Six weeks ago, I fractured my shoulder in four places in a bicycle accident. It was a miserable break, requiring morphine in the ER. Now, six weeks later, x-rays reveal that the bone is healed, and the sling-and-swath device can come off! If you have broken your shoulder and wonder what to do to make things better for yourself, try these top 10 tips for surviving a shoulder fracture.
1. Move the recliner into your bedroom.
You’re going to have to sleep basically sitting up, and the most comfortable way to do that is to sleep in a recliner. Through the grace of God, my parents had just given us a recliner a few days before the accident. My husband made it into a “bed” by covering it with a sheet and a light comforter, and I slept there for the entire six weeks that my shoulder was healing. I kept different pillows handy to help prop up my body where needed. I also kept an ice bag nearby to reduce swelling and plugged in a heating pad by the recliner to help relieve muscle pain.
2. Take pain relievers as prescribed until no longer needed.
The doctor prescribed Hydrocodone APAP to use at home for pain. I took it for 11 days, until I felt I could get by okay without it. There’s no need to play the hero by going without pain meds! Powerful narcotic analgesics, such as Hydrocodone, can be habit forming if taken for several weeks, but I didn’t have any trouble weaning myself off of it. You might feel a bit lightheaded and dizzy from the medication, but it’s a lot better that suffering in agony!
3. Drink LOTS of water.
Your body needs water in a big way right now! The body is protecting and surrounding the injury with fluid, rushing nutrients to the affected areas, and processing dead cells and byproducts of healing. All of these activities require a supply of fresh water for maximum efficiency. Also, narcotic painkillers tend to cause constipation unless you drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Don’t be too proud (or modest) to ask for help with personal care.
Everyone likes being independent and capable, but right now you need to accept your limitations and seek help. For the first two weeks, it was too painful even to attempt to wash myself. Instead, either my husband or my daughters gave me sponge baths and washed my hair when needed. By week three, I was able to sit in a couple of inches of water in the bathtub, wearing a spare sling-and-swath, but I still needed help to wash. By week five, I could stand in a shower, still wearing the sling-and-swath, and wash myself one-handed. You won’t be able to shave your armpit for at least a month, but just getting cleaned up and sweet-smelling will make you feel better!
5. Switch to an easy-care haircut.
After a few weeks, I went to the hairdresser and got a shag haircut that I could blow-dry one-handed. I really enjoyed the emerging independence of being able to style my own hair!
6. Invest in devices that will help you to do one-handed what you used to do with two.
For example, we bought an electric can opener that would allow me to open cans with one hand. Because I could no longer use two hands to floss my teeth, we bought “dental flossers” that that I could used one-handed. They look kind of like little plastic swords on one end with a short stretch of tooth floss on the other end. I bought Plackers brand dental flossers– “gentle FINE: Perfect for Tight Teeth” with “New improved super tuffloss–Engineered not to shred or break during use–The same fiber used to make bulletproof vests.” I like these dental flossers so much that I’m going to continue to use them even now that my shoulder has healed.
7. Prepare for the “itch.”
The bruising and swelling that is normal for shoulder breaks will eventually start going down, and when it does, it’s going to itch like crazy! I tried several ways to relieve the itch, but here’s what worked: 1) Dry brush massage, using strokes in the direction of the heart, 2) Drinking a big glass of water, 3) Herbal tea with non-acidic Vitamin C powder, and 4) Applying Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion to the arms, shoulder, chest and abdomen, which all itched beyond belief. I would wake up in the middle of the night tortured by the itching! However, once I figured out this routine, I could get the itching to stop completely within an hour or less, and then go back to sleep.
8. Exercise any way you can.
Before I broke my shoulder, I used to exercise by running, bicycling, belly dancing, and weight training, as well as stretching, sculpting, and aerobic workouts with Kathy Smith and Margaret Richard DVD’s at home. While the fracture healed, my exercise routine had to change, but it didn’t disappear completely! My usual routine (after the first two weeks) was: walking slow and easy, stationary biking, stretching, and modified belly dancing–isolated to just the lower body. It wasn’t what I was I was used to, but it was better than moping and laying around all day. Exercise can really lift your spirits, even when you’re recovering from an injury.
9. Eat a balanced diet that includes the recommended amount of calcium, and consider taking supplements that provide nutrients for bone-building. For a quick listing of great foods for encouraging bone health, check out my article, “Top 10 Bone-Building Foods.” For a more extensive listing, see the “Foundations” category of this website. As for supplements, I’ve been drinking a concoction that I fondly call “Bone Cocktail,” which is made of these ingredients from Eniva Corporation: 1 oz. Cell-Ready Minerals + 1 oz. Cell-Ready Cal-Mag (Calcium-Magnesium) + 1 oz. Cell-Ready Strontium + 2 oz. of pomegranate juice + 8 oz. water. For a complete listing of the supplements I take to reverse osteoporosis and build bone density, check out my article, “What I’m Taking Now and Why.”
10. Celebrate every step toward healing!
There are certain stages of healing that are common to the majority of shoulder fractures. As you reach each of these milestones, celebrate your progress and give thanks for your continued healing!
Initial treatment at the ER
Initial visit to the orthopedic doctor
Discontinuing prescription pain medication
Permission to begin extending and flexing the forearm while holding the elbow
Permission to bend at the waist and allow arm to hang and to rotate passively in a circle
Permission to begin passive movement of the shoulder area by having a friend or family member move the forearm to the front, back, and side.
Permission to remove the sling-and-swath and begin formal physical therapy.
This last step is where I am right now. In fact, my first appointment for physical therapy is at 4:30 this afternoon. I have been warned to expect major pain. This is one of those circumstances where it really is “no pain, no gain.” I’ll let you know what happens!
Bonus Tip: Yes, you can still have sex with a shoulder fracture!
Your partner is going to have to be v-e-r-y gentle and careful of your injury, but it’s wonderfully consoling and strengthening to enjoy that special closeness at a time when you are struggling in other areas of life. Having several pillows handy can be helpful in finding a comfortable position for lovemaking. Note: Ladies, don’t expect your body to experience orgasm while it is tense with pain and discomfort, but you can still enjoy your husband’s tenderness and affection, even if you don’t climax. And don’t worry: As your injury heals, your sexual responsiveness will return. 
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Tags: broken bones, Eniva Corporation, hydrocodone, osteoporosis, Plackers dental flossers, Shoulder Fracture
October 17th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
You are very lucky as you seem to have been well looked after with shoulder fracture. The only advice I have been given after four weeks is that I can have physiotherapy. Nothing else and am stiil in alot of pain. I am 67 and suffered a double fracture in my shoulder following a fall. I have tried not to complain, I was offered a little help by my partner for the first few days and have had to carry on as normal using my good hand doing all the cooking and cleaning. Am much better than I was but still a long way to go. I still work and even had to ask for a sick note for another two weeks which I’m sure the specialist did not think I needed, but I have to drive 30 miles to work at least 3 days a week lol. It is nice to heaar you received all that help and advice
October 19th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Yes, Kate, I was indeed blessed to be looked after so well after my shoulder fracture. It’s a good thing I was off for the summer from teaching school! I don’t know how I would have managed, if I had had to work. Were your shoulder bones aligned correctly for mending properly, or did you have to have surgery? Are you in a cast, or are you in a sling-and-swath, as I was? I was allowed to let my arm “hang” after four weeks and to move it by swinging it around passively in a circular pattern. Has your doctor allowed that type of movement yet?
December 5th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Kathy,
I am so pleased that I found your website! I am 62, active, have osteoporosis, and fractured my shoulder in four places when I tripped while running. It has now been six weeks, and my doctor is having me wear the sling just part time and start some gentle exercises at home. I will start with a physical therapist in a month. I’ve read everything you’ve posted on your shoulder — thank you — it’s so informative. My biggest worry is my hand. It is quite swollen and painful, and I seem to have lost the use of it — at least, I have no grip whatsoever. Did you experience anything like that? My doctor says it’s normal after keeping the arm in a sling for six weeks, but it still concerns me.
Gail
December 8th, 2008 at 4:17 am
Hi, Gail. Yes, I had so much swelling in my elbow, forearm, and hand that I started to wonder if they would ever return to normal! While the bones healed in record time, it took months to get back my strength and mobility in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Physical therapy made a enormous, positive difference for me! It was painful, but freeing. I eventually got my strong grip back, and slowly, slowly regained most of the mobility in my shoulder.
When I was released by the orthopedic doctor, he urged by to “hang” by my fingers from the top of a door often to regain full mobility, but I am instead hanging from the assisted chin-up machine at Planet Fitness.
Please let me know how you’re doing and if I can help in any way. You’re in my prayers for a full recovery!
Kathy
December 10th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Hi Kathy,
Thank you for taking the time to write to me and also for your prayers in my behalf! I feel better knowing that what I’m going through is very normal.
I am very interested in your entire site and your more natural approach to your osteoporosis. I will do some more reading and investigation. I am generally a person who favors a healthy diet and nutritional supplements. However, when I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, I really didn’t question the need for a drug. I have been taking Boniva. More research needed on my part!
Thanks again for your reply,
Gail
December 11th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Hi Gail. You are most welcome. I’ll look forward to hearing from you as you recover!
God bless you,
Kathy
January 10th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
My partner, Jackie, fell out of the loft eight weeks ago and fractured the neck of the humerous. It was two weeks before the shoulder was operated on and a plate and half a dozen screws now hold everything in place. A visit to the consultant last week confirmed that the bone is now healed.
However, Jackie’s hand and wrist seem to have ceased up in the mean time, she has no grip at all. Furthermore she is still reliant on tramodol and paracetamol. There is also restricted movement of the shoulder and the physio she has been given is now very painful apart from the fact that she cannot grip the cane she was told to use.
I would like to sympathise with Kate. Since the accident Jackie has not had to lift a finger regarding household duties unless she has felt able. I have quite enjoyed being “it” for a while. Having said that I would rather have Jackie fit and able.
Howard.
January 15th, 2009 at 5:40 am
Hello, Howard. I contacted my chiropractor, Dr. Ashley Bourne, as he was of immense help to me in naturally managing the pain experienced during my shoulder recovery. Noting your uk address, he surmised that you might be English. He wrote: “I don’t think that chiropractors are covered under socialized medicine in England, so they would have to pay out of pocket, but it may well be worth doing if there is a problem with numbness and muscle strength in the hand and wrist. They are seeing a physical therapist, but that may be very difficult to progress if the weakness in the hand and wrist is due to a cervical issue resulting from the accident. A massage therapist may also be extremely beneficial. She should have someone evaluate if the weakness and lack of coordination are due to a muscle issue or a nerve problem. If the problem lies in the cervical spine or is a nerve issue, she may benefit from seeing a chiropractor. As in your case, the best scenario would be a combination of different therapies.” Indeed, the combination of therapies served me well. Receiving chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy along with the physical therapy helped speed recovery and kept the pain of physical therapy manageable without pharmaceutical drugs.
If you would like to communicate with Dr. Bourne directly, you can contact him through his website at http://www.bournechiropractic.com.
February 4th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Hi,
yes i must say you were very lucky with all the care you have recieved with your shoulder and the information has been very helpful to me.
im only 18 years old but had a bad fall from my horse and suffered a “comminuted three or four part fracture in the ball of the shoulder, with a proximal fracture of the humerous” as i am a student living nearly 300 miles away from home i found it very difficult to cope but found that using a waterproof light weight sling was perfect for showering, and then changing to a more supporting sling for walking around and sleeping.
as it was i had the worst kind of breakage but it wasnt too bad for that form, the x-rays showed that the bones werent placed oddly so i was left to heal by myself and now 2 years on it’s as good as new!!
also on reading the comments on swelling and pain down the arm and hand i found that doing stretching excersises with the effected hand and gently massaging the fingers although painful did help a lot.
Jay
February 5th, 2009 at 5:58 am
Hi, Jay. Thank you for writing and adding what helped you through the healing process. Where did you find a waterproof lightweight sling for showering? I would have bought one, if I knew where to buy it.
Kathy
February 11th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
To Howard and Jackie,
One thing that has helped my hand is one of those small squishy balls, sometimes used for stress relief. I squeeze that a lot at various times during the day. Also, my therapist recommended gently massaging the hand and fingers, as Jay mentioned. I am almost four months from my fracture and surgery, and the hand is much improved, but still not back to normal.
I would also like to sympathize with Kate. My husband has been extraordinarily helpful throughout my recovery. I don’t know how I would have managed without him!
Best of luck to you as you go through this.
Gail
February 12th, 2009 at 4:35 am
Thanks for sharing, Gail!
Kathy
July 8th, 2009 at 6:16 am
hi kathy i just broke my shoulder 2 days ago in 3 places , the er doc said it was not displaced and the use of the sling would be okay but the ortho states i need major surgery. with plates and screws and to expect a 2 yr recovery and stll may not have all mt function , he became very very indignant when i was resistant and did not even want to give me a sturdy sling just said why bother if you are not having surgery you might as well just go home ! was your fracture displaced
July 8th, 2009 at 9:38 am
Hi, Lynne. As far as I know my fracture was never referred to as “displaced”, but the first ortho I saw wanted to do the major surgery with plates and screws that you spoke of. I sought a second opinion from an expert in the field, Dr. George White. His advice was completely different! (See my article, “An Unexpected Break.”) His treatment required NO surgery at all, and I have nearly 100% mobility back in my shoulder a year later. I would definitely seek a second opinion before allowing surgery.
I’ll keep you in my prayers. Please let me know how things turn out.
Kathy
July 21st, 2009 at 12:15 pm
i had a seizer it will be 5 weeks tomorrow. i was asleep never fell but i sleep on my right arm. i dislocated and broke the ball of my shoulder off. the ball was on my upper back. it took 5 hours of surgery to repair my shoulder with a plate and screws. the doctors said i will have problems with it for the rest of my life now. i only had the seizer brcause my doctor thought it would be a good idea to take me off my seizer meds because i had not had a seizer in 25 years. so to all out there that have been seizer free for as long as me dont ever do what your doctor thinks. i am now back on my seizer meds for the rest of my life. jenny
July 21st, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Jenny, my heart goes out to you! I will keep you in my prayers for a full recovery.
God bless you,
Kathy
August 28th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Hi Kathy,
My boyfriend fractured his shoulder 5 days ago in a motorbike accident.He is in so much pain even with the painkillers that the doctor prescribed.I was wondering if this unbelievable pain is normal and how long until he starts to feel an improvement.
Thanks,
Gabby
August 28th, 2009 at 4:21 am
Yes, Gabby, I’m afraid the intense pain is normal. Even taking Hydrocodone, a powerful powerful narcotic, I was in terrible pain both waking and sleeping. In about 10 days I was able to wean myself off the Hydrocone, but still took Ibuprofen to ease the pain. Eventually, when the bone has healed sufficiently, your boyfriend will start physical therapy to restore range of motion and freedom of movement. The body tightens up the entire shoulder area in order to protect it from further injury while the break heals; convincing the shoulder area to “loosen up” again is hard work! The good news is that with continued stretching, his shoulder will return to normal. To get an idea of the timeline for recovery, you can take a look at my journey from injury to recovery by clicking on http://osteodiet.com/category/shoulder-fracture/. I will keep your boyfriend in my prayers for a full recovery.
September 7th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Kathy:
I broke my shoulder on my bike as well on 6/11/09 with (3) fracture. The ER I was taken to was a nightmare, but thank goodness I had a great Ortho Doc. He put me in a sling from 4-6 wks and then PT which started 7/18th. This PT is very, very slow and very painful. I have serve reaction to narcotics so the only pain killers I can tolerate are anit-inflamatory’s which really don’t help much. I am wondering, at what point can I expect range of motion? I have heard from others 6-12 months….
I am 58 yrs old and I was a very active person wih weight training, running, spin at the gym and bike riding. This injury has been the most difficult event, beside my breast cancer, I have had to overcome.
I have returned to the gym wih weights on the left, lower body particular leg excercises and spinning. I have tried to run on the tread mill, but it has been difficult and painful.
I was curious as to how you are doing…Thanks Diane
September 8th, 2009 at 5:04 am
Hi, Diane. The PT after a shoulder fracture is indeed slow and painful. It sounds to me, though, that you are on the right track to a complete recovery. I am doing fine now, with full mobility and use of my shoulder. To get an idea of the timeline involved, you can read my other articles about my journey from injury to recovery at http://osteodiet.com/category/shoulder-fracture.
I will keep you in my prayers for continued progress as you regain mobility of your shoulder. Please feel free to write me anytime.
God bless you,
Kathy
September 12th, 2009 at 6:35 am
I’m so glad I found this site. I’m 53 and fell and fractured my shoulder8 weeks ago. The bone has healed well but I’m still in pain and only have 70 – 80% of movement i the shoulder. I exercise every day and use the wheelie lift for stretching. I was told 4 weeks ago by the hospital that if I didn’t get in 100% soon I would be left like it for good. The physio has said I have the start of frozen shoulder (although since last appointment I’ve managed to reach over my head). Has anyone been i my position and mananged to get 100% better, I’d love to hear iof they have. Also thanks for the advise on the painkillers, I came off as IO didn’t want to appear as a junkie! Many thanks.
September 12th, 2009 at 8:26 am
I have virtually 100% mobility now, but it took me the better part of a year to reach it. I was about where you are at eight weeks post-fracture–maybe not even that far because I had frozen shoulder symptoms–but as long as I kept stretching, I kept increasing my mobility. Compared to where I was, you are making terrific progress! For more information on the timeline of my recovery, please check out the “Shoulder Fracture” category on my website at http://osteodiet.com/category/shoulder-fracture/.
September 25th, 2009 at 12:34 am
Thanks for the info. I have a torn rotator and I am facing surgery. I will be able to apply your 10 tips after my surgery. Especially thanks for the lovemaking tip.
I don’t have a recliner but perhaps I should buy one?
January 16th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Thanks for the answers to many of my questions. It has been 2 weeks & already I am antsy, frustrated that I can not do the easiest task. I also suffer from severe RA so this liitle accident does not help in my pain. Many thanks again
January 16th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
You’re welcome, Sandy. I’ll keep you in prayer for a speedy, complete recovery!
God bless you,
Kathy
January 28th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
I RECENTLY BROKE MY SHOULDER IN 3 PLACES. I HAD SURGERY A WEEK AGO. I HAVE 12 SREWS AND A PLATE. IM VERY CONFUSED AS TO WHAT I CAN AND CANNOT DO. I AM ABLE TO TAKE SHOWERS ALTHOUGH IT ISNT EASY AND LATER ON I AM IN MUCH PAIN. AS TO WHAT POINT WERE YOU ABLE TO DRIVE? I HAVE 24 STAPLES AT THE INCISION. I WILL HAVE THOSE REMOVED IN 5 DAYS.
I WANT TO KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. CURRENTLY I AM STAYING WIYH MY SISTER SINCE I LIVE ALONE. IM HOPING TO BE ABLE TO GO HOME AFTER MY STAPLES ARE REMOVED. IM PRETTY CLULESS AS TO WHAT TO EXPECT.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:01 am
Ouch! I cannot imagine how much pain you must be in from the surgery, as well as from the fractures! How did you break your shoulder? I did not have surgery with my fractures, so I really don’t know what to tell you about recovery time. Hopefully your doctor will fill you in on that. One thing that I can tell you is that it would have been very tough for me to deal with my shoulder fracture if I had lived alone. Can you stay with your sister longer, or can you have someone come stay with you? I will keep you in my prayers for a complete recovery.
Kathy
February 17th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
i fell on my right arm while skiing in vail, co just 5 weeks ago. broke the surgical head of my humerus in two places. i had 3 pins inserted because i am a very active 60 yr old. without surgery, i would not regain my range of motion. i still sleep in bed propped up by pillows and am glad to hear i am normal with the same experiences as you. never needed pain med except first night home as i tried to sleep lying down. started working out on elliptical machine at week 3 which makes me feel tremendously better. will probably start p.t. at week 6. thank you for sharing your experiences and tips. be well.
by the way, vail hosp has the best orthopedic surgeons in the country. all the athletes go there for their surgery.
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:55 am
Hi, Lin. Sounds like you are a determined woman and are making great progress already. I’m glad you’ve had the experience of quality orthopedic surgery and exercise. I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy and complete recovery.
April 26th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Hi,
My mum (80) has broken both shoulders she fell while walking to church
yesterday. Not sure what to expect,I have been told today she has to have surgery.She is in a lot of pain. I am in shock!! Having had a rotor cuff injury myself 10 years ago, I don’t like to think of the pain she is in. Any advice welcome.
May 1st, 2010 at 1:17 am
I’m so sorry about your mother’s injuries! I will keep her in my prayers for a speedy recovery. Do you have a recliner chair that she can rest or sleep in? It made such a difference for me. I hope the doctor has prescribed an adequate pain reliever for her. Do you live near her? If so, she is very blessed to have you to help her. Please let me know how she did with her surgery and how she is progressing.
God bless you,
Kathy
May 26th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Hello
I fractured my scapula almost two weeks ago in a serious car accident. The pain in my shoulder is getting worse and I’m starting to have pretty bad chest pain and just talking makes the pain worse. i had 4 ct scans done after the wreck so im sure they would have discovered if i had chest trauma the pain is getting worse as the days go by is that normal?
May 27th, 2010 at 3:46 am
Heather, I don’t know whether or not your pain is normal, but I also experienced worsening pain in some areas of my body as my body worked on healing itself. Perhaps the body becomes more attentive to the variety of pains throughout the body as the trauma of an accident recedes into the background. Even though your scapula was fractured, underlying areas are no doubt also in the process of healing, too. I would keep my doctor informed, daily if necessary, to make sure he/she has up-to-the-minute information upon which to determine your treatment. I’ll keep you in prayer, too, for a complete recovery.
God bless you,
Kathy
June 23rd, 2010 at 11:39 am
Appreciate all the great info. My 83 year old aunt shattered her humerus at the shoulder end plus broke her wrist in a fall, all on the same side. She is in a shoulder splint and sling and a wrist cast. Her biggest personal problem at the moment is that having to keep her arm tight to her side makes washing under her arm close to impossible. Any ideas for how to cleanse this area without moving her arm?
Thanks,
June 23rd, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Yes, cleansing the underarm area was a painful proposition for me, too. Basically, my husband would slide a single thickness of a wet facecloth very slowly and gently between my arm and body to cleanse the armpit. He used very little soap, so that rinsing could be accomplished in one step. I was unable to shave the area for weeks. When I was finally able to shave my armpit, it felt like a major milestone. I was rather surprised and amused at how long armpit hair can grow when left alone for a month or more!
I will keep your aunt in my prayers for a speedy, complete recovery.
God bless you,
Kathy
June 30th, 2010 at 8:31 am
Hi Kathy
Thanks for your reply mum had to wait 11 days before she was operated on however the surgery went very well mum had both shoulders pinned and re-constructed on the 6th May. Mum has had excellent treatment and has been doing her physiotherapy every day. Her left arm is recovering better than the right. She has come to live with us and yes I got her a recliner chair and bag to go under the bed this pumps up to allow you to sit up in bed.
She has been very frustrated,after the op mum was unable to do anything! Now she is able to get her own lunch, dress herself etc. She has lost a lot of confidence and is very worried about falling again. any ideas to help!!! She has not been back to church yet and is very worried about it because she fell on the way there.
June 30th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
My doctor, Dr. Steven D’Antonio, recommended balancing exercises, so I took up…bellydancing! But there are also water aerobics classes for the elderly at the YMCA and other senior-friendly facilities. Exercise might increase her muscle tone and flexibility, which would likely build her confidence, too.
July 9th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Wow your page has helped me a lot. I tripped whilst on holiday in Switzerland.The strapping was very uncomfortable because of the heat.
A friend cut up a gauze napkin, and I was able to slip it under my armpit to ease the irritation. Five weeks on I am slowly recovering, pain is still there but easing. I was worried about the swelling and pain in my hand, pleased to know it is common.My husband has been a great help,he has boosted my morale, started to feel a bit sorry for myself!!!!!!!!Can’t wait to get back to gym and bushwalking.Coming through security was an experience.In one airport I had to strip and even had the drug wand rubbed over me! Other airports just waived me through.I am 65, I must be looking meaner as I get older???????
July 11th, 2010 at 5:13 am
Hello, Sandra. I’m so glad you found this page helpful to you. Sounds like you’ve been through quite an ordeal with the airports. Thank God for our wonderful husbands, who help us through it all! I will pray for you for a complete recovery.
God bless you,
Kathy
August 14th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
I appreciate your efforts in maintaining your blog, its both informative but most of all comforting to know others are going through a similiar situation.
I broke my humerus, proximal, 7 weeks ago. I was in a collar and cuff for the last 7 weeks and just now have started PT. Can’t believe how much stiffness in the elbow and shoulder.
Can I ask did you find it hard to trust your PT and start the exercises? I keep thinking if I move the arm or sleep lying down it will fracture again. The Dr. said it looked good, wasn’t completely healed but time to get the arm moving. Rationally I know I’m fine but tough to trust I’m ready to move and sleep lying down. Feel like a big chicken.
Also did you have any swelling in your elbow-forearm and if so how did you get rid off it once you were out of the sling?
Thanks
August 14th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Yes, I had a LOT of swelling in my elbow and forearm. It eventually all went away, but it took quite a while. You will be able to move your arm more and more as it heals, and the use of your arm helps move out the flood and other fluids that have pooled in those tissues. And yes, it was hard to trust that the PT wasn’t going “too far” because some of the therapies really hurt! I would be close to tears at times, but I definitely wanted my full mobility back. So, I took the risk and trusted anyway. I’m glad I did! I finally did regain full mobility in my shoulder. I continue to keep stretching it to make sure I never lose that freedom of movement. I will keep you in prayer for a full recovery! God bless you, Kathy
August 15th, 2010 at 2:11 am
Thank you Kathy and God Bless You. In your own little way many have found your site a blessing.
PS. Moments like these, painful and isolating as they seem, can be good reminders of how precious life is and brings the important things back into prespective. Strange but I would say to others to use this time and reflect on what you have not what you lost. It will help you heal from the inside out much faster. Okay off my soap box.
August 17th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Absolutely! Moving toward gratitude for all God has given us is so healing. Also, gratitude for each small step accomplished in the healing process gives joy to one’s spirit and to those around you.
October 10th, 2010 at 4:49 am
I fell & broke my shoulder in three places and have to go for an op tomorrow to put it all back together !
the reason i am writing to you is to let everyone with a broken souulder know about this wonderful sling/vest which has given me so much relief, my friend was sking in france mar 2010, he broke his shoulder and was fitted with something i cant find anywhere on the internet, he has kindly loaned it to me, but i could do with a slightly smaller version. the label name sober/LABORATOIRE, its probably french. its blue padded vented fabric & lt is interchangable for either shoulder & it wraps around your body & fastens with velcro, it doesnt give you neck ache like the slings!
October 13th, 2010 at 1:51 am
Hi, Sylvia. I searched the Internet, too, but didn’t find the sling/vest you mentioned. Readers–especially European readers, if you find where to purchase it, would you please let us know? Thanks!
November 8th, 2010 at 10:47 am
dear kathy,
i broke my left shoulder from an off-road biking a month ago. at first it was just a fracture, so ER just put on a cloth sling on me. but an x-ray scan a week later at another hospital showed that they bone has already broken into 2. no wonder i felt an immense pain the first night of the accident. so the orthopedic gave me 2 options, surgery or natural healing. he said said both can give back 95% of the strength. the cons of the surgery is that it’ll leave a scar on your shoulder, the painful wound, the possibility to go through another surgery to remove the plate and of course the costly surgery. while the cons of natural healing is that the bone won’t be aligned again. instead the 2 pieces will be on top of another. so i chose the latter, mainly because they pain from the broken shoulder was already unbearable let alone the pain from the wound itself. so the orthopedic put on a brace shoulder.
the first few days after the incident was physically and mentally difficult. it felt like time was moving so slowly. physically, things as simple as sitting and breathing were really painful. even eating was such a hassle that i lost my appetite. walking is another story. my body was smelly, my hair was oily, i was a total mess! i had to rely on my mom even to get myself up when i was awake. mentally it’s worse as i’m a very active who loves to workout so being unable to do the things that i love was really demotivating. so i was stuck at my parents unable to do basically anything.
a week after wearing the shoulder brace, i went to a very popular local chinese traditional healer specializing in broken bones. he put some herbs on my shoulder and taught me some physiotherapy movements and sleeping posture. he also advised me to drink a lot of barley water. after 3 days i could lift my left hand 90 degrees. during my fifth treatment with him (2 weeks after the first treatment) i could lift up my left 180 degrees.
in the meantime now and then i’ve consulted several other doctors on the options. and the answers were always either surgery or natural. some were more on natural healing.
i went for my 3rd x-ray scan (3 weeks after the second one) and saw that the bones starting to touch one top on another. at first it makes me sad to see it misaligned but as you said, i should celebrate each progress. and i have made a lot of them. they’re probably slow, but it’s better than nothing. and patience is a virtue!
today was a tough day because it was the first time my colleagues (my first week back at work) saw my x-ray. and too bad they’re too pessimist that i’ll get back to normal. that put me really down today and that makes me googled for ‘broken shoulder recovery without surgery’ and voila! i found your success stories. now i’m smiling again.
i dropped down some pounds since the incident. maybe because i lost some muscle mass or maybe simply because i don’t eat as much as i use to, thinking that i won’t be able to workout much to burn the calories off.
sorry this is such a long comment. i just wanted to share my story. as u said it could be worse and some did have worse. i should be grateful that i still can do a lot of things and there’s always hope when there’s a will. frankly i regret that my first time off road biking turned out to be a tragedy by i couldn’t turn back time and can only look forward.
i would like to thank you for your very inspiring and motivating stories!
November 12th, 2010 at 12:18 am
Hello, Wirda. I feel very hopeful that your break will heal naturally, despite the pessimism of your colleagues. The body wants to heal. As long as you keep taking care of yourself and eating a healthy diet, your body will do its best to put everything to right.
And we never really know whether an event will turn out to be a tragedy or a blessing in the end. Even though I went through some terrible suffering with my broken shoulder, the fact that it healed perfectly showed me that my bones were working just fine, despite my supposed low bone density. After that, I didn’t worry about my bones anymore, but just kept eating healthy and exercising regularly.
Look for the blessing that may be hidden in this event. Perhaps you will meet someone that you are meant to meet, or perhaps you will change your lifestyle in some way, or perhaps you will find a new joy in movement that you never experienced before. I will pray for you that God will reveal the blessing for your soul as He brings healing to your body.
God bless you,
Kathy
November 27th, 2010 at 7:23 am
Hi everyone – just picked your site up. Fractured my shoulder 3 weeks ago. I’m 67 and slipped in the garden. I am sure you will all know the agony I have been through and sleeping is awful, so I am getting ratty with my husband! Worst bit for me is not being able to drive as I need to visit my Mum daily, who is 94 and has dementia. So her life like mine is suffering. Husband showers me daily, have just tried to wash my own hair, styling it impossible, so still weekly trips to hairdresser. Can cook and do some cleaning but I get so frustrated as what with Christmas looming up, I can’t do many things still. By the way, I had nausea for 2 weeks, gone now, is this common? Hospital yesterday for x-rays, torn the muscle badly so painful. Physio to start urgently and thereafter 18 weeks of it. Not looking forward to that judging by your comments. Doing arm swinging and trying to push my arm up with my good one as I need to style my hair!!! Anyone when can I drive my car – and wear my nice tops. Happy Christmas to you all. Anita
November 27th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Hi, Anita. I started being able to lift my arms high enough to wash my hair somewhere around 6 or 7 weeks, but it took a while to re-build the strength in my muscles. Seems like I was driving around 2 months after the accident. It sounds to me like you are making great progress for only being 3 weeks after the break! Merry Christmas to you, too!
Kathy
December 1st, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Thank you Kathy for replying – not done chat lines before but it helps when you have similiar circumstances. Like you, we have deep snow and cannot get out – I am in pain today (doing excercises I don’t know I can do – its only my 4 week) like reaching up and extending no-one has told me how often I do this swinging etc so do it until I have had enough. – just had a good cry cos I tried to undo my bra and get it off! Couldn’t do it.
I want to have a bath cos I hate showers, but can’t. Husband and friends cross with me today cos I walked down road (6″ snow and icy) to go to chemist and PO, so did it – I’m obstinate but I guess you got that – but here I am talking to you. Did I tell you about the bruising – Well I could post you photo’s but I guess you all had the same. All down my arm to my fingers under my armpit and all around my ribs, I was (going now) black. Then went blue and red. My husband cried when these came out – 9 days later approx. So cannot imagine what is going on inside me. Got a pain in middle of my chest, ribs sections, coould be bruising I suspect so not panicking. How did you all fair re bruising? Love to hear your thinking and other folk too. Anita x
December 4th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Kathy ~
All things work together for our good… even this.. Bless each one of you in your journey to recovery and thank you again! Any advise is welcomed. Liz
What a blessing your site is. I have felt so isolated and discouraged through this ordeal so your site has been very healing emotionally. I am 48 and normally very active. I fell forward off of a 6 ft. ledge, about 7 wks. ago and have multiple fractures in my rt. proximal radius. The word they used was “shattered”. No surgery suggested. After 4 weeks x-ray revealed no bone healing yet.Not sure if my rotator is torn as well as i cannot position my arm for an MRI yet. My shoulder has become 80% frozen. Without intervention, that can take up to 2+ years to heal itself with PT. My ortho says I will need arthroscopic surgery to remove the adhessions to regain mobility. The normal course of treatment, as I understand it, is do do a rotation under anesthesia, however, not an option due to repeat fracture. I still have significant pain and do take one percocet in the morning as trying to sleep is so painful and mornings are the worst, Tylenol during the day. Physical Therapy begins in a few days and I am very hopeful that, while it will be painful, it will be very helpful. I think the best any of us can do is to trust our bodies, be kind and patient with ourselves and the process and celebrate the baby steps toward recovery
January 8th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Hello, Liz. You have the best attitude to aid recovery–knowing that even this can be a blessing and can work together for good. It’s been a month since you wrote. If you have time, please write me and let me know how you’re doing. I will keep you in my prayers.
God bless you,
Kathy
January 8th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Anita, I experiences quite a bit of bruising and swelling, too, which took weeks to improve. It’s been over a month since you last wrote. How are you doing now?
God bless you,
Kathy
January 15th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
Dear Kathy and All, Your comments are so helpful. I sense that I have found a like-minded group: interested in staying healthy, eating well, being active and going for non-invasive medical procedures. I am 67 and slipped on black ice on my morning walk three days ago and broke the upper humerus in several places. ER Doc said surgery would be” like putting a screw in a cornflake”. So, I am taking half the pain meds proscribed, using arnica cream and pills, using ice packs and feeling naturally impatient. I have gotten good tips about bathing from your blog. I’m prepared for the pain in PT from contributors’ comments. My contribution to others lies in the suggestion that “mixing” 400mg of ibuprofen with five mg oxycodone-acetaminophen made me very nauseous and I had to get a perscription for phenergan to ease the nausea and have been taking that in half and quarter doses. Second tip: a friend has told me about yoga for osteoporosis. I am exploring that locally now. Thank you for this conversation.
January 15th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Thanks, Jinx, for writing. I admire your courage and determination, and I’ll keep you in prayer for a full recovery.
God bless you,
Kathy
January 16th, 2011 at 11:25 pm
I am so glad I came upon this website, because I now feel I am progressing normally. I am nearing my third week of pure misery. At this point I was ready to call the Dr. tomorrow and ask him if he was sure they did not miss another fracture other than in my shoulder, because of the pain, swelling and bruising of most all of my arm all the way to my hand. My hand was also swollen so bad I had to get a ring cut off. But now my fingers will now move freely and the swelling is 90% gone. I am 56 yrs. old and now live alone, making it very difficult to manage. I don’t know if anyone has tried this, but I have the hand held shower with the flexible hose (originally used for bathing my little dog)and a two step plastic stool that I use to sit on in the shower. This is a great set up for showering and washing my hair. I am so afraid of slipping that this gives me alot of security. Hey! was even able to shave my legs for the first time today.
Now if I can just find someone to go buy my groceries for me, since I cannot drive and refuse to go out in public without a bra on, especially at my age. You know what I’m saying ladies.
Have a speedy recovery everyone that is in the same boat.
Doreen
January 24th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Hi Kathy,
This is extremely helpful. I have a left proximal humerus fracture from an ice skating accident. It’s been 8 days since the accident and the pain seems to be getting worse, not so much my arm but my chest and neck muscles are extremely sore. Is this normal? I’m only taking Tylenol right now cause I’m not big codeine fan. Did you experience this muscle pain?
January 24th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
Hi, Doreen. Sorry about the delay in acknowledging your post. I was out of town and have just returned to the website. I like your method of showering! Sounds like a safe, more secure way than what I managed during my recovery. I hope you found someone to help with the shopping.
I will pray for a speedy recovery for you.
Jessica, I’m so glad you found the article to be helpful. Yes, my muscles were so sore, and not just my shoulder muscles! I will pray for you, too, for a quick recovery.
God bless you both,
Kathy
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:33 pm
Hello all,
I have enjoyed reading all the posts. I am 31 years old and have OI (Osteogenesis Imperfecta- a rare genetic bone disease also known as “brittle bones”. I have a minor case compared to others, I have lived a normal life, grew up dancing, bike riding and so forth. However I have broken many bones in my lifetime, approximately 15, not including ribs, toes, small bones. Anyway I broke my shoulder 3 weeks ago this Friday, it’s been about 20 years since I broke a shoulder…and I must say I am extremely shocked on how quick I am recovering. My husband did everything for me for the 1st week. But day by day I have started becoming a lot more independent. Now taking showers by myself-with a shower chair), washing my hair alone, even shaving under my arms and legs too, even my legs, blow drying and straightening my hair and washing dishes yes you read right. I was definitely in excrutiatibg pain for the 1st week but am not even taking anything for pain anymore. When it first happened the doc showed me 2 exercises to do to ease the pain..move my lower arm up and down as if I was doing curls, and doing the hang your arm and do pendulum type movements and circles. Everytime I do these it gets better and better, my range of motion is unbelievable. Still can’t grip or pull or really lift but can even bend over and everything. I do the exercises at least 3x a day. I start PT.on Thursday and while I am scared I am also excited bc I feel like I am recovering extremely well compared to a lit of the stories I have read on here. I wish you all luck and feel very fortunate that I am recovering so well, it’s definitely a painful bone to break for sure and you don’t really know until you have it, the sleeping, stiffness, no driving, and the smallest tasks are taken for granted!! Good luck to everyone and hope to hear more recovery stories.
Erika
February 3rd, 2011 at 12:38 am
I fractured my right proximal humerus on 10/11/10/. I had a non stable fx resulting in surgery with plate and pins. I have been off work since the fx. I can empathize and relate to all of you.
A natural product that helps with the pain and has few side effects is Curamin. I have been in therapy since the day after the surgery, much more intensive for the past 3 weeks.
Did anyone get discouraged with your progress? I feel like I take a step forward and 10 back especially after the aquatic therapy-the swelling is throughout my arm, chest wall, back to my hip. Has any one found good motivational techniques to stay positive? I am having difficulty with flexion(reaching above my shoulder) and esternatl rotation behind my back. Any suggestions.
Wii bowling is suppose to help too.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions and for the blog.
February 3rd, 2011 at 7:47 am
Thanks for sharing your story, Erika. Yes, you seem to be making tremendous progress! Kudos to you for your positive attitude and hard work and to your husband for his loving care. Isn’t it wonderful how recovering from such an event makes us appreciate our ability to complete even the smallest tasks? I wish you every success and will keep you in my prayers for a quick, complete recovery.
God bless you,
Kathy
February 3rd, 2011 at 7:58 am
Michele, I definitely experienced days of discouragement, where I felt helpless and hopeless and cried tears of frustration. Usually these were the days when the lack of peaceful sleep caught up with me -or- when attempts to do what seemed a simple task ended in failure. Even so, progress and healing were taking place bit by bit, and my best days happened when I focused on the positive changes. It took a l-o-n-g time before I was able to accomplish external rotation behind my back, too, but it did come eventually. Exercise expert Margaret Richard has an exercise DVD called “Beauty to the Bone”, which was a big help to me in getting my rotator cuff to work the way it’s supposed to. You can find it for sale on-line.
God bless you and grant you a complete recovery!
Kathy
February 9th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Hi everyone. Misery loves company, and I do. Reading all e-mails very comforting having others who are and have been in the same boat. i am early seventies, fractured upper humerus for the second time—first was 10 years ago, major pain, healed naturally and got all range of motion back. This time different, break in two places, opt to try a non surigal approach…..bones not too good. This was on Oct.4th 2010. So it’s been 4 months awful months..It has to all purposes healed……not in line…crooked. in PT but I am not going to get full ROM, sure of that. Maybe I should have gone for surgery,hard to know what to do. I can manage pretty well, my arm will raise past my shoulder. Now I hear clicking in my shoulder which is giving me the jitters. Think I will go, when all this snow is gone…to a top notch shoulder spec. to see what he says, just incase I need help in a hurry.
February 11th, 2011 at 8:45 am
Rita, my heart goes out to you! How long until the snow is gone, so that you can see the shoulder specialist? I also saw a specialist when I broke my shoulder, and I credit his expertise and lots of prayer with my complete recovery. I will keep you in prayer that your shoulder will mend the way it is supposed to.
God bless you,
Kathy
February 12th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Hi Kathy
No nice of u to reply. Well here in the big A the snow is trying to go, first week without snow…..all I hear, are people, especially females breaking shoulders…………must be the fashion. Unfortunately, at this stage of the game my age….and not having the genes for strong bones, does’nt help either.
Your site is a morale lifter, and the comp.a life saver, it’s slow going but I can type with my left hand……I’m right handed.
Thanks again for your support, God Bless us all, hope for better days.
February 12th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Michele
I feel the same way u do, one step forward and three back. The rotation behind the back is very difficult to do and..so…………
painful. This being the second fractured humerus for me…..it really is hard to deal with……..and really get feeling down at times, the first time I was more motified and had more energy to cope, or so it seems……….
I should have gone for a 2nd opinion way back, weather was bad, my husband came with the flue, took weeks to recover, everything at once.
Oh well, have to pull up my socks and try a different approach.
Cheers……………
March 1st, 2011 at 12:44 pm
6 weeks since my break – pain is so bad I can not believe it , can only take paracetamol
bad side effects with other pain killers , Any glad to read that this is normal ,I was starting to worry , thanks for the info .
March 6th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Hello, Vera. Will you be starting physical therapy soon?
I’ll be praying for you,
Kathy
March 12th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
Well,today I drove for the first time in 5 months, The weather was too snowy and roads too slick to chance a fender bender. Still going for PT, getting a little less pain these days. I can function with a loss of ROM, just let the pain go.
My Dr.said 5 months is “nothing” can take best part of a year,because age and bone conditions play a huge part. Here’s hoping. Hang in everyone…………….Rita
March 25th, 2011 at 1:45 am
Help my wife broke her shoulder in december the doctor is useless no help that has done anything to release from the pain ,is it nhs policy to let people suffer
March 25th, 2011 at 4:39 am
What has been done for your wife thus far? How did she break her shoulder? I will begin praying for you and your wife.
Blessings to you,
Kathy
April 5th, 2011 at 9:45 am
hi, thanks for sharing your story, someone fell on me while dancing at a club, I broke her fall and my fall on arm and I have a fracture on my shoulder, she was like a dead weight and I broke the fall (idiot), I am so mad at myself and the lady who fell on me, thankfully I don’t need surgery but I have to wear a sling for 6 weeks, i will try sleeping in my reclyner, did you do simple housework such a making beds or light dusting also Iam a secretary and am hoping to go back to work soon, any suggestions for me, I am 32 years old should I take extra cslcium etc…pray for my speedy recovery and my hard feelings. thanks again.
April 10th, 2011 at 3:00 am
I fractured my right proximal humerus 6 days ago. Intense pain and in a sling. Orthopaedic surgeon says I may not be able to reach my arm up above my head or extend it to the side again. This is a miserable prospect as I’m only 46 but I hope I will prove him wrong. Start physio later in the month. Pain awful. Determined to regain full range of movement again.
Thank you for your postings – it’s comforting to come across others who have fractured their shoulders and to learn that they have recovered well.
April 10th, 2011 at 4:16 am
Yes, God willing, you can do it! Keep praying and don’t give up! I will pray for you, too.
God bless you,
Kathy
April 13th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
i was the “anonymous” poster as I’m finding it hard to use a computer. Have now seen another surgeon who says i need surgery because of my age and the position of displacement of my shoulder fracture. In so much pain and it will be two weeks after my accident when I have surgery. Very worried and hope it will increase my motion. He says because of my age I need surgery to give me maximum motion. I am fit and active and love to garden, sew, cook and decorate as well as working part time and I am feeling very debilitated by the pain and can’t believe I will ever do these things again pain free.
Thank you for your prayers, Kathy. I just hope to feel better soon.
April 21st, 2011 at 12:03 pm
i am now 3 days post surgery to put back displaced bone along with the attached tendon. It’s over 2 weeks since i fell off the back of an exercise treadmill, walking not running, after going to the gym for the first time to spend some time with my daughter!
I worry about healing and hope that I’ll regain allmy movement – I’m so active normally
April 23rd, 2011 at 12:31 am
Hi Kathy, This has been informative and encouraging to read of others suffering with their injuries. I fell with a pile of sheets in my arms, blocking my view of the doggie gate, tripping over the 3 inch barrier at the base of it. Knew it was bad..laid there and cried as I couldn’t get the phone and no one home. Couldn’t get up as I landed on my knees on the tile with one arm out above my head..crawled on my bum to the bathroom and upright via the toilet! It was a month before I saw the surgeon..shoulder fx, torn rotator cuff, flipped torn meniscus. I fell March 5,2011, and was told April 20 to wear a sling. I wonder what has gone on in there since my injury! Dr. wants to wait 3 weeks and do the knee surgery while the shoulder fracture heals. May not do surgery to the rotator cuff. Thanks for all the ideas..anxious to sleep in a recliner tomorrow night!! Everyone.. take care and be careful! PS..my sacral fx at 30 when I was roller skating was worse than this at 57! Sheryl
May 1st, 2011 at 11:14 am
hi to all
one month now into having a left arm multiple fractured humerus, and can identify with all I’m reading. The intense swelling, the bruising, the limp arm clung to your side. the no sleep regardless of painkillers. My, how I took things for granted before!. Have my second PT appt Thursday, and worry about ROM. Love to garden,cook,sew, work partime also,and enjoy life to the full. reading this web site last night, makes me realise i’m not on my own. sorry for those that have had operations, thankfully my ct scan showed no splinters of bone around, so it’s conservative healing, and thankfully no op.
wish you all well. sleep will hopefully become easier for us all, as time permits.
May 4th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Well it has been 7 long months since I took a “Flyer”, Humpty Dumpty is for the most part back together again, a little crooked…..ROM I think has gone as far as it will, around 150 or so. That’s a long way from not being able to lift the arm away from my side. Sleeping better,always being aware of and paranoid about protecting my right arm
in bed,still better than the 7 weeks I sat up on the sofa and the 3am cups of tea. In stores cannot relax with people around and behind me,and walk on egg shells……. still having PT once a week, lift dumb bells at homes along with the other exercises. Muscles real hard to build up,and arm lifts front and especially sideways hurt big time.
for the past few days managed to do the lifts without much pain. It is a time consuming and slow healing effort. Hang in,better days are ahead……………….
May 5th, 2011 at 7:06 am
Hi, Sheryl, Chris, and Rita. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. As Rita said, hang in there. Better days are ahead! I will you all of you in my prayers for a complete recovery.
God bless you,
Kathy
May 5th, 2011 at 7:09 am
Deborah, how are you doing after your surgery? Have you started any physical therapy yet?
Kathy
May 5th, 2011 at 7:18 am
Cherlyn, how are you doing now? Have you started any physical therapy yet? And yes, it is good to eat foods high in calcium when healing a bone fracture. I also took calcium supplements, as listed above. I will continue to pray for you for healing and to be able to forgive the lady who fell on you and caused you this injury. Who knows? Perhaps you will discover a blessing hidden in this situation that you did not expect to find!
Wishing you joy and peace,
Kathy
May 6th, 2011 at 11:55 am
Hello Kathy
Well I’m two and a half weeks post surgery and typing this with two hands for the first time! Shoulder aching like mad but can at least use the hand whilst it’s in the sling. I’m just doing pendular movements and circles out of the sling several times a day and start proper PT at the beginning of next month, when I also see the surgeon and have a check X-ray. Taking fewer pain killers but movement still very restricted and robotic. I urge myself to do rotation after rotation and little by little the movement gets easier and it starts to feel more “free” but I guess it’s early days yet. Still very emotional and tearful at the slightest thing and worry about getting full motion back, stretching up, gardening, etc. I’m walking such a lot now the weather is warmer and it’s good to exercise and takes my mind off the shoulder pain, I will have the sling on for another few weeks yet and am still sleeping in it. The wound is healing nicely – not such a huge scar. I have wires and a pin which will be removed later, hopefully.
I too am taking homeopathic remedies such as arnica and calcium phosphate; also have taken calendula and hypericum. I get very despondent sometimes that I am destined for a life ahead of restricted mobility and pain, but those are in my darker moments. Some people have suggested I will never be the same again and I know that may be the case. I do pray and I have wonderful friends who are positive.
Wishing everyone here a successful recovery … I guess we all have to be patient
May 6th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Hi all you fellow broken humerus clan. I am directing this to you who are a lot younger than I. The first time I went thru this,same arm same place ten years ago in my sixties I got full ROM 180 degrees in around 6 months. Took lots of time and effort, tears running down the face pain walking the wall, your age will work for you and u should heal faster,so as depressing as it gets some days,really hang in.I made a chart in my closet marking off my arm extensions every so often with dates etc. It really does give you a lift when you see the inches creep up.Also,bought a spare sling to shower in. Wore large shirts with buttons and things that I could pull up over the hips and not over the head. One becomes very inventive.
Thank God for small mercies……..Cheers Rita
May 18th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
rita and deborah and others, we have such similar stories. january 12, I fell on black ice, the ER surgeon told me my bones were like ‘swiss cheese’ and couldn’t be operated on. . . I thought I was supposed to mend naturally with no surgery. A second opinion had me in the hospital on january 25 for surgery. I had 4 fractures in the humerus and a ‘torqued’ shoulder so that the doctor had to put in a stainless steel plate. I am up to 160 degrees range of motion, going 3 times a week since March and have 6 more weeks. I cannot believe that MEDICARE is paying for this! My question to others is that the embedded plate has made my upper arm tender and bruised feeling. My surgeon says he may pull it out in September if I ‘can’t get used to it.’ The PT folks think I’ve hit a wall because of the plate and that I most likely can’t make any more progress with it in. I am 67 and very active and am feeling lucky and gratified that I’ve made such good progress after such a dreary january-february. Has anyone else had a plate put in (because of swiss cheese bones?). Will the soreness subside?
May 20th, 2011 at 2:47 am
I haven’t got a plate in, just wires and pin, but I’ve been told they are to be removed. A friend’s daughter had a plate put in and she couldn’t stand it as it hurt to touch her arm. She had the plate out again and is fine, but she was very young and her bones not fully grown at the time. It may be more comfortable for you to have the plate removed; I guess you have to go by what your surgeon suggests and how you feel about it. I have tenderness too but not sure if that’s the metal or just the healing muscles after surgery. So encouraging to hear of your range of motion. I’m looking forward to starting PT in the next few weeks. May your progress continue and hope you get some answers to your question.
May 21st, 2011 at 7:22 am
I broke my left shoulder in 1988. I fell 16 feet from the roof of a house. This led to surgery and over 8 weeks of recovery. Lately, my shoulder hurts constantly. I can’t lift or turn the shoulder without a lot of pain. I was wondering if you have any suggestions? Thank you in advance for your help.
May 21st, 2011 at 12:57 pm
Hi Jinx.
I think that you have done fantasic,given the length of time you have done it in,especially your ROM. I was a couple of years younger the first time around, 180 ROM back. Now, with no operation and ten years old, not so good ROM 150-160. This I can live with, as long as the pain goes away,which it has mostly, little sore, still papmer my -arm-right one.
Deborah:
No one can say what the outcome will be, as far as ROM, so do not listen, it’s a day by day thing. Once you start your PT stay on track,it is slow going in the beginning,and then seems to get easier as you go along. I think that one’s mental state improves also. I was real depressed in the beginning this time, would get teary at the slightest provacation,very low boiling point. Now I am back to 95 of my old self,as far as washing dressing etc.etc. still have a hard time reaching objects on high shelves,use my left more than I ever did.
Hang in There…………….have a good weekend.Rita
May 21st, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Excuse typos…………..am typing too fast……….not back to normal yet, ha ha…..
May 21st, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Alesha, did you have physical therapy sessions yet to build strength in your muscles and extend your range of motion? If so, have you continued to stretch your shoulder? If not, do you think stretching and weight training for your shoulder might bring relief?
God bless you,
Kathy
May 21st, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Had no physical therapy. Dr. gave me 1 exercise. To walk my hand up a wall. I am at the point now, where I will try anything!
May 28th, 2011 at 11:48 am
hi to all
I fractured my proximal left humerus 5 days ago falling off my bike, this is my second accident just within a month.i was not yet fully recovered from my previous injuries.
couldnt sleep for 3 nights , severe pain from shoulder, and all the bruises.arm is in sling.
to make it worse iam left handed, cant even brush my teeth, eat with right hand.
i was/ am so depressed, cried, cant do things which i love doing.iam 38.
going to see ortho on mon 30th.
Thank everyone for your postings – it’s comforting to know that others have recovered well.
i hope to get full ROM.
May 29th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Hi, Venna. I’m so sorry about your fall. You sound miserable, and I remember feeling exactly the same way. I will pray for you that your appointment will go well on Monday, that you will soon experience relief from the pain, and recovery fully. Time and love are great healers!
God bless you,
Kathy
June 14th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
Hello –
I was so happy to find this site today! I fell one week ago inline skating and have two breaks in my Proximal Humerus. I have never been this uncomfortable in my life. I will see the ortho in a few days to hopefully rule out surgery. Your sleeping-in-a-recliner recommendation is great. My husband is seriously considering finding one for me.
I’m wondering if you were able to drive at all before 6 weeks. Also, how long did you use ice?
Thanks so much!
June 16th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
Hi, Lisa. I used ice a long time–anytime that I thought I might make the swelling go down and the pain lessen. I probably could have driven before six weeks, but I didn’t want to take a chance of re-injuring myself, especially since the doctor had said no driving. Were you able to find a recliner?
God bless you,
Kathy
June 17th, 2011 at 6:19 am
Hi Kathy. I fractured my Proximal Humerus 5/29/11. It’s been almost 3 weeks now and my x-ray showed the bone was lining up nicely – no surgery needed. I stayed home from work for 2 weeks. This has been my first full work week and it has been tough! I am a runner and I am worried about when I can resume. I tried walking two mornings this week – 1 mile Wednesday and 1.5 miles Thursday – I suffered terribly yesterday and last night I was in tremendous pain. I didn’t wear a swathe, just my sling. I noticed you started walking after 1 week and started running after 6 weeks. Could you tell me how you eased into it? What distance and how often? I’m trying to remain positive, but every few days I just can’t keep from crying. I think the pain, discomfort and lack of sleep is just wearing me down.
Thanks for tending this site all these years. It has been so helpful to read that others are going through the same things like the scary bruising and swelling. I found your flossing tool! That was one of my first concerns.
Best regards,
Kathryn
June 17th, 2011 at 8:00 am
hi.
Iam recovering well,two more days my sling will come off, cant wait to go back to work.it will be 4 weeks on 20th this month,my pain has gone away and lost most of my shoulder muscle.within 2 weeks of my injury i started extending and flexing my elbow slowly, smoothly, just keep my biceps active.
its almost 4 weeks since my fracture,i cant lift my arm, but have all my movement from elbow.
initally i was very depressed, iam left handed and fractured my left shoulder, things were difficult, but i still try to see good thing out of every difficult situation.
i have to sit for an academic exam next week 23rd, to prepare for this since iam left handed, i trained my right hand. now i can write with both hands. at least something good came out of all this, being able to write with both hands.
Whatever happens , there is good reason for that, initially we might feel unhappy, depressed, but later we realise there was something good in it .
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
VENNA
June 18th, 2011 at 3:24 am
Well I’m now 11 weeks post injury and 9 weeks from the surgery to repair the proximal humerus with wires and pins. I can’t yet raise my arm away from my body above my waist unaided but have to lie down and pull it up with the other arm. The pain isn’t too bad, the lack of mobility is awful. Have tried massage, which helped ease the muscles, as PT has to be gentle right now because of the delicate fracture and repair and hasn’t touched me – I just get series of exercises to perform. The massage was the first time that anyone had touched my shoulders or back since the accident and it really helped ease up the stiffened muscles. I get upset when I see people dancing, waving, playing sport, etc, because I think that will never be me. I still can’t use my right arm to do most things and can’t reach my hair to wash it with my right hand yet. I can at least put earrings in and have started to use two hands at dinner and do some light tasks such as small amounts of cooking, wipe surfaces, etc. Suffered stiffness in my hand and wrist through lack of use so am working on that. Not sure when I’ll be able to drive and the lack of independence and total reliance on my family is hard.
I just want to be back to normal ….. Please!!
June 20th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Like everyone else here, I have a shoulder injury. Mine is only 3 days old. I tripped over a gas pump hose, fell into the driver’s side door, caught my arm on the door rest. My body continued to fall while my arm was caught on the rest. The result was a proximal humerus fracture. The x-ray was not clear enough to tell if there is further damage. I have CT-scan scheduled for tomorrow and then another consult with the orthopedic surgeon 3 days later.
I don’t think I am in as much pain as some others have described. The hardest thing is asking my wife for help with the personal care. But as you say, don’t be too proud to ask for help.
The worst part of all this was the injury occurred 966 miles from home when we were on a trip to MN. The ride home was excruciating. I find now that I am home, I am a bit more comfortable. Thank you for all the tips in dealing with this type of injury. I am optimistic about a successful recovery.
June 21st, 2011 at 5:14 am
Kathryn, you are so right! It makes such a difference when we’re in so much pain and misery to know that others have suffered through the same injury and have recovered.
Venna, I broke my right arm–my writing arm–at the age of 42 while finishing my last semester of graduate school. As I could not write, my 7th grade daughter attended my college classes with me in the evening and learned to take notes from a lecture. At one point, she raised her hand to answer the professor’s question to the class. I whispered, “Mary, what are you doing?” She whispered back, “I have an opinion about his question!” The professor called on her, and she answered intelligently. I was amazed! You never know what kinds of growth and development can occur because of what appears to be a setback.
Deborah, having to rely on others is such a humbling experience! It has given me more patience with my elderly parents who need help, but are so reluctant to give up their self-reliance. Once you get to the more aggressive PT, you will see more progress with range of movement, but it still took me about a year of continued stretching to regain full range of movement.
Jim, I think yours is the most unusual story I’ve heard about how a shoulder break happened. I cannot imagine how painful your drive home was! I’m glad you’re home safe and sound, and I will keep you in my prayers for a complete recovery.
God bless you all,
Kathy
June 21st, 2011 at 5:50 pm
One word of advice concerning the recliner. It is important that the lever returning the recliner to the upright position is on the side of the good arm. Otherwise,once reclined it is hard to get it upright and get out. At least it was for me,I needed help, I was unable to move.
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:33 am
My CT scan was not as positive as I had hoped. It was described to me as a ball of ice cream being pressed into a cone. The result was a 4-part fracture plus the break to the humerus itself. I am now 3 days post surgery. The surgeon said he was able to suture the bone fragments together without the use of wires or a plate. This is the sling I am in http://www.donjoybraces.com/pr.....51p574.htm It has a block pillow between my chest and forearm. Trying to stay positive and looking forward to the first day of PT.
July 4th, 2011 at 5:45 am
Thinking of you after your surgery, Jim. I know you’ll be uncomfortable for a while but things will get better and the sling will be off in no time.
I am now nearly 3 months post surgery for a fracture of the greater tuberosity which had been pulled out of position and doing regular, painful exercises. My movement is increasing on an almost daily basis but still can’t put my arm out to the side beyond about 90 degrees and still have a lot of pain, particularly when I get rather enthusiastic and “overdo” some of the exercises in my bid to get back to normal. The exercises become less painful when your range of motion increases but there are still a lot of things I can’t do, such as brush my hair or reach behind my back as well as out to the side.
Seeing the PT this week, but I haven’t had many appointments – just being given exercises to do at home.
Wishing everyone complete recovery.
July 9th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
Thank you all for sharing. I broke my shoulder 10 days ago, slipped on a wet floor in a bathroom after my Tai Chi class. I am 68 and so far they think I will escape surgery. I am in a sling and lots of pain. I am allergic to many painkillers and have been told not to use ibuprophen. Have had no luck with tylenol. Anyway, it is great to hear from everyone and makes me feel not so alone. My husband is an angel but he has never had this experience, thankfully, so doesn’t really understand the pain and frustration.
July 12th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
Thanks for the support! I broke my shoulder in two places, and decided to add six broken ribs to the equation. Your post is giving me hope that I will get to sleep in a bed agai, and that I will heal. While I have been a bit down, you have brought me back up. God bless.
July 14th, 2011 at 5:16 am
Hiya every one I’m so pleased to see that I’m not alone I fell about six weeks ago I was on a tread mill I join the gym to try and feel good about myself I was due to move home the week I fractured my shoulder. Well I’m glad to have found this site as at the min feeling rather low in mood possibly no sleep and as I live alone as some of you you can understand the frustration I still have little movement in my right arm and my hand and forearm is still very swollen and the top part of my arm is in terrible pain un like some I’m lucky enough not to have had surgery and my heart gose out to you all bless you x I’m still off work and feeling rather isolated I do go out for Walks and execise my arm 3 times a day but it’s very frustrating when you can see jobs that need doing so I do try and get on with it I’ve changed the bed and the curtains and hooverd and even took the car out today but it dose give me a little bit of pain but we can’t let this injury beat us guys and girls so keep your chin up and keep smiling and if and when u achieve a new task think well done me it might take a long time to recover but we will feel better knowing we aren’t alone good luck to you all xxx
July 15th, 2011 at 8:45 am
Hi Kathy.
Thanks for creating this nice website, your story really inspired me, and helped me throught this ordeal , its almost 8 weeks since my shoulder fracture, i have regained 90% of my movement.The last movment is achive is side elevation which iam just over 90 degrees.
My doctor believes , i will have full uncomplicated recovery in next 4 weeks time.
At present going through PT,and my PT said ,that i should spend 90% of my time stretching, and this really works.I am determined to get my full range of movement.
Iam back to riding my bike again, feel so good.
Advice to everyone, we should have faith and determination,things get better with time and as Kathy has mentioned we should keep stretching and follow the advice of the PT , doc.
Once again thanks kathy, God Bless You.
Wishing Everyone full Recovery.
July 17th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Hi Kathy. I broke my right shoulder a week ago when my dog pulled me over and i fell off the kirb edge. Trip to A&E and the othopeadic clinic, I have to see a shoulder specialist on tuesday as there is talk of having an operation.. hope not however the pain is excruciating.
Its amazing what you take for granted, like washing, dressing makng a cup of tea.
Sneezing is awful
Thank you for sharing your exp[erience it really helps as it is a frightening experience.
I am typing with my left hand so please forgive the punctuation etc
Jane
July 18th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Hi – i am 8 weeks following a left fractured shoulder. Amazed about how much my ROM has improved with physio but since starting it, i have developed almost constant aching in whole of left arm. Am assuming it is just cause I am using it more but am unsure whether to slow down with exercises or to continue despite pain?
Thanks Rachel
July 22nd, 2011 at 7:04 am
Dear Kathy,
Can you please help? I am 52 and sustained committed fracture of greater tuberosity of humerous on 24th September 2010 to my left shoulder. I was in a lot of pain and thought with physio I was getting better. A month ago I started to get pain in my right shoulder, neck and right ear. I went to the doctor to rule out an ear infection. The pain has not lessened and yesteday I went to hospital and had another xray on my left shoulder and was told very alarmingly that part of my shoulder bone had been absorbed, gone away. I tried to ask the doctors to explain but they couldn’t really help until I have another MRI scan. Have you any pointers please what could be causing this. My Physiotherapist told me to exercise as much as possible I do do this but wonder if this is making the shoulder erode away faster. I had a bone density test and was told I was okay on this level. Just wonder if you have any advice please? Kindest regards
Paula Renouf
July 27th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
I BROKE MY SHOULDER ONE WEEK AGO AFTER FALLING DOWN STAIRS, I AM IN A LOT OF PAIN BUT THANK GOD I DIDN’T BREAK MY NECK, SO ALL OF YOU STAY CHEERFUL.
July 30th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
Hi, I am 68 years old and fell April 25, 2011 breaking my left shoulder with the top of the humerus in 5 places.
When I was 24 I had experimental surgery at Mayo. They took half of my biceps and rebuildt my rotator cuff. They did a key-hole incision in the humerous. One of the pieces of bone held this attachment.
With almost everything in place I was placed in an immobilizer for 3.5 weeks while I spent 4 weeks in a nursing home because I could not care for myself. By the way, I am left handed.
I am now in physical therapy and trying to get off the meds. The fentinal patch went away 2 days ago. I still need to occasionally take pain meds. I continue to be nausiated. The oxies are taken one or two times a day. If I could just get better and faster. I am just getting so impatient with this healing process. I am sure my age is a major factor. I have been taking d-3 & K-2 daily. I try to eat right and take enough liquids, but the pains have been horrid.
Three weeks ago tendonitis occured in my rotator cuff and it took three weeks for that to let up so I could advance in PT.
After I fell I was black and blue over the entire left half of my trunk. Breathing is still difficult and I have been trying to keep myself supported by my muscles, but there are times I have to get into that darn recliner for support. I really suspect that I injured much more than my shoulder, but the shoulder is the major and the rest are forgotten.
Is there any idea as to what is happening?
We have a family restaurant and I am a primary there, but can not work well at this time. I am at about 90 degrees at this time.
August 7th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Hello All. I fell in the driveway July 2, rammed my elbow in the concrete and broke my shoulder. I am 63 years old, divorced and thank God everyday for my 86 year old mother. It took an ambulance to get me up and to the ER. The bones were set using an arm sling and the weight of the arm to reset the bones. The sling has been off one week. My first PT session is tomorrow. Allow me to make a few suggestions. Ladies have your hair cut in a style that can be handled one-handed. Take your pain meds, do not suffer needlessly. Invest in a detachable shower head with a flexible tube and a shower stool. Forgive me but, if you are modest, as I am, cleaning one’s self after bodily functions can be accomplished using the shower. Drying off will require help and the process will be easier if you spread a hand or bath towel on toilet seat and sit down. This will help dry you most intimate parts. For clothes invest in Moo-moos. They are roomy and easy to get on and off. Buy your underwear a size or 2 largwer for comfort and ease of access. Now if I could just make a fist. Thank you all for your very informative and helpful post.
August 15th, 2011 at 11:19 pm
Kathy,
I fractured my left humerus and there are concerns regarding the healing of the greater tuberosity(sp.?). I am completing my second week of being “immobile” with my arm in a sling and will have other x-rays again Friday. I also have, over the past three years, indications of decreasing bone density but not osteoporosis yet. I am a Sp.Ed. Teacher of special needs, three to five year olds and also have a 10 month old beautiful grandson and want to be able to run after them, carry them,etc. NOW!!!!!!!! I can at least sleep (in a recliner)for three and four hour stretches and have been able to cut down pain medication and nausea medication.Also my fracture is on my left side and I am right handed. Is lifting, carrying, driving something I can remotely expect in nine weeks? This Site is HUMBLING! I need to be less crabby and more patient.Thank you for all this information. Laurel
August 26th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
I am so jealous of those of you who are getting such good care…I broke my arm (between shoulder and elbow) and have been in a sling for a week. Going back to ortho doctor on Monday to see if I will need surgery. My husband tells everyone he is my nurse, but since I fell last week he has gone golfing, does yardwork, started out helping me get into the shower (but “forgot” and left the towel out on the bed while he played solitare on the computer. Thi morning he made me pancakes for breakfast, ate without me (I was in the bathroom struggling with that “constipation” issue) so I heated up my hardened pancakes and ate alone while he played solitare. He then left to go shopping without asking me if I wanted to take a bath (the highlight of my day) so I managed to do evertthing on my own. Luckily my neighbor came tp visit and helped me get my sling back on…I did the laundry and folded the towels from an earler load. He brought me flowers but was angry that I didn’t thank him…UGH! Everyone thinks I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband but I really feel like I am an annoyance right now and he can’t stand to even be in the same room with me. He and I had a screaming match before he stormed out of the house for work…MY ARM HURTS… And, to top it off my friend was going to take me for a mani/pedi today and she never even called me… Thanks everyone for listening…I guess I am just feeling sorry for myself today…
August 31st, 2011 at 9:40 am
To all of those on here that are in despair ….
I KNOW how you feel. I broke my right greater tuberosity in April and had to be surgically fixed. Four months on and I am driving and living normally, apart from the odd twinge of pain and stiffness. I have to have the metal removed in a few months’ time. It is very very frustrating and an extremely painful injury – I have certainly never experienced pain like it. I was irritable with my family and couldn’t wait just to go to bed to be out of the pain for a few hours. I felt very low and could see no end to it.
I now have virtually all movement back … well all movement really. It does get better. I felt so alone with my injury and I have a constant reminder in the form of a scar on my shoulder now. I felt so much stronger when I could drive again and move around without agony – I felt so useless, especially trying to look after my family and having to rely upon others. I realised what wonderful friends I have and I am forever grateful to them all. A week is nothing – I hadn’t even had surgery then – and I have been told a year for full recovery. Things will improve …. but it will take time.
September 2nd, 2011 at 12:27 am
I was glad when I found this site. I am worried to death about my upcoming rotator cuff surgery. One of the major kind. I am 65. Always been active and love to run. I live alone with a 60lb dog which is not friendly with strangers and requires 2 long and 1 short walk daily. Am I going to be able to come home and do all I need without help? I have to wear the major kind of brace for 6 weeks. One that is solid and does not come off. I was told I have to sleep in a recliner for the 6 week duration and not to attempt laying flat. I am on a very limited income. However medicare said they would pay for a home health aide for a short time. My daughter is a state licensed care giver for the Dept social Health Services. We have tried and tried to find out if she can be my caregiver (if I need one) and get paid by medicare. I do not want a stranger in my home as my dog is old and a trained service animal. Trained to protect me. She does not let strangers approach me let alone put hands on me. I am so upset. This is not good for me. I suffer anxiety and panic attack disorder plus depression. The exercise and running with my dog really helped me with this. Now I have to stop all that. Oh another thing is I do not have a recliner! What is a poor person to do? No one seems to be able to answer these questions. I just get passed from one person to the next. thank you for listening to me. I have no one to talk to. Except a whole lot of prayer. I recently lost 40lbs. and was well on my way to the last 40lb. Now this. I am so depressed. Pray someone has some ideas. D.S.H.S. was no help at all. Medicare and my Dr. are doing all they can. Especially paying for the care. It just has to be my daughter and since this is her job she has to be paid. Do you think I can possibly do this without any help?? Thank you again, Bonnie
September 5th, 2011 at 4:10 am
For a recliner, try looking on craigslist.com, or check with a local Habitat for Humanity or similar organization. They often have recliners for sale at a low price. You could even explain your situation and see if they will lower their posted price. I am more concerned about your sense of isolation. It is good to have help when recovering from surgery, especially family! The more you allow in the love and care of others–both family and new people–the more whole and calm you will feel. We are not meant to live our lives in isolation. It is a blessings to others for you to accept help from them! Medicare generally pays for some home health care after hospitalization with a doctor’s recommendation.
I will keep you in prayer.
God bless you,
Kathy
September 7th, 2011 at 7:39 am
Hi everyone, hang in there. The first two or three weeks are the hardest after a break like this then it does get easier. If you are low-income and need a recliner try the local thrift stores. Most of the time they are connected to a charity and are able to help people. I will also pray for you, I’m sure it is difficult if you are alone but you will get through it. I am so grateful for this blog, I read it every day after I broke my shoulder. It kept me sane to know that there are others in the same boat and we can encourage each other. Kathys tips were great, thank you Kathy for your help.
Without a recliner you can sleep in bed or on a couch if you get propped up with lots of pillows, I did that for the first week and survived. I am 68 so no spring chicken, and still working so it was a challenge. Take care everyone.
September 13th, 2011 at 12:46 am
Kathy,
Thank you so much for starting this site. Such an inspiration! I fractured my left humerus head in 2 places after slipping on some wet tile. This happened on labor day (9/4) I’m 36 years old and also found out on x-ray that I have osteoporosis. I also am progesterone depleted which set me up for the osteoporosis. I’m very fortunate to have a very supportive husband, but those first 6 days were ROUGH. My husband works from home, but we also have a 16 month old son. That has been the worst of all of this. Do you have any idea when I will be able to pick him up again? I can’t even change his diaper! I have been able to take my arm out of the sling. I have started to hang it already. Do you think this is too soon? Could I possibly do more damage if I start exercising it already? I have very good pain control, thanks to Percocet, and it feels good to hang it. I can even do VERY small circles. I have 80% movement of my wrist and hand. My elbow is very swollen and my arm doesn’t straighten completely. I’m sure that is normal only being 9 days post injury. I’m so eager to get going with this recovery because I want to hold my son!! Any advice will be great!!
Everyone on this site is in my prayers. So happy to know I’m not alone
October 16th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
I rolled an ATV a week ago today. I am in constant excruciating pain. I was prescribed lorcet 10-675 for pain, but stopped taking them after 4 days d/t constipation. Didn’t need another pain! I am completely unable to do personal care for myself and it is humiliating as I am only 27. I haven’t found a comfortable way to sleep and I am depressed. After er visit revealed a left proximal humerous fracture, I was sent to a orthopedic surgeon who walked in said it was fractured, keep sling on, don’t work, heres pain meds, and see you in two weeks. What should I do? any advice would be greatly appreciated.
October 27th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
2 months ago I tripped over an extension cord and fell into a door. The next morning went to the ER and it was ONLY a chip fracture. My Dr. this week said it is healed 100% but sure hurts as bad as day one and I can’t get any sleep because I can’t get comfy.
20 years ago after an assult I had an impacted humerus and after several tries ended up in an Airplane Split.(Oh , it looked so pretty. but some how the pain doesn’t seem as bad. I’m sick of ibuprofin and sure it’s not doing my stomach a whole lot of good.
Got any ideas of how to sleep and relieve most of the pain.
Thanks, and good for you that have healed
November 4th, 2011 at 1:30 am
I am so thankful to have found this site and others in the same situation. It has been feeling like I am all alone and now i know I am not. I had surgery, post break, 8 weeks ago today. Broken in three places after a fall. I’m 40 years old and was told I could go without the sling two weeks ago. However, it still hurts so badly when I dont wear it and feels like my arm is just hanging there. I’ve been in PT for two weeks now and have been advised to just wean myself slowly. Can’t wait to be able to do my own hair, etc. Such simple things that i have taken for granted in the past.
To everyone still in the early stages of this God bless you and it gets better, slowly. Thank you Kathy for starting this site!
November 17th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Having fractured my proximal humerous nine weeks ago I have found this site a fantastic help ,the only thing I can add is it’s a long road but if you just have patience you,l recover, It will take time but hopefully we,ll all have a good outcome, just be patient
November 27th, 2011 at 10:16 am
Hi,
I fell on November 4th while out for a morning run. I broke my humerous in 4 places. I had surgery on November 8th. I’m doing okay – I sleep in bed until about 3 or 4 am most nights and then I get up and sleep on the couch.
I’m back at work but can’t drive which is frustrating. Worried about gaining weight over the holidays since I can’t run!
I have my second surgery followup on December 2nd. I’m so glad I can still type! looking forward to being out of the sling and shoulder brace. Physical therapy should start soon.
Dr. said there’s a chance the surgery would not work and I’d need a shoulder replacement but he seemed fairly optimistic after the first appointment, but initially said they wouldn’t know for months if the surgery was completely successful.
ugh and hugs to everyone who’s dealing with this! I’m 48 years old, btw.
November 27th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Hugs to you, too, Elizabeth! You are pretty amazing to be back at work already. You’re going to make it! I will keep you in prayer for a complete recovery, as I do for all our OsteoDiet readers. God bless you!
December 1st, 2011 at 6:21 am
I fell a month at age 61 dislocating and fracturing my left shoulder in 3 places along with a chipped bone. Had surgery 2 days after the fall to put it all back together again (somedays feel like Humpty Dumpty).
Starting therapy in 2 weeks and have mixed emotions about it. Some days are worse than others emotionally – not a good day yesterday – so trying to keep a positive attitude. I guess it’s the unknown of the possibility of a shoulder replacement i cannot seem to get past – scares me to death.
Glad I found this site – I think it may give me the attitude adjustment I’ve been needing.
Looking forward to finding comfort and the support I will need in the coming months.
December 1st, 2011 at 6:33 am
Shouldering so much pain makes it hard to keep a positive attitude, but knowing that so many have recovered and are cheering for you makes it easier. Physical therapy was often uncomfortable for me, but it brought the freedom of movement that I hoped for, and I pray it will be the same for you. You have great courage! Every day your body is working at healing itself. If you need comfort and support along the way, feel free to write. Know that I am praying for you, too. God bless you!
Kathy
December 2nd, 2011 at 5:06 pm
Glad to find this website. Fell running 4weeks ago. Broke upper humerus,surgically repaired, and hairline fracture of knee, both on left side. Knee in a brace from thigh to ankle, arm now able to do pt, and keep out of sling some. Your stories have inspired me to “suck it up”. Dr. Told me four more weeks in slings and brace, but expect long rehab. I am 67 and used to running 25-30 miles per week, so this is trying, but this site has really helped. Good luck to all of you. I can relate to several of your experiences of pain, helplessness,etc.
December 4th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Hi,
I am really happy that i have found this website, it has been a big help. I fell on November 25th went to the ER and found out that i broke my left shoulder. They put a slink and after one week i saw an orthepedic sergion. I am going back in 5 weeks. I am 64 years old. I was not advised on basic things like bathing, dressing, sleeping…ect. I am afraid that i will further injure my arm by not doing things properly. I went to work three days after my injury and i am working a cuple of hours every day since then obviously only using my right arm. Can this daily comute make my injury worse? I am also removing the slink while taking my daily shower, only supporting my arm with my other arm. I see that most people are only taking a sponge bath would this be better? I have not had a lot of sleep since i got hurt because i do not know what position is better for my arm. Is it better to sleep on my back or on my good side? The doctor told me to start exercising my wrist and arm after 3 weeks… During the past couple of day i feel like my injury has gotten worse bcause i am moving the wrong way and my husband has hurt it trying to help me.I would greatly appreciate if someone could give me further advise.
Thank you,
Belana
December 5th, 2011 at 5:02 am
Kathy – I’ve been reading about massage therapy for scar tissue to improve mobility. My doctor said to massage my scar but not why – I just read on the internet that it does improve mobility. Did you do massage therapy for your scar? If so, did you massage it yourself or have it done professionally? I’m starting PT next week and want to make the most of it so if massage therapy helps I want to take advantage of it.
Thanks for any info you can offer.
December 5th, 2011 at 6:17 am
Belena, the only “exercise” my doctor had me do after a few weeks was a sort of “pendulum” swing. (See “Pendulum in Standing Position” at http://www.livestrong.com/arti.....-recovery/.) And yes, I was often frightened that I would re-injure my shoulder. Maybe that was a good thing, as it made me very careful with it. I did shower and bathe, as well as sponge bathe, but with someone standing by to help me. I could not sleep in a bed, but slept in a recliner in whatever position was the least painful.
Gayle, I didn’t have an outward scar, but I did do massage of the area to keep skin adhesions from forming under the skin. I had massage therapy done, and I also tried to massage it myself as far as I could reach.
December 6th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
I broke my shoulder in the summertime I was told to keep the sling on 24/7 for the first 6 weeks. I had to have surgery which had 54 staples to close, currently in physo therapy, very painful and time consuming
December 7th, 2011 at 5:37 am
Dear Tired1, although physical therapy is painful and takes much time and effort, it is the pathway to freedom of movement. You have made it over the worst of your injury. That took much courage and is worth celebrating! The rest is hard work and will require determination and perseverance. Try to appreciate yourself during this time. Reward yourself for each small gain in your range of motion. Find ways to be kind to yourself, such as smoothing on scented lotion, getting a new haircut, or enjoying a massage. While it is wonderful to have support from others, this is a good time to rediscover how you can encourage your spirit and be your own best friend. If you are a prayerful person, pray for God’s encouragement, too. He is great at that! After all, another name for the Holy Spirit is the “Comforter.” I will pray for you, too.
Blessings to you and yours,
Kathy
December 7th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
firstly, thank you kathy for maintaining your site! what a comfort to find there are other people who understand the pain but are also baffled about recovery.
i’m 45 and broke my shoulder bone and socket ball in 3 parts in a car wreck on dec 1. i never had such pain in my life. and its so depressing that i cant kayak or bike which was a daily joy. i clean offices at night which i know i cant do for a while. my right arm is in a sling and im right handed, so hard. dr says it is in a good position to heal but orthoped wants to put in rod and screws and does not give helpful advice for daily activity. seeing a different orthoped next week. still considering surgery but very concerned about the discomfort of muscles rubbing againt metal all my life. praying so much that it will just heal properly in a sling- next xray may tell.
it is greatly comforting to read that the forearm swelling is normal, i flex my fingers and lay down and straighten my arm which helps a bit.
i wanted to offer a little advice to those who, like myself, live alone with no caretaker: i wash my hair by wrapping a towel around my shoulders and rubbing a soaking wet washcloth on my head, use just a dab of shampoo. a children’s de-tangle spray helps to brush out my hair which is long. no bath/shower for me, im afraid to fall, i use scented baby wipes for bathing. i have an 18inch back scratcher for all my itches.
please anyone who has advice for personal care, we need to read about it.
sometimes i cry and pity myself because i’ve always been able bodied and independent, but i think, if nothing else, this debilitation is showing me i need people and need to change. please pray for me in that area.
on an upnote, yesterday, the 5th day after injury, i was able to grip the can opener and open some tuna—i was happy all day!
December 7th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Mary, you’ve made amazing adjustments in less than a week! Tremendous! I think you are right to see a different orthoped, and I will pray that your injury will heal without a rod or screws, as well as for grace to open up more and more to the loving help of others. Thank you for sharing your tips for personal care, too.
God bless you,
Kathy
December 9th, 2011 at 8:47 am
i broke my left shoulder in 3 places about 2 years ago in a fall (plus sustaining a mild concussion). I was then 56, and that was my first ever broken bone.
My question is, how long does it take for the upper arm swelling to go away? I now have a flabby wave upper underarm on my left side, like fluid is trapped in the underarm tissueI.
How can I get rid of this flabby ugly area?
December 13th, 2011 at 5:05 am
Two years seems a long time for fluid to remain trapped in the tissue. If I was experiencing that condition, I would try massage therapy. A good massage therapist can often work wonders with tissue repair and rejuvenation!
December 18th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
i can tell i have metal in me, some days it really hurts in the area it is located still trying to get my range of motion back, it will be awhile yet before i can do what i used too
December 23rd, 2011 at 5:25 pm
Glad to find this site. I’m 23 and fell Dec 6th 2011 ice stating and broke my left shoulder in three places. been doing a lot of reading and guess compared to most I’m doing good. this coming Tuesday will be three weeks and I hardly take pain meds can move pretty good, sleep on my right side and shower everyday alone in a sling. most of bruising is gone, still some pain but manageable with keeping busy. I do have that bump on my arm I keep hearing is apparently normal while healing. no insurance at moment and off work since it happened…I’m a waitress so right now no income. thank God I live at home while I go to school and have family to help me. looking forward to January when insurance kicks in and I can go to an ortho. thanks for the tips and hope everyone else feels better. =)
December 25th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Started pt last week with 4 sessions under my belt. Range of motion has already improved. The PT was surprised I don’t experience more pain during the pt sessions because of the extent of my injuries – good I guess – I’m too hard on myself wanting to improve quickly – the PT slows me down – so I’m trying to take it easy on myself and not over do. I really want to get my strength back – that is really tough.
I have a doctor appointment Tues. and am anxious to hear what he has to say about my progress so I’m really trying my best to do all of my assigned exercises.
Kathy – how long does it typically take to get strength back?
January 2nd, 2012 at 9:34 am
Thanks to all for the comments, suggestions and positive thoughts! I broke my left humerus on December 19th (no displacement – yet – so at least no surgery) and don’t handle restrictions or limitations on activity very well so am quite frustrated. I wish that I could get a better handle on anticipated recovery time. i am able to shower using a canvas sling but cannot imagine when I will be able to wash and blow dry my hair (I just spent a year and half growing it out from a very short cut so the idea of cutting it again to make it easier to handle is not appealing!). For now, I’m going to the stylist twice a week but that can’t continue forever.
I’ve cut back on pain meds to one every eight hours but find that I still need them. I will be back to work tomorrow (at least part-time) but need to avoid public transportation since I can’t walk to the train in winter without a coat so am dependent on my husband to drive me, avoiding rush hours. I know that I have been incredibly lucky in his support and care but still find the long road ahead daunting, I broke the same bone in the same spot when I was twelve ( let’s just say a number of years ago!) and certainly don’t remember it like this!
No date yet set to begin PT.
January 2nd, 2012 at 1:54 pm
Hi
I broke my humerus in 3 places 3 weeks ago. I did not need surgery and am in a sling.I fell over a rope barrier down at Macy’s in Chicago,after having dinner with my grandchildren under the well known ‘TREE’.I came across this site while sitting in my recliner[which is now my bed]and have enjoyed reading all the comments.I am 64 years old and a third grade teacher. Fortunately I am off school for two weeks which will help with the healing.I am not in a lot of pain and only took pain pills for 3 days. I am now on ibuprofen and will be having an x-ray on Jan.9th to see how the healing is going.I will then start PT.During all this, one thing that kept me going is to have a sense of humor and keep SMILING!!! Things could be worse!!I am looking forward to going back to school after Christmas break and being with my students. I know their smiling faces will help me heal faster!HAPPY HEALING TO ALL!!!!
January 2nd, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Happy Healing to all of you, and God bless you in the New Year with renewed strength.
Kathy
January 2nd, 2012 at 11:02 pm
Have insurance now! Going to an ortho tomorrow please pray that I don’t need surgery, I am a sign language major and need my arm asap!
January 2nd, 2012 at 11:05 pm
to: Anonymous
December 4th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
I got a shoulder sling to wear in the shower so my arm has support. Walgreens makes one with vents (holes) that way water doesn’t build. hope your feeling better =)
January 3rd, 2012 at 9:41 am
Thanks Ashley I have been using an old tie of my husbands as a sling while showering. I’ll go to Walgreens to see if they have that shoulder sling.
January 5th, 2012 at 11:16 pm
Hi Kathy,
Fantastic article you wrote. I wish I would have discovered this 4 months ago when I was going through the height of major pain, depression and overall despair over a very stupid fall that changed the life of my left shoulder. NEVER STAND ON A CHAIR WITH WHEELS ON A HARD WOOD FLOOR!!! Yes I did to clean an upper shelf and the chair went flying and I landed on the floor. Broke the ball of my shoulder/humerus bone in several places and now am full of heavy metal and screws!! I never thought the pain would end. As you mentioned in your article to take the pain meds; I was afraid to stay on them for fear of addiction so I suffered a lot. I did have constipation and did not drink enough water. But now a am SO happy to say I am on the mend. The Doctor said it would take a year to fully recover and now I understand since it has been 4 months so far. My debilitating pain is manageable now with meds and occasionally take Aleve. Still in PT, don’t have full range back but am learning to compensate in other ways. I just want to be able to latch my Bra from behind instead of putting it on backwards and turning it around. When I can do that, then I will have achieved SUCCESS!! And everything you said about Sex is so true. Thanks again for sharing and realizing we are not alone.
Another Broken Shoulder Victim
January 6th, 2012 at 11:43 am
6 weeks ago I fell down the stairs and broke my proximal humerus in 3 places. I went through the steps of Kathy but I must say I still have the Itchiness which is terrible. I started Physio and am at 90 degrees.I did everything I was told but stopped taking pain meds after 5 days as I thought the itchiness is from that. So I have suffered immensely with pain but I have as positive attitude and hope to be well in a few more months so that I can go back to work.
January 6th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Hi Kathy,
Just wanted to say thanks for providing this informative website and communication link with others suffering a broken shoulder. I slipped on an icy sidewalk and broke my shoulder in 3 spots Dec. 18th. During many sleepless nights I read all of these emails from people looking for help, answers and just plain support. I must say that it helped me stop feeling sorry for myself and realize how easy I have it compared to some! I have wonderful support from my family and employer. I have finally had my appt. with orthopedic surgeon and found out I must say off work and in sling for 4 more weeks but probably don’t require any surgery. I am now allowed to do some small out of sling arm exercises 3-4 times daily. I am now sleeping 6-7 hours (instead of 1-2) and feel a little better each day! I think it is wonderful that you have kept this site going so long after your recovery! You have been a blessing to many of us creeping along a slow road!
January 6th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
I’m so glad that you’re doing better and I’m happy that the website helped you. Your comments will help others, too!
God bless you all,
Kathy
January 6th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Donna, have you tried getting a massage? Sometimes that helps the “itch.”
Kathy
January 7th, 2012 at 7:41 pm
Okay changing my ortho. one I saw was a jerk. He basically treated me like an idiot since I fell on 12/6 and couldn’t see a specialist till 1/3… trust me not my idea to wait 4 weeks but I had no insurance. so news I did get while there I broke the humerus head off the humeral bone. ER doctors on the 6th did not tell me that! so a month later when I get to go to a doctor the humeral head as slipped slightly and healing off center. this article has an xray that looks like my shoulder break as of right now http://www.kidsfractures.com/upper-arm/ …. they have me doing physical therapy and when I go back Hopefully Monday we will find out if I need surgery. I am not asking anyone to diagnose me, but has anyone else broke their shoulder like that and avoided surgery? I still have bruising on my arm but it looks so much better then what it did. With that said using a medical ball I can extend my arm slightly higher then level with my shoulder. I can also extend assisted my arm out to the side almost level with my shoulder. when I move it doesn’t really hurt, more feels like my mussels are sore from not being moved.
Really hoping that I can avoid surgery and that my range of moment shows promise that my arm can heal even if its a little off. I know how long surgery can interrupt one’s life and the though of going through it makes me want to cry. I said in a past post I am a waitress so right now my parents are paying all my bills and medical expenses.
Any feed back would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
January 8th, 2012 at 9:56 am
Hi there,
Came across this website in my many, many searches for:
Broken humerus pain
Broken humerus hand swelling
Broken humerus healing time
Broken humerus recovery
etc…
I broken my Left mid shaft humerus 20 days ago. Was told it was minimally displaced- with 2 fragments. Was told in the ER that I would not need surgery. They put me in sling+ soft cast, gave me 30 percocet and sent me on my way. Cast was unbearable- dug into skin at edges- had blisters from it. Swelling was intense.
Went back to ortho doc 10 days later. Put me in a brace. Took x-ray. said it was aligned enough to heal ok.
sent me away with 30 vicodin ( after I begged and begged for painkillers) I am not a pain pill abuser, but this injury hurts SO MUCH.
I have had to- at times go over the recommended pills per day- especially first week. It’s brutal. The mornings are the worst. I sleep easily now sitting up/propped up on pillows. But getting up in the AM with arm still swollen and in pain is brutal.
Really losing hope that I will be able to move my arm again. I cry sometimes.
Been out of work since accident- I am a freelancer with no benefits. So I can not apply for any type of disability or unemployment> I get no sick days.
Have no idea when I will be able to go back to work. I work in a fast paced computer environment. So who knows.
Luclily I do buy a PPO insurance. Don’t know how good it is though. Scared of the bills. Very scared. Hard to get around as I live in NYC. Have to take public transit. Very painful and frightening.
Hand is still swollen pretty bad. As is forearm and elbow.
Is this normal? Going back to doc in 4 days.
Any advice in healing time ect?
January 9th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
how long for hand/arm swelling to go down? unbearable. been 3 1/2 weeks since break
ugh
January 10th, 2012 at 7:58 am
Olivia, I can’t remember now exactly how long it took for the swelling to go down, but it seems like it took six weeks or more. It felt like forever! I especially worried about the swelling around my elbow because it was the last to go.
Tiger_town, my heart goes out to you! I remember the feelings of hopelessness and uselessness that made me cry. It was at those times that my faith in God became a great comfort. When life is out of control, placing your circumstances in the hands of God is the best thing you can do. You will find that He will direct your path in ways you can’t expect or explain, but He will make His healing presence known in the midst of your agony, if you ask Him.
Ashley, what did you find out from the specialist? Will you need surgery?
I will keep all of you in my prayers at Mass this morning,
Kathy
January 10th, 2012 at 7:53 pm
ashley i broke my arm in december and xray showed the bone quite crooked from the ball joint and they let me go without surgery. 5 weeks later the new xray showed it had moved in a better position and is healing. see my initial xray here (http://broken-shoulder.blogspot.com) if it compares to yours. we’re very pleased with its progress and expect full recovery. i hope that encourages you.
January 11th, 2012 at 4:35 am
Hi Kathy. Thank you so much for the trouble you are taking to blog about your shoulder injury. About 6 months ago I fell hard on my left elbow while ice skating and had pain in my shoulder the next day. I could not lift my arm above my head wihout pain and thought I tore something. After seeing a specialist and physiotherapist and had some x rays taken there was evedence that I had a fracture that was already healing and I also was advised that no surgery is needed. I wore a sling for a couple of weeks and after that had physio therapy.
My problem is that I am an artist (sculptor) and I have to use my arm all the time. I have no pain when relaxed, but still feel some pain when using my arm in a certain way . I have about 80% movement back and the pain is about 3 on scale 1-10. I was hoping that in 6 months after the injury I would have healed completely but after reading your story it seems that it will take another 6 months! I want to do some excersizes but also am scared to hurt my arm if I overdo it seeing that I am working physically all the time.
All I can advice to anyone today that shoulder injuries takes a loooong time to heal. For those who never had a shoulder injury: wear propper safety gear when you do any sport.
My injury could have been prevented if I had elbow pads on when I ice skated that day.
January 12th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Mary
That does give me hope.. I kinda saw there the slip in the ball was. I have a lot of movement when my arm is being helped. I still think its the bruising and swelling still causing most of my pain when stretching. I feel I would be fine with physical therapy. as for getting back to see an ortho I am trying. this whole thing is frustrating.
January 13th, 2012 at 7:19 pm
thank you. it helps to think it will get better and that i am not alone.
every day is still scary- just trying to do normal things like put on a shirt or boil water for oatmeal. i feel so sad and cursed. it is a bad place to be.
thanks for your reply and prayers
January 15th, 2012 at 8:01 am
I have just found this site and very interesting it is too. I live in Spain and last Wednesday evening,11tj January, I tripped up in the garden and fell with my arm on the edge of a step, the pain was horrendous. My husband took me to the accident and emergency dept of our local hospital, which was heaving, but I was whisked off in less than 10 minutes for xrays and scans. I was told an operation was needed as I had fractured a bone in my shoulder. They had planned to operate that night but got very busy with real emergency operations, so I was made very comfortable, hooked up to pain killer etc and I actually slept well the whole night. There are no wards in this hospital, just single occupancy rooms with en suite, TV in any language if you want it, it is a superb place.
Early Thursday morning the surgeon came to see me and said he wanted another scan to help him decide whether to put a plate or a pin in. I was taken for the scan and he decided on a pin. The operation was carried out late Thursday afternoon, again I slept well during the night and early Friday morning the surgeon came to see me to tell me I could go home and if I so wished I could take my arm out of the sling and let it hang, do some circular moving of it too. Well today is Sunday and I haven’t been brave enough to do that yet. The medication they sent me home with is, omeprazol, one each morning for 14 days, seractil 2 each day for 10 days and paracetamol 650gr 2 each day for 8 days.
Tomorrow I have to make an appointment at our local surgery to have the stitches out and they will make an appointment for me to see the hospital surgeon again in 5 weeks.
I have to think everything through and sort of make a plan but I have devised a way of putting in my contact lenses, painful so I have to have a rest after achieving that until the pain subsides and this morning I washed my hair myself in a bathroom wash basin, not exactly styled so well but clean and presentable. I remembered I had a hot air styling brush so I used this, it was easy enough really as I didn;t need two hands.
So, that is where I am right now, I can only wait and see how things go from hereon. I must say that I cannot praise the hospital and the staff there highly enough, they were wonderful.
I do hope everyone else who is suffering from this is fit and well again very soon.
January 15th, 2012 at 10:24 am
It sounds you have received excellent care, Eunice, and you have a wonderfully positive attitude! God bless you on the road to complete recovery.
January 16th, 2012 at 4:10 am
Thank you Kathy.
January 16th, 2012 at 4:37 am
someone was asking about sober/laboratoire sling vest, here is their website
http://www.hmi-basen.dk/en/r11x.asp?linkinfo=23552
January 20th, 2012 at 11:47 am
hand swelling and wrist swelling has gone down. so grateful. but now I am dealing with increased pain underneath the ‘clam shell’ -like brace. anyone deal with this? doctor at clinic told me to tighten it/read just it to the position he put it in, when needed.
not sure if i made it too tight or if the movement of the fingers/hand/ wrist could be causing pain in the arm part that is under the brace.
maybe muscle pain under there that is part of the healing process?
Not sure- I never have the same doctor twice at the clinic and so I can’t call ask questions or anything.
It’s felt like I am going about it on my own. I’m in about 5th week. going back to docs in about week and a half. any advice from experience? I know you can’t speak for my case as to medical advice but experiences- what to expect ect? It’s been a rough lonely patch. If you have any words they would be welcome.
best to all,
O
January 20th, 2012 at 11:32 pm
BEST NEWS EVER!!!!!!!!!!
Think Falling without insurance was one of the best things that happened to me… hear me out…. yes my humeral head slipped on the humerus and the bone has healed slightly deformed… but when I went back to the doctor my cat scan looked better then my xrays… no nerve damage or scared muscle tissue… now here is were my logic comes in… if I had insurance they would have done surgery in the first month of the break but since I had a chance to heal and stretch and see how well I can move even with a the slight deformity I get to avoid surgery. I start physical therapy next week to do more passive motion work and the following week start strength training. Think it helped that I was able to lift my arm and hold it in the air…. when he help my arm up in air I was able to hold it in place for a but… weak but lot of focus I did it….so excited!!! I hope everyone is doing better and getting good news… post after wen. I have gone back to work and school so no longer going crazy on bed rest.
Good luck to everyone in their healing!
January 21st, 2012 at 5:23 am
I don’t know what to tell you Olivia, it is only just over a week since I had my operation and I have only a sling. However I can say I get some weird pains now and then from “undamaged/unrelated” are parts. I presume everything is somehow related to the injury and bits and pieces put out their own protest now and then. I’m sorry you never get the same doctor twice but when you next go prepare a list of questions you want to ask, then you will be prepared, hopefully you will get some answers.
I hope your mind is at rest soon.
Eunice
January 22nd, 2012 at 3:54 pm
What a great site, posted a couple of months ago but am still reading yours comments you can never have enough tips observations or help. I suffered a proximal humerous fracture five months ago and am recovering well but recovery will always take you longer than you are told , in my case the bones have healed really well but the mustle damage rotator cuff swelling and nerve damage will take a lot longer maybe up to 18 months but once you can manage the initial pain, in my case ten weeks it does get a lot easier. I have lost 50 per cent movement in my right arm which sounds terrible but you do adapt very quickly sometimes without even thinking so some jobs do take that little bit longer but hey. It’s only extra time. I,m lucky to have great friends And family it makes the journey so much easier I hope you all have too. Be patient work hard and don’t take no for an answer , good luck too you all…jeff
January 22nd, 2012 at 11:30 pm
hi everyone. thanks for input. i just keep reading people’s stories, hoping for hope.
everyday is really difficult.
can’t work because of my injury- and being that i work freelance- i have no resources coming in, so i constantly worry about going into poverty.
i need to arms to work. at this point i can not really even get much clothes on- just pajamas and sweatpants. have to cut the arms off shirts.
i fear this will be the end of my career. the economy has been so rough as it is.
i fear the bills i will receive (i am in the US) i have never really had to use extensive medical services in the past, but now i realize that 2 xrays and a 5 min meeting with a doctor- where the doctor does not even touch/handle the area only is about $750
i have no idea how much the ER services will be.
at the next appointment i am going to ask the doctor if i can come less frequently, as i need to pay rent, utility bills, eat, student loans, etc.
the swelling in my hand went down for awhile, and i could move my arm. but now it is back again and movement is limited.
i am depressed and in an anxious, panicked state most of the times.
i try to not think about it, sometimes when sleeping that works.
just really scared. feel hopeless. i don’t really have my family, which might make matters worse.
not much changes ever. i feel i the dark and pretty helpless. not even sure if i am doing what i should be doing to heal. do i keep it immobilized? do i try to move?
it is hard to be alive at times.
i wish you all well
January 23rd, 2012 at 6:39 am
Olivia, it is hard not to panic unless you feel confident that things will turn out all right. Fear is looking at all the possibilities of life and then magnifying the worst outcomes. Is there even the smallest thought that you will recover and that you will be able to use what you learn from this injury to help others? It is true! Every pain that you are experiencing, every worry the worms its way into your heart, will build a reservoir of compassion for others who suffer. You will recover. It will take a long time. You may need to get food stamps and go on public assistance for a while, but that is what public assistance is for! Find a church where you feel the presence of God and draw strength from the One who loves you more than you love yourself. Yes, it is indeed hard to be alive at times, especially at times of serious injury. I cried often from frustration and fear when my shoulder and arm were throbbing, when I couldn’t bathe myself or dress myself. It’s okay to cry. It’s good to cry. But you will make it. And when you are stronger and well, you will be there to help someone else. I just know it. I will pray for you at morning Mass and will keep you in prayer throughout the day.
God bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand,
Kathy
January 23rd, 2012 at 7:30 am
So sorry you are feeling so down Olivia, it must be difficult if you don’t have friends or family around to give a little help. I am so lucky really, my husband is very good, not exactly the nursing type but he is helping out a lot and I have wonderful friends and neighbours. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
I have been at the clinic again this morning, dressing changed again, it has been changed every other day and the wound sites have healed very well. The staples are being taken out on Wednesday (I hope), the hopefully I can being to force myself through the pain barrier, I’m actually a real wimp, but a determined wimp.
It is at times like this that a national health service is appreciated. Spain has a reciprocal agreement with UK re health services so provided national health stamps were paid fully in UK we can use the Spanish health service, which I have to say in my experiences is superb.
I hope you feel better very soon and life begins to look much brighter for you. You must stay positive, I am absolutely certain it makes a big difference.
January 25th, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Dear Kathy
Your site is an inspiration to myself and to so many. I am from the UK so I am fortunate to have a national health service. Three weeks ago I fell down our 14 stairs at home was taken by ambulance to accident & emergency after many X-rays I was diagnosed with a broken shoulder and told that I would need surgery with a plate & screws to mend break. That evening I was consented for surgery.
My husband immediately asked for a prayer chain to be set up within our church to specifically pray that surgery would not be necessary.
The next morning the consultant decided to send me for a scan before the operation this he said revealed that I had broken the rim of the ball & socket of my shoulder and surgery was unlikely but they would review in a weeks time at fracture clinic. Sent me home with a sling & painkillers which After being on morphine for two days were much needed. My church continued to pray in earnest that surgery would not be necessary.
After my visit to fracture clinic I was told I had broken my shoulder blade & this would mend by its self albeit a very painful injury I am overjoyed, still in much pain & sleep is really difficult however, I am praising my Lord for when we fall either physically or spiritually HE will always be there to catch us. I would like to say to you all as I read your blogs I really feel for your pain & frustrations
and truly pray you will find the help, love & relief you all deserve.
My very best wishes to all. Sylvia
January 25th, 2012 at 7:36 pm
That’s wonderful news, Sylvia! I’m rejoicing and thanking God along with you! It is not an easy road to recovery, but it is easier with the Lord by your side.
Kathy
January 26th, 2012 at 4:23 am
I had half of the staples removed on Wednesday, the rest are being removed on Friday. The bruising is beginning to fade a little and joy of joys, with some planning and determination I can remove the sling myself and get my arm into a sleeve, it is hard work and not without pain but I can do it. I am trying to set myself a new goal each day, this “setback” in my life is NOT going to beat me.
I hope everyone with this kind of injury is doing well.
January 26th, 2012 at 11:55 am
hi everyone,
glad to hear people are healing.
my swelling and pain has gone down quite a bit.
makes sleeping and getting around easier.
still tough to put on clothes/wear clothes with sleeves which has hindered my job search some- ugh. i did apply for unemployment, as i was let laid off from my freelance job (so not really laud off but not needed) 3 weeks before my injury.
please pray that I am eligible, if it is God’s will.
trying to move around more- walking etc. not sure if this is ok/encouraged by doctors or not. i figure if it doesn’t hurt, it’s ok.
Any Advice on that from your experiences. i feel a little ‘clicking’ or ‘grinding’ when walking but it is tolerable- not painful, just feels weird/gross.
going back next week to docs- will be 3 weeks since last visit then (and 6 weeks from initial injury)
hoping i can go to the doctors less frequently as it is upwards of $1000/visit here in US without insurance. Hoping maybe it will just kind on heal on its own.
they don’t ever look at it anyways, just take x-rays and tell me to come back in 2 or 3 weeks for more x-rays. maybe i can go back every 6 weeks or so- hoping.
UK/Europe and US people with jobs that provide health insurance, you are so fortunate. having never really had health insurance- well i did for a year or so at a job that had it- i did not realize how difficult it is to handle getting healthcare/dealing with an injury when you are on a limited income and don’t have insurance. going to the city hospital often means I wait anywhere from 3 to 6 hours for my ‘appointment’. (everyone has same appt time so you just get on a list) and it still costs me a lot of money.
last week and this i called several orthopedics and i could find no other place will see me without payment up front. i have about $1800 in savings $1450 of room on a credit card, but that is about 3 visits and i need my savings for rent, electric and internet.
at least the city hospital doesn’t require payment up front. and it is easier to wait for long periods of time now that the pain has lessened. i just bring a book, magazines and food/water for the day. i learned the hard way if they call your name and you are at the snack machine/bathroom you lose your turn- which is depressing when you have been waiting 3 hours. most of it doesn’t effect me so much anymore. i am able to ignore it rather than feel bad. i am grateful for that.
i think not being in so much pain has helped.
REALLY hoping they will change the stocking under the brace on my next visit. they have not since it was put on (5 weeks) and it smells really bad- it’s making me self conscience to go out in public a lot.
my best to all of you. please keep me in your prayers.
cheers, Olivia
January 26th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
good luck with your claim for unemployment Olivia, I do hope you get it. Glad to hear your pain and swelling are slowly going, I’m sure each day will bring a small improvement, I keep telling myself that too. I still look as if the upper left part of my body has been run over by a train, not a pretty sight. Quite painful today but I think maybe I overdid things a bit yesterday, it is only two weeks today since my operation, so early days really.
I hope everything goes well for you.
January 26th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
I cracked my humeral head on 3 sides, like a “c” shape, on Dec 28 and after x-rays was given a sling and swathe. I saw an orthopaedic doctor on Jan 2 who said I should continue with the sling and swathe but then start light motion exercises 3 weeks from then – which is about now.
I’m a little worried as I have now started to try to move it, but when I try to lift my arm out to the side it pops at the shoulder and is very painful. It hurts when I try to extend my elbow but sort of a muscle ache which I would expect after a month in one position and I had a lot of bruising on my bicep. My movement is getting better every day but am I expecting too much too soon? I’ve read it can take up to 6 weeks for a fracture to mend?
I DON’T have INSURANCE or much money so am reluctant to go back to the doctor, pay for more x-rays and consultation if I’m just going to be told its too soon and to give it more time.
Any advice would be much appreciated I have electronic copies of my x-rays.
Im 27 years old, non- smoker, in good shape and have been maintaining a healthy diet with extra calcium and vitamins since the accident
Thank you
January 27th, 2012 at 1:56 am
Doctors have told me that the body holds an injury tightly to keep it immobilized while the injury heals. I also experienced much pain and some fear when I started the light motion exercises you speak of, as well as the bruising. It took a l-o-n-g time to regain my full range of motion–the better part of a year–but with persistent stretching, I did recover completely. Has the doctor talked with you about starting physical therapy in a month or so?
God bless you,
Kathy
January 28th, 2012 at 5:33 am
I have now had all the staples removed and the wound sites have healed well. Lots of bruising still, but fading, looks as if I have been run over by a train! For some reason I slept badly on Thursday night, a lot of pain and I eventually got up and went on a pain killer hunt although I had taken my prescribed medications and I shouldn’t be on any now. Maybe I had overdone things during the day. Last night I slept well and plan on having a do nothing much day today. I have now finished with having to go to the clinic every other day for dressing changes etc, nothing more now until I see the specialist on 22nd February.
A funny little story….yesterday we took our two little dogs to the vet for some annual innoculations. The vet, Antonio,is a lovely man, he insisted on looking at my injury and pronounced it as going on well. Not quite as strange as it sounds because Antonio was a traumatologist doctor who decided he preferred treating animals to humans and went for 8 years extra training as a vet.
I hope all suffering with this annoying and painful condition are feeling better each day.
January 30th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
ugh. seems like bad pain is back again. can’t get comfortable enough to sleep even. anyone have increased pain while healing?
January 31st, 2012 at 10:32 am
Hello Kathy
I decided to look up my injury on the web and came across your site. I have read your tips which I will take on board. I fractured my shoulder on 23 Jan 2012 the Orthopaedic Surgeon said it was a cleanI see him again on 22 Feb. I am in a sling my arm is very badly bruised from just below my shoulder to mid way between elbow and wrist. I take on board your tip about drinking water and taking painkillers. I live alone so I have to get on with it and do things for myself. I cannot go to work now but was hoping that maybe I could go maybe the week after next I work in an office as a Secretary Accounts Administrator – what do you think from your experience. I was just about to go back playing golf and I know that is on the back burner now. Hope I will be able to play in the not to distant future after having a course of Physio. I will keep checking your site.
Regards and Thanks
Mary M O’Sullivan
January 31st, 2012 at 7:53 pm
went to doctors today.
saw a resident. he seemed not too experienced. went into other room and consulted supervising doctor.
came back and told me the bone is not healing according to xrays.
i was told to come back in 6 weeks.
does that sound strange?
January 31st, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Hello, Mary. It was hard to be of much use for a few weeks, but if you are able and your doctor approves, perhaps being at work will be a distraction from the discomfort of the injury.
Olivia, that does sound strange, but every break is different. It’s been about six weeks since the injury, right? Did the doctor tell you anything else?
February 2nd, 2012 at 12:51 am
hi Kathy,
I thought it seemed strange from what i have read. he told me nothing else. I am going to a city clinic and see a diff. doctor or resident each time. never seen my xrays. not sure why no bone would form at all. i don’t smoke. i eat healthy. i know all breaks do not heal the same, but do you recall your healing timeline? just curious. thanks again
February 3rd, 2012 at 6:12 am
three and a half weeks now since my accident and operation and I think things are improving. The bruising is fading, although there is such a lot of it, the pain is not as intense as it was and I haven’t taken a pain killer for some days now. That isn’t to say I don’t still have any pain, I do, but the worst of it is from evening onwards, presumably because of movement during the day and any “surprise” movement the wrong way. I have devised some very strange ways of doing things, I am managed to prepare food with a little help peeling and cutting up and taking things out of the oven, that is something I am not prepared to risk with one hand. So at the present time I am quite pleased with my progress, although I won’t really know how things are going until I see the surgeon again towards the end of this month.
It must be very difficult and confusing seeing a different doctor each time Olivia and surely they must have your medical records to hand. You really do need to ask about your problem next time you go and ask if they have any advice that would help you to recover from your injury.
February 3rd, 2012 at 7:01 pm
HI kathy and olivia,
i have been reading this blog since i fractured my right shoulder in january 14th 2012. tomorrow will be 3rd week anniv. i still don’t feel comfortable to type with my right hand. hope you guys don’t mind.
first, i want to give kathy a BIG thank you to create this. you offered the very useful information. you helped me to go through the most difficult time in my life.
olivia, i’m sorry to hear your situation. i don’ know if you have your xrays handy. –i have mine– when i go to see my doc, he doesn’t touch me or check on me either. what he needs was only xrays. he showed them to us and pointed which areas were broken. then give me some simple exercise lessons. it took about 10 minutes.
what i want to say is, if you have your xrays with you, find a better to find out the real problems. in this way, you can relax, and focus on you recovery.
monday, i will take another xray and see the doc. hopefully i can get the sling off me. if not, i just do what doc told me. prepare for the worst.
pray for me.
February 4th, 2012 at 2:03 am
Sorry haven’t checked in mom was in the hospital for a week after Christmas and again last week. think dad is the only on that hasn’t completely had body failure. I have been in physical therapy for 3 weeks. going on Thursday to the ortho to get a progress report. The bone is still deformed but I have gotten permission to not wear a sling at home so that offers me some freedom. I can lift my are more then 90 degrees in front of me… still not a lot of outward movement going straight up but we are rebuilding up my muscle since I pretty much lost all tone I had before the fall. So I have my ortho and my Pt doctor baffled since they have not seen a rebound like mine with my type of break. I had almost everyone tell me I would not heal without surgery yet here I am sitting in my room with not sling I can sleep without it and I am gaining more moment every week and able to pick things up and bear slight weight on the arm. I am hopping to have more good news on Thursday! I hope everyone is healing well and getting good news on their recovery.
Best Wishes!
February 4th, 2012 at 5:27 am
You’re making progress, Ashley! Looking forward to hearing more good news from you!
Kathy
February 4th, 2012 at 5:30 am
I will pray for you at Mass this morning, Isabella, that healing news will come your way. God bless you!
Kathy
February 6th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Hello everyone, I broke my shoulder June 29th, 2011 so it has been awhile. I think I am healed now and have all or nearly all my range of motion back. I had about 5 weeks of PT. Then the Physical Therapist told me I could go back to the gym and work with a trainer, she has been a bit help. The first few weeks I was in a lot of pain and really scared. I have never had a broken bone in my life and I am 69 years old! I really worried that I would not heal right. But all it took was time. My doctor also just took x-rays, never actually touched me. I just did whatever I was told and hung in there. I read this site every day for weeks, even reading comments over and over just to not feel too alone. I will continue to pray for all of you and trust you will all do well. Kathy, thank you sooo much for this site, it is helping so many. Dot
February 6th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Congratulations, Dot, and thank you for sharing your story! Your success and healing will be an inspiration for many who are looking for hope.
God bless you,
Kathy
February 9th, 2012 at 11:27 am
Keep doing what your doing Kathy your an inspiration…..Jeff.uk