Plaster cast for broken elbow - experiences post-removal?

[Wigeon]

So I've been in a full arm cast for my broken elbow for 3.5 weeks and hopefully it's coming off tomorrow (if the doctor's happy with the x rays tomorrow). Anyone who's had this know how flaky / dry/ uncomfortable the skin is likely to be? I'm aiming to go straight into work after it's removed but not sure if my arm will be all gross.

Also, how stiff/ sore is my arm likely to be?

Experiences welcome.

Mine was in plaster for 6 weeks and it really was quite gross. I think you will need to at least wash and moisturise. It will be very stiff too.

Your arm will be stinky I'm afraid! It will certainly feel a bit odd. I can't remember if my skin was dry as I was I kid but I do remember the smell.

Hopefully I should be able to wash it in the hospital loo basins? Stinky doesn't sound too! Stinky which you can wash off, or stinky for a couple of days sort of stinky?!

When I had a broken elbow [shattered it was] I had no cast, but wires and staples, and was off work for 3 and a half months. Your elbow is going to be quite sore when the cast comes off, and I'd say it was a bit too soon to be popping back to work.

I've been at work for some of the time the cast was on - might it be worse with it off do you reckon? In terms of it being sore? I've got a really important meeting tomorrow so was really hoping to be in!

It could be uncomfortable at first, I'd take a large scarf with you, then if it gets sore you can improvise a sling to get you through the meeting.

You'll probably need physiotherapy afterwards, I found therapeutic putty helpful for getting the fine movement back in my hand.

I think you are being a bit optimistic tbh. I couldn't (and still can't) extend my arm after being in a (bent) cast and needed a lot of physiotherapy to get any movement back. I had a really bad break though and was operated on. Still painful 14 years later! (Sorry for the pessimism - I hope yours is simpler!)

That sounds tough, allegretto. I think mine is not a bad break - no pins, likely to only need 3.5 weeks in plaster. It's been in a bent position in the cast though.

Ada - I've been using a proper NHS sling, so will still have that with me tomorrow and could definitely keep using that.