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re. simple radius fracture - limited pain/swelling

Posted , 3 users are following.

katejo11
katejo11

Last Friday i slipped on a wet pavement and fell onto my hand. I  have a simple radius fracture which now has a temporary cast and have to go to a follow up appointment on Friday. I am cautiously optimistic because i have had very little real pain or swelling. My thumb is bruised but my fingers are fine and i can move them without difficulty.  I am hoping to have the plaster off before the 6 week period due to a booked holiday. I can currently do most small tasks (eg. teeth cleaning, turning tap on) with only minor discomfort but am not lifting things. I haven't needed  any painkillers yet which has surprised me. I am wondering whether anyone else has had similar experience?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • patsy59716
    patsy59716 katejo11

    Posted

    Hi katejo11' seems to me you're doing fine! I had a similar accident last year, not needing surgery, but it was a long time before I could use that hand to clean my teeth! Things I learned were: try to use your arm as much as possible, exercise it regularly; DO the physio for your fingers, and your wrist; as soon as you can, get out of the sling -- I wish I'd been told to do this! If you don't need painkillers, that's a good sign -- there is a separate discussion going on here for 'shattered distal radius' -- if you can find it, there is wealth of experience and info to help you. Good luck!
    • katejo11
      katejo11 patsy59716

      Posted

      Hi Patsy59716

      Thanks for quick reply. Have already read other discussion but started mine because I just have single break. How long did you have plaster on? I can do most things with my arm but not sure if I am doing too much. Avoiding lifting other than small things like a mug of tea. I only used sling for 2 days. Have found some exercises online and tried them this morning. Staying off work until appointment but hope to go back (not all duties)

  • katejo11
    katejo11

    Posted

    Update to my own earlier entry. Have now had my orthopaedic appt. Went pretty ok. Despite plaster being removed, I could still move my fingers and wrist with only minor discomfort. Now have new plaster on. Xray was ok and I can go to work next week. Have another appointment with xray next Friday.
  • barbiegrrrl
    barbiegrrrl katejo11

    Posted

    sounds like you're doing better than me! i'm only 4 days in tho and got a proper cast yesterday, i slipped down some stone steps that were slippy and broke my fall literally lol been told 4-6 weeks casted
    • katejo11
      katejo11 barbiegrrrl

      Posted

      surprised that you have said that i am doing better than you. Is yours more painful? Can you move your fingers and thumb?  Can you move your fingers. Have you just got 1 break? I note that you are likely to have the plaster for 4-6 weeks, I have been told 6 weeks though they may be being cautious. I am due to go on holiday in just under 5 weeks and would like to have the plaster off by then. I suspect that you are quite a bit younger as you mentioned your 3 year old daughter.

      Although i was at work today, I didn't do all my usual duties. Re. sleeping with the cast on: I haven't had too much trouble. i start on my front with the plaster extended above my head but don't manage to stay in that position once asleep.

      I have another appointment at the fracture clinic on Friday and want to ask to see the xray to see if there is any improvement after 2 weeks.

    • katejo11
      katejo11

      Posted

      Here is my latest update. Had another  x ray after 2 weeks and was told that I was making good progress. Glad that my return to work this week hasn't caused problems. Had a quick view of the  x ray but couldn't really see enough to tell for myself. However I was told that I would definitely have the plaster off 4 weeks from now (just before I fly off on holiday). I asked whether i would wear a wrist support after that. Consultant said no because I would need to keep it active to help it improve further.   Also asked whether the exercises which I have been doing were ok. He said yes and gave me a couple more to try.  What have others been told about reintroducing activities? I have heard that rough guideline is 6 weeks in plaster and a further 6 weeks recovery.
    • katejo11
      katejo11 barbiegrrrl

      Posted

      How is your wrist doing now? Are you still in plaster? I have 1 week to go (exactly 6 weeks in total).
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