Shattered Distal Radius

Hi Helen, Firstly well done, I think your story is proof that not having a physio referal isn't the end of the world. We could all do with a little help and reassurance, but at the end of the day most of pre injury knew what to do in terms of wrist movement, all thats really needed while we are on the mend is a little common sense, patience and gentle exercise and understanding that when it hurts you've gone too far. A little discomfort is where you want to be

Although I had a physio referal and continue to practice the exercises

I found performing the most mundane of tasks really helped, again just pushing myself to where there was a little discomfort, holding and then letting go. keep repeating this and you are essentially doing your own physio.

Simple tasks such as

pulling down on a door handle,

pull the roller blind up and down making sure your weak hand does most of the work.

With the engine switched off, foot on the clutch, moving gearlever through the various selections and also reverse, often pull up or push down.

typing on a keyboard ( i did try to do this nearly every day I was in fixator, then cast some of the time couldn't move my fingers) 

winding car window up and down. had to sit in the back seat for this one, but even pressing and holding the button for an electric window would be a good start

squeezing a sponge and then later on a tennis ball

I'd pick up an old newspaper and hold the paper firmly with my good hand and try to turn and tear off the pages with the one on the mend.

Hold a spoon and pretend your stiring the sugar in your coffee mug

Pretend ironing Move a cold iron around the board, fill it with water to add more weight.

So pleased that you are making progress and good luck to everyone else.

Thanks Neil,

Everyday tasks have now become much easier. Even squeezing a sponge seemed impossible at first! I'll have to try a tennis ball. I find play dough great to manipulate when I'm playing with my daughter and that's getting easier too.

I hope you are improving as well. Your break seemed much more complicated than mine, but you have come through it with such bravery and determination.

When you are all further down the road to recovery is the time to be even more careful.

I completely forgot, a large bottle of Comfort fabric softener slipped from my grasp & I went to catch it with what had been my busted side.........nearly fainted with the pain.  I did not forget to be careful again!!

Should have said, I'm so pleased to see that those still in the throes of injury seem to be heartened by recent recover blogs from Neil031014 etc Worth writing & updating even when it seems like no-one is paying attention. Clearly they are so great job everyone who chips in.

Second Jeannette54's comment about being more careful .

Watch out if you return to work or are around people who don't know of your injury. An innocent tug on the arm by someone  wanting to shake your hand or greet you can send you cowering in pain. It's just like the shake when you are drying off your hands. The shock/ shakes travels through your wrist. Happened to me once already, returned to work last Monday, and everyone welcoming me back in the office and for the new year.

Also had my six year old tug my arm once the cast came off.

Unless you wear a visible indication be wary of others until you fully heal.

 

Hi all, just checking in a month after my last post. I am still struggling with stiff and painful hand and wrist, I dont know if I'm just being impatient, but I really want my hand back, it is my dominant hand and I cant even write with it yet, 3 months after fracture. I have been diagnosed with CRPS , anyone heard of this ghastly complication? Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I have definitely made progress but it's sooo sloooow.

Thanks Neil for your suggested strenthening exercises, boy they hurt though!!!

Hi Chris

Really sorry to hear your about your struggle. Whatever exercise you do, please make sure that you only go so far as you comfortable. If it hurts you are going too far. Small Steps, patience and repeating the exercises. Expect a little discomfort.

I'm sorry I don't have any experience of CRPS.

Everyone of of us will have a unique set of circumstances so we will all heal and mend to our own timeline. Has you consultant commented on your progress? Going on my own experience progress is not linear. You might me making small steps now but in a month or maybe longer you may have taken bigger steps. If I can offer you any advice I'd say keep positive, stick with whatever physio routine you have already put in place, add to this whatever daily tasks you are capable of, you'll know your limits and give it some more time. At 13 weeks post fracture I can hold a pen, but certainly can't write anything i could have pre injury.

Check with your doctor first especially if they have diagnosed CRPS but a parafin wax bath may also help. From my perosnal experience I can confirm it really does sooth and ease pain

Best wishes and stay in touch.

Marion,

You really have been through it! I'm sorry your experience in Greece was so bad.

I hope you are starting to be able to put it behind you and are making improvements. Keep us updated.

Marion, I've just been reading your post about broken wrist from a year ago and hope you have recovered well. I was so comforted to read about your experience of psychological trauma following what they did to you in Greece as it sound very similar to my experience in Spain and I am deepy traumatised by it. I am a clinical psychologist and often see people with ptsd but I didn't expect to be quite so traumatised myself following the realgnment procedure. I hope this has faded for you now.

Jaysou,

Ah, you're at the beginning of a journey indeed but it may not be all bad.

Keep up with your exercises both when in the cast and after and gradually you'll see improvements.

Yes, having just one working hand/arm is such an annoyance and makes every task difficult. I remember my first proper bath after my cast came off and washing my hair with two hands-it was amazing!

Good luck and stay positive!

Like you Jaysou I fell on the ice end of December and fractured wrist!  Manipulated back into place and operation - plates and pin - plus carpal tunnel done same time on NYE! BOGOF as my sister joked! In back slab for just over two weeks when carpal tunnel stitches removed and given a brace for when needed! Seems I broke the radius and ulna but not sure if ulna pinned too! Fortunately I have a physio appointment Thursday so hope it's helpful as no guidance given on how to proceed.  

I am so pleased to find this discussion as I don't have much use in my wrist at all and the thought of being able to swim or tend my allotment seems a long way off! However this thread has made me recognise that it will improve in time! 

Thanks for the encouragement, it really helps so much to read other peoples stories and experiences. Yes I'm trying with the exercises and can feel them getting more comfortable, worst is the evening and nighttime when my hand/ fingers seem to swell and want pop out of the cast, once or twice felt like ripping it of  with my bare hand ! I'm most concerned about being able to drive ok when the cast is removed as I live in a rural area with few buses, so it's a necessity to grab the old gear stick as soon as I'm able ! 

Wow, you certainly have been through it Rosie, hope you're improving by the  day. Yes getting back to a 'normal' life is still hovering in the distance for me as well but we'll get there. I probably should have had mine pinned, the consultant said it had moved 2mm on the x ray a week after my fall, which is apparently borderline, so left the choice to me ! I was due to have a wisdom tooth with abcess removed a few days later, so decided against, I suppose time will tell if I made the right decision. Do you have a cast on at all ?  Good luck with the physio today, hope not too painful. 

I know exactly what you mean about the cast! I felt like my bones were trying to escape from out of it along with grinding sensations! I don't have the cast on now thankfully as I have a removable support brace which is an improvement especially when it comes to showering etc. I am still limited in my movements in so much as in I don't have much function in my hand! 

Bad luck with the tooth.  I guess it did make it easier to make a decision.  I didn't have a choice in so much as I was informed it was so unstable it would need plates and pins.  

The he appointmentbwith the physio was very useful.   She showed me the x Rays and explained that the secondary break to my ulna - an avulval ? fracture  would heal without a cast or treatment but it did explain the pain by my little finger.  She gave me three sheets of exercises to do as many as I wished and if ten minutes after doing I was in pain I had done too many!

i was told to keep the brace on all the time as it was resting my injury but to take off for the exercises.  The nurse at the hospital told me to wear 'as needed' so I interpreted this to mean 'go without' which I did as its so scratchy and uncomfortable.  I have bought a softer one now.  I have been doing the exercises and it will be interesting to see progress when I go back in a couple of weeks - hopefully!

i too managed to get to 60 in November without much injury other than sprained ankles etc!  Before Christmas got a mallet finger and in splint from that then fractured wrist same hand - still in splint on finger and support on wrist!

i too am in a rural area with poor transport links so keen to drive especially as physio recommended water therapy - swimming - but can't do till I can drive! 

Hey ho!  We will get there in the end!

 

Hi Rosie56798 and jaysou. I fell on black ice on Dec 30th and have a "simple" fracture of distal radius.  It's all new to me - also age 60 and never broken anything before.  I had a back slab plaster for 5 days, then a fibreglass cast that I'e had on for almost 4 weeks.  It sseems my case is straightforward compared wit so many on here, but I guess it's no less frusttrating when everything has to be thought through carefully and takes a lot longer to do!  Like you, I need to get back to driving as soon as I can because although I live on the edge of the city, I lead worship in churches in rural areas where there is little or no transport on Sundays especially.  I am luck to have a husband who has made arrangements to be able to drive me around, but I am so missing my independence.  I am using my hand as much as possible, but I am only too aware that I will have to take great care and experience more pain and discomfort whe I get the plaster off - hopefully on Thursday if things have healed well.

I want to thank eveyone on this forum for sharing their experiences and encouragement.  I wish I had found it sooner!

 

Hello Fredbear,  yes the words 'simple fracture' seem somewhat ironic really, as there's nothing simple about not being able to use your arm normally ! Sounds like we've followed a similar pattern, with the circumstances of the the fall, age etc. I certainly hope all goes well for you in Thursday, maybe you could update on how your wrist feels, looks etc and definitely how soon you're confident to drive again. My hand seems to be turning into something which might belong to a reptile, despite lots of moisturiser, goodness knows what's lurking underneath the cast. I still have to wait another two weeks, I'm not really sure why they decided seven weeks of wrist incarceration was required ! Hey ho, hopefully six months from now we'll look back on this and be able to take the positive from it. 

 

Hope the exercises are going well and you're gradually able to do a bit more, when do you have the plates and pins removed? I've been walking around in our current snow and ice like an 80 year old, my husband is reluctant to let me out without a minder, I can't wait to regain full independence. Wondered how you've been finding the wrist support, hope it's been helping, I think I'll buy one and be prepared! I've been using my hand much more this past week but found that irritates inside the cast somehow, so as one pain improves, it seems another one appears. Terrific ! 

Yes, I'm suffering from dinosaur hand as well. My wrist has been uncomfortable forthe last couple of days.  I don't know if that's because overall the movement is so much better and I've done too much.  It seems as though the discomfort is on the little fingerside of my ewrist, not where the fracture is, but I do get the occasional stabbing "healing" pain at the site of the break.  I can't decide whether I'm looking forward to having the cast off or not.  I guess I'll just have to take whatever they decide tomorrow.  I'll let you know how I get on.

Hi fredbear54!  The three of us seem to have all fallen at the same time!  I fell on 29th and had plate and pinning done on 31st December plus we all seem to be 60!  I recognise the pain by the little finger.  I bought a waterproof thing for showering but couldn't wear it because it was too painful putting on and taking off.  Although the radius was pinned I had also fractured my ulna - hence the pain - which wasn't treated as would heal on its own - apparently!  I too  couldn't understand why it was more painful than the original break.

Not being able to drive is frustrating - I don't like having to rely on people to take me places - but I have enjoyed doing my physiotherapy exercises lying on the sofa in the afternoon reading or listening to the radio!  If I manage to stay awake!

I hope the cast comes off tomorrow as it does make life easier and although I still have the stitches healing I didn't have a cast for too long!

I have made improvements with my wrist movements and I am sure you will too!  Although I don't see myself driving anytime soon - sadly!    Look forward to hearing your progress.

Hi Jaysou

I don't think the plates and pins are coming out but I may be wrong!  The wrist support the hospital gave me was so scratchy against my stitches and just uncomfortable that I bought a softer one which is better but I think is a bit on the tight side as by the end of the day circulation to my thumb is a bit restricted!!  I have been wearing another bigger one at night time but most nights I have to take it off because it seems to make my hand hurt!  Moan moan!!  I see the physio tomorrow so I shall ask her if it is necessary still to keep on at night.  It does make a difference in the day time though as you are able to do more and the physio explained it rests your wrist while it heals.

I have noticed progress with my wrist mobility - although no where near back to normal!  Can't do the palm up movement for instance - i.e. can't put back of hand on the table - no where near!  It's quite frightening when you see how mobile your other hand is and how far you are away from that.   I have been doing my exercises regularly and my friend has taken me swimming when she is able. I think this has helped - it certainly improved my confidence as I wasn't sure I would be able to swim - managed both front crawl and breast stroke though back stroke too painful.

My walking companions are on slip alert!  They test the ground if it looks slippy!  I also bought some traction devices to put on the bottom of my boots when walking which, whilst not perfect, do help. I am now so careful as I am anxious not to fall on my wrist again.  My husband is particularly mindful as he was walking with me when I fell in the middle of nowhere!  He blames my wellies which had little tread on them!  All this ice is just so frustrating as I am waiting now for it to clear before I go for a walk on my own!

Keep on keeping on!!  Spring willl be here soon!  Though I don't think I shall be doing much double digging!!

Two more weeks in a cast must be frustrating.  When my cast came off - the bits that came off for days were like dandruff!!   Just warning you!! Dead skin I guess!  I am massaging cream into my healing stitches - they are quite lumpy and red although healing.  Early days I guess.

 

Hi Rosie and Jaysou. Progress! The cast is off and I have an elastic bandage for a few days but only during the day.  The break has healed and now the exercise to get my tendons and ligaments and muscles back into shape begins in earnest.  I have been doing as much stretching and bending as my cast would allow, but it feels like I have a long way to go at the moment. The skin that was under my cast and is now exposed is hideous and flaking.  The nurse practitioner recommended soaking my wrist and hand in soapy water as hot aas I can stand it, then drying it thouroughly and massaging with hand cream before I start exercising.  We will see how it goes.  It is so nice to be able to feel things on the palm of my hand again!

Pleased to hear all went well, I expect it's a relief to know the break has healed and also have the torture device removed ! ( that's just what mine feels like at the moment) yes I expect it'll take time to regain our normal wrist function,  at least the exercises are something you can do on your own now the cars is off. I am starting to use my fingers a lot more but that seems to cause more discomfort with rubbing around the wrist. Must admit I'm also looking forward to feeling with my hand again, can't wait to wash my hair with two hands again ! 

I was also wearing wellies !! They are still lying in disgrace outside the back door ! Very naughty I haven't had the heart to retrieve them yet, I have wondered in retrospect whether my normal walking winter boots with a good tread would have saved me. Pointless even thinking about it I suppose. Another coincidence, I was also at the furthest most remote point in the village and had just come out of a field with the dogs ! As for moaning don't worry, let it out ! We know a little bit where you're coming from. good to hear the swimming is helping, I'll try that as soon as possible. We drove to Cornwall yesterday, 240 miles, it was a bit of a trial, not much to take my mind of  the cast I discovered, which made me realise how important it has been to keep fairly busy, certainly must have been taking my mind of it and helping the weeks to go more quickly. That must be why night time is harder sometimes. Yes I agree I think patience is the only choice for us. 

I know exactly what you mean about the rubbing around the wrist.  I had visions of red raw patches when the cast came off, but it was not the case, you will be pleased to hear, just a little bit of chafing. I have soaked and exercised three times today as suggested and the movement is certainly improving already.  Showering and washing my hair this morning was heavenly!  i hope it's not too long before you can experience that small pleasure.

Being in a cast is really annoying - I was only in it for a short time - one benefit of being plated and pinned I guess!   But I did get sore where the cast rubbed.  I put  emollient cream round the areas that rubbed the most - mostly round the thumb.  I'm not sure you are supposed to but it did help. The discomfort is worse as the day progresses.  Are you having it off soon?  I was curious as to what it would look like underneath as I imagined all sorts going on but in the end all the stitches looked to be healing but my hand was in a very tilted position and bruised.  As for washing your hair - I wouldn't get too carried away!  I couldn't even with the cast off as my hand couldn't bend enough!! I'm getting there now though enough for a light massage!!

I saw the physio again on Thursday.  Although I had made progress she explained I may never get full movement back because of the metalwork. She also did a grip test which measured 3!  My right hand was 30 so I have a way to go ....  She suggested I practice driving without the engine off but as we are on a steep drive/hill it was'nt that easy.  We went walking yesterday and parked in a supermarket car park and I had a go there - decided after being able to put hand brake on and change into second I would have a go at driving home!  Which I did!  And drove back the eight miles round a very twisty road using all the gears!  So although I wouldn't want to do any distance I can, in theory, drive!

The physio has now passed me on to the hand therapist and am waiting for an appointment.  I am working hard at all the exercises I have been given - three sheets with about 40  to pick and mix from!   Plus various others I found on you tube etc.  At least once the cast is off you can work towards recovery which is a more positive experience.  I still have to wear the wrist splint day and night.  She recommended I buy a neoprene one which I have ordered from Boots.

It's a lovely sunny morning and I would like to get out in the garden but I think the jobs will have to wait!

All the best!

 

How lovely to have the cast off!  Good news too that your break has healed.    I hope you are making progess with regaining use of your hand again!  

Thanks Rosie for your good wishes - yes making steady progress with exercise and soaking.  I could wash my hair reasonably well this morning, but I think driving will take a little longer!. I should be able to start some weight bearing exercise later this week.  We're away to London for a couple of days to see our daughter tomorrow.  I shall be very wary of the tube and all those people and escalators, I think.  At least I have my husband to protect me and my wrist.

Hello Rosie and Fredbear, how are you both getting on, hope things are improving well for you both. I had my plaster removed last Tuesday lovely to be without it but I took a couple of days to become reacquainted with my arm, felt like it belonged to someone else ! I've been told to wear the splint at night but leave it of during the day whilst in the house, just to put it on when going out. I feel a bit worried about this as I've lots of pain trying to use my hand gently, especially my little finger and down that side of my arm, miles away from the break. In many ways it's like starting afresh isn't it, learning what you can do and what's too painful to even attempt. Anyway hopefully I can have some physio soon and ask a few questions, particularly about driving. I'm doing some exercises from a leaflet the plaster room gave me when they removed the cast and I think things are slowly improving but I realise it's going to take months, I like putting the splint in as it gives it a rest! Also I wonder how long the swelling take to disappear, my wrist and hand are still quite puffy. On the bright side at least it's nice to be able to wear longer fitted sleeves again. Every cloud !! 

Hi Jaysou and Rosie

3 weeks tomorrow since the cast came off, and progress has been amazing - I didn't expect to see improvement every day, but I have had reason to celebrate something new most days. Like using a tin opener for the first time a few days ago, and playing the piano with 2 hands, for a short time at least.  I have now designated piano playing as good stretching exercise as well as therapy for my soul. I have actually driven the car a short distance several times in the last week; mostly ok, but twinges when I change up from 2nd to 3rd gear.  I am still experienceing healing pains - occasional shooting pains along my forearm, but I don't think that's a bad sign. My wrist is still swollen - I can't get my watch on - but the wrinkles and creases are gradually reappearing.  There is still stiffness and aches and pains, but the improvement is really perceptible. It is good to be able to wear fitted long sleeves again - so sick of my limited wardrobe before. I  had an e-mail from a friend who is much older than us - well into her 80's.  She broke her wrist last autumn while gathering blackberries, but she assured me that she's back playing badminton now!  Be encouraged!

Oh and I got out into the garden and pottered around doing bits and pieces today - just had to remember not to lean on my hand to balance while I was weeding.

 

Good to hear you are progressing so well, there is light at the end of the tunnel! I am also improving daily, although I know when I've overdone things as I feel very sore and achy in the evening. However I'm also driving ( manual gears) quite anxious about it at first and only do short journeys eight miles per day but certainly my confidence has returned and I can use the gear box fully, although at first every gear change was a trauma, more in my mind I think. The physio has given me exercises which I am trying to do but probably not as frequently during the day as I should. My next appointment is in two weeks, which will be my twelve week mark. I find that the everyday jobs help tremendously and apart from weight bearing issues I can attempt most things now. I am also still very swollen on the opposite side of my wrist smallest finger side but general stiffness seems less everyday and I can now type with both hands again. I've been suprised ( when in cast) how many people enquired what I'd done and then recounted similar stories, many women of a certain age! 

That all sounds so familiar to me - swelling, confidence, evening discomfort and so on.  I went for a bone density scan yesterday - the radiographer didn't seem to think there were any osteoporosis problems at first glace. I carried a moderately heavy bag in from the car today without realising that I was doing it!  I carried a tray of cups at church on Sunday to be greetied with cries of "Should you be doing that?!".  I had to reassure them that there would be no broken crokery because I was improving so fast! Had to buy a looser fitting bracelet watch as my usual one - stainless steel strap that probably contributed to the injury - still won't clasp over my resifual swelling.  Such little snags now - I can't believe the progress we've made in just a few weeks.  Thanak you for your companionship along the way, and I hope that you get full function back very soon.