external bone fixators

[CMOTdibbler]

So, I smashed and dislocated my wrist on Saturday, and have just got out of hospital after 2 lots of surgery, and have more next week.

Currently, an external fixator is holding me together, and I'll certainly have wires after next week.

Any advice on life after this sort of thing ?

no advice but OWWWWW - that sounds really traumatic and painful. Main thing I suppose is to make sure that you get lots of support, emotionally as well as practically as you are bound to feel as though the stuffing has been knocked out of you.

ouch ouch ouch.

not an expert but be very careful about the bits where the pins go in - very prone to getting infected.

take any painkiller offered.

Oh no that sounds painful - wishing you a fast recovery!

Sympathies, I had an ex-fix on my tib/fib (lower leg) for 18wks, some 12 yrs ago. Bit weird at first, but got used to it. The thing about them is that you weight bear & they are adjusted as the callus heals to allow stronger bone reformation. The muscle use on the bone encourges a better healing process.

NEVER hit anything metal with them, esp. table legs in my case, the reverbs go through you.

Keep the area clean. You might get a bit of clear fluid leaks sometimes, I did, but as long as it is clear and the wound site is not red, you are ok. Obviously see the Dr if any signs of infection.

I had an uneventful recovery and it was fine, if a little weird, people did freak about them though.

Good luck, the break must have been pretty bad for an ex-fix.

I discovered the weird sesations thing yesterday when the mad hand specialist decided that he wasn't very happy with the position it had been put in and got the allen keys out. euurgh.

People on the ward were freaked enough by it - won't be going anywhere this week as its very unstable (basically, have trashed everthing in my wrist so without the ex fix it would just flap around)

Have some very low level physio to do, but currently have only been allowed out as I promised to sit with my arm up and do nothing

DH is being brilliant, as is a friend who is having ds for bits of time to help out

What happens after next week depends on just what they find in there. I've been told to expect wires for 3 months at least

Sounds like you need some of Madame Pomfreys bone growing potion. and chocolate.

That would be goooood. Do you think she does ligament growing too ?

ouch CMOT! How on earth did you do that?

There was talk of another meet up soon but we were wondering where to hold it after the kitchen fire at our usual venue. Maybe it will have to be somewhere near you so you can still make it - recommend anywhere?

I spect so CMOT - not sure of the side effects, but I'm sure you wouldnt mind green curly hair or anything would you?

(typing must be a challenge for you. drove me batty when I was one handed)

fell off horse and landed with my wrist bent

How about a thai in P/shore Norbert ? It's very good

Poor you.

That must be a nightmare -I bet everyday tasks suddenly become a challenge with something like that attached to you.

I once worked in an orthopaedic hospital where patients frequently had Ilizarov fixators. It was fascinating seeing how they worked and the changes that happened over time (bone lengthening and turning etc)

re: meet-up -shall I email everyone and see if they are up for a meeting there (or at least near there as someone can always pick you up en-route)?

Sounds nasty, just had email from Norbert pointing me here. I'm happy to meet up near you if it means you can come. Hope it is all on the mend soon :(

I've had the email too CMOT!

Sounds horrible - here's to a speedy recovery. - You should change your name to the bionic woman

Whats the specialists prognosis?

Oh no CMOT. Poor you. I'm also happy to come to P/shore whenever you feel up to it.

Prognosis is very guarded - except to say it will never be normal. At least it's only my left wrist and hand though

CMOT -how you feeling today?

I just tried emailing you but got an out of office reply as it must be your work email address.

There's definitely interest in meeting up in your neck of the woods one evening so we were just wondering when you are likely to feel up to going out/when you are free?