WWYD--Nurse handled my x-rays carelessly and I don't know whether to address or not

[strider]

I have been having problems in my knees and hips. My chiropractor did a set of x-rays a month ago that covered my spine and pelvis, and my dr had some done of my knees. My dr then requested the films from the chiro. To facilitate matters I went and got the chiro's films and delivered them myself to my dr's office.

I nearly lost it when I saw the nurse BEND MY X-RAYS. She was being careless, carrying them with one hand, and they flopped and bent against her fingers. She casually SNAPPED THEM BACK UP. I am unsure whether or not to complain. Maybe the x-rays are fine???? God only knows, but I cannot believe I spent that amount of money on x-rays just to watch the nurse BEND THEM. I said, faintly, "Please don't bend those . . . " The other nurses heard and looked at me in a kind of annoyed way, and I do not know if the nurse carrying the x-rays heard or not.

This is a tiny, struggling inner-city clinic that is more of a missionary clinic. I often have administrative issues with them (they are quite challenged organizationally) but my dr is worth all the frustration. He's brilliant and very caring, and has been a friend of the family for many years. I don't want to raise a ruckus needlessly--there is ALWAYS something I *could* complain about--I try to choose my battles.

WWYD?

[Snickerdoodle]

You mean bend like a U shape? Or did she crinkle them down and press a fold in them?


X-ray film is pretty bendy. Nothing will happen. Unless she was deliberately pressing a fold in them they will be fine.

[dirty ethel rackham]

I wouldn't make an issue of it. I don't think x-rays are all that fragile. I have had several x-rays for several conditions. I have never seen them treated with kid gloves. As long as she didn't crease them (which would be difficult to do) they should be fine.

My not so professional opinion ...

[nutmeg]

Yup, there shouldn't be any problem at all with them.

[LisaCA]

I agree with above. Your annoyance/concern was probably noticed and if she had a look like *oops* when she flipped them back, she'll probably be more careful in the future.

[strider]

You replies are very reassuring. The floppiness of the x-ray did not bother me as much--but the x-ray did come to a point or a crease right at her thumb which was made worse by her snapping them up. It's hard to describe. Either way, dh said just to mention to the chiropractor that it happened so that she doesn't think *I* was careless and not complain to our dr's office.

Thanks again.

[kalanamak]

there is ALWAYS something I *could* complain about--I try to choose my battles.

WWYD?

I handle xrays at least weekly.

I would not battle this one. Xrays get rather beaten around...shoved up onto the viewing screen, etc. The "important part" is almost never over near the edge, and the lower couple inches often end up with some tent-shaped creases from firm thumb pushing. She's used to them being pretty tough.

My son plays with discards...rolls them up, etc and they still look pretty good.

[Perry]

Like others have said, they are very durable so are probably fine. Most x-rays done at a hospital or radiology department are now digital, so they could make another hard copy if necessary. I don't know about chiropractors though.