Elbow fracture and surgery

[HeyJupiter]

Hi,

After a horrible fall down some steps last Friday I ended up with a left elbow fracture which required surgery at the weekend. As far as I remember I now have two plates holding the bones in place although have been told it’s unlikely I’ll ever regain the same level of functioning I had before. I’m back home and the pain is finally becoming more bearable though feeling pretty miserable about the whole thing.

I’m due to see the Consultant next week to have my cast removed but wondered if anyone had any insight into what will happen next? Will I have a sling? I assume physio? How long until I can drive?

I have a two year old and despite amazing DH and family support I am feeling so anxious about how I’m going to manage usual toddler wrangling.

Would be great to hear some positive recovery stories 🙂

[woodencoffeetable]

no idea about cast/sling, but definitely get yourself some (private) physio sessions.
after my broken wrist nhs physio was limited to giving me a sheet of exercises. private physio was a mix of exercise/stretching and massaging. 3 private sessions and I was back to normal.

[woodencoffeetable]

to clarify, I broke both arm bones near the wrists.
cast was on for 5 weeks and the first physio session was the day after the cast came off.

[AdaColeman]

I fractured my elbow a few years ago, it's held together with several screws, after being rebuilt by a wonderful surgeon.
I would thing you will have a sling to help support and protect your arm.

I think the advice with fractured elbows is to take things slow and steady, too much too soon can cause problems in the future.
Physio is essential, and you must work at it, especially to retain the fine movement in your hand and wrist. I found therapeutic putty helped a great deal with fine movement exercises.

I was able to get all my range of movement back eventually, but be guided by your consultant. I haven't got any toddler tips, but I'd be looking for TV, video, books, quiet games, you won't be able to do anything boisterous for a while.

Easy meals are the way to go too. Rig up a cross body bag from a carrier bag and old scarf to help you carry things around the house.

Lots of luck Jupiter!

[Miljea]

Can't offer any advice, but lots of sympathy.

I've never broken a bone, but the thought brings me out in a sweat.

Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

[babasaclover]

I am in a similar situation after an operation to fix a joint in my arm.

The thing that gets my mood down the most is that I don't feel like I achieve anything all day I'm not allowed to drive so cannot pick up my child or drop her anyway. It's very depressing isn't it and the weather doesn't help as there is nowhere I want to walk to in this weather.

Sending you well wishes