Typing has never
been my strong point, but at least I could get up to a fair speed with my two
index fingers. I can now tell you that typing with one index
finger is almost glacially slow. The reason for this diminution in my typing
speed is that on Friday morning I had a fall and broke my left wrist rather
badly.
I can also tell you that an 85 mile ambulance journey with a broken wrist over often narrow,
winding and bumpy roads is not an experience to be recommended, but the
paramedics were kindness itself, as were all the staff who looked after me in hospital.
Interestingly,
in his pre-op visit to the ward, the surgeon asked me what my interests are now
I'm retired. As soon as he heard that I'm learning the clarinet, he told me he
would put a plate in, as it would give me the best chance of retaining
flexibility in my wrist, though the risk of complications is slightly higher. I
was also told that the plaster would only be on for two weeks, rather than the
six I was expecting and I should then start to exercise the wrist gently but
consistently. At the moment, though, it’s a rather painful nuisance, so you
will forgive me, I’m sure if my comments and replies are rather shorter than
usual.
Now to go and
eat the soup DH has just heated up for us. Thank goodness I always keep the
freezer stocked with soups and stews. DH has many talents, but cooking is definitely
not one of them… ;-)
Image via Google
Oh you poor thing - sounds awful. Take extra good care of yourself. So glad you have a "switched on" surgeon who has youur interests in mind. Prayers for you as you recover.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Catriona. I was very impressed by the surgeon's concern for my quality of life.
DeleteI DID wonder why you had suddenly gone quiet! Now I and all your friends & followers know why.
ReplyDeleteI'm only a two finger typist which I find frustrating at times, but to only have one functioning hand doesn't bear thinking about. Delayed and short replies will be completely accepted & understood. And don't try doing anything silly until your wrist is fully healed, except maybe trying to teach DH how to cook :-)
Indeed you do, Ricky. ;-) I'm being very good about not doing what I shouldn’t, but need to occupy my time somehow, apart from physio exercises.
DeleteI'm so very sorry...what a miserable thing to happen.
ReplyDeleteVery impressed by your surgeon, though and what good news that you will not be 'plastered' for more than a fortnight. No risk of the freezer running dry in that time...
And don't underestimate the shock a fall can give you...take things easy and start by not replying to this comment.
Not what I'd planned for this visit, Helen. Like you I was very impressed by the surgeon's care for the whole person.I'm taking things very easy.It's only today I've stopped falling asleep all the time.
DeleteOuchies!! Time to put your feet up rest up and heal. And right before Xmas, isn't that always the way
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed, Chris. I'm being very good about resting and am hoping things are healing.
DeleteOh NO!! So sorry to hear this! Sending healing and soothing vibes to you.... and maybe a food parcel?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sian. Given that my appetite hasn't yet recovered properly, I think we'll probably manage with the contents of the freezer. :-)
DeleteOh you poor thing! I can well imagine your frustration on top of the obvious pain. I do hope you recovery is speedy. You can be sure a lot of people are wishing you all the very best. Big hugs. Ax
ReplyDeleteThanks, Annie. I'm not the most patient of patients, but don't have much choice at the moment but to take things easy. If only I could knit....
DeleteWhat a horrible thing to happen. Hope you heal quickly.
ReplyDeleteThanks, BtoB, so do I.
DeleteWhat rotten luck Perpetua. Unfortunately there is a tendency to put out a hand to save a fall, often with serious consequences.
ReplyDeleteDo please do absolutely what you are told and with luck you will heal quickly.
When i broke a foot the first time (it became a habit), I thought I knew best about exercise etc and the wretched thing has a large lump on it to this day.
I do hope you have adequate pain-killers.
Prayers and hugs. X
Thanks, Ray. I promise I'm being good and doing what I'm told, but everything takes soooo long. Plenty of painkillers and I'm already doing exercises to stop fingers, elbow and shoulder getting stiff.
DeleteDear P, what a horrible experience - I have awful memories of breaking my wrist many years ago, and you have my deepest sympathies! I presume it was Inverness hospital you had to go to - those roads are a bit grim with jolting. If I'd known, you'd have had some special prayers at the healing service we had this afternoon - I'll add you to them when I get to bed! Do take care, and do exactly what you've been told! When you get home, I'll bring you another fish pie!! Lots of love.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Helva. No, it wasn't an experience I'd recommend, but I can't fault the care I've received throughout. Yes, it was Inverness - two 170 mile round trips for DH and another next week for the post-op appointment. Fish pie sounds lovely.
DeleteOh, dear Perpetua, I am so sorry to hear of the break. Ouch! You are, and will remain, in my prayers; for continued good medical care, healing, easing of pain, patience, and a full recovery. How caring the surgeon and an example of what it means to care for the patient as a whole.
ReplyDeleteTake care, dear one.
Thanks, Penny. Ouch indeed, but as always it could have been worse. At my age much better my wrist than my hip. The surgeon's concern for my quality of life touched me very much as it necessitated a much more complex operation.
DeleteSo sorry to hear of your fall and the break. As everyone else has said I hope you heal quickly. Of course, the main thing is to do exactly as you are told with rest and then gentle exercise.
ReplyDeleteHugs from New Zealand.
Thanks, Susan. I'm glad to say it's starting to be less painful which I hope indicates healing. I promise I'm being good.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteAAARrrrgghhhhh dang-nabbit whatchya doin'??!! Never mind the clarinet - there's the knitting to think of &*>... tsk, seriously though, that is sour news; rest it well for the two weeks so as to get the best out of the rest. Hugs, YAM xx
Which is pretty well what I said when it happened, Yam. Indeed there's the knitting to think of, which will also be aided by a more flexible wrist. I'm definitely resting it.
DeleteOh no! What a dreadful thing to happen. I'm glad the surgeon was on top of things, and I hope you don't have lots of Christmas gift knitting on your needles. On the other hand, maybe a bit of knitting once the cast comes off would count as mild exercise. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Perpetua!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kristie. Luckily all that's on the needles at the moment is a pair of socks for DH, who will not mind when they are ready.However knitting will count as mild exercise, together with the physio.
DeleteOh, dear Perpetua, I am so sorry to hear this. You have had more than your fair share of medical mishaps in the recent past. The ride to hospital sounds awful, but thank goodness your surgeon is doing the very best now for you. I, for one, am looking forward to the day when you post a YouTube of yourself playing that Clarinet! Best wishes for a perfect recuperation. Hugs from Oz.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia. Yes, between us, DH and i have kept the medics rather occupied in the past year or so. Let's hope this is the last time for a long while. I'm supposed to be practising to do some simple duets with DD at New Year, but that's on hold. A first step towards that video, perhaps...
DeleteOh no! I am so sorry to hear this. This is not what you need. I can only imagine the pain of it all. I will say that you have greatly impressed me by writing a blog post when you could only use one finger! Now, that is the mark of a committed blogger. Take care of yourself. I hope for a speedy healing for you, and I hope that the flexibility that you had before will return. Hugs and Prayers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally. Indeed it isn't, but I'm glad to say my wrist is starting to feel less painful and hopefully the cast will be off before too long. Blogging, even with only one hand (I'm trying to use more than one finger now) is a wonderful way to pass the time when there's so much else I can't do.
DeleteOh gosh. Falls are so scary as we get older and so I'm glad you weren't hurt any worse. Still, pain is pain and so I hope you heal very quickly.
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to learn the clarinet. Good for you!
Thanks, Ruby. It really was scary and I'm very grateful it wasn't worse. I started to learn the clarinet, but have played very little since the summer because of the house move. I really need practice....
DeleteSo sorry but what a caring surgeon. Take care xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rosie. I was very touched by the surgeon's concern for me as a person and not just a wrist.
DeleteOh no! Not a happy blog post! But as has been said above, at least it was not worse. Good luck with your recovery.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Betty. I'm very thankful it was only my wrist and my left one at that and I've had wonderful care.
DeleteOh, Perpetual! I'm so sorry! I'm glad your injury in the fall wasn't worse -- but it sounds bad enough! I hope you mend quick and are back to the clarinet (I'm so impressed! I flunked ukulele at our activity center!) in no time. Sending good wishes your way....
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathy. I reckon I came off lightly, when I think what else I might have broken if my wrist hadn't cushioned my fall. It's starting to feel rather better and we'll know more after my post-op appointment next week.
DeleteOh no, so sorry to hear about that. Poor you!
ReplyDeleteTwo weeks doesn't sound very long to have the plaster on, but I do hope you survive the next few weeks with your sanity - having one hand out of action makes life so very frustrating.
And good luck to DH with all the cooking and housework......just before Christmas too, it could hardly be more inconvenient.
Thanks, Jean. It's only two weeks because the surgeon put a plate across the break in the bone to strengthen it. But two weeks will seem quite long enough... Thankfully we'll be away visiting the family for the festive season, so the housework can be sidelined for a bit. :-)
DeleteBroken wrists are so debilitating, aren't they?! I hope yours heals smoothly and you get better quickly.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah. They are much more painful and frustrating than I imagined, but it's starting to improve now.
DeleteI' m so sorry to read about your accident. I whis your quick healing. Jaana
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jaana. I'm glad to say my wrist is starting to feel much less painful, though I still can't use that hand.
DeleteSo sorry to hear of the fall and badly broken wrist - not only painful, but frustrating for you in so many ways doing things around the house and with your musical, writing and knitting interests. Praying for a good recovery and for safe journeys travelling to the hospital for after care. You must be thankful that you're in the new home in a location where folk will rally round, I'm sure. Take care, both of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. yes, frustration has figured largely in my life for the past few days, but the pain is diminishing quite markedly, thank goodness. We're still in Scotland for the next 10 days, but it will be good to have neighbours around us when we get home to Wales.
DeleteOh Lord. What a drag. And you out in the boondocks as well! It might amuse you (or not!) to learn that when Mr Blethers tripped over his feet on the (concrete) garden path in June, his first thought was for his hands (piano, organ, life itself ...). So he tried to save them, succeeded, but landed on his head. Blood everywhere. Very dramatic. And I had to drive to Skye three days later in case he was still concussed. Deep joy ... Heal quickly!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine. Yes, not the way I'd planned to spend our last two weeks here. I can understand Mr B's desperate need to protect his hands, but I didn't have time to think or act. I went down sideways like a felled tree and my arm got in the way. Better that than my hip.
DeleteCrikey, you do have fun on your travels don't you! Years ago, my Dad was taken very ill while we were camping on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. My mum who rarely drove, had to take him miles along single track roads to the ferry, then to Fort William - the nearest hospital - where he was treated incredibly well. On the return, we met the doctor who'd initially come to him, along the single track road. The doctor stopped in the road, got out and talked to my mum and dad, regardless of the queues building up behind him and us - evidently he was 'the man' locally, no one complained. Hope you're feeling much better very soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anny. Yes, I really know how to enjoy myself. ;-) The roads may be far from perfect up here, but as your family's experience demonstrates, the kindliness of the people more than make up for it. I've had wonderful care throughout and local friends and neighbours have been lovely.
DeleteWhat a nasty thing to happen, Perpetua. I hope the healing goes well. Do take care, so that the wrist will be as good as new. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bonnie. I'm being a good patient and following the rules, so am hopeful for a satisfactory outcome.
DeletePoor You! I believe I read somewhere that the wrist has more bones than any other part of the body so it's a very delicate thing to break... Many many commiserations -- but what a good and thoughtful doctor! Take care and don't be tempted to over do things -- especially at this time of year. God bless...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Broad. I actually broke the radius, which is usually happens, but very close to the wrist, so it was a complicated operation - hence the plate. I think I was very fortunate in my surgeon. Please ma'am, I will be good....
DeleteOh no. Hope your wrist heals soon - I broke the radial bone in mine a few years ago. We were only going for a simple walk and I suddenly slipped. So unbelievably easy to do. Good though, that the surgeon is considering putting a plate in your wrist, so that you'll be able to play the clarinet again. I think our NHS is fantastic, whatever people sometimes say.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Molly. It was the radial bone for me too, but the break was very near the wrist joint, hence the plate surgery. I had the op last Saturday and the cast should come off within the next 2 weeks. I too think the NHS is fantastic, but I wish governments would stop reorganising it and spend the money on front-line staff.
DeletePoor young you!
ReplyDeleteSet well, goon! [Anagram]
Inverness [or Fort William, if they've re-opened the A&E]...
that's one aitch of a drive which ever route you go...
I wouldn't like to have to drive it in an emergency...
nor in a hurry of any sort.
Rest, read, recuperate, give DH cookery lessons [by instruction]...
and use this "break" to learn to type with three fingers and a thumb for the spacebar...
and keep on keeping on!!
Thanks, Tim. it's starting to feel quite a bit better now. I certainly wouldn't want to repeat that ambulance journey to Inverness if I could help it.
DeleteI'm following your advice about the three Rs and even trying to extend my repertoire of typing fingers as recommended, having been given exactly the same suggestion by DD.
What a nuisance and a painful one too. Good news that the plaster is only on for two weeks. Get well very soon xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ayak. Yes, painful and frustrating and I'm SO glad the plaster won't be on for 6 weeks.
DeleteOh, rats :-( I hope it's the hand you don't write with - at least that way you can put pen to paper. Good luck with remaining patient (I'm no good at that) and pass on my encouragement to DH with the pots and pans.
ReplyDeleteRats indeed, MM, but the blessing is that it isn't my writing hand, so I can get on with writing Christmas cards while I can't do other things. DH thanks you for the encouragement and reckons he needs sympathy too....
DeleteI could have sworn I'd commented here - or was it on facebook maybe - mentioning my mother doing something similar and the happy fact that the plate really did mean she mended fast. I do hope you do too xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Annie. It's very encouraging to hear of your mother's experience of rapid healing, as all the people I've known with broken wrists had 6 weeks in plaster.
DeleteDear Perpetua - I have been absent from the computer and have only just discovered about your accident. I am amazed that you will be out of plaster in only two weeks, but Perpetua please do take care of yourself♡
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rosemary. I promise I will. The reason for the short period in plaster is that the surgeon inserted a plate in my wrist which will strengthen the broken bone. Two weeks with a cast, then lots of gentle exercise for it.
DeleteShoot. I hate those falls! Aren't we fortunate there are caring, healing people around?
ReplyDeleteOh, so do I, Linda. Yes we're very lucky to have such wonderful medical workers.
DeleteOh no, dear Perpetua. Thank goodness your house move is well and truely over, and that your surgeon so understood the needs of a knitter and clarinet player. Rest up and keep warm,sending care and healing hugs, Michelle (with purry head-butts from little round cat, Megs)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle, and how lovely to hear from you. Yes, we're both profoundly grateful the move is finished as I won't be lifting any furniture for a while, but knitting will provide the perfect gentle exercise.
DeleteSomehow your blog dropped off my Reader, so I've just caught up about Zebs and Megs.
Just catching up P and so sorry to hear about your accident. How awful for you and I pray that you have a speedy recovery. Take care. Patricia x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia. I'm pleased to say that the wrist is starting to feel considerably better, though the cast is still a nuisance. Everything takes so long with one hand.:-)
DeleteOh dear Perpetua:( I guess if there is any good to come out of your mishap is the fact that the doctor realised you need that wrist for the clarinet! By the way I learned typing at school and it has held me in good stead ... my Dad was determined I would have a 'good job' [shorthand typist ... obsolete today, though we never glimpsed such a change in technology] and not menial work. As the computer replaced the typewriter at least the keyboard remained basically the same.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was very fortunate to have a surgeon who cared about what I enjoy doing and not only the mechanics of my wrist, Shirley. Sadly, my secondary school didn't teach typing and I never bothered to learn later, so was at a real disadvantage when home computers came along. DH and I made a point of ensuring that our two learned to touch type.
DeleteOh dear, is there some sort of Autumn medical event pattern emerging here?? So sorry about the wrist, Perpetua, but glad it is in good hands! Did anyone at the hospital offer you a bone density check? You may have already had one, but if not it would be a good idea, despite the fracture being the result of a fall. Locally we don't have a Bone Health specialist, but if it is not offered, I think you should ask for one when you get home. Best wishes for a rapid mend.
ReplyDeleteSpindrift51
Thanks, Spindrift. No pattern as far as I'm concerned, as last autumn's medical emergency involved DH. :- )
DeleteNo mention was made of a bone density check last weekend, though it could be raised at the post-op appointment on Wednesday. I had one while I was on Arimidex after my second breast cancer and was told my bones were well within the normal range, but I was still given calcium and Vit D tablets to protect them during treatment. To be honest I fell so heavily that it would have bent a steel bar, let alone broken a wrist, but I'll mention the possibility to my GP when I get back to Wales.
Oh my goodness, Perpetua! I'm so sorry! What a shame to have such a major disruption after finally getting settled into your new home. What a kind and perceptive surgeon to ask about your interests and determine a course of repair that will heal better and retain your flexibility. I'm glad for that good prognosis, but oh so sorry to hear that you have had the accident in the first place. I was in an ambulance after a fall last year--and only went about one mile which was quite enough! Your long transport makes me shudder! oxo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra. Yes, it has rather turned our lives upside-down, but it could have been very much worse, given how heavily I fell. As DH remarked when he came to pick me up from hospital, "At least life with you is never dull".:-) I've had the very best of care throughout and am hoping the surgeon will have good news for me when we see him on Wednesday.
Delete