7 Things I Learned After Breaking My Dominant Wrist
A few months ago, I fell while running and broke my dominant wrist. The radius was in many pieces, but it somehow managed to stay intact. My surgeon decided to watch and wait, but four weeks later, even I could see on the X-ray that the bone was splitting lengthwise. It was time for surgery. This meant that four weeks after the injury, the plate and screws installed in my arm set me back to a healing stage of “minus one.”
Now that I’m nearly back to normal and have made it past my “lost summer,” I’ve learned some things from breaking my dominant wrist, and I’d like to share seven of them with you:
- Pain meds were necessary AND evil. In the recovery room, I rated my pain at a 10. The nurse said that a 10 would feel like I was having my hand sawed off. Okay, a nine, I said, not knowing that the next day, my wrist would feel like someone was taking a steak knife to it. The doctor increased the dosage and frequency of my oxycodone (I had requested this over Vicodin, which had done little for me after the break). The opiate was necessary and made the pain tolerable, but each time I was coming off a dose, I was thrown into a combination of agitation and hopelessness (my poor husband).
Two weeks after the break, I paid out-of-pocket for a fiberglass cast, which came off two weeks later for surgery. - It took twice as long to get half as much done. I’ve always been the type of person to try to get as much done as possible in the least amount of time. During my recovery, I had to resign myself to the fact that if I was going to try to get anything done (taking a shower or working one-handed on the computer), it was going to take twice as long to make half the progress I’d have made otherwise.
That’s the good view of my wrist. You don’t want to see the other one. - There are plenty of Internet resources for one-handed living. Unlike when I broke the other wrist in 2003, the Internet has many hacks for doing tasks with one hand, including some dedicated to operating when your dominant arm is out of commission. I aggregated what I found in a blog post.
- I couldn’t do it alone. Well, maybe YOU could, but I never could have done it alone. My husband, who is my hero, became more so during my recuperation. He cooked, made lunches, fetched ice for my swelling, took care of the dogs, and so much more. He even showed extreme patience when I complained about how he did something, letting me know that he was doing A LOT already. And I had to agree.
- It was easy to get depressed. In addition to the opiate side effects, realizing that my body isn’t infallible, and being abruptly taken out of my active routine, messed with my mind. I went through periods of wondering if it was all worthwhile and doubting that I would ever be the same. Refer to #1. Then, I would feel dumb, because a broken wrist is not the worst thing that can happen to a person.
- Physical therapy was worthwhile. My surgeon warned me that my range of motion would never be the same. Things were so bad that a week after surgery, instead of putting me in a cast, he sent me down the hall to physical therapy where I was given a removable splint and exercises for fingers that couldn’t even bend. Over an eight-week period, I not only regained the use of my fingers, but my wrist’s range of motion is nearly back to normal.
- In the end, I am more aware. For me, the “taking twice as long to do half as much” has made me appreciate each task when I’m doing it. Now, when I’m throwing a load of laundry in the washer, I’m aware of the look of the washer, the sound it makes when I press the buttons, and the whoosh of the water as it enters the machine. It seems that I have a new appreciation for each moment when I’m in it, rather than living in the one that hasn’t come yet.
So, there you have it. Seven things I learned from breaking my dominant wrist. When I think back over those months of recovery, it almost seems like another person went through the experience. I guess that’s quite accurate, because I certainly didn’t feel like myself at the time.
If you’ve broken a bone, or sustained any other sort of activity-limiting injury, I hope these seven things will help you.
Have you ever had a similar experience? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Ann Silverthorn
You are a trooper, no matter how you feel about it!
Thanks! Sure didn’t feel like a trooper. Felt like a complaining wimp!
Hello Ann, I just broke my wrist. I am alone. How do I survive this?
Laura, I’m sorry to hear that you broke your wrist. It’s especially difficult when you’re alone. The best result from this post, and my other one, If You Break Your Right Arm (and you’re right handed). 7 Tips, is the many comments with even more hacks. It’s interesting how many people reported that they are alone. Best wishes and speedy healing to you. Ann
I’m about to have several things done in my right wrist and also a thumb ligament that could snap at any moment. I’m also having trouble carpal tunnel syndrome surgery. They say it’s the worst case they’ve ever seen and this is a highly sought after hand specialist. They may not do it all at once but I can’t bear the thought of two surgeries.
Your journey and what you learned from it really helps me. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Laura,
I’m in this position! It feels quite overwhelming. i hope your wrist has healed? Do you have any tips for a fellow dominant-arm-less singleton?
I had surgery for a broken wrist 5 days ago. Your tips are so helpful! We had to put our dog to sleep on Feb 13 so I’ve been really weepy. I didn’t realize the Norco I take at night could add to my sadness. I’m going to get a cast protector soon! I couldn’t deal with this without my husband! He has to open my medicine bottles and lots of other things.
Jo, so sorry to hear about your wrist. I’m glad everyone’s tips are helpful. I think there’s a wealth of information in those comments. Not sure if you saw the first post, but there are many, many good comments on that one, too: https://annsilverthorn.com/index.php/4661/if-you-break-your-right-arm-and-youre-right-handed-7-tips/
Good point about the Norco. (And I am so sorry about your pup. Been through it a few times, and it is rough.) I was on Percocet for the most-recent break and when it would start to wear off, I plunged into a deep depression. It took me a few days to realize the correlation between the drug and the mood. Very helpful for others to know, so thank you for bringing that up. Best wishes to you.
You poor thing! The next time this happens, and I hope there is no next time, use your pain meds smarter. Keep on top of the pain rather than chase it. Keep the pain at a minimum by taking them every four hours until the pain becomes tolerable. I know, I’m a little late with this advise. Your welcome! Love you!
Thanks, Karen. The problem with pain meds these days is that the docs prescribe them to be taken every six hours instead of every four. That was consistent between the ER doc and the surgeon. Of course, I’m a good patient and followed directions, but six hours is a long time to go when you’re in pain. . .
that is a seriously large cast. you had to live your life left handed? welcome to my world. it can be a scary place.
Thank you for your tips. I’m 6 weeks post op for a shattered radius on my dominate left arm. Surgery was preformed 3 days after my injury and PT started 10 days later. My range of motion has increased in my wrist and elbow so I’m very hopeful things will be close to normal once healing is done. I see my Dr tomorrow and I’m hoping I can keep the clam shell brace off for good. Thank you for sharing your story and your tips.
Hi Judi. Glad to hear you’re progressing well. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to get your full range of motion back. They told me I never would, but I was faithful with my stretching and exercises and today you’d never know I had an injury. The only thing that tips it off is the scar. Massaging Vitamin E cream into the scar really helps with discomfort and appearance. Best of luck to you!
Had a dominant hand wrist injury on 31 may, feels like I m depressed n needed help, felt good after reading ur post
Happy healing. Before you know it, you’ll be good as new!
Thanks for your encouraging post.
I suffered a double wrist fracture in July and surgery in August.
For someone who has never had any kind of debilitating injury or illness this has really thrown me for a loop.
It’s good to read from people who have made it to the other side.
Thanks!
I’m glad the post helped, and I wish you the best in your recovery!
I’ve got a plaster cast on for another 4 weeks. I live alone and I’m finding normal living very difficult
My heart goes out to you. This will pass. But it seems like it takes a long time to get better. Best wishes!
I agree, normal living is very difficult. I’m 77, live alone as well, except for two small dogs who, unfortunately, do not have opposable thumbs.
I’ve broken my right (dominant) wrist. Handwashing, trying to make myself look human (doing hair), cutting fruits and veggies, and opening certain jars are huge challenges for me, as are fastening dog harnesses and dog coats.
Many aids, if they can be found here at all, seem exorbitantly priced in Canada compared to US or UK. On the bright side, one week in, swelling is down considerably and pain is finally decreasing somewhat.
Good luck, wish you the best.
Carol, It sounds like you are doing great. I’m amazed at all you are doing just one week after your injury. Best wishes!
I am in the same boat minus the dogs.
Just remember that you don’t have to do everything. Find as many shortcuts as you can.
I do shower and wash my hair but baggy clothes and no bra are fine for the moment
Buy ready made food, pasta and curries that you can microwave and eat with a spoon.
Housework can wait, in fact most things can wait. Don’t be too hard on yourself, listen to music, watch tv, phone people.
Reach out for help. People are mostly kind.
Good luck !
Enjoyed your survival tips and glad you are all better! Apparently trying to deflect a heavy falling object at work led to a cast on my dominant wrist…..3 weeks ago! I have finished the pity party and the opiates for pain wasted a whole day but having to do wholly alone has definitely given me a new view of life! I have 3 more weeks!
Dear Carol,
It sounds like you’re coming along very well and halfway through. Best wishes and happy healing!
Ann
Thank you Ann! We have known of my surgery for 3 mos. And we have gotten things ready, small food processor, bedside brace for a pillow,pull down shower head, special sewn long wash rags, the Coldest brand ice packs with straps, a used zero gravity chair for sleep in case I cant in bed. My right basal thumb joint is shot. And I have degenerative joint disease so my mobility is an issue all the way around!they will wean me off of pain meds 2 weeks before. It will be a 6 mos total process. I will be torture to all around! But you inspired me. And gave me tips I hadnt thought of. Thank you for making it DOABLE!
Dear Cindy,
My very best wishes go out to you for your upcoming surgery! The details on your preparation will be a great resource for everyone else who comes across this page. Please let us know how you are doing. And keep your spirits up! We will be rooting for you.
Ann
I had surgery on my dominant wrist for arthritis and am in a cast. It is winter in Michigan and I have a dog to walk. A friend made me a big fleece mitt with a Velcro closure to keep warm. We found a parka at Salvation Army and cut a spot to widen the sleeve so I can get the thicker arm in. The electric toothbrush and those plastic flossers ave been helpful. Ask your pharmacist to sub out non childproof caps on your meds. Hair and makeup still a challenge. I see people on websites talking about swimming and water activities with a cast but check with your doc. If you have a fresh incision under there you don’t want infection. Don’t hesitate to call for pizza or use your supermarket or pharmacy delivery xervice. Consider a weekly wash and set as well as a mani/pedi for your mental health as well as general upkeep! And accept that it WILL take twice as long to accomplish half as much. This too shall pass.
Mary Anne, These are great tips. I agree that it will take twice as long to accomplish half as much. To some of us used to trying in vain to accomplish twice as much in half the time, this can be a welcome awakening. Good tip about the flossers, too. And in the winter, the sleeves can be a problem. When I broke my non-dominant wrist in 2004, I had two pins that made the wrist even larger. Plus the cast went above my elbow. Take care and I hope you heal quickly!
Broke my Lt wrist 3 1/2 weeks ago. My Dr recommends surgery since it is not healing properly. I have declined. The process of getting my life back to normal would be prolonged, like starting from the first day of injury. I can not mentally take it. having a hard time with depression due to the restraints on daily living. Such as washing my hair, being able to golf after I’ve waited all winter to do so. I also lack support from my husband and daughter. It seems they are bothered if i ask for help.This is a terrible injury, i just can not get my head around it.And the cast is so miserable and uncomfortable, i don’t go a minute without thinking about it.
Sharon, my heart goes out to you! You are absolutely right that having surgery weeks after the injury resets the clock to zero. Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing. The abrupt change in your activity level and independence is very difficult to deal with. It seems like it will never end, but it will, and that cast will not be on your arm for the rest of your life. I’m sure that’s difficult to imagine, but you will be so happy the day that it finally comes off. Take care.
Great tips! My husband had a planned ankle surgery three months ago, so we understand the need of preparation, team work, and knowing that everyday life changes…temporarily. However, just two weeks before his three month appointment to give him the final OK to walk without support, I fell and broke my dominant wrist doing yard work. Since neither of us had ever had a broken bone (at 66 and 70], we had to learn that the work will have to wait and will take longer than expected to complete. A sense of humor comes in handy. With his leg in a brace and my arm in a cast, we started to embellish our stories when people asked, “Oh my! What happened to you two?”
“Skydiving,” I reply.
Great tips! My husband had a planned ankle surgery three months ago, so we understand the need of preparation, team work, and knowing that everyday life changes…temporarily. However, just two weeks before his three month appointment to give him the final OK to walk without support, I fell and broke my dominant wrist doing yard work. Since neither of us had ever had a broken bone (at 66 and 70) we had to learn that the work will have to wait and will take longer than expected to complete. A sense of humor comes in handy. With his leg in a brace and my arm in a cast, we started to embellish our stories when people asked, “Oh my! What happened to you two?”
“Skydiving,” I reply.
I’m glad the tips are helpful. I love your sense of humor, Laurie. Happy healing!
Oh thank goodness it’s not just me who manages to break my right wrist when I’m right-handed! It’s not easy, as I live alone except for the cats, and having my love of writing curtailed is driving me insane. I write a daily journal – or used to – the old-fashioned way, by hand, and I’m heartbroken at the thought of six weeks in a cast without it.
The first day after falling was the worst: I couldn’t unscrew the top of the coffee jar, couldn’t brush my hair or zip up my jacket, and when I realised I couldn’t write either, I sat on the floor and howled with frustration.
Thank you for the post, and the confirmation that it’s not just me who does stupid stuff at an age when I really should know better.
Oh, Janet, I remember those feeling of despair! Hopefully, you’ll be writing again soon, even if slowly!
That’s so me! I’m really low due to not being a ble to do my hair, also in lockdown, so can’t get to hairdressers, I too love to write letters ect. I’m in years most days since the frActure of my wrist on my comment hand. Some times don’t like aski g myhusbandf for help, he can somehow make me feel a. Nuisance!
Janet,
You are not alone. Many of us have been where you are now. You, of course, have the added challenge of doing this during COVID, which alone is enough to make us feel down. I will be thinking about you and wishing you healing. This won’t last forever and before you know it, you’ll be back to doing things for yourself. Someday, your husband might need to depend on you for help!
Best wishes,
Ann
Facing surgery on broken arm after a fall 3 weeks ago. Scared. In pain now. Depressed. Thanks for the tips. Have fractured shoulder also.
Best wishes with your surgery, Barbara. I don’t know if anyone who hasn’t been through it can appreciate the level of pain these injuries involve! If at all possible, after surgery ask them to put you into a splint, rather than a cast, so you can get started on physical therapy right away.
Thank you for the advice . I broke my wrist on my non dominant hand . It’s been almost 2 weeks with the fiberglass cast . Saw ortho doctor last week and she said the cast can come off in 2 weeks . Will get a splint and hand therapy . Since I’ve broken my wrist , I’ve felt tired a lot . I am a preschool teacher and still at work . And love spending time with my grandbabies . I’ve am able to do simple things but at times I’m frustrated . I hate to ask for help but do. Thank you
Hi Rayna,
Glad to hear the tips helped. Sounds like you are doing well. The fatigue comes along with an injury and hopefully, you’ll be good as new in no time!
Ann
Thank you . Is depression part of it too?
It was for me, but mainly because of the pain meds. It seems like once I got off them, things didn’t seem so hopeless anymore.
I feel so drained . Hopefully I’m still getting my cast off next Thursday and get the removable splint
I hope so! That will make things so much easier.
Hi Ann,
Thank you for the tips. I broke my wrist in February while walking my dog.
I slipped on some black ice. My dog was an innocent party!
Had to have surgery to insert a plate and screws. After that, I started to improve.
In therapy now. Best thing! I’m faithful about my exercises and hope to be walking my dog again soon.
I appreciated your point about learning to be more aware of your surroundings and completing activities in a mindful way. These are important safety measures which I struggle with.
Sincerely,
Barbara
Dear Barbara,
I’m glad to hear that you are healing to well. I think when you have a very bad injury, the benefits of physical therapy are very much appreciated! I can relate to falling while walking the dog. That’s how I broke my non-dominant wrist in 2004. Running, in clogs, in the rain because I forgot to bring poop bags and was hoping to distract the dog from doing her business. The fall certainly did that!
Take care and happy healing.
Ann
Omg! Same happened to me, but one year later! I slipped on ice while walking my dog… broke my wrist , but I couldn’t get in to see an ortho until 10 days later because of the ice storm… i had surgery with plates… getting good sleeping is a nightmare! I’m a side sleeper, and I can’t get comfortable. I’m 4 weeks after surgery… feel like I’m doing time… next ortho appointment is in 2 weeks… I just want this to be over! If they could only put me in a coma for a few weeks….
I tripped over my vacuum cord and broke my left wrist about 5 weeks ago. I had surgery a week later and got out of my cast and into physical therapy 3 days ago. I’m doing the exercises and my hand is so stiff and swollen. Once I get through the set of exercises I can see tiny improvements but an hour later my hand feels very stiff again. I’m thinking it will be like this for a few weeks…two steps forward and one backwards. The doctor thinks about 3 months of therapy.
I’m just grateful to God it’s my left hand and not my right. It takes a lot of time to do basic stuff, but it’s surprising how much I can do with one hand. I have wonderful friends who have helped me with things I can’t do like drive and open dog food cans.
I also feel very tired a lot, pain does that and the therapy exercises do it too. I had no idea how traumatic and serious a break like this could be. It gives me a whole new compassion for people who have lost the use of a hand or arm.
God bless and heal all of you, thank you for this encouraging post. It does help to hear about others going through the same thing, not that I would wish this on anyone! 😊
Hi Sue, Hopefully by now your wrist is feeling better. In my experience, it was a full year before the stiffness went away. Since I broke both (2004, 2015), there’s often some sort of reminder, but I’m happy to be able to do everything I did before the breaks! Ann
Hi Ann..so glad I found your articles! I’m a relative newbie to the “fracture” family. Managed to make it 61 yrs before smashing my 5th metacarpal to pieces. Had surgery in 9/11 (how fitting), came home in soft cast, a foam support splint, pain meds & phone number of surgeons office to call for two week follow-up.
Recovering at home on my own is so very challenging, all of the hints and tips others mention in your first article are so welcome. Having you discuss depression also made me feel a bit better. I think this may be a partial reason to explains my current “funk”. I can’t tolerate Vicodin so I was sent home w/a weeks supply of Percocet. I had stopped it after 3rd day home and was taking NSAIDS. Yesterday I went for my first follow-up, they took sutures out, x-rays showed pin alignment wasn’t as good as it was right after my surgery. Surgeon immediately jumped on me wanting to know “what I did?” Short of my sitting on my couch, not too much, but apparently (and not mentioned to me) I was supposed to wear the foam support splint 24/7 following surgery. I came home feeling dejected & had many unanswered questions. I called his office this a.m hoping to speak w/ him or nurse; was told he was in surgery all day & questions need to be sent via My Chart. I did this, but sit here in pain…feels like pin tips are rubbing against cast whenever I rotate my wrist. Now it’s the weekend I’ll probably head to the ER in a.m. Hopefully can find someone more sympathetic who will ask how they can help vs. “what did I do”…
As you stated, an injury like this really makes one appreciate all those things, both small & large that one takes for granted otherwise. I’ll never gripe about having to vacuum or do laundry again. Eye opening for sure!
Thanks for your posts. Look forward to reading more from your blog.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Amanda. I certainly hope you get some relief. I don’t think the medical professionals realize how much support we need after surgery. I’ve been in your situation experiencing so much pain and not getting a compassionate response from the medical professionals. I hope you get some relief soon. Also, I think when you have such an injury later in life (as I did, too) it’s easy to fall into a funk and think “what’s the use?” Please know that this passes as you heal. Take care. –Ann
Thanks very much Ann for your kind words. Starting to sort a few things out. It’s easier to open drinks that have screw lids by putting bottle in my rt. armpit & twisting cap off w/left. Don’t try this with a milk jug however! To complicate things I also have Meniere’s disease, along w/MS. My MS fortunately has been stable past couple years, however Meniere’s is flaring tonight, making me nauseous & dizzy. Difficult, but am listening to my body & resting when it needs to. Hard for someone who likes keeping busy. I’m 50% British, so am using some well know motto’s from across the pond to help me cope when things get frustrating. The familiar motto “Keep Calm & Carry On”.. Winston Churchill’s “If you’re going through Hell keep going” & my favourite from Thomas the Tank Engine “Can We Do It? Yes We Can!”. Finding humour in the situation seems to be helping me get through this. Again, appreciate everyone’s
support, tips & advice!
Amanda,
I’m glad to hear things are getting better for you. Those affirmations are great! Regarding the dizziness, I didn’t have Meniere’s but I did suffer from vertigo for a period of time and somewhere I read that drinking thyme tea can help. I just bought some leaves in the produce section of the grocery store and made a tea out of them, but they also sell it in bags. Where I live, none of the stores carry it, so I get it online. Whenever I start to feel the least bit dizzy, I drink some thyme leaf tea and I haven’t had a bad episode in about three years! Worth a try. Can’t hurt! Take care and keep healing. Ann
Thanks for sharing your story..I was hiking and fall in the way down.. I recently injury my dominant hand is very painful and I feel a little bit depressed. Depressed because I can’t do my normal daily activities. I don’t like to depend if others and is hard to open a bottle with 1 hand.
I’m sorry to hear about your injury. I think it must be very common to feel depressed after this type of injury. I broke one wrist in 2004 and don’t remember feeling depressed at all. But I had kids at home at the time. When I broke the other in 2017, I felt very depressed, but it passed in a few weeks. I think it’s important to know that the depressed feeling does go away. Everyone’s different, but that’s how it was for me. Take care.
Thank you Ann for starting this post. I am amazed at how common this injury is and how similar the experiences getting through it. I am a few weeks short of 78 and have never broken a bone or even sprained anything. I have fallen though, you know, the armadilla holes, icy steps, etc. It is true that you calculate your future landing in micro seconds thinking that this is going to hurt. But the thing that can’t be known is how many things in life are dependent on your dominant hand. There have been surprises every day. I bought a bottle of Ibuprofen and only realized when I got home there was no way I was going to open it. Well, I live alone and have a shed full of tools because I fix my own stuff when I can. I found the heaviest, meanest hammer in my shed, put the bottle between two 1X4’s so it wouldn’t roll away and smashed the evil thing with my hammer in my non-dominant hand. The cap flew off and the blue capsules rolled out intact. So now I think I know everything and went searching for specialty gizmos that people with one hand can use. I ordered a little can opener that sits on top of the can and revolves its merry way around the can at the touch of a button. Works great – if you can get the battery compartment open to install the batteries. I also got an automatic jar opener which works great but only on glass jars. I can get the battery compartment open though. But the most annoying thing of all is when the office personnel start pushing clipboards of documents at me to fill out. One of them even said I could make an X. So I’m wondering just how legal is this? I am practicing writing with my left hand. Did you know that if you practice a little you can write backwards? i used to do that when I was in grade school so i know it is possible. Anyway, I hope everyone suffering from this injury will take solace that it will pass. Keep a light heart,. Write the absurdities down – maybe even backwards!.
Oh my goodness, Kay. I loved your post! I think so many of us can relate to your struggles. And it’s so fortunate that you can keep a sense of humor. Let’s hope you go the next 78 years without another break.
Also, I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone else who played around with writing backwards! When I was a kid, I wanted to be left handed so badly, that I discovered I could get the feeling of it by writing backwards. I’m not so good at it anymore. Little did I know that I’d have to be left handed for a few months later in life. Take care, my friend, and happy healing!
Thanks for this. Just broke my dominant wrist Wednesday, my first ever broken bone. With a toddler, preschooler and computer based job, plus navigating all this in the middle of covid restrictions where I live, feeling pretty daunted by what lies ahead. Good to know you made it through.
Kate, You will make it too! You’ll discover all kinds of creative ways to function and your toddler and preschooler might learn some new skills, too. I think your situation is one of the most challenging I’ve come across since writing this post, but I have a feeling you are the kind of person who will have the fortitude to get through this and come out stronger. If you aren’t already familiar with sticky keys, they might help you with the computer. If you go into the accessibility settings, you’ll find that. You just tap your shift key and the next key you hit will be a cap. That was a lifesaver for me. Also, the speech to text helped a lot. I had some pretty big writing assignments when I broke my dominant wrist and used that quite a bit. Best of luck and happy healing! Ann
Thanks Ann, I’m four weeks in now and so far, there seem to be no complications and am hoping to get my second cast off next week. Thanks so much for your tips which have proved enormously helpful. If there is one thing this experience has reinforced is that when you are a parent to little ones, especially when a pandemic precludes outside help, there is no such thing as a day off, broken wrist or no broken wrist. I have mastered the art or the one arm, one hip hold, that’s for sure, not to mention the one arm nappy change! As they say, necessity is the mother of invention, I just wish it hadn’t invented that:-) My saving grace has been my hot water bottle – warmth has really helped with the pain and heavy feelings, and fortunately my boss eased way back on my computer based workload. My thoughts with all parents out there who find themselves in this position going forward, you will find a way.
Kate,
I’m glad to hear from you and that you are doing well four weeks out. I can’t imagine the one-armed nappy change! I wonder if being so busy actually is a good thing because you have less time to dwell on the situation. Sounds like your boss is pretty understanding. The hot water bottle is a great suggestion!
Take care,
Ann
Ann, I can’t thank you enough (and those who’ve responded) for the excellent tips and uplifting thoughts. I can so relate to everything, including my ‘slow-motion’ fall and seeing a not-so-pretty end coming! My husband had major surgery on his non-dominant wrist several years ago after a fall, but he can’t stand to need help, so his level of compassion for some of my needed assistance makes him quite cranky! I’m grateful that an arthritic thumb issue several years ago started me on stretch waistbands for pull up jeans (humbling at just 60, but oh well); I can’t imagine trying to maneuver buttons and zippers on regular pants with my broken right wrist. With necessary client Zoom calls, my hair has been the biggest challenge. So far, I’m resorting to baseball caps. I have shoulder-length hair, so any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated! These first two days, I’ve been miraculously able to get my contact lenses in (thank heavens, they are rigid, gas-permeable), but I so relate to everything taking eons longer to accomplish than normal! Again, thank you for your wonderful post to help me on this lovely journey. I know this is just temporary and could be SO much worse, yet it helps to know my two home alone screaming fits and pity party are not terribly unusual! Blessings to everyone in a similar experience!
Dear Kathy,
I’m so glad you found this helpful! Did you see the link to the initial article? http://annsilverthorn.com/index.php/4661/if-you-break-your-right-arm-and-youre-right-handed-7-tips/
There are a lot of great tips on that post as well.
I think there are some things that we will definitely find a way to do with our non-dominant hand. For me it was contacts and hair. Luckily, I’ve never done anything too complicated with my hair, so it didn’t look too much different.
Your reactions and frustration are understandable. For me, I sometimes couldn’t see a way out, but with time, the wrist got better and now the whole experience is just a memory–a bad one, of course. I do sometimes still have trouble, but it’s minor. I notice it with yoga in down dog, but my two repaired wrists don’t stop me from doing anything!
Take care and keep healing.
Ann
Fell in park on concrete while walking 2 dogs. One 2 was terrified & ran away. My dominant right elbow was broken in several places. A friend took me to the ER while numerous friends & dog lovers searched for my dog. I was as placed in a splint & to see orthopedic surgeon the next day. My precious dog was found at 2am in the rain and & reunited with me. He was so frightened…but I was shedding tears of joy…the next day I was informed of open reduction & fixation with screws, pins, and plates after the swelling subsides. I am 78 very active and never a broken bone…live alone with my dogs. It has been so hard with daily routine. I went through chemo and surgery all last year and finally feeling good again…then this. My hand & arm so swollen and discolored and splint is heavy! Hopefully cast after surgery will be manageable. Blessed with son & many friends. Your blog of information was a great discovery.
Dear Jimmy,
I can’t imagine how worried you were when you lost your dog. I am so glad you were reunited. Now you begin healing and your dogs are by your side. How fortunate to have your son and many friends. I’m sure you will come out of this just fine and that you will be one of those people to do your physical therapy faithfully!
Take care,
Ann
I’m 4 weeks post op (4 1/2 weeks since breaking my left ulna and radial. My hand specialist said it was pretty shattered and he put in a titanium plate similar to yours. The first 2 1/2 weeks I was telling people it could be worse as I googled how to do some tasks with only 1 arm and found videos of amputees showing how to clasp a bra, put hair in a ponytail, etc… Was very helpful and also humbling. About a week ago I found myself getting frustrated b.c I want to be able to use my wrist like I once did. Went to dr yesterday for follow up and to 1st PT appointment. Both dr and PT told me not to get discouraged and I had not told them I had begun to feel that way at times so I assume this is a natural state. I know it’s gotten better an my dr told me I would have to work hard. My life is consumed with this and I know it could be much worse. Your story is inspiring as I hope I regain most of my mobility. I live alone, am 59 years old and although I was extremely active I’m starting to feel old from this injury. Dear Lord I hope it gets better.
Mary, it could be worse, but it’s bad enough, am I right? I certainly understand your frustration, and what I find so interesting about your message is that you found videos on YouTube. I honestly have never thought of that, but as they say, you can find out how to do anything on YouTube. Future readers of this post will find value from that suggestion, I’m sure! Physical therapy, for me, was a life saver. The physical therapist can be so encouraging. I remember after the most-recent break, I joked about being able to do a push-up again, thinking I’d never be able to. She looked at me with no expression as if to say, of course you will. She gave me a timeline and sure enough, I can do pushups again! In fact, I think they are probably good to do because they stretch out the wrist. I understand that you feel old after this injury, but that is temporary. In the not-to-distant future, this will be just a memory and you’ll be back to doing all the things you enjoy. Take care! Ann
I was so encouraged by your remarks and ALL of the responses. I slipped and fell on our front walk during the Texas Snowmeggedon in Feb 2021. Perfect ending to an absolutely horrible week. Husband out of town, son out of town, ice on the roads. Had to call my sister 40 miles away to take me to the ER. I have a heart condition and a bad back and I am unable to exercise except for short walks now. This has me very nervous, as I was in excellent shape before the fall. Hopefully can start PT in a week or so, it has been five weeks. This broken right wrist is a worse set back than the heart attack I had a year ago! Very frustrated and depressed and the pain seems relentless! Hopefully on the downside but it has been an uphill climb the whole way.
Anita, I’m glad you found this page and that everyone’s comments made you feel a bit better. How good of your sister to take you to the ER. I’m sure it felt like forever waiting for her arrival. You will find that PT is key in your recovery and regaining your range of motion and strength. Doing the exercises they give you will pay off big time. Take care, Ann
I was feeling like a wimp for feeling so frustrated and daunted by the prospect of dealing with a broken right (dominant) wrist as a 69 year old woman living alone in a 3 story row home. Oddly, two years and three days earlier I broke my left wrist. That was indeed much easier to deal with! The thing I hate most us that this is exactly when I always have my planters lined up in the back yard and a table full of herbs, veggies, and flowers ready to put into them and the garden. And that this is the beginning of the 4 or 5 months of the year that depression eases up to let me accomplish things!
It is good to know that it is normal for it to take twice as long to do half as much. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips – now I am going to read your other article on this.
And I swear when I get my right hand back I will thank it several times a day.
Oh Sally. You’re not a wimp at all. I think it’s perfectly normal to feel low when you’re yanked out of your routine and you feel like nothing is getting done. From going through this with your other arm (I did, too), you know that this will pass and soon you’ll be back to normal, but maybe a bit behind. I had to tell myself that last week when I was feeling down, because I recently had foot surgery. This is a new kind of limitation for me, but this week I feel better about it and know in a month or so, I’ll be good as new. You will, too. Take care and have patience with yourself 🙂
Thank you for your response, it helped me not feel so alone. I hope your ankle is feeling almost back to normal by now. And I only have 1 week and 3 days until the cast comes off and I can drive again! And brush my teeth and wash my left foot with my right hand. And stop wishing I had a bidet, lol!
Peace.
So glad to hear you’re doing well, Sally! I had to laugh at wishing you had a bidet. So true!!