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Fractured neck of humerus - tips/ inspiration please

Posted , 4 users are following.

Wendmcg
Wendmcg

I fell 4 days ago and instantly knew I’d done some damage! I have a fractured neck of humerus and am in a sling with OP appointment next Tuesday.

I cannot believe the pain!! I thought I had a good threshold but am literally in tears . Despite Naproxen and Tramadol ( this is someone who doesnt “do” painkillers!)

Can anyone please give me tips on the best way to get washed/ changed? I nearly passed out last time I tried.

Has anyone also experienced  the agonising pain and crunching sound that feels like bones moving whenever you get up/ sit down/ walk?

I work full time and am due to go on holiday to Jamaica in 8 weeks so I guess I’m looking for some tips and a little hope ... anything that can help me recover quickly.

Is anyone else going through the same out there? 😩

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Anonymous111
    Anonymous111 Wendmcg

    Posted

    Oh I'm so sorry.

    That's a nasty injury.

    Have you got a PPI for whilst your taking Naproxen?

    Have you got someone who can help you get dressed and washed?

    I think within 8 weeks you'll probably be better enough to still go on your holiday, but you know your body best. How quickly do you usually heal?

    • Wendmcg
      Wendmcg Anonymous111

      Posted

      Hello Ben

      Thanks for taking the time to reply. Today I managed to get washed and dressed , albeit very slowly and painfully. And I would want anyone to see whatvIm wearing. Lol. But that’s progress from a couple of days ago. I’m going to keep a diary of progress - who knows it might help someone else some day! 

      Excuse my ignorance but what’s a PPI Ben? I’ve actually stopped the Naproxen as I read it can lessen the effects of meds for high BP. And that’s the last thing I need right now. So Im trying to get by on Tramadol and hoping to get some sleep tonight. 

      Hope you’re doing ok and thanks again for the info. I usually heal quite well but this ones gonna be a challenge! 🙂

  • sue38973
    sue38973 Wendmcg

    Posted

    I had the same injury mine was sept 4 it hurts and it's going to for some weeks . I cannot take sting pain killers so I just toon paracetamol. I had help getting dressed. I slept on lots of  soft duvets and packed pillows round me. I just accepted it and told my self in a few weeks it will be easier , and it did get easier. After being told (after X-ray ) that I can start physio I was shocked how little movement I had . I was told it  was because I had a rotater cuff injury. I hope this isn't the case for you. So yes the alfull pain is normal . It will ease and i know just a slight movement is horrible and painful. I'm still off work as my job will agrevate my injury . But I'm gioing back to work in about three or four weeks. I have to as I been of work recovering from a major operation (very pain too so I knew the drill) when I tripped and broke the top of my humerus. I hope your feeling better soon and you have a bit of help. Let us know how things go  sue

    • sue38973
      sue38973

      Posted

      things should get easier fir your holiday in 8 weeks but don't expect to be doing things too strenuous take care

    • Wendmcg
      Wendmcg sue38973

      Posted

      Hello Sue.

      Thankyou so much for your replies today. Much appreciated indeed. I hope you do really well when you get back to work. It’s scary how a split second can have such an impact on your life isn’t it? Well your tips are great and I’m off to get a poncho tomorrow! Take good care of yourself . 🙂

  • sue38973
    sue38973 Wendmcg

    Posted

    Tips on dressing I wore loose camesols and loose shirts  take your time I already had nice loose clothing because of a tummy op . So it's a case of slowly threading the bad arm in first than you can get the other arm in . But I couldn't wear coats  for a few weeks I had a poncho .

  • kjwsr
    kjwsr Wendmcg

    Posted

    How are things going 4 weeks out? Life should be getting a little easier. On August 20th this year I crashed my bicycle and snapped my humerus just under the ball. It took about 8 weeks for the bone to heal. I was surprised at how well I adapted to life as a 1 handed lefty after 57 years as a 2 handed righty smile Have you bee getting physical therapy? I was shocked at how much range of motion I lost after 3 weeks in a sling. It's mostly back now.

    Do you suspect that there may be other damage beyond the break? I did. It takes about the same 8 weeks for the inflammation etc to subside enough for MRI to be able to clearly see any damage. When I had my MRI it showed a torn bicep tendon and labrum. I'm having surgery to fix them in 2 weeks. Then it's back to life as a one handed lefty for a while smile

    Kyle

  • sue38973
    sue38973 Wendmcg

    Posted

    its been 14 weeks and i still cannot get my arm behind my back , they sent me for a scan and that came back ok ?  i still cannot lift my elbow out very far (like a chicken) and can not do up a bra from the back, i am worried i may never get full use back,
    • sue38973
      sue38973 kjwsr

      Posted

      Yes and I use my arm like I normally would my pt game me a few exercises like rocking a baby which I do. I stretch it and try all the time to make it bend . The pain is quite bad after. I was shocked how little I could move it aafter the break. It has improved.  but I still don’t understand that the ultrascan showed no rotator cuff injuries? My arm still aches my bicip aches and is swollen .
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