Tuesday, March 16, 2010

3 more weeks


Well, the wrist was x-ray'd yesterday, and my bone is still broken.  A new cast was put on (thank goodness, cause that old one was getting Stinky!), and I wait for 3 more weeks....then get another x-ray and go from there.

The scariest part of the experience is realizing that I cannot move my wrist.  When the cast was off, I had a bit of time to "play" with it, and I couldn't get it to move.  Yikes.  This re-hab is going to take a long time after the cast is finally off for good.  (The doctor said it takes at least 8 weeks to regain full range of motion!)  Immobilization has atrophied my muscles and frozen my ligaments.  Ew.

I have never had to live with or deal with a disability, but this experience certainly helps me understand what people have to go through who don't have full functionality of their "parts".  On top of being scary, it is really frustrating.  I'm not a person that likes to ask for help, and this is teaching me that I have to....I can't imagine a lifetime of reliance on others.

So, it looks like I will turn 36 with a cast on my arm.  It kind of makes me feel juvenile...in an "adult with braces" kinda way.  I suppose that as long as I can run after that little rugrat of mine, I'll remain young at heart!

Here's to Calcium supplements and healing bones!

7 comments:

  1. Hi there, how are you feeling? I fell on Saturday night and fractured my hand and wrist which was diagnosed in the ER. I see a hand specialist tomorrow and want to know what to expect. Does it hurt when they put the cast on and how long does it take? When does the pain and swelling go away? Dave.

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  2. Dave, Sorry this happened to you. I'm not a doctor, and don't offer medical advice, but if you do some google searching, you'll find ALOT of information on these types of injuries.

    It didn't hurt when they put my cast on...it looks like an ace bandage that they dip in water and wrap around your arm, and it dries very quickly. **My best advice to you: ask your hand specialist for a waterproof cast. It makes life much easier. It is basically a gortex lining on the inside of the cast that allows you to get it wet.

    As far as pain and swelling: my pain comes and goes, but it still hurts. My wrist is still swollen, and it has been about 6 weeks since my accident.

    Good luck to you!
    AJ

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  3. Hi there AJ, thank you for replying.

    I know I sound like a baby and I just turned 30 but never had a cast and never was I in such pain although I am sure you were/are in more pain than me and a more traumatic experience. I never knew they had that and will surely ask when I go to my appointment soon.

    Wow, 6 weeks? Are you able to life anything while in the cast?

    Dave

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  4. Dave,
    I'll be 36 in a few weeks, and I've never broken a bone to this point either. You are not being a baby...it definitely hurts to break a bone! They might give you some pain meds to help you deal with it, and my suggestion is to take them. I felt the worst the 2 days after the accident. The pain stabilized, and stayed the same for about a week, then it started to get better daily in the third week.

    Lifting things with the cast is not fun. I have a toddler, which makes it interesting. I couldn't pick up him until recently. The most interesting thing is that my right wrist is in the cast, and I drive a manual transmission car. Practically impossible with the cast...so I had to get an automatic rental.

    Good luck!
    AJ

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  5. Hi AJ, thank again for writing back.
    Wow, thats pretty impressive. I did get some pain meds so thats helping. I got the cast today and it wasn't as bad as i expected but a bit tight which she said is normal because of the swelling and not all that comfortable either.
    I have a 5 and 3 year old and the younger one still likes me to pick her up but I can't see that happening anytime soon. Oh wow, it's amazing how much you have to change because of an injury! Sounds like you are really inconvenienced, so sorry. How are you feeling?

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  6. Dave,
    Glad to hear it went well. You'll get used to the cast...its funny how fast we learn to adapt. Any idea how long you'll be in it?

    I'm feeling much better,thanks. I think the inconvenience is nothing compared with how bad things could have been. Its all in perspective.

    Enjoy those kiddos!
    :)
    AJ

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  7. Good morning AJ, I am sure I will get used to it, not much choice,lol. Yes, I see myself doing things just to adapt. She said 4-6 weeks and I hope it's more like 4.

    Glad to hear and you are very right, its all in perspective.

    Thank you and you as well, they give us a run for our money,lol.

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