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.