1. Community
  2. Injury and accidents
  3. Accidents and Injuries

Broken bones. Help/advice for husband please

Posted , 2 users are following.

lippylinz
lippylinz

5 weeks ago my husband was involved in an accident. He wasn't breathing or anything, but a friend managed to revive him with CPR. (very scary!) Doctors said he was incredibly lucky to survive. He was left with a few fixable injuries, but is struggling with pain and discomfort.

Both his shoulder blades are broken (the left worse than the right) his upper right arm was completely snapped in half (he had surgery to repair this and has a titanium rod from shoulder to elbow), a broken collarbone (left side) broken ribs, bruising to his lungs and his right knee was dislocated and had 2 ligament tears. The dislocation was put back in whilst he was under anesthetic and the surgeon manipulated the ligaments and fitted him with a hinged knee brace. Surgeon said normally he'd go straight in and operate on that type of knee injury, but hubbys body was going through enough, so he just put it in the brace just now and hubby has to go back at the end of this month to see how things are going (will still possibly need a knee operation) Anyway, after 16 days in hospital, he was allowed home after a bed was set up in the living room for him and we were delivered a high up chair and raised toilet seat for him.(luckily we have a downstairs bathroom) I've been doing all his care at home. He can walk around, but his knee becomes numb and very wobbly. He has no real use of his right arm and limited use of his left. He is having horrendous trouble sleeping due to the pain in his shoulders (he is currently on 12 hour release oxycodone, paracetamol every 4 hours plus liquid morphine if required) We have tried a number of ways of supporting him with pillows and an adjustable back support in bed, but can't get anyway of getting him comfortable. He is very fed up and simply spends his day going between his chair and bed for a while at a time, but is sore and uncomfortable in both. Does anyone have any tips on what might help him get comfortable and hopefully allow him to get some decent sleep? Thanks

0 likes, 1 reply

1 Reply

  • henpen1980
    henpen1980 lippylinz

    Posted

    Horrible accident and a very long recovery ahead.  What does his doctor say to this report?  A recliner may be his best bet at this time.  Is he able to or are you able to help provide temp relief with icing?  Is he is an upper-body cast or a soft cast and slings?  When does he start PT or is PT coming to the house?  Have you inquired about a home nurse to come at least once a week to help you?  Have you and husband discussed postponing the knee repair until he has healed 4-6 months from his other injuries?  GOOD LUCK
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.