advances. You may require another "look."  

Fracture or not it will take time to heal and the pain to resolve. Obviously the older we are the longer the process can take. How long? I can't say but I would imagine it may take a month or more, again depending on the injury. Supportive muscles/ligaments, even nerves travel into the groin from your lumbar spine. I assume that is why you are experiencing groin pain. However don't hesitate to return to your PCP.

If you are very uncomfortable, having trouble sleeping or having muscle spasms there are medications and/or treatments that may bring you relief. Again, check with your Physician.

I wish you the best and hope that you will let us know how you are doing. I'll look forward to your updates.

Peace,
~Tuck