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Original poster

I have broken both my elbows...

35 replies

Purplerainpurplesky · 18/08/2023 05:54

I fell at the zoo yesterday, knew instantly something was wrong. Went to A&E, bilateral fracture of the elbow. So much agony at fracture clinic tomorrow, they won't cast them, can only sling one arm so both are in agony.

Can't brush my own teeth, wipe after the toilet, make a cuppa, my dh is doing all care for my 5 year old and me but he is back at work on Monday at 6am, don't know how to get him to holiday club when can't even feed myself.

Just a rant as I am so annoyed that I tripped over a 2, inch lip.

OP posts:
StopStartStop · 18/08/2023 05:57

I'm so sorry. I broke one wrist at New Year and know how debilitating that was. Do you have parents or anyone who could come in and help? Have you spoken to Occupational Therapy? They said they could arrange assistance at home for me - it wouldn't be much but it would be something, if you could get it.

StopStartStop · 18/08/2023 05:59

And reflecting... you can type?

ShutTheDoorBabe · 18/08/2023 06:01

Wow that's some awful bad luck. Wishing you a speedy recovery. You physically can't look after a child when you can't even write your own arse; does this fall under some kind of parental leave? Failing that, do you have family nearby who you can rely on to support you? If not, and your dh can't get time off work, they'll surely have to help you arrange some sort of care package, even if it's only a could of carers' visits a day.

ShutTheDoorBabe · 18/08/2023 06:02

But how are you using your phone with no arms?

piglet81 · 18/08/2023 06:03

Speech to text?

rubydoobydoo · 18/08/2023 06:03

I broke my elbow a couple of years back (just the one though!) - it did get a lot easier the more I got used to my range of movement and what I could and couldn't do, you will find yourself somehow getting the rest of your body involved!

I was referred straight to a physio after seeing the doctor at the fracture clinic, that was a big help.

Original poster
Purplerainpurplesky · 18/08/2023 06:06

I can type yes, I can move my fingers but not my elbow, I have spoken to my mum and she lives 1hr away and trying to get here for mid week, so only non and Tues so as someone mentioned above dh will need to take the days off.

I smell and need to wash, but can't move without excruciating pain. My dh is having to look after me like I'm a newborn, so embarrassing and debilitating.

OP posts:
StopStartStop · 18/08/2023 06:09

Contact the hospital for OT. They might be able to put you onto people doing personal care. Can you pay? Maybe one of the care agencies could help.

SD1978 · 18/08/2023 06:10

Elbow fractures don't suddenly paralyse your fingers FFS. Of course she can type. Sorry to hear this- it sounds bloody hard to try and do anything!!!!

ShutTheDoorBabe · 18/08/2023 06:14

SD1978 · 18/08/2023 06:10

Elbow fractures don't suddenly paralyse your fingers FFS. Of course she can type. Sorry to hear this- it sounds bloody hard to try and do anything!!!!

Wow, soz! I imagined how I hold my phone as I type on it, bent at my elbows and constantly shifting its position as I attempt to reach the different letters so I just meant how was it possible without it hurting. FFS.

illiterato · 18/08/2023 06:17

So I am not normally a “call in sick” person but this is a case when I think it would be legit to call in sick for a week until at least the pain subsides a bit and you get more used to it. I broke my foot and called in sick the next day to give me time to get used to crutches ( had to get taxis/ public transport so needed to be confident on them)

Original poster
Purplerainpurplesky · 18/08/2023 06:18

It does hurt to type, the non sling arm is my typing arm. Everything hurts.

It was a the second to last day of our trip away, so it ruined that and can't drive for 6-8 weeks.

OP posts:
Original poster
Purplerainpurplesky · 18/08/2023 06:20

The fracture clinic will risk assess work but there is no chance for the foreseeable I'll be going to work, I can't even do a bra, brush my hair or wipe my bottom lol.
I'm on Al to Monday but I manage a shop and I won't be able to do anything.

OP posts:
illiterato · 18/08/2023 06:20

From experience the first 2-3 days are agony and then it gets a bit better. Take all the painkillers. I had Co-codamol and Voltarol.

anywherehollie · 18/08/2023 06:21

I'm a personal injury lawyer, you have a potential claim (occupiers liability). A solicitor is likely to take u on a DBA (no win no fee).

I know that's not what you asked but I thought I would just let you know 🙂

illiterato · 18/08/2023 06:22

Purplerainpurplesky · 18/08/2023 06:20

The fracture clinic will risk assess work but there is no chance for the foreseeable I'll be going to work, I can't even do a bra, brush my hair or wipe my bottom lol.
I'm on Al to Monday but I manage a shop and I won't be able to do anything.

Ah ok- because you said holiday club I thought you meant you were going to work!!

Bin off the holiday club. Dh will have to make you food before he leaves. Accept there’s going to be a lot of tv this week.

rainbowstream · 18/08/2023 06:22

ShutTheDoorBabe · 18/08/2023 06:14

Wow, soz! I imagined how I hold my phone as I type on it, bent at my elbows and constantly shifting its position as I attempt to reach the different letters so I just meant how was it possible without it hurting. FFS.

Show quote history

I’ve never been on mumsnet on my phone!

ToDoListAddict · 18/08/2023 06:23

My sympathies OP - I broke a bone in my elbow when I was younger and the pain was simply awful.
Sending you massive hugs!!!

rainbowstream · 18/08/2023 06:24

And sorry, op. I’ve been in a similar position with my health (post surgery) where my DH has needed to take 6 weeks off work to look after our DC, it’s hard.

toomuchlaundry · 18/08/2023 06:26

@illiterato I assume OP will need holiday club as she can’t look after herself never mind a child

feliciabirthgiver · 18/08/2023 06:26

Just wanted to say get well soon OP and don't be embarrassed to seek out all the help you can get.
@rainbowstream download the Mumsnet app on your phone - it will revolutionise your life Wink

Original poster
Purplerainpurplesky · 18/08/2023 06:27

My son has holiday club booked and my thought was of DH went back to work I would get someone to drop him off at holiday club, at least he would be safe fed and entertained and then dh could pick him up.
But if I do that I would struggle to care for myself, but my mum may travel up now I've spoken to her. It will all work out somehow but I can't be at home with 5 year old, I couldn't even open the door this morning or sleep, hoping codeine will kick in soon

OP posts:
StopStartStop · 18/08/2023 06:31

SD1978 · 18/08/2023 06:10

Elbow fractures don't suddenly paralyse your fingers FFS. Of course she can type. Sorry to hear this- it sounds bloody hard to try and do anything!!!!

😂Typing, you know, involves your arms not just your fingers! Getting the fingers into position, into contact with a keyboard etc... it's quite feasible that a person with damaged elbows wouldn't be able to type, but I'm glad OP can.

Original poster
Purplerainpurplesky · 18/08/2023 06:36

I couldn't type on a computer. I can't type with left hand as elbows shattered, right one is a simple fracture still painful but much more movement, couldn't type on a computer that would involve to much movement.

I'm enjoying my cuppa with straw now lol.

OP posts:
theyarereallytakingthepissnow · 18/08/2023 06:38

Oh my goodness, just want to say I really feel for you, what a nightmare and sending wishes for pain relief and a speedy recovery.