I am sure that each of us heals differently, but I thought it might be helpful to include new photographs of my right (healthy) arm and shoulder along with my left (fractured) arm and shoulder.
This is more than 18 months after the ORIF surgery. I tried to assume the same position of my hand being behind my head. Although I can reach up with my left arm, the shoulder itself is very tight and uncomfortable in that position. Honestly, it’s tight and uncomfortable most of the time, but I’m accustomed to it. I think it bothers me more when I spend time at the computer, or behind the wheel of a car, than when I do manual work in the house and yard.
Left (Fractured) Arm and Shoulder
Right (Healthy) Arm and Shoulder
Although the left arm looks abnormal in this position, it looks almost normal when it is dangling by my side. I don’t think anyone would notice the difference.
I’m curious to hear from others about how long you continued with physical therapy. I continued exercises for only a short time after leaving formal physical therapy. I believe that when the scar tissue becomes tough and hard, it is too late to continue PT. What do you think?
Shoulder Diary - From Injury to Recovery 
First of all, I want to thank you for your blog. It’s been a great source of comfort to me while I’ve been going through my own journey through recovery from a proximal humerus fracture with ORIF. I broke my shoulder in a fall at the end of May this year and am still (ten weeks later) trying to remember what it felt like to sleep through the night. I’m also still experiencing considerable pain through the day and it’s hard to retain a positive attitude and not succumb to feelings of despair and helplessness. Reading your blog has given me a lot of reassurance (though I’d have hoped that you could report no lingering symptoms after 18 months, I do hope you continue to improve over time).
One thing I wanted to ask you was whether you know for sure that the continued pain and limited range of movement are caused by scar tissue. I’m just looking into Trigger Points as a possible cause of a lot of my pain and wondered if you’ve explored therapy in this area at all. Apparently, small areas of muscle go into spasm, forming painful knots (usually over the scapula and neck) that result in referred pain (often down the arm). After reading about it during a sleepless night recently, i tried a ‘home treatment’ by digging the crook of a walking stick into any painful spots I could locate on my scapula and it had a remarkable effect – the pain running down my arm disappeared! it only lasted a couple of hours, and I haven’t been able to repeat such dramatic results, but it still gives me some relief when the pain’s getting out of control.
I’m looking for a local therapist now to get some proper trigger point treatment. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Hi, Sandy. It’s good to hear from someone else on the journey. I remember how it was ten weeks out, when I couldn’t wait to go to bed an hour early, just to take prescription pain pills! Of course, they only took the edge off, and only for about four hours. I know you’ll continue to improve. It is a very slow recovery.
To answer your question about the pain, I don’t really know what causes my pain. I have a general ache all the way down the top of my arm and hand, but it’s a very mild pain. I think it is nerve damage. I take regular strength Ibuprofen.
The other discomfort is the shoulder and incision/scar area, and it’s more of a sporadic, burning pain. Neither is anything that I can’t live with. I do think that the range of motion is limited by scar tissue. I didn’t have proper PT for awhile, because my insurance company wouldn’t pay for it. My second PT was very instructive, and I learned a lot about stretching and holding vs. rapid bouncing motions. Once the scar hardens, sometimes, it is stronger than the bone. The PT had a patient who had begun with a PT who pushed her too hard too fast, and her bone broke! Eeek!
I don’t blame you for seeking out any pain remedy that might help. Pain is exhausting!
I am 61, but felt very fit at the time of my accident. I do wonder if younger people recover faster?
Younger people !! Maybe at 46 now slightly younger but was 45 5 months ago when I had 4 part proximal humerus fracture followed by orif and six week sleeping upright , was fit and healthy then put on weight and took my physio advice worry about movement and recovery first. I wouldn’t say recover faster but I do have to exercise and mobilise my shoulder everyday or I get worse . I still sometimes sleep on the sofa and Definitely take cocodomol when I need it. There is constant pain but I would say keep positive keep exercising and have a beer now and then . Don’t ignore the physcological effects and talk to someone about the pain you feel. 10 weeks in I too remember stick with it take the painkillers and enjoy any good things of the day which happen to come your way it does get better but thing long term not next week and focus on a strategy and a support network of friends and family who can help and understand 🙂
I was skiing by the way , dislocated as well Doc put it back in 20 mins after accident not an experience I want to repeat
Simon, I’m glad that you are on the mend. I still have some chronic mild pain and discomfort almost two years later, but am grateful for a functioning shoulder. I stayed with home PT long after I left formal physical therapy, but I confess that I rarely do those exercises anymore. Probably, I should continue them. Most of my physical exercise is walking, and in a pretty park setting, it’s a LOT more enjoyable!
Yes, I agree – keeping up with physio exercises is really important. I was amazed at how quickly my muscles turned to mush (and how slowly they’re regaining some tone). My arm’s still very weak and can’t bear much weight, even though I’ve been exercising for more than six weeks now.
Regarding the ongoing pain, mine is finally beginning to ease off now (it’s about 14 weeks since my accident), but it’s still there in the background all the time. When I last saw my orthopaedic consultant, he said the pain was unlikely to be caused by my shoulder, which is healing well. He thinks it’s more likely that I did some damage to the nerve roots in my neck when I fell. I’ve had an MRI scan to see if there’s any soft-tissue damage in my neck, but I haven’t heard the results yet. Meanwhile, I’m just adapting to the pain … but I still hope to be completely free of it one day. I hope the same for you, too.
On Fri, Sep 7, 2012 at 2:27 PM, Shoulder Diary – From Injury to Recovery wrote:
> ** > georgiapat commented: “Simon, I’m glad that you are on the mend. I > still have some chronic mild pain and discomfort almost two years later, > but am grateful for a functioning shoulder. I stayed with home PT long > after I left formal physical therapy, but I confess that I rarely ” >
Today I was released by my surgeon! It has been 7 and 1 /2 months. I have been going to PT 3 times a week for 6 months. It is bittersweet. I am much stronger but still have difficulty reaching behind my back and across my body. Perhaps that will come back over the next 6 months. My strength has improved a great deal. I did have a small nervous breakdown when I left the office today. Am still very concerned about performing my job after this time. Still worried if I will be able to do all that is required as a busy RN. Guess only time will tell. As a sidebar, I managed to sprain my ankle at work Sunday. Weirdest thing ever. And did it on light duty!
Thank goodness for this blog-just knowing I have a place to find support from fellow sufferers is a Godsend.
Thanks Pat.
Sheila, No more breaking and spraining! 😉 I know what you mean about the ending of PT being bitter sweet. We don’t know how things will go in the future. I did not keep up with home PT after the first year, and my range of motion is limited. Except on days when I do a lot of driving or sitting at the computer, the shoulder is something I can ignore. It’s not perfect, but it’s functional.
I have burning incision pain also (12 weeks now after the plate) and the P.A. thinks it is shoulder impingement and wants to give me a cortisone shot, which I don’t want because it could cause worse injuries. Everything I have read about impingement says that it hurts when you lift your arm overhead and this does not happen to me. I get the burning, ripping-off my skin feeling at night and sometimes when I lower my arm. I can’t find much information to help me.
I have to say that having a plate put in to fix a proximal humeral fracture is the worst pain I have ever had.
Jean, I still have pain in the incision, similar to what you describe, but no longer as frequently or as severe. I used triple antibiotic ointment with xylocaine or whatever it is….that works as well as anything else, and many things irritate it. I couldn’t use creams or lotions because I’d get little pustules in the stitch holes. Gradually it has healed. There are many layers in there that heal at different rates. Because I had mine removed (yay) I had the incision need to heal twice. It’s a year and a half and it can still get so it stings a bit. Be patient. Good luck. Good energy coming your way!
Sharon
Hi everyone-I am in month 8 from the -nasty injury, the result of a bike crash while on vacation. I was fortunate to have excellent physical therapy for 6 months, 3 times weekly. It included working on trigger points with deep massage and intense pressure-extremely painful but very effective. Scar sensitivity is gone after massage. Once again, extremely painful but effective. I am female, 63, an athlete by nature, and have worked really, really hard to get where I am in my recovery. I still have pain mostly from the muscles where the metal is in my arm. I have a very long plate and 12 fixed screws because my arm and shoulder were shattered. While searching for a doctor I found that they all (3) had different approaches to the repair. The worst was “keep it in a sling and wait and see what happens”. I finally located a surgeon who works on athletes and believed in an aggressive approach. I was in physical therapy very aggressively 2 weeks after surgery. There were days when I felt like passing out and couldn’t move. I continued to work and some evenings I couldn’t get out of my car without help. If I were asked I would say expect more of yourself than you think you can give. Push…it is really worth it. Every ache will result in something positive. Work every day at it. My doctor explained with the plate in place that I couldn’t damage anything. I am continuing every day on this unexpected journey and now have about 95 percent mobility. It’s not perfect, and it still hurts, but boy oh boy it could have been a lot worse. I could have listened to the first doctor and would now feel like an invalid. Good luck to you all and keep at it!
Welcome, new folks! I read all your messages, and sure wish I’d had this wealth of great advice when I was going through this in 2010! Just this week, I finally got back to serious yard work. My arm and shoulder protested a bit with the pruning, but I got a lot done. It feels good to know that I can accomplish physical tasks with just a little discomfort. I’m going to continue this weekend. Pat S. “GeorgiaPat”
My husband fell last August while jogging and dislocated and fractured his numeral head. We think it was made worse by an emergency room PA who reduced it with considerable force. a week later he was diagnosed with a multi fracture and underwent five hours of surgery to implant a prosthesis. the pain persisted for many weeks after and a nerve conduction study showed a severely damaged axial nerve. PT seemed to make the pain worse. He finally went to a pain doc who said he needed to go on heavy duty pain meds IMMEDIATELY. we read about the side effects and never complied. My husband stopped PT and the unbearable debilitating pain ceased. He was Finally able to go back to work as a teacher after five months. all of the medical personnel who treated him were supposedly experts(except for the ER). No one really helped him and we suspect mistakes were made. He has limited use of his arm, tingling in the hand, and some aches and discomfort but not the unbearable pain. He will never go back for PT, nerve surgery, etc. and risk any change to his present livable condition. He is not on any pain med, sleeps well etc.
we are in a major metropolitan area, exercised due diligence, are very informed, but feel things did not work out optimally.
Anne, I’m convinced that nerve damage is common. I guess the surgeons don’t mention it because it wouldn’t make any difference in the decision to operate, but I like to know what to expect. I’m so sorry that the PA “messed” with the shoulder before a proper diagnosis! Actually, I did it to myself as I was lying alone at the bottom of the hill. I thought the shoulder was dislocated, and figured that if I could pull it back into place, I could crawl to the top of the hill. It didn’t go well. 🙂
Hi there,
Found your blog while looking up info about shoulder fx and healing. I shattered my right shoulder when I fell half way through an attic ceiling. Fun, not.
Had surgery with plate and 12 screws. I am on my 6 weeks after injury/surgery. I know what you meaning about pain and sleeping problems. And I can so relate to the depression part. It is very discouraging to read about the long recovery and more times than not, an incomplete one. I am a nurse and work on a very busy and physically demanding. I worry all the time about what I will be able to do when I return. I know it is early in the recovery but it seems likes I have miles to go.
Real PT will begin next week. My surgeon wanted to wait until I was 6 weeks post-op. Just working up the courage to drive. Being right handed and not having my right arm, well, let’s just say, it is a challenge.
I have read your blogs and use them as a guide.
Thanks for writing.
Sheila
Sheila,
I’m so sorry that it is your dominant arm. I often wondered what on earth I would have done if it had been my right arm. Please don’t hesitate to write me directly or post here if you need some bolstering. pat@patsabin.com
I was delighted to be cleared for driving, but kept it at about a three mile radius for awhile. I felt very insecure, especially in parking lots.
You’ve got some tough times ahead in PT, but it’s a good feeling to be moving forward. I wish I could have stayed in formal PT longer, because it’s tough to be disciplined at home. Also, I miss the hand bicycle at the clinic! My 2 year check-up is Oct 31st. Although the arm and shoulder still cause some stiffness and discomfort, I can use the arm and carry a good bit of weight with that hand.
Keep in touch.
Pat
Thanks Pat for your encouragement. I have read most of your posts by now and feel a kinship. Like war buddies. I wanted to say that I did have a block-which helped greatly after the surgery for several days. And the recliner has been my main stay. It has been my nest for these 6 weeks. Mine pushes back without a handle. So glad of that. Since I am right handed and it is my right shoulder, I have found the world is really not set up for left handed people. Funny that. My best friend was a lefty and I never realized how hard that is.
Talked to another PT friend of mine today. He again said the shoulder is a tough joint to rehab. Yet another discouraging word. At least I will know what to expect.
Wil keep you posted of my progress if you like. So nice to find someone who has been there, done that.
Sheila
Sheila, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. You got two things that I wish I’d had – the nerve block and the recliner! 🙂 The good news is that I survived, with a little stiffness and soreness, but infinitely better than two years ago!
I fractured my upper humerus bone from a fall. I started therapy 7 weeks later. At my second x-ray, I could see that the bone was not healed but I continued with therapy. I am now 3 month out and just had a CT scan. Doctor thinks I may need surgery. Thought that should have been detected earlier that it wasn’t healing.
Hi Pat:
I have good news! I went for a report from my doctor yesterday, I was anticipating for him to tell me I needed the shoulder replacement surgery and was pleasantly surprised when he told me how well I am doing and the fracture is mending much better than he thought it would at my age. He gave me a elastic band and exercises to do that I did not get from my PT. and told me to besure and keep them up as it takes a very long time for the shoulder to repair and muscles to regain strength. I go back in 6 months.
Norma, what wonderful news!!! :-)))
Hi my name is sue.and last novememer i broke my arm my Humerus bone my god what pain i had so now i have had the opp done after being sat up for8 hours thay have put a plate in my arm i have ascar 7inch long iam still in a lot off pain and some times i cant feel my arm from the elbow to my hand iam worried i might loss the feeling in my arm
Hi, Sue. Welcome to our motley crew! It is a long and hard recovery. Here in the U.S., the plate it usually left in, but I understand that some doctors remove the plate and screws after six months or so. Has your surgeon given you an idea of what to expect? I still have stiffness and limited range of motion, but little pain.
Hi there,
Really appreciated your blog.
Think I hit the wrong key-hard to type with my right hand now. I am almost 6 weeks post-op from shattering my right shoulder when I fell halfway through an attic ceiling. I know what you mean about sleeping, pain and depression. I am an RN on a very busy and physically demanding floor. I worry about what I will be able to do when I return now that I am sporting a plate and 12 screws in my right shoulder. I do appreciate your post sharing your triumphs and frustrations. I am early in recovery but it does help. PT starts for me next week.
Thanks again
Just like all of you….I too discovered the Georgiapat’s story 2 weeks post Rt Humeral Proximal Fracture. I was still awake from the pain regardless of the very powerful narcotics I was prescribed. My Ortho told me it was a pretty clean brake and the pain would be awful to the point of nauseating…He was not exaggerating. After reading Pat’s story I thought this can not be possible to be in such miserable pain for so long….little did I know what was waiting for me down the road. I saw the Ortho for routine visit faithfully taking my narcotics wearing my sling, crying during the X-rays, crying during the night and wondering how could this fx cause such utter retractable pain. Two days later I received a call from the Ortho’s Secretary telling me that the Ortho wanted to see me the next day that I needed to have surgery. This 3 1/2 weeks post fx and yes it really was a secretary not a nurse who broke the news to us! As you can imagine it was quite shocking and the “secretary” had no knowledge of how or why or what type of surgery I suddenly needed to have the following day! Finally the Ortho called back he had consulted with his colleagues and they all agreed that I would recover much quicker with the plate and screw ORIF that looks like a centipede in my bone. Decided to trust his decision and had the surgery at a premier major medical teaching center where I am also an employee. Now here comes the best part. If you thought the fracture hurt well you can at least double that after the ORIF. The Ortho spoke with my husband post op said things went very well but that your wife has very small bones and I could not find a plate small enough so I used the smallest one possible but it most likely will cause a more limited range of motion. Her bone’s also had healed quite a bit so I had t rebreak them to line up the plate. Meanwhile in recovery the resident was doing his best to practice a nerve block to alleviate the 15 out of 10 pain level. The nerve block by the way is a 20 before it works….Please do not think that it was a total fiasco the staff was wonderful and were doing there best to comfort and control my pain. Then I am off to spend the night in a non-surgical non-orthopedic no experience floor. This is what a 30 year employee gets. The nest part was a fiasco! Next morning start to tell the nurses….I think the nerve block is starting to wear off I can feel my fingers (having strong memories of the post op 15 out of 10 pain) Do we have pain meds on order? Well no but the resident will be doing rounds soon. Resident comes by an hour later…I let him know that it has been 15 hours since the nerve block and I believe it is starting to wear off…Do we have pain meds on order. Trust me I work in this teaching hospital and Residents do not like to be questioned….especially on a Saturday when they are in charge. I get the eye…You must be a drug seeker look. He says he will take care of it. 5 Hours go by Each one getting worse with pain. Nothing for pain except fentanyl which lasts 20 mins. I am surprised I was not transferred to the Psych unit! The Resident is losing it at that point telling me that he needs to consult with pain control unit but they are not around until monday. Finally the PCA pump arrives and I am taken to another non-surgical floor but with excellent nursing care. All the while GeorgiasPat’s story plays through my head….This is not going to happen to me I say….Huh was I ever wrong. I am miserable with pain can not get comfortable can not even sleep…I love Lucy at 4:00 AM is my only source of happiness. Finally go home still lots of Narcotics but now that I have this plate in I will heal so much faster and that pain will go away RIGHT? WRONG! I get a visit from the pain control nurse she says I am not on enough Narcotics to control the pain…Resident disagrees…Why did he consult them to begin with?? All during my stay in the hospital 4 nights never a visit from the Ortho. I don’t get to see him for 2 more weeks. The pain The Pain The ever present pain. I go back to work few hours a couple of times a week. GeorgiaPat is right…I ask the pain control nurse for the name of a Psychiatrist. Dr. Jim Lemmons a Mayo trained developer for chronic pain control therapy is located 5 miles from my house! He agrees to take me on! Lifesaver. I start PT. However the Resident tells me to wear my sling at all times. Show up for my 2 week post op PT visit only to learn that I should not be wearing the sling. Have gotten quite proficient at using my left arm which now works better than my dominate right. Go to PT 3x’s week. Painful but useful. All the PTS think I am in way too much pain 4 weeks post op. Ortho disagrees and thinks I am inpatient and expect too much! We drop down to PT 2xs week and Dr. Lemmons 1 day per week. This goes on for 2 more months. Not at all happy with what the PT (hand therapist) is doing…not very positive lets me know often that this will take me 18 months at least to recover from. Yes you will still have pain until then. WHAT? I see the Ortho again…I ask to be dropped from Percoset to Vicodin. He looks at me are you sure? I do not think you are ready. I make the switch he is right…But too bad can not switch back causes red flags. Now I have to suffer till the script can be renewed. I go back to the Ortho asking why is this still so painful?? I was picking out a Wedding Dress with my daughter yesterday and I was miserable in pain when it should have been the happiest day of my life! Back to the Perscoset. Oh PS I also think you have adhesive capsulits (frozen shoulder) How does that happen when you are going to PT twice a week?? All the while friends are telling me to get out of there but I really want to trust the Ortho…my therapist agrees time to go somewhere new. I learn of a great therapist and make the move. Totally different program….Now it is time to break up he adhesions. Back to level 10 pain! Ortho tells me to load up on the percoset prior to the manipulations all the while telling me to watch out for the narcotic use. I discuss this with my therapist….he has lots and lots of patients who are in severe chronic pain. He assures me that I am not abusing these drugs and that I need to take them to get through this. Making tons of progress with new PT!! 3 month visit with Ortho. He is amazed at my Range of Motion I had far exceeded where he thought I would ever get! (but pissed) that I had switched to a new PT I explain that yes I think it is great too but I still have significant pain and no posterior motion at all. Can not reach at all behind my back. Well he state why do you need to reach behind your back?? “That is only for tucking in your shirt or wiping your butt” Did I just HEAR him say that? Oh my the way your bones are completely healed so I no longer need to see you….if you are still having pain you need to go to the pain control people downstairs however they are not taking any new patients. I can’t believe that this is happening. I call Dr. Lemmon’s to report in…He is shocked and wants to see me ASAP. My primary also steps in….to take care of pain control which both agree needs to continue. Continue with PT cut way way down on the pain meds. Then the PT says he can not get my Ortho to renew my PT order….I show up for an appointment only to be turned away. What is it going to take for me to find another ORTHO? Can we say abuse here! OK enough is enough. I find who is considered one of the best shoulder guys in town…takes 2 months to get in. He agree to take me on and takes lots of X-rays. Really great compassionate guy. Well he says I think the plate needs to come out. Some of the screws are penetrating the bone which is alright but one might be or is protruding into your shoulder capsule. What I never knew that was a possibility. No I do this all the time.
Other Ortho says I would do everything in my power not to take it out. Very messy difficult surgery that will leave lots of holes in your bone.
Learned this 2 days ago. Has anyone out there had their plate removed and would they be willing to share their experience? I have between a 4-6 pain much worse during PT but I still take some narcotics for pain control.
Sorry for the manuscript how cathartic!
Chris, You’ve probably mentioned it, but I can’t find your earlier posts. When was your surgery? I can’t believe you were in the hospital four nights! I was shipped out the next day, without my sling (it having been demolished at some point between pre-surgery and recovery). I would NOT have wanted to stay in that hospital for another night, but I’m glad that your insurance company and surgeon saw the need.
If you find anything on removal of the plate, let me know. What your doctor told you is what I’ve understood – removal of the plate leaves holes (weak spots) in your bones. I have osteopenia, and my doctor felt that it caused my bones to be more brittle than they would have been in a younger person (I was almost 60 at the time of the accident). The PT almost guaranteed that I’ll have arthritis in the shoulder down the road. All of that said, I compare the mild discomfort now to the hellish screaming pain, and I’m pretty well satisfied. 🙂
…Coming back to add that I’m surprised that the doctors decided on the ORIF if your break was clean. I was in PT with a woman who happens to work for an osteo doctor, and he immobilized her arm and shoulder for about six weeks in lieu of surgery. Still, she was in PT for over 7 months, so it’s a tough road one way or the other. I should contact her and see how she’s doing all this time later.
Hi No this was my only post….Read the posts all the time but this was the first time I ever posted my own very long story. All my friends and family want me to take the “thing out” But I know and was confirmed by my new Ortho that it will be like just starting over again…I am 58 but in real good shape. My feeling is to wait continue PT and see if increased ROM lessens the pain. That is what the PT says. Reaching behind my back is the worse…Sailors stretch excruciating. I swear I have PTSD just thinking about someone removing this from my arm! I am fortunate to have excellent coverage from my insurance but I know the day is coming when the PT will be discontinued. Hopefully there is someone out there who has had their plate removed and can share their experience. There has been one study published in 2008 on 78 patients with plate removal. 75% of them had increase ROM and pain reduction. 25% remained unchanged. I am just not sure if my level of current pain justifies the outcomes.
Thanks so much!
Pat reading your posts and everyone’s responses is kind of like being with a bunch of old friends….Comforting and Soothing. Going to se a new PT today….she apparently is the best in the city. Interested in what she has to say.
Chris, physical therapists tend to be very compassionate. I bet you’ll like her. Keep us posted.
I’m sorry that you’re going through this in cold weather. I started PT in early January (2011), and the temperature was about 15 degrees. My shoulder still hates the cold. If there’s the slightest breeze, I’m wearing gloves and a sweater and/or jacket.
Thank you Sheila….I know you read about the unprofessional statement made to me by the Orthopedic Surgeon. The office visit note written by him to be entered into my permanent patient chart was scathing at best. Just this past Monday I attended a meeting in our conference room and noticed the a fax on he machine. Upon leaving the meeting, I picked up the fax to see if it was for me or to place it in the recipients mailbox. Good think I checked it was the scathing office visit note full of highly confidential information that had faxed to may place of employment without my permission! I have no idea how long it had been there prior to picking it up.
I so want this behind me but now I have no choice but to enter an official complaint. Not fun to have to do this at a job I love and an institution that I dearly respect. The only good thing is the institution has over 8,000 employees and he is in a seperate building…..So looking forward to putting this all behind me!
Pat you are correct about the cold! Thought that was an old wives tale…. however titanium in the plate like to remind your arm of some pain when it gets cold or experiences low barometric pressure. Happy Halloween Everyone!
Chris, What did the surgeon say in the note?
Pat Just very defamatory comments that are extremely private. He did not appreciate my confrontational response to his unprofessional conduct and statements. He was basically trying to make me sound like the bad patient. I am requesting that his original office note be redacted from my chart and be replaced with a more truthful and professional version. Again I just want to move on and was in the blissful process of doing so when the fax arrived…..time to turn the page….
God bless you. Sounds like you have had a run around. So glad to hear you have a more compassionate surgeon and therapist. I too work at a hospital but had a much better experience. As a nurse, I was probably more informed as a patient and less patient;). No residents at my hospital!
Don’t know much about plate removal. Just wanted to wish you the best this time.
I am still early in my recovery. Just 6 weeks out from surgery. Starting PT next week. It is also my right shoulder-dominant arm with ORIF.
Please keep us posted.
Wow…only 6 weeks in. So hope you do not develop adhesive capsilitis (frozen shoulder). I developed it although I was in PT 2 times per week. Just like all have shared make sure you have an agressive PT that you trust implicitly. It is quite (extremely) painful regaining your range of motion and overall strength. It is because of the extremely painful surgery and recovery process that I can not even entertain the removal of this plate. The thought of reliving the past 6 months literally causes PTSD. We all tolerate pain in different ways…..I hope that your experience is an easy one. I switched from my original PT and the 2nd PT has gotten me where I am today. I am indebted to his diligent however painful therapy.
OMG!!! I really feel your pain.. I too had a screwed up pain block. Are your sure it wash only a 15 out of 10? My husband says my body was levitating. I had exactly the same response from the resident…weekend, don’t tell me how you feel I know better attitude. Only thing that helped was I DEMANDED the nurse call the on call doc-she did and I grabbed her cell phone and had my own discussion…I think I scared him because things started happening. My one day stay stretched into 5 nights, pain drip, vomiting, constipation, blah, blah, blah. I left the hospital vomiting into a pan while waiting for the car while carolers were singing Silent Night by the Christmas Tree in the lobby. Quite a sight. Home was better, I used those drugs but weaned myself off as soon as I could. Lots of tears…”What the hell have I done to myself?” Without my husband I would have gone crazy. It seems I am not a patient patient. So sorry for your experience, but appreciate the memories. They help me see how far I have come these past 8 months. Sandy M.
Thank you Sandra…..Hope that you are doing well.!
So glad to find this blog. I’m eight weeks post bicycle trauma, shoulder dislocation with a proximal humerus fracture on my dominant arm. I struggle to get 2-3 hours of good sleep still each night. Tried to wean myself from the Vicodin but can’t sleep at all without it. I’m three weeks now into PT which has helped with ROM. I’ve also added massage therapy and acupuncture once a week to my routine which luckily 16 visits are covered by my insurance. My arm/shoulder always feels great right after PT and massage therapy but then stiffens right back up a few hours later. I’m starting to feel depressed probably due to lack of sleep. I have three kids, work full time as a nurse anesthetist and was told I would be off work for 4-6 months. That seemed like a really long time when I was first told that but now can’t imagine going back to work as I am exhausted most of the time. I’m 42 and have always been in great physical shape with a lot of energy but this injury has left me feeling a 100 yrs old and lifeless. I’m hoping this is normal and I will feel back to myself soon. Has anyone else experienced this much exhaustion 8 weeks post injury? Almost wondering if I need to see someone for depression. I really miss work and the socialization but know that if I go back before I’m properly healed I could reinjure my arm since transporting patients is part of my job. Trying to stay positive but it’s been hard. Nice to see others that understand.
Julie, Welcome. At 42, I hope you will recover fully. General anesthesia alone take a toll, and chronic pain and sleep deprivation is exhausting. I was a full time real estate agent of 26+ years at the depth of the recession when I had my accident. About two months after my accident, my sister asked, “Do you think you should get a job?” I cried all day.
It sounds like your doctor was able to immobilize your break without the plate and screws….?
Georgiapat. I just broke my humerus on Sunday of this week. I went to the orthotic morning. He Said clean break should need no surgery however in this practice we do not he narcotic drug at all. I looked at him and asked why? I haven’t slept in three nights and tht is with pain killers. He then answered we need pain it helps us to know how far our limits are in our everyday life. He then gave me instructions on taking Tylenol three times a day. I couldn’t believe it. I went straight to my primary care doctor who said I needed to be on strong pain killers since this is one of the most painful bones to break. I go Friday to another ortho. One who believes in pain relief
Oh, Kim, I’m so glad that you called another doctor. Good grief! It’s clear that your original ortho has not broken his arm, or maybe he prides himself on a high tolerance level. I hope you can indeed avoid surgery. It will still take a long recovery, but if you can avoid all the cutting and screwing and stapling, that would be ideal! For many weeks, I couldn’t get away from the pain even with prescription medication combined with Tylenol. My surgeon refilled my prescription once, and I didn’t ask for a second refill. He probably would have done it, but I wanted to move on without it. Without that buffer in the beginning, I think I would have gone mad some morning at 3 a.m.!
Pat S (GeorgiaPat)
I know how you feel Julie. I am an RN on a busy floor. I too worry about re-injuring my arm when I return. I am worried too if I will be able to keep up. I am 49 and have worked this floor for 26 years. I think the fatigue and depression just go along with this whole process. Today is 10 weeks from my injury. Have been in PT for 3 plus weeks. Some days are better than others. Stiffness is the norm every morning. Love my heating pad. I wish you well. Just wanted to weigh in that everything ou are going through is the new normal.
Julie
Everything that Pat and Sheila are telling you is so very true. I also work in a hospital as a Nuclear Medicine Research Coordinator. My first 4 1/2 weeks were a drugged fog but some how I managed to get in a couple of hours at work.
One night while awake at 2:00 AM I discovered Pat’s Blog and it was at that point that I realized this was REALLY going to be a long road to recovery if at all.
At the 4 1/2 week time point they decided to do an ORIF although I was healing according to plan. That was like starting all over again. Their reasoning for the ORIF being that I would recover quicker and start intensive PT. If you are healing and going to PT and progressing I WOULD not recommend this type of surgery. Post surgery I found a Psychologist who specializes in chronic pain and behavior modification. A life saver. I too was freaked by the amount of pain meds I needed and he had to convince me how important pain control with the meds would be in my recovery process. This injury is life altering and I at many times could not fathom how anyone could be in such pain for so long and what was wrong with me?? which causes the depression.
I must have great insurance and I thank God for that. I had 4 nights in the hospital and PT 2xs per week for 4 months. I just had my last therapy appointments both head and body this week. I have graduated! I actually ran a 5K yesterday on Thanksgiving morning with my daughter and I am 58.
The pain is still there and if bad enough I will take my pain meds. I do not feel guilty about it either.
Julie you need to be kind to yourself…… Rest is paramount to healing. I thank Pat so much for her blog. There really is no information out there to prepare yourself for this type of recovery. Pat’s information allowed me the guide to measure my progress
So yes there is light at the end of the tunnel it just takes many months to get there.
I hope your job may allow you to return to work part time but please do not go back too quickly…..I know I had to pick up a patient at 6 weeks out and it caused a big pain flair up.
Pat would you agree??
Chris
I agree, Chris. There really is nothing to do in the first few weeks except rest as much as possible, deal with the pain, and learn how to accomplish small tasks. I’m still surprised that you had the ORIF weeks after the fracture, but I can’t judge if that was right or wrong.
We will never know what route would have been the best. One thing I do know is my Ortho seemed to rely heavily on the opinions of his colleagues and followed their advice rather than his own instincts. The other fact is you get reimbursed a lot more from insurance for performing a surgical intervention rather than letting time heal all wounds. The most concerning is that he knowingly used a plate that was too large for the size of my humerus and the nails have penetrated the bone and according to my new Ortho may be migrating into my shoulder capsule. He wants to remove it….I hope that will never be a journey I have to take.
The fact is I pretty much have the same ROM as my good arm and the pain is something I can live with and will improve with time. I am not even 6 months post op…I am very optimistic. I really meant what I said yesterday regarding your blog. You have provided so much information and support to so many. It helped me so much during those dark days….Happy Holidays!!
Kim…I say we get that Doctor down and show him what pain is…I don’t think he could take it like a women.
Sandy
I went to this blog because I wanted to know if the pain I was experiencing at night was normal. I dread nights. The medication only lasts a few hours so I wake up at 2:30 knowing it is too soon to take more. I spend the rest of the night heating bean bags or trying to keep an ice pack on my shoulder. I fell over a table and broke the upper humerus. No surgery. The doctor says it has healed beautifully, leave the sling, etc. so in many ways I know I am ver lucky. I go to PT about twice a week, do my home exercises so diligently even though I know they will increase my pain. I am going to start some massage treatments too.
Now I know what I am experiencing is normal – awful, but normal. The pain is very manageable during the day and I probably do too much. But the nights are hell.
I am understanding so much about the emotional effects of pain. I am 72, very energetic, never needed a lot of sleep, was never too tired for anything, read voraciously. Pain and the resultant exhaustion make me feel emotionally flat. My concentration is not good. I keep thinking what it would be like if this never got better.
This blog has helped me know I am not alone.
Welcome, Elizabeth. The pain is wretched, but without surgery, I hope you’ll have an easier time soon. Pat
Hi Julie and all,
Just wanted to know how everyone is coping with this injury! I am 2 months post injury and had wanted to find out more about this nasty injury. This is the best site I can find on the internet but there had not been much activity in the past few years! I felt so helpless and alone in this journey!
Bernard
I came across your blog a few weeks ago it was very helpful as many people have mentioned there is hardly any info out there re this type of injury. My story is I had a fall walking my dogs. Well actually they saw a cat (something that had happened many times before, they were checked & we walked on without event) until one day in October I was caught of guard & the next thing I knew I was on the floor. I should also mention I’m in the UK, (things maybe a little different) after a visit to A&E was sent home for a week, had to sleep sitting up in a chair in agony. One week later surgery was scheduled & cancelled twice, eventually had a 5 hour op ended up with 7 pins & a plate (ORIF) to fix fracture of upper end humerous. Now its 6 weeks today
Still taking paracetamol every 4 hours for pain relief, doing excercises given by physio. Having previously been someone that goes to bed & crashes out undisturbed for 8 hours, sleeping or lack of is one of the biggest issues to deal with. For me it’s to really shoulder pain but the top of my arm & movement & mobility concern me. Having said all that I do feel some improvements, although its hard to take in the long recovery that seems ahead. Thanks again for this blog I refer to it when I’m struggling & get some solace reading the experiences of others.
Kim, So sorry to hear of your accident so close to the holidays. It sounds like you’re on the right path. Will you be seeing a professional physical therapist on a regular basis now that you’ve passed your 6 week mark, or are you trying to do it at home?
Kim
I’m also in uk and 8 months post ORIF with a plate for a 4 part proximal humerous fracture I can say my doc had me on cocodomol there’s no way paracetamol was strong enough and I still have a couple in the night – physio is worth it if you get a good one . I had good health insurance which paid for it- on the whole mostly ok now but general pain and opening jars is still a challenge . Still going skiing in 4 weeks so chin up but be ready for a long haul
Kim, I was right where you are 6 weeks ago. I just had my 3 month checkup. I am still off work and will be for another month. Still in PT. Didn’t start PT until after 6 weeks. Until then I was in a sling. I still have difficulty extending my arm forward and to the side. I can tell how much better my movement is. I was sure I would be healed in 3 months time Ha! Guess my surgeon was right when he just looked at me when I said that. It is discouraging at times. This past weekend was rough because of the weather and my hardware. I have a plate and 12 screws. Didn’t plan to whine about my situation. Just wanted to let you know that we are all going through this together.
Best of luck.
Sheila
Georgiapat, I have had a couple of physio sessions & am booked in for some weekly classes, it is hard to get motivated to do excercises at home but I know it’s necessary. Finding it frustrating that my consultant said its strong & fixed so should be able to get arm past shoulder level but I just can’t. The best I can do is just below shoulder level by holding & pushing with my other hand.
ShielaC, thanks for your comment. Whilst its obviously not good for us to be in this position, it is helpful to hear how others are coping. For me the accident has been life changing, as I can’t drive, walk my dogs or do anything I enjoy let alone financial situation not being able to work properly. Still have always been a glass half full kinda gal & have a supportive partner so will just get by best we can. Best wishes
Kim, you have my total sympathy. I thought I’d go mad from the pain and lack of sleep, so I know just how awful things are for you right now. And you do think it’ll just go on and on forever, and your arm’s never going to work properly again. But I promise you it does get better.
It’s five months now since my accident and I’ve been completely off painkillers for a month now. I’m able to sleep in any position, can open jars, lift things and fold sheets. What I can’t do is get my arm around my back, and the muscles are still somewhat weak, but -hey – I’m just glad the pain’s gone.
I agree with Simon – you need to get some stronger painkillers. My consultant was reluctant to give me anything for some reason (I don’t think he appreciated how desperate I was for at least a decent night’s sleep), so I went to my GP and got a prescription for Tramadol, which is the next step up from Iboprufen. It was like magic – I had night after night of blessed sleep, which helped me cope much better during the day, too. I endured eight weeks, though, before asking for the painkillers and wished that I’d done it sooner.
Another bit of advice is to use hot water bottles when you go to bed (and during the day, too, if you’re in pain). I found it really comforting and the heat eased my pain a lot. I know some physios advise not using heat, but mine said it was okay, and so did my consultant, so I just went ahead and I can’t say there have been any ill-effects.
As I was concerned about taking painkillers 24/7, I also invested in a TENS machine, and this was also enormously helpful in making the pain manageable. It gave me another weapon in my arsenal, and it was handy when I had to go anywhere that would require sitting for a long time (which I couldn’t do for long without the pain starting up).
I notice you say most of your pain’s in your arm, though, so I should mention that you’re not supposed to use a TENS machine over where the plate is (that’s what my physio said, anyway, but there was nothing in the instructions that said it was dangerous).
Now, I don’t know if this next bit of advice is any use to you or not – I just offer it because it’s what I did and I don’t know whether it accounts for the speed at which I regained mobility in my arm. Both my physio and my consultant were astounded at the range of movement I had at 6 weeks (I could lift my arm straight up), and I don’t have any explanation other than that I rubbed comfrey ointment into my shoulder two or three times a day and took regular doses of Vitamin D, calcium and Vitamin C to help the bones heal. There’s an evidence base for the comfrey, which has been found to be very beneficial to joints and muscles, so there may be something in it.
Anyway, I do hope the pain starts to ease off soon and that you start to feel you’re getting your life back.
I fell would you believe getting into bed, I am 73 and it has been almost 4 months and I still have a lot of pain the doctor keeps talking about replacement surgery but I am hoping with the help of God it will mend on it’s own. My primary care doctor says 6 months to a year to recover. I am blessed with a wonderful daughter that the first few weeks helped me shower, dress and fixed meals for me. I lived in my pajamas until I could dress myself. I live in a townhouse and have a small dog that I walked wearing them and now see others out theirs.
I have what is called Mattress Genie it goes between the box springs and mattress, it fills with air and raises the top of your bed up. I would never have made it without it I started water arobics this week but was exausted after first time and slept for 4 hours when I returned home. The second time I think I over did and have had a lot of pain today. Slowly my range of motion is returning but the pain has never left although it is not as bad as at first. I also got like a door nob to go on my car’s steering wheel that really helps with driving as I was having a difficult time turning the steering wheel. They used them before power steering.
I hope this helps someone as everyone else who wrote helped me to know all my feelings and recovery are normal and I am not crazy.
Welcome, Norma. I’m so glad that you had help at home in the first several weeks. Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a few weeks to prepare for a debilitating injury, but I guess we’d avoid it altogether!
Wow, look at these posts! We obviously all needed a venue through which to throw down our thoughts, frustrations, and successes.
I purchased a theracane about 2 months into recovery. My PT explained that it’s the best way to get to knots in your back/shoulder/shoulder blade. I believe that my lack of motion was due to the fact that all my muscles in my neck, shoulder and shoulder blade were tied in knots. While I was going to PT 2x/week, my PT spent the first 20 minutes just working out the knots. To this day, I start my PT with rolling against yoga balls on the wall and using the theracane to really dig into the problem spots. You just hold the ball of the cane on the muscle until it starts to release…I often use it while watching TV.
My goal was to be at 80% at 6 months and 100% at one year. I don’t think I’ll make the 80% goal (I’m almost at 6 months), but I think I’ll be 70%, which isn’t too bad considering a plate and 12 screws were implanted into my arm!
I like to look at the bright side…I didn’t break my neck, which was a concern right after I fell 12 feet onto a ladder that slipped out from under me (I was taken to a trauma center that specialized in spine injuries). The first 2 months were hell, but I’ve been able to sleep for the past few months. I can’t raise my arm as high as I’d like, but I’m not an Olympic swimmer trying to do the backstroke. (I’m just a 53 year old trying to keep an old body in somewhat okay shape). I teach 7th and 8th graders Math, and my students have been really good about understanding my limitations this year, which is saying a lot if you know that age group! 🙂 I’m counting my blessings.
That said, it’s interesting how we all get used to the daily pain and tightness.
I’ve really learned a lot from this sight and thank all of you who’ve posted and helped me with my mental recovery!
Hi there, Im 37 female in the UK who had a horse riding fall 18/11/12 resulting in a upper 4 part fracture to humerus to my right arm. Plate and 7 screws later.. that was 23/11/12 I was kind of left with a “your fixed now” feeling from the staff. Don’t get me wrong my surgeon was great. I have been so relieved to find others stories. I worry I’m never going to have strength or enough movement to be.. well normal again. At times I want to just cry at the fact I feel I wont be normal again, like I’m going to be this way forever, never able to sleep properly or just brush my hair without wincing. I know its so early on but is it normal to feel so helpless? I’m usually such a strong person and this just chips away at me, the slightest movement can be so hard I just hope it will get easier. I seem to have a slight swelling to the under side of my right ribs I am guessing due to lack of movement. I have hospital on the 8th and will discuss there.
I found in weeks 3-4 I wasn’t so bad but this week, week 5-6, its really seizing up. I have a lot of shoulder knots. As I was doing so well I was given no PT due to the amount of movement I had then, I find most of my pain feels in the muscle as if its ripped, I know its not long since surgery and I have to allow the muscle time to heal. But its like a burning feeling then at times the outer area where the plate is aches so much. I too find sleep a bit difficult, I think I try to roll onto my right and this wakes me up. My scar line is also tight and at times sore. I have been using Sudo cream, on it to try and keep it supple. Showering is still difficult and as I live on my own its at times difficult to do things. I tend to lift my right side to reach things and if I try to extend my arm out it will start to shake. I’m told I will never reach my middle back for a bra for example and have to wonder just how much movement and flexibility will be regained… Will there be a day I feel no paid? I also worry what if I fall on it again, I so miss horse riding and want to get back in the saddle, although no more cantering through mud! Im worried life will never be the same.
These stories give me hope that there will be a normality again. I seem to have a slight swelling to the under side of my right ribs I am guessing due to lack of movement. I have hospital on the 8th and will discuss there. But thank you for sharing it helps.
@bunkella, I’m not a medical professional, but it sounds like you’re doing pretty well just 4+ weeks after surgery. At that point, I was almost incapacitated, swimming in a sea of pain.
The shoulder is a complicated joint, difficult to fully rehabilitate, but your relative youth and regular physical therapy will make a difference in healing and function. I have been told to expect arthritis in my shoulder later on, but you’ll have many years without that worry.
i am 73 recovery is very slow first 3 months are the most painful but with work and faith our bodies seem to have a way of healing itself. . You must have a positive out look that each day you are a little better. I know full range of motion may never be but at least I didn’t loose my arm or the use of my hand. I can tell when I over do the next day I am miserable and back to popping pain pills more but I know in a few days I will be better. If I don’t exersise requarly it gets stiff on me. Reading some of the other blogs I realize how blessed I was with my fall. One young man said he slept in a straight chair for days, wore tthe same shirt foor 4 days and had to cut it off to shower, he had noone to help him. This place is a real source of support and that is what yu need to get throough.
Blessings
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Hi Nic Sorry to hear about your accident & that you have had the misfortune to have to join this excellent “diary”. I have posted on here previously but can so identify with your story that I had to reply. Firstly let me say that from what I’ve read & learned on my journey so far, you seem to be doing fine although I appreciate you don’t feel that way right now. My surgery was 9 weeks yesterday, last Thurs my consultant agreed to give me another 4 weeks to see if I could get more movement as another Doc wanted to give me injections or manipulation under another general anaesthetic, which I don’t feel I want at this stage. I previously wrote of having 7 pins but as hubby reminded me it is actually 10. I know I am fortunate to have a supportive partner but as you have said couldn’t even do my own hair. Showering alone was possible after a few days but no way could I have dried myself! I am a dog lover they were with me on the dreaded day (& played a part in my accident) I’ve missed walking them dreadfully & didn’t think I’d ever be able to again, but took the plunge accompanied by hubby a few days ago, so am sure you will be back in the saddle too. What I would say is I have excellent PT classes nice a week but they have stressed that 15 mins a day is really necessary to get the best rehab possible. My surgeon was also excellent (I’m convinced that if not for him my breaks were so bad that I would!t have been fixed so well) but he also said well your fixed its strong go a live normally. I’ve been we’ll looked after by the NHS & would encourage you to ask for physio best wishes & good luck, be strong & you’ll win through but as everyone says be prepared for a lot of hard work, it’s a long journey. If its any help my PT guy says take pain relief, heat treatment (I’ve never been so attached to my hot water bottle) & exercise daily.
Thanks for the heat tip. I actually left hospital 2 days post surgery with 3 exercises the spinning, paint the wall and pendulum. So with no PT post or advice on how to cope I wasn’t sure about hot water bottles, so I will try a hot water bottle. I didn’t know if heat or cold was best and if I should.
I keep telling my arm it will do more, I do try to push it each day a bit more and bit more. I am going to my GP this week and will ask about PT as hospital haven’t mentioned any or something for the scar pain, maybe sudo isn’t the best thing to rub into it.
Shoulder knots are a pain in the posterior at the moment im guessing I will have to go get a massage somewhere for that but worry someone will touch my arm, which I find intimidating, I have lost the nerve to do certain things, I washed the floor and skidded on it of course raising the bad right arm to protect myself resulting in about an hour of pain and me having to take a heap of meds. Also little things like using a cash machines, as its my right arm, I feel so vulnerable and a new alien to me, walking past people in the supermarket is like omg don’t touch me… I wear my sling out to kind of warn people to stay away from it. But its early days and maybe im just being over cautious. 🙂
I can speak from the 4 month point. It is a slow go for much longer than I thought it would be. My fall through an attic ceiling was 9/11/12. At 3 months,I thought I would be back to my old self. Thought my surgeon was nuts when he said it would be 4 months at least. Being an RN I thought my bones would heal faster- lol. Nope, no super human powers. But that being said, I can tell a big difference between 3 months and 4 months. Have been in PT for 10 weeks. I have a plate and 12 screws after 3 breaks. I have probably had more pain and cried more about this than I ever thought I would. My sage advice- take the pain meds as needed and use heat as often as needed. It is discouraging at times. But some days you celebrate the small accomplishments. I am constantly surprised with movements that I can do today that I couldn’t yesterday. This forum has been great to see where everyone is. Wish you a speedy recovery. Keep us posted!
Just one thing.. way down the line do you feel the plate hit your shoulder if your reaching up or trying to move your arm? I do worry that someone will go to pull me out the pool or pull my arm and it will crunch, or is that in my head lol
Sometimes I think I feel the plate still. As for someone pulling on my arm, no way unless I am drowning! No,seriously I am still very protective of my right shoulder and arm and it has been 4 months today. Guess I won’t know about the crunch for now.
I remember the shoulder knots! I got them all around my shoulder blade and they’d keep me awake all night, reducing me to tears. Then I discovered that I could use the handle of a walking stick to dig into the knot and release it. Give it a try – it feels fabulous.
Nic, I learned far more from Physical Therapist #2 than I did from my surgeon. PT #2 said that it is very important to use heat prior to any exercises, and cold afterward to prevent inflammation. Inflammation can cause new scar tissue. Physical Therapist #1 had offered cold after PT, but didn’t explain that it was important. I always declined, because it felt so awful (I started PT in the dead of winter).
PT #2 said that the bone would break before the plate ever would. He has a plate in his ankle from a high school football injury, and said that it never bothers him, but I think young people heal faster and better. I’m not afraid of injuring my shoulder through daily use, and can now carry up to about 40 lbs. I have been told to expect arthritis in this joint in the future, but no use in worrying about it now.
Yeah my doctor has signed me off for two more weeks and said heat will be ok but he refused to give any advice as that is for the hospital. Hot water bottles a go! Have to say the thought the bone will break before the plate did make my tummy churn over 🙂 but yes I guess I will always be very careful of what I do with it.
He didn’t supply any pain meds and im going to ask the hospital what they think due to the lack of anything to aid me to get more than 3hrs sleep. I am taking 46g codeine & 500g paracetamol which gives me 3 hrs ish. I have more codeine but it isn’t a good drug to take long term as I had it for my endometriosis for 3 years.
In those first weeks and months, it’s so hard to find something that works well but is not addictive (and that’s not a problem any of us need). I have just gotten to the point that I debate whether I even need Ibuprofen at night, and just take it as needed. However, I do take Ambien every night.
Hi Pat:
Becareful taking the Ambien as you tend to sleep walk with it! That is how I fell and broke my shoulder. It is also very very addicting!! Wean yourself off of it a quickly as you can. I am going for a sleep study since I can’t sleep without it. Did alright for a while taking bynadril but now that doesn’t wrk anymore.
Norma, I’ve taken Ambien (generic version) for about 15 years. Insomnia has been a lifelong problem for me. I can remember being four years old and lying awake until the wee hours of the morning. I think I just have that level of anxiety.
However, I know what you mean about the sleep walking! I didn’t remember that you broke your shoulder that way! Yikes! I have only sleep walked occasionally, and it was to raid the kitchen. It seems to have been the times when I was really stressed, and also thinking about a particular food before going to bed. My subconscious decided to act on that craving! Since my kitchen faces the street, I hope my subconscious thought about putting on a bathrobe. I’m very neat, though. I never drop any crumbs!
I’ve heard some crazy stories from other people. One had an urge to get up and check his handgun, and ended up firing it into the dresser. Another couple (both of whom took Ambien) got up one morning to find the dining table set with the best China and silver. They never figured out which one did it!
Hi Pat:
I got up to use bathroom about 3 am which I do every night, but this time I guess I was confused and stepped onto my stool and laid on opposite end of bed and was right on the edge and rolled right out of bed and hit the concrete slab floor, it did have carpet but not enough of a cushion to help. Thank God it wasn’t my hip that broke. I laid on the floor for 6 1/2 hours passing out every time I tired to move. I think God must have sent angels because I was able to pull myself straight up off the floor which a 73 I can’t do normally, I need to crawl to something to pull myself up. I pulled my sciatic nerve doing that so am in miserable pain with both. I see the spine dr on the 16th and hopefully he will do an epidural to relieve the pain. That was on Sept 23, 2012. that I fell. I think I am doing okay still have stiffness and some pain but have regained most of my motion back,, enough that if this is it and the pain goes away I will be able to live with. I don’t want surgery at my age. I still take pain pills backed up with ibuprofen and hope to get off that ASAP. I don’t know which pain is worse my arm or my back but enough to put a stop to doing very much. From what I am told 6 months to a year for full recovery, I am hoping for the 6. Then maybe I can get my not sleeping under control. I got up one night on Ambien and ate a whole large bag of M&M it was all down the front of my top and I even brushed my teeth after. Then another night I had just bought a gallon of bleach and I scrubbed the bathroom down with the whole bottle, I did put rubber gloves on but never got a drop on my clothes go figure. I had a very clean bathroom. My kids kept telling me to get off it and I have now but I just don’t sleep well, hopefully the sleep study will come up with something like sleep apenia ( however you spell that) They say now they can do surgery for it. I will keep you posted about that.
Blessings
Norma, I think you are doing superbly for this short time. Maybe we should start a blog of funny Ambien stories, although I guess they’re not all amusing. It’s amazing how the subconscious mind takes over and knows how to complete complicated tasks. One night, I got up and popped popcorn in the microwave, and then melted butter in the microwave to pour over it.
I’m so glad that you didn’t break your hip! The shoulder is life-changing enough, but that would have been a disaster! You may well have sleep apnea. Probably, a lot of people do, and have never been diagnosed.
Hi Pat! Thank you so much for this blog and for all others that shared their story. I fell on new years day skiing….not going fast or anything difficult, just landed directly on my shoulder. I saw the PA for the ortho yesterday and will supposedly find out if the ortho recommends surgery on Monday.
After reading these stories I am very scared and afraid. I am a 50 yr old mother of two young daughters and work part time. My husband travels out of town weekly for work, so I am not sure how life will work over the next couple of months or for that matter even this next week. I also have MS and had three tough years with back to back exaserbations about a year ago, so skiing was my way of trying to get back into life. I am very sad and discouraged now. I felt like everyday was hard before, now I can’t even imagine.
Thank you for letting me share! I will let you know the outcome.
Laurie, I’m so sorry!!! I can imagine how disheartening it is, especially when you were doing something healthy, and something you enjoy! I’m sure others can come up with additional ideas, but I’ve tried to mention as many things as I could about getting ready for being incapcitated. https://shoulderdiary.wordpress.com/about/
It’s a long recovery no matter what, but maybe your othro will decide that it’s a clean enough break that you won’t need surgery. I met someone in PT who’d had a similar fracture, and her doctor chose to immobilize her shoulder for several weeks, followed by several months of physical therapy. It has to be a clean break that can mend properly.
Keep us posted!
Thanks so very, very much Pat!! I have been reading your entire blog as well as comments from others. I am really trying hard to remain hopeful. One benefit is that I have already been exercising my fingers, wrist, and forearm and it has been going well. The more I read is that unless the bone damage is severe and displaced, I am probably best to avoid surgery if possible. I probably need to have my husband read this too, but I am afraid this will really discourage him. I just can’t thank you enough for taking time to reply back…..thank you! Many blessings to you!
Lauree
Lauree and Norma so sorry to hear of your recent incidents.. wow we are a bunch eh! I have been told to pursue Physio, as it seems others I have spoken to think its a cut back on costs as to why I have not been offered it.
Whilst I can understand why so many would regard the tales, as you say Lauree, as your husband might there is a light.. we are all here to tell them, we are surviving and recovering. Difficult as they sound and some worse than others they bring hope and help 🙂
Wishing you all well for 2013
Nic – I’m from the UK and also ended up with ORIF surgery following a riding accident 5 months ago. The first few months were nothing short of horrendous but fortunately I’ve worked through most of the pain, am sleeping fairly well now, have been back to work for a few months and have been committed to a physio programme very early on. I am sure it is the physio that has made the difference although I won’t pretend that at times it hasn’t been little short of torture. My break was a bad one and I won’t get anything like full ROM back but I started physio on the NHS at 6 weeks post op. My physio talks about a 6 month golden window after which I should not expect to achieve much more in terms of ROM – but I am determined to do whatever I can to make sure I get back what I can. I do three lots of exercise a day on my physio’s advice (3 x 20 mins) and attend a shoulder physio clinic once a week (they have machinery that I don’t have at home). It’s all free on the NHS so there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to get the same – all it has cost me are the full box sets of Lost, Heros and 24 as the exercises are SO boring…
Chuckling at your comment about boxed videos and boredom! I was the ONLY person in PT who listened to my iPOD the entire time. I reserved that 1-2 hours to listen to my “Free on iTunes” songs, because I never would listen to them any other time. I can’t imagine going through all those machines without something to keep my mind occupied!
Y’all are so funny. I ,of course, socialize in PT.
I ask everyone about their stories, patients and therapists. Probably the nurse in me. I bet some of those wished they had their iPods:)
Lucy – have you returned to riding yet? I’m planning on going back into the ring in march but not hacking out in the woods for a while.
Sadly they still feel I will not benefit from Physio but say to keep up the swimming. I don’t know why if its cost etc but even the physio who came in to see what I can and cannot do felt she couldn’t really do more 😦
Very comforting to know it’s not just me! I fractured my right humerus 14 weeks ago and it’s still ‘s’ shaped when I take the brace and sling off. I’m a healthy 46 year old non-smoker so concerned why my bones aren’t mending. The approach has been conservative thus far, just collar and cuff sling with a brace. The last xray (8 weeks) showed a small ‘cloud’ around the site but the bones were and still are very mobile. The good thing is that it doesn’t hurt anymore. Back for more xrays next week but assuming that surgery will be required and a bit concerned that i’m looking at another 6-8 weeks recovery time. Does that seem likely from your experiences?
Claire, In all of my months of PT, I only met one patient who’d had a similar injury treated with immobilization and physical therapy with no surgery. As a matter of fact, she was the only person I saw with a shoulder injury – most were knees. When I met her, she had been in PT for seven months, so it’s no small injury, even without this awful surgery.
I can’t imagine why you’re not healing properly, and I hope you don’t have to have surgery. Sometimes, it’s the only path, but…. Are you in physical therapy, or is the doctor waiting for the bones to mend? Please stay in touch, because we can all learn from each other.
Pat
Thanks for your support, the biggest frustration is no driving and having to try to sleep upright for so long. I work full time and have 3 children, one of whome is quadraplegic so poor old hubby is having to do pretty much everything. I sense my colleagues are a bit bored with my arm drama now and I don’t blame them,
I slipped off a very small horse in walk, paramedics called for the air ambulance but it couldn’t land due to fog. He gave me 2 loads of morphine and i was sucking on the gas and air but the pain was off the scale. The fracture was closed thank goodness but grotesquely displaced was the description used. He said i’d be in theatre within the hour. Not to be as it turned out. With a bit more gas and air the doc reduced the fracture and sent me on my way.
My fingers and elbow are still swelled but i do my exercises. I can’t straighten my arm past about 100 degrees which also worries me slightly. I did start on vit D a few weeks ago and will continue to take it now i know how good it is for you. My next appointment is on monday so hope they’ll work out why i still have a wobbly arm and how to fix it!
Are you taking any supplements? Vitamin D, calcium and vitamin C all help your bones knit. It’s worth a try anyway.
14 weeks is a long time to endure without any sense of progress, so you must be feeling very frustrated. I hope the x-rays next week show more improvement.
Good luck with your appointment. Make sure you let them know what hell it is living with pain and lack of sleep and that something needs to be done. Fourteen weeks is too long for a ‘wait and see’ approach. Also, if you live in the UK you should be getting home help to assist with caring for your disabled child while you’re healing. What a nightmare you’re going through!
Let us know how you get on on Monday.
Hi,
the xray showed some signs of healing but not much. Consultant then proceeded to bend my arm in all sorts of unnatural positions to see just how wobbly the site is, and it is very wobbly. The initial thought was to wait another 6 weeks and come back for more xrays. Needless to say, i wasn’t happy with that! We fly out on holiday on 22nd March and there wouldn’t be chance for the NHS to squeeze me in for surgery in the next couple of weeks. Deal was they will book me in for surgery mid April but hoping it will heal by then. Meant to see a private consultant on thursday but found out today I’ve been made redundant so no idea if that appointment can go ahead now. How i’m going to get a new job whilst not being able to drive I don’t know. Makes it all more urgent now.
@surreymum. Sounds like you’re having a real bad run of luck. It’s a bit like last year was for me – I lost my job at the beginning of the year and was just getting to the point of launching a new business when I broke my shoulder and was incapable of doing anything for months. Lots of personal stuff all seemed to go awry, too, so all in all it was a horrible time. All I can say to you on that front is that you’ll get through it in the end, and some things that seem bad (like redundancy) can turn out to be opportunities to change your life for the better.
Regarding the non-union of your bone, I came across this information on an ortho site:
“Some nonunions can be treated nonsurgically. The most common nonsurgical treatment is a bone stimulator. This small device delivers ultrasonic or pulsed electromagnetic waves that stimulate healing. The patient places the stimulator on the skin over the nonunion from 20 minutes to several hours daily. This treatment must be used every day to be effective.”
Do you think it might be worth discussing this as an option with your consultant or a physio? Or if you can’t access the consultant, I’d ask my GP if it could be arranged. Can’t do any harm, and it might help.
I fractured my shoulder on Aug 23 and am still recovering however I am 73 not in my 40″s but I have had so much pain along with my sciatic nerve I pulled, pulling myself up off the floor after 6 !/2 hours but I see more mobility now and less pain the doctor said 3 to 6 months and maybe a year before I am totally mended, I go in the first of Feb for more X rays. I have lived on pain pills so long it has affected my liver so caution on taking too much pain medication. I am on a steroid pack now which has helped tremendously with the pain and go back to see my back doctor the first of March and hopefully he will do a epidural which helps.
Norma, I feel for you. I was still in serious pain five months after surgery, and I’d have to check my notes, but I think I was still taking prescription pain medication. 2+ years later, I debate every night about Ibuprofen at bedtime. About half the time, I don’t take anything. I try not to take any medication during the day, except an occasional Benadryl for allergies. However, I’m semi-retired from real estate because of our struggling housing market, and wondering if I could handle a part time job. I had chronic, sometimes debilitating, lower back problems working in retail in my 20s. That was a lesson not to abuse my back, and pay attention to those first twinges. Now, there’s the shoulder. Even sitting at a computer for a long stretch causes burning pain in my shoulder.
Hi all! I am so sorry to see the other posts and injuries since my post earlier this month! My heart goes out to each of you!
My ortho decided no surgery and the fracture is proximal humerus on the ball at the top of my shoulder. I go back for a checkin with the ortho on Friday and my hope is that it is still in place(hasn’t shifted upward) and that there is evidence of healing. I too am a Mom of young children (even though I am in my early 50’s) and my injury has really impacted my family. I have been continuing to work (part time) on phone and computer, but my hubby travels every week so it has been tough.
I have been off the Percocet, and even the Tylenol the past several days, but my PT massaged my soft tissue today and I am in a world of hurt tonight. My MS has been acting up a bit a couple times this past week, so mentally I am not doing so well today. The cold weather doesn’t help and I wake up stiff and sore every morning.
Mt PT is limited to just hanging my arm and lengthiness the tendons. The sling makes my shoulder curl forward, which my PT says aggregates the muscles and tendons, thus the pain. I am surprised that my bicep is still swollen and a bit bruised, even though it’s been 4 weeks since injury.
I didn’t mean to write so much, but it helps to share this with those that understand. I am trying to remain hopeful…will let you all know how the ortho visit goes on Friday.
Oh, Georgia Pat, the tips where really helpful. My friend and daughters got me some roomy tops and I pull the tanks on from my feet…I dont think I would have thought of that. The little fork like dental floss works great for for my one good hand.
Best wishes everyone!
Lauree, It sounds like you really are doing well compared to where I was at that stage. It took quite awhile for my elbow, wrist, and fingers to bend properly. I had a lot of blood and swelling in the arm for a long time. After 2+ years, my hand, wrist, and shoulder are not normal, but are functional. Keep us posted on how you recover without surgery. Surgery is a necessary evil in some cases, but it’s a tough one!
Laurie, it seems as though you and I have the same injury- proximal head of the left humerus fracture but no surgery. I am 6 weeks out from the injury. I started my physical therapy 2 weeks ago and each time I do my therapy I am in tears. I cannot believe how much this hurts when I didn’t even have surgery. It seems odd that this injury should be so painful.
I did mine while walking the dog. My doctor said that I would not believe how many people begin their story with those same words. The good thing is I did not trip over the dog, I tripped over the; it was just uneven and I was unfortunate to come across the uneven spot and although my dog is a Sheltie she has no Lassie running in her and she did not run home to tell my husband that Holly fell in the well. lol
that should have read I tripped over the uneven sidewalk.
Hi, I have the same injury from a fall Nov. 1, 2012. Had my second
CT scan yesterday. I went through therapy. Arm still hurts. My second doctor will decide whether or not to do surgery when he reads the second scan. Its getting to be to long of a process.
Georgiapat, thank you so much for sharing your diary. I read and re-read gaining information each time. I fell December 17 was put into a sling and had ORIF surgery on January 3, I think it was a three part proximal humerus fracture. According to what I have read in your diary and posts I seem to be doing well. I found that I am not the only one having difficulty with sleep, not able to find a comfortable position except sitting up and waking every hour or two. I was really concerned when out of no where I began to get muscle spasms and burning sensations, but according to what I have read here, again normal. The recommendation for heat has been a blessing, greatly helping with the muscle spasms. What I have not seen though is if anyone has had difficulty with straightening their elbow or bending their fingers. I cannot bend my fingers or make a fist. I have a great deal of discomfort trying to bend my fingers or my wrist. Again, thank you so much for sharing and any information or tips for any thing that has helped on your journey is greatly appreciated.
Celeste, I think I accidentally answered one of your questions in my response to Lauree. For months, I had considerable swelling and a lot of blood in my arm, hand, and fingers. There were days that I couldn’t bend my fingers at all. It took months to get back full movement in my elbow without a lot of pain. I still feel some stiffness, and occasional mild pain, in my wrist, and I think it’s nerve damage from the original injury or the surgery. My fingers are a bit stiff, too, but not painful. Every time I go to the grocery store, I’m reminded of those first trips to the store in January 2011, when I had to unload my cart slowly, using one hand.
Hi there, I can also weigh in on this subject.
My surgery was in Sept and it seemed to take a very long time for the swelling to decrease. It was surprising still swollen at 3 months. It was after the 3 month mark moving to 4 month before the swelling decreased and my range of motion improved greatly. My deciding factor was whether my ring would fit and my finger would not swell too much to wear it. Hope that helps. Ps had plate and 12 screws.
I found what is called a mattress Genie it goes between your box springs and mattress and fills with air and raises the top of your bed up I think it was about a hundred dollars go on mattressginie.com check it out it is well worth the money for being comfortable. With time you will get better it is just a slow progress but it does get better.
Again, thank you georgiapat and thank you Booboo0331 for letting me know that these experiences are normal.
Went for Xrays yesterday, my shoulder is not healing I have a small hole where bone got crushed and it is not rebuilding…I saw the Dr. Asst. he said Doctor would look at Xray and call me. Not in any pain to speak of but just came off a predizone pack so may return. I want to try the ultra sound you spoke of to see if that will help rebuild the bone before surgery, My arn gets stiff if I don’t keep it mooving. Has anyone had this happen to them and what was your outcome. Long 5 months getting here don’t want to start all over again. Thank you all this is a great support group and I appreciate all of you.
Norma, I wonder if the prednisone has been inhibiting your bone healing. You might see an improvement now you’re no longer taking it. Apparently, steroids and NSAIDS (such as ibuprofen) inhibit the osteocytes which build new bone, so alternative methods of pain relief, such as heat or a TENS machine may be beneficial.
Thank you for the information but I was only on it for 12 days as I pulled my sciatic nerve when I pulled myself straight up off the floor and the back doctor wanted to try that before doing anythong else and it relieved the pain in both my back and shoulder but notice it is starting to return. There is about 1/4 of the ball to my shoulder that was crushed and is missing and I don’t think it is possible after 5 months it is going to fill in and rebuild, if I were 16 it might but not at 73. I am hoping maybe just leave well enough alone but don’t know if that will ibe best. I will just have to wait until the doctor calls to tell me what his advice is. I really don’t want a shoulder replacement but sometimes we have to do things we don’t want. I just hoped someone had something similar happen to them. What is the saying anticipation is worse than the crime.
Norma, I hope you won’t need more surgery. With these injuries, I guess every ortho doctor debates immobilization vs ORIF vs shoulder replacement. It took my surgeon several days to decide on the ORIF instead of replacement. As for stiffness, I have stiffness all the time, but I guess I’ve gotten used to it.
Hi Pat:
What exactly do they do with ORIF my doctor only mentioned replacement. I am hoping with time most of the stiffness will leave but if not I will adjust and know my limited use with it. I hope we just leave well enough alone. I should know in a few days when my Doctor returns and looks at the xrays.
Norma, Your doctor is probably thinking about replacement because of your age and bone density. My surgeon debated for several days before making a decision, because he believed that I would not have had such a severe injury if I didn’t have osteoporosis. Actually, I have osteopenia, the precursor to osteoporosis, and bone density tests have not shown that it is worsening. I did take a big dive off at a high speed, but I suspect he is also correct in assuming that bone density played a role. Pat
Hi everyone! Update: I saw the PA at the PA at the ortho’s office and had the shoulder XRayed again. It has been just over 4 weeks since injury. He thinks it is looking good and that I can start passive range of motion with my PT this week. It hasn’t displaced but still too soon to tell if the bone is growing. It is hard to be patient. I remain hopeful (most days) the my body will continue to heal my shoulder. the biggest challenge is not driving and feeling SO dependent on my husband and friends. My oldest daughter, 12 yrs old, did express that it has made her become much more responsible since she now has to do more around the house and help by making breakfasts and lunches….the blessings of life’s challenges! I am in the sling for another three weeks….will post more soon. Hang in there everyone! We are tough cookies!
That sounds like good progress, Laurie. I’m so glad that your family is helping out, because there’s absolutely no way for you to rush this recovery. But, you’re probably discovering little “work arounds” for normal tasks. It would be nice to have a month’s notice before having this kind of accident!
Hello all. Thrilled to find this Site. I fell off a hockey bench while being trainer for my daughter’s team during a game. Dislocated my shoulder, broke a piece off my scapula and my humerus. I am braced up (it happened 2 weeks ago). No surgery so far as per surgeon. It took 2 Times with a general anesthetic to get it back in. I cried when told how long will take if ever to be right, but now know the pain and boredom and feeling useless. Hate that need daughter or husband to get clean. My surgeon said likely will never do all tasks did at work before (registered veterinary technician ). That all said -could have been worse and can see your all in similar spots so understand. Is it normal for my fingers to be numb with pins and needles? Asked the doctor and he said ‘dont worry and moved on. 46 yrs.
Lisa, welcome! I guess it won’t help for me to say that you’ll be in too much pain to be bored…? Sorry, I know that’s not funny! If you can avoid surgery and get back reasonable function with PT, I would sure go that road. Doctors should be conservative about surgery, but sometimes the break is just too messy to heal on its own. I can’t say that I’ve regained my range of motion, but I feel capable of lifting and carrying fairly heavy objects. It took a long time to get to this place, where pain is minimal and function is acceptable.
Lisa I too had pins and needles lasted about 14 weeks, Consultant never really said what the cause was so asked my GP who said it was compressed nerve damage, I also get stiff finger on an off during the day but worst first thing in morning. I sustained a 3 part proximal humerus fracture on 9th Oct 2012, Didn’t have an operation just neck and wrist sling slept in chair for over 6 weeks still lots of pain despite physio- just can’t get my arm to go past about 135 degrees and can’t get my arm around my back unless I pull with my other arm. Have been told by consultant I may never get full range of motion. I’m 67yrs and never had any difficulty in moving my arm prior to accident. Live in UK. Been good to know how others have coped and yes I agree the pain is exruciating for about 8 weeks, I still have a lot of pain if I stretch and lift my arm and a nagging pain the rest of the time. Thanks to all who have made comments, it sure helps to know that others have had the same experience.
Lisa Clifford, Did the pins and needles, numb sensation in your fingertips ever go away? This is a problem I have still after 10 weeks post op. And did anyone ever find out why the arm cannot ever go up the back again.. is it muscle damage or impingement?
Samantha, I can reach up past my shoulder blades now. I think it’s a function of the original injury, the therapy, and time. It certainly takes forever, doesn’t it?
Good news is I have a new job and they are very supportive, trying to find me an automatic car and I’ve bought a spinning knob which attaches to the steering wheel. No idea what the insurance company will say! Shoulder and elbow are very sore at the moment, hopefully means things are mending. I bet all the sunshine in Florida will heal me and then I won’t need my surgery. Fingers crossed!
That’s great news about the job. Seems like things are beginning to look up at last.
Yes, you should get lots of natural vitamin D on your holiday. I hope you have a good time
I am so happy things are working out so well for you and you are seeing a brighter side to life. That nob on your steering wheel makes driving so much easier. God is so good to bless us when we need it the most. Good Luck!! on the new job
Hi,
just about to head off to the sunshine but now have a date for my surgery (bone graft from hip and plate and screws in my arm) and keen to know how long i’ll be dosed up on painkillers so I can plan my time away from work. I’m assuming 3-4 days of strong stuff, what are other’s experiences?
oddly i’m looking forward to what i hope is the last leg of my journey back to 2 arms!
Hi,
Im 25 yo from SG. Broke my dominant arm while holidaying in Korea on new year’s day. It was a tranverse break at mid shaft humerus. Im 5 weeks after an ORIF surgery. Have been on PT for about 3 weeks. I still feel pain at the broken part now and then. Especially trying to lift up my arm while in a laying back position. Is this normal? The operated arm looks bigger in size than the healthy arm. By the way, what are chances of the screws loosening? Any symptoms that we can look out for possibility of it? Im about a month away before my appt with the ortho. And im worried that the plates would loosen. Im still feeling traumatic and feels like my bone would break again anytime. Do u all get that too?
Welcome, Janice. the good news is that you have YOUTH on your side, and I think that makes a huge difference in recovery. I was almost 60 at the time of my accident, and my doctor believes that Osteopenia (precursor of Osteoporosis) contributed to its severity. 2+ years later, I still have stiffness and pain, but nothing debilitating. I was in physical therapy for several months. It’s mechanical, so I’m sure things can go wrong. That’s why its a last resort in a displaced fracture.
Hi Everyone. I found this sight a couple of weeks ago but I was at a place that I had to quit reading because it upset me. Now I feel the support and have gained insight from all of your experiences. Short version of my story: I fell in a parking lot on New Years Eve, dislocated and top of humerous broken in 4 parts. Jan. 17 had ORIF surgery. Started PT week after. Things were going okay until 1 week ago and the swelling increased greatly. Ortho thinks it is hematoma. So much pain I cannot do my home exercise, but have continued PT. I return Monday for my 1month checkup. Question. Pat, it sounds like this happened to you? Was your arm very painful to touch? It hurts to get up and walk, so I am really back to my perch on my love seat.
How long was it before your swelling/blood pooling went away?
Thanks for this blog. Btw, I’m 61.
I am worried about infection, but doc says not to worry if I don’t have fever.
Michelle, Welcome. I’m glad you found us, but so sorry you’re on this journey. From what I’ve read, there is a lot of blood at the time of surgery and for awhile after. Even bones bleed. My arm and hand morphed every day, changing colors and degrees of swelling. It was many months (maybe a year) before my left (broken) arm looked substantially like my right in size and color, and when I took a hot shower, the “surgical” arm turned dark all the way to my fingers. Two+ years later, I notice a slight difference in size and shape, but others wouldn’t.
It would be beneficial for the doctor or PA to explain what the patient can expect. I was alarmed with the amount of swelling, and had to call my doctor to see if it was normal. For this kind of surgery, I don’t know why surgeons can’t have a simple post-op handout for patients.
PT a week after surgery is very, very early. I’m surprised.
Hi Pat and Everyone. Thanks for the kind words. I went to the doc yesterday and he is concerned about the swelling. This was 4 weeks from surgery. He decided I should stop all physical therapy and home exercises, except the pendulum and bending my elbow. He thinks torn scar tissue may be causing the swelling. I suppose that was done in PT. so I am icing a lot and hoping this resolves soon and I don’t lose too much ground. Still sitting up to sleep and getting about 5 hours sleep per night in separate stretches.
I wish I had a magic ball to see what is going on inside my arm!
I am enjoying the little things in life. A friend brought me a bouquet of early daffodils and it smell so good.
I wish everyone the best.
Hi everybody. I’m 54 from Los Angeles and fell off a counter changing a light bulb on January 19th and broke elbow right above the joint. Had ORIF on the 28th and was just taken out of the splint and put in a dynamic brace. I had a Synthis implant with 12 screws and 29 staples. I start PT next week. My pain scale on a range of 10 is about a 7. I am on Vicodin 1500 mg daily and 800 mg ibuprofen. I am very depressed over not being able to sleep properly and pain on a continual basis. The Vicodin never seems to catch up. I also notice yesterday, there seems to be one screw closer to the skin surface than the others causing much pain, when I lean on it or bend. I was hoping that some of you might be able to share your PT stories and exercises. I don’t have insurance and will have to discipline myself. I can only afford one consult. My arm does not flex straight with or without the brace. I can reach behind my head with it but can’t touch my mouth. I thank god is was my non-dominant arm. Thanks for any advice and I love this diary.
Hi, Debra! Your surgery was so recent, don’t expect to wake up one morning feeling 100%. It’s a very slow process, but as you make progress in little steps, you’ll feel better.
I’m learning a lot about varied treatments of this injury and surgery, based on the doctor and the region. By brace, do you mean an actual metal/cloth brace, or a type of sling? In the 10-12 days prior to surgery, my arm felt much better when using the immobilizing sling, but it was demolished in the hospital, and I was sent out the door the next day with nothing.
I have some (many times) photocopied beginner exercises. They include a copyright, so I wouldn’t want to post them here, but I could scan and email them if that would help. My doctor was very clear about waiting 6 weeks before PT to allow the bone to mend. I did the “pendulum” leaning forward from the waist and swinging the arm in a wide circle. My PT was sporadic, because I paid out of pocket, but it is very important. I could have used another several months of guided PT. There are some things you can’t do for yourself, and the PT needs to work on those. You can purchase locally or online a hand pulley which attaches to the top of the door, and you can use it as a pulley (like they have at PT), or to a certain extent, like a hand bicycle. A big exercise ball is good to use on a table top, if you and the table are the right height.You really need guidance, though, to learn to do the exercises correctly.
Pat S
Hi Pat, thank you so much, I will go to the home gym store today to get a hand pulley. I am pretty disciplined with my body, so I’m sure with the exercises, I can PT myself:) It is very expensive in Cali, each session is 150.00. Can’t afford that on disability. My email is dlveres@sbcglobal.net. Thanks again
Hi everyone,
I found this blog shortly after my October surgery, ORIF with plate. It was amazing to share the journey with so many – and then I lost the link!
I had a normal recovery (65 year old, female, 4part fracture from being run over at ground level by one of our horses- luckily, I went airborne and flipped over backwards, rolling down a hill, and the horse then jumped over me, so only my shoulder was injured. Horse people will understand that I was very worried about Blaze’s shoulder as well) until I started strength work, and started to LOSE rotation and for the first time I started having pain in the shoulder, not “just” the arm. Well, two of the screws are now impinging on the shoulder and arm, and with the muscle issues, the whole darn thing is coming out next week. It will be four months and two days. Believe it or not, the pain from the screws, etc is bad enough to have me looking forward to this. I had made wonderful progress until I started going backwards! The Ortho doc says it’s a two week recovery from this surgery. After the break, I was in the hospital three days, but back at work at one week- stupid college professor that I am, so I hope this is accurate. I plan to recuperate over spring break.
Does anyone have experience with this? I’m terrified that one of the screw holes will cause the bone to break. He says I have full bone regrowth, and that in six weeks I should have healing in the Swiss cheese we will call my arm!
I miss my horses- I’m not safe in the barn – I had a week of being able to handle them, then things got bad again. Much to my husband’s disgust, I’m not able to pick up a fork and muck! I was planning my first ride in January when the Ortho dropped the bomb that this needed to happen, and it looks as if I won’t be safe to ride ( their estimate) for four to six months. The housework will wait for me.
Thanks for being out there,
Sharon
Welcome, Sharon. Are you in the United States? It seems that most ortho surgeons here are very adverse to removing the plate and screws, but Nic in the UK (you’ll see Nic’s posts below) is having the plate removed….soon, I think. Nic, are you there?
I love horses but am not a rider, but I have a sister and great niece who are avid horsewomen. The great niece is only 13, but she’s spent half her life in the barn.
Georgiapat,
Thanks for the welcome.
I am, indeed, in the US. It is not common practice to take the plate out this early, and my doc has never done it before. However, the two screws must come out, and the plate is interfering with adduction and rotation. To just take the screws would not help much in my ROM, unfortunately, and there would need to be a third procedure, at which time I might have permanently lost some potential.
Crossing my fingers and toes!
Sharon
You are in my prayers God Bless You. Keep us posted as to how you are doing.
I’m here!! and I am gonna go horse riding in 3 weeks time. Dismounting is my main worry .. but I will not allow this arm to stop me living my life.. ok that was my brave bit. Hospital other week upset me he said I have not accepted I will never have full function of my right arm (im 38) and am unrealistic in my expectations of recovery. I almost stabbed him with his own pen. But yes I need to wake up to the ‘this will just go’ away hopes I had secreted away.
He says removal of screws and plate 6-12 months post surgery. Once its done its job it can hinder movement and bone will grow over the plate so removal can be a problem if left too long. I have read and what my consultant said is pain is better reported in patients post removal. He they said “once its done its job it doesnt need to stay in there”
I’m back to work, just half days, hoovering, washing hair and making beds is still painful and its like constantly someone punched me in the arm but.. im starting to sleep better.
I’m 15 weeks post surgery – plate and 7 screws
Nic, you can be our test case! I hope it’s very successful. You may not have full function again, but good function is a lot better than nothing. My range of motion is not great, and I still have some mild pain (sometimes – not all the time) and stiffness, but I’m glad that I can use both arms!
Three weeks post op today for my elbow fracture. 29 stitches are out and I’m now in a dynamic splint set to full arm flexion. I had a Synthis implant with 12 pins and a 9 inch incision! I bought an over the door hand pulley and been doing 200 sets a day on that. My arm is still very painful and I’m still taken pain medication. I get spasms inside the arm. It feels like my elbow bone shivering from the cold, ugh… Can’t afford Physio so I’m doing abduction, ROM and Flexion exercises at home. Whomever said a broken elbow is the most painful bone to break was dead on. Still can’t fully extend arm:( Plus to make matters worse, one of the pins used to put me back together again is very close to the skin, smack in the middle of my elbow. Needless to say, leaning on the elbow sends chills and pain up to my shoulder. My ortho said, it will be better when the bone calcifies. Very depressed and frustrated. This too shall pass, I hope. Sorry everybody, feeling sorry for myself and just wanted to vent
Debra, I sent those exercises for a shoulder injury, and evidently missed the message about it being an elbow injury. Eeek. I wouldn’t overdo any exercise, because it could cause more inflammation. Can your ortho surgeon provide safe exercises for you at this stage of recovery? I sure don’t want you to injure your elbow by doing the wrong ones! Be careful!!!
I noticed that Pat. So I did a little research on the net and found out that elbow and shoulder Physio are pretty much the same. You just can’t really do the stretches and feel the burn on your shoulder. You have to feel the “burn” only on your elbow. Physion for elbow is almost the same as far as ROM, flexion and abduction. Thanks so much for the scans though. They are a good start point.
It is okay to feel sorry for yourself you have a right; to!! I too feel sorry for you and I am keeping you in my prayers also. Guess I was really fortunate that mine wasn’t that bad may still need surgery time will tell but so far so good. What is the saying “Time heals all wounds” they left out long…”A long time heals all wounds”
I am 56, and fractured my humerus a week ago, while ice skating. Smallish fracture, no surgery necessary, according to the ortho. I’m wearing a sling and have been treating the pain with Advil. Reading through these posts it seems I got off lightly, but I’m wondering what I should do, what I should not do. I see the ortho next week and he said he’d recommend PT at that point. I’m wondering when I’ll be able to drive again. I’m in Canada.
Sorry to hear about your fracture. I broke my upper humerus on Nov. 1. Wore a sling for 7 weeks. After removal of that I began therapy. After another x-ray I am told that my arm is not healing. It still hurts. I was sent to a different doctor who doesn’t want to do surgery in the hopes that is will heal. I am having another CT scan this week. Its getting to be a long session with this. I have not been doing therapy at home since I finished with my first session.
I’m so sorry to hear that your fracture is not healing. I’m hopeful for mine, but will keep you posted. Did they give you an explanation for why it is not healing?
The doctor didn’t say it isn’t healing. At least that is what my last doctor said. Maybe its my age of
Hi Denise,
Did your doctor recommend Advil for your pain, as my doctor preferred not taking ibuprofen for bone mending.
My doctor didn’t recommend any special pain meds. I usually take Advil, but have used Tylenol too.
Hi, the good news is that 19 out of 20 mid shaft closed fractures do heal without surgery (according to my consultant), I’m the 1 in 20 that doesn’t. My accident was in October and I now have a date for surgery (including a bone graft) mid April as they have acknowledged my bone is unlikely to heal on it’s own. No reason given other than that the bones are very mobile – i can do some very strange things with it! It’s amazing what you can learn to do with only 1 arm (I broke my dominant one), I can even change a king sized duvet cover on my own! I’ll be superwoman when i have 2 working arms!
Norma,
You asked if anyone had used the ultrasound treatment.
The ultrasound is/ can be considered a medically necessary device in the US and the UK at 3 months of slow healing or failure to heal. In France it is approved at 6 months. It accelerates or restarts the process of new bone formation.
I’m in the US and now I’m using the device. My insurance paid the whole thing, and the manufacturer rep told me that Medicare pays it in full as well. You may want to ask your doctor to look into it. They get the best results if use is started before six months out, and the healing rates are very encouraging. There are some available on eBay, used, but they’re limited life devices with batteries that can’t be replaced. There are supposed to be no side effects.
The only issue that I have with it is that I have a fairly small frame, and I have to use tape instead of the strap that came with it to hold it in place. I sit here and read while its ‘doing its thing’, and I don’t feel anything. Twenty minutes goes by quickly.
There’s information, including links to studies, at Exogen.com.
If I can help you get information, please let me know.
Sharon
Hi Sharon:
Thank You for the information but my last Xray showed the bone fracture healing, I have been eating lots of Greek Yougart (3x a day) and taking calcium pills along with vitiman D. My pain level is about a 4, the doctor was amazed at how well I am doing but he is still thinking later I will submit to a shoulder replacement. My primary care dr. said 6 month to a year before full recovery and I am holding out for the year before I do anything. For everyone who have recent fractures the pain does get better it is a slow process it has been 6 months for me and some days when I over do I really suffer. I still take tramadal and a muscle relaxant. I have limited movement but I can live with what I have and I think it will get better with time or I hope it will. All of you are in my prayers.
I’m now 6 weeks post ORIF (6 pins and a Synthis implant) for a fractured arm, right near the elbow. I’m off pain meds, but still take prescription strength Ibuprofin. I have about a 10 inch incision across the elbow. Elbow is still very stiff, and my arm is still very weak. I’m in a dynamic brace set to 20/120. I’m scheduled to go back to work 29APR13, but I don’t know how this is going to happen. My pain is down to a 4 scale, it’s now a dull ache 24/7. Mornings are the worst. Interested to hear of any feedback from others as to how their recovery is/was going at 6 weeks post op?
Depressed and Frustrated but I know this too shall pass. The good news is, I was finally able to blow my nose with 2 hands yesterday:) I can’t afford Physio, so I’ve been doing ROM and stretch exercises on my own. I had to borrow and then drain my IRA of 9,000.00 to afford the surgery:( to pay back family members. But I’ve horror stories of the County hospitals here in Los Angeles. Hoping for some kind of fracture healing for my appointment on March 12th. I’m 54 and suffered a hard impact fall changing an overhead light bulb off of a countertop. I know……….stupid, should have used a ladder.
Hi everyone,
I have been following your posts about healing. Wanted to offer my updates. I am just shy of 6 months from my injury on 9/11. Had ORIF surgery on 9/14. 3 breaks including the head of the humerus. Am now sporting a plate and 12 screws in my dominant right arm.. Started PT at the end of October and have been going faithfully since. Had very limited movement and strength until Jan. Have been working on strength and ROM more recently. Just started back to work on limited duty- 10 pound limit 2 weeks ago. Am an RN and lifting 50 pounds is a job requirement. Boss very easy to work with. Only have pain with overuse. Still stiff and a little sore in the mornings and on days with extreme weather changes. Was sure this would all be behind me at the 6 month mark but alas, seems like a full year recovery is in store for me. Oh forgot t say, am 49 ( for 2 weeks more) and fell partially through attic ceiling. Extending my arm to break my fall as my right leg shot through the floor and shattered my shoulder instead:( but hey, it could have been worse. Was over the garage with a 15 foot drop onto a cement floor so I count myself lucky.
Didn’t mean to ramble. Just wanted to say that the healing from the break was complete at the 3 month mark but the healing of the joint takes much longer. Don’t get discouraged.
Sheila
hi
have just found your blog and now realise that this will be a longer journey than i first thought, thanks to all of the contributors,, i am 4 weeks post proximal humerus fracture op with screw and pins, it was the head of arm that was fractured. and im wondering what movement i should have at this stage. I can make a fist and lower my arm, and twist and turn lower arm. but not much else, going for checkup on weds. Im afraid that they will be moving my arm every which way, not looking forward to that, but looking forward to having more info so that i can move forward, but very apprehensive. Would love to hear what i should expect at this appointment.
thanks in anticipation of a reply
Marie
Thanks
Marie, I’m sorry that you’ve joined us on this journey. Physical therapy is no picnic, but it’s the beginning of your recovery. Even in the last stages of my PT, I can remember sitting in the car, crying, before I could drive home. However, I was fortunate that my surgeon worked out a good deal with an excellent PT in his building. I wish I could have continued for six more months.
It seems that age has something to do with the end result. I was just shy of my 60th birthday.
Hi Everyone:
Just some information for anyone who would like to know that you can buy an over the door pully on Amazon free shipping for less than 20 dollars. I am determained not to need a shoulder replacement and think this will help my limited range of motion and keep my shoulder freeier to move. Marie you are amoung friends who will help and support you on your journey. When you are able to drive besure and get a nob for your steering wheel it wll be a great help to you driving with one hand until your other reaches the steering wheel. It has been 7 months for me now and I still have pain but not as bad, I too cried the first visit to PT. You are fortunate your doctor worked a deal for you I had to pay 40 dollars a visit 3 times a week for 12 weeks. I recieved a nerve block for my back pain but it did not last long and will need another until my insurance okays an epadural.
Blessings:
hi georgiapat
thanks for your reply, me being 61 is probably not in my favour, im hoping that they exray on Weds to make sure everything is ok,.do you know if this is normal, i cant believe that they left you waiting so long. I was operated on the night of the injury, and i think it was key hole surgery,(google Translate)went in through the top, the wound was only about 1 cm long and with 4 staples, staples removed 10 days later with no infection. im an xpat living in Spain, and not sure, about PT here but hopefully they will refer me to one.I thought it would take 3 weeks, to heal because of the metal, but how wrong I was.
thanks, for the blog, never contributed to one of theses before, very informative.
Hi everyone. I so wish I had found this blog a year ago. I had an orif and full rotator cuff tear repair 28th June 2012. The whole experience was hideous. I am 41 and have three young kids. The pain was terrible all the time, I was never comfortable and if sitting had to move every five mins, if standing, my back would be constantly bad. I didn’t take all the medicines I should have because I couldn’t have looked after my kids with all those drugs. Anyway, I. Have done physio every day, many many time a day. I have worked so hard to get my arm back. Now I am strengthening my shoulder blade as I had stopped using them. I started swimming again in jan 2013 when I got full movement back. I can nearly do everything again, but this road was long, painful and Has required absolute dedication to doing my exercises. I wasn’t prepared for what happened to me nor the way the pain i was in completely took over my life. But I can do all above arm movements now, but honestly the key is doing exercises. I reckon I did two hours every day!!!! I just wanted to share my experience with you all, and hope to give you hope. Annabelle
Welcome, Annabelle! Good for you for being so diligent with your exercises. I was completely undisciplined except in formal physical therapy. At the time of my accident, I was physically active, but only in walking. I love being on a quiet, wooded walking trail with my iPod. Needless to say, that doesn’t do much for upper body strength or ROM.
Pat
thanks Norma for your advice, it is just the normal nat. health hospital here in Spain, the uk and Spain have a european agreement, that i come under., im just hoping that they refer me to PT, will let you know more after Weds.
Hi folks
just to give you an update, went to hospital this morning,for 1st follow up appointment, after 4 1/2 weeks ORIF as expected the doctor moved my arm about, but no follow up xray. He must have been happy with what he saw. He gave me an exercise to do. using both arms and using a stick to raise both arms out and up to get shouder moving, I have to do this for 10 mins. each session twice a day, morning and evening. hope this exercise is helpfull to others he also referred me to PT, but appointment not until 19th April. he did say it would take 4 mths and i would end up with limited movement. Feel positive about being able to improve movement, so many people on here have had such hard journeys, thanks for sharing you personal stories,
Looking forward to returning to normal life.know it will tak a while but on definitely on the road.
Marie:
What good news to know you are doing so well, I know you were relieved after seeing the doctor. PT will help you but it won’t be easy as you have heard.
Just discovered that Norma! 10 mins, not a hope, managed 3 lifts to chest height,all of aprox 2 mins. in absolute agony, it sounds much easier, than actually doing it, will try for 4 lifts this evening.though, need to set my own targets!!! Norma 7 mths is a long time, i hope your insurance comes through soon , everything is so expensive in the USA.What is a nerve block, never heard of that before, is that an epidural?
A nerve block is not like an epadural wish it was it would have worked it is more like a local the dentist gives you before drilling on your teeth. Ins. won’t approve an epadural.. Try laying on the bed to do the lifts at first until your arm gets stronger. My arm was like mush at first and tears ran down my face in PT as they stretched my arm up toward my head. Those muscles haven’t been working at all. It does get easier just go very slowly don’t over do you will be in real pain for days if you over do.
Hi Norma, how long does the nerve block last for, is it a long period? I dont have private Insurance , but the Nat . health is very good here. so quite fortunate. I did 10 lifts this am which is about 6inches high. but def will try lying on the bed tonight to do it, thanks for the tip. Does PT not manouvre a bit at a time, And how long were you at PT when they did tthe move uo to your head?? I think i would have been shouting stop! and when they stretched it above your head was there an improvement afterwards?? It actually soiunds quite horrendous. awh well i am going to a wedding in Ireland in May, need to buy an outfit and don;t want an oufit with buttons down the front , so i do have a goal to work towards. Are you still doing exercises at the moment, I am presuming that you are back to your normal life now, but with limitations, is that how it is for you now? Thanks for your support.and def. will not overdo it!!!
Hi Marie:
I don’t know how long the nerve block is for but it didn’t work so will need a second; it did take some of the pain away however. They do strech your arm very slowly and only as far as you can tolerate. I ordered the over the door pully from Amazon and waiiting for it to come and I am hoping it will help. Another helpful exercise is to set at a table and slide your arm forward as far as it will go back and forth and danlgle your arm like a elephant trunk. They will do all of these in PT. It really helps if you can use moist heat before doing any exercise. I take a hot shower or put a moist towel in micro. Yes, I still exercise if I don’t my arm gets stiff but I am not wanting a shoulder replacement which is what my Ortho is recomending, I am 73 so nuts n’ bolts n’ screws wern’t an option and.yes, I have limited range of motion which the replacement so I am told will give me much more. By May you should be able to slide a dress over your head, I can’t remember how long it was before I could but not very long.
If you are speaking of the nerve block they did with both of my surgeries, each lasted between eight and ten hours, wearing off gradually. Is the idea to do the nerve block and then do stronger manipulations to break up adhesions, etc.? Perhaps because of the surgical trauma, I had a lot of pain even with the nerve blocks but they certainly blunted it for a while. When the second one wore off my fingers were numb. Gradually the outer three got feeling back, and then I was terrified that the thumb and index were not going to come back. An hour later they did.
My son had a similar nerve block done with collarbone surgery, and it didn’t take. He was in incredible pain from the surgery. I mention this only because it was the same anesthesiologist, so I don’t think it was a skill issue. They warned me it might not work both times.
Good luck with it. It’s so frustrating to have both the pain and the limitations.
First let me say I found a lot of comfort in reading this blog/diary! It makes feel like I’m in a support group! I know my husband, friends, and co-workers are tired of listening to me…..
Thank you!
I’m a 55 year old female and was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my neck hips and spine last summer …I am in good shape and always been very active. I fractured my upper humerus on my dominant arm on Nov. 11 2012 (tripped over a leather chaise lounge in the dark) and wore an immobilizing sling for 7-8 weeks. No surgery though. I don’t think I have ever felt so much pain!! Thank goodness for pain meds… And my advice is don’t be afraid to ask for them! Being sling-less I felt very vulnerable and paranoid about the injury…especially after experiencing people running into me WITH the sling…A common occurrence I had found… But then I also had lots of Good Samaritans too! I went for X-rays and luckily the fracture healed well and I began therapy. My insurance only authorized 4 PT visits and the therapist gave my detailed exercises to do on my own for another 4 weeks. I still have a lot of pain and lots of swelling…My ROM has improved some…But I can’t reach for the sky, all the way to my right, however reaching behind my back has gotten a little better but painful. Luckily I have close in the front bras! I recently went back to my GP and told him about the pain and swelling (under my arm, the top of my shoulder and neck) Frozen shoulder he told me….He said keep up the PT exercises and in 4 weeks if I can’t reach for the sky….they would manipulate my shoulder under anesthesia. Will it always hurt?? I don’t know, Will this ever end?
Denise in California
I also have a proximal fracture of the humerus and totally agree this is the most painful rehab I have ever experienced. It has been 8weeks since my fracture and I have been doing pt since week three so I would not develops frozen shoulder. Seems my doc knows his stuff. But just last week I got so frustrated in my lack of range of motion, that I made an appt for a massage. WOW! It was the best $ I have ever spent. She broke up some scar tissue and apparently sent it packing because ever since, I have been able to raise my arm, on my own, to about 70 degrees whereas just prior the best I got was 45 degrees. Check with your doc to see if massage might help you.
That’s great, Holly! You seem to be doing very well at 8 weeks! I didn’t start until 6 weeks after surgery, because the doctor wanted the bones to be knitted before anything rigorous. By that time, I did have a lot of scar tissue, and still have limited ROM.
Thank goodness for front close bras! LOL
I’ve hated bras since I migrated from a comfy B cup to a D cup underwire. Miserable torture instruments, as far as I’m concerned. It’s the first thing that comes off as soon as I walk in the door!
Welcome, Denise!
hi folks
triied the arm aross the table , and doing the execises on the bed, do have more movement, very slight, and with that more pain,why is a proximal fracture so painful, is it the bone?, is it the muscles?, did any of us think that this would debilitate us so much! I hope Norma that you dont have to have the replacement done, I suppose that would be like starting over again. I understand why you are so determined not to go down that road. Will the exercises get easier as the bone heals, or im i just wishful thinking. It takes so long to heal WHY?? good luck everyone i think we all need a bit of that. & thanks for your blog.
Hi Denise and Marie:
It does get better but it is very very slow. Keep up the exercises . Got an E-mail from Amazon the pulley has been sent so axious to put it to work. I go Wed to my back Dr. and hope he does another block. Having both the shoulder pain and back pain was too much pain to cope with and I had to stop the hydrocodone as my liver enzimes were elevated from the tylenol. What helped the most was the 12 day dose of predizone. I think the inflamation is what caused me so much pain. I stopped feeling sorry for myself when I read on another place where a young man just stepped off a curb wrong in Mexico and they gave him no pain meds there. He said he slept in a straight chair for days and a week later he finially could cut his T-shirt off and take a shower.
Hi all after reading Holly’s piece about massage, ive booked private for PT and will ask them to massage it, They do PT at the local sport centre, at only 20€ a session, so they would be qualifed, so hopefully this will move things along, it is definitely worth a try. thanks for posting this.
Not sure but I think It is what is called trigger points, the muscles get into a knot. They worked on those in PT mostly with me and I would be so sore after but believe me it really helped relieve the pain, so I got a large massager since I have no one to work on them for me, it helps but not the same so a massage is well worth the money if measured in pain relief and you can afford it.
I hope it helps Marie. I am still sore at the front of my shoulder, but I still have improved range of motion. I’ve made another appt. For Tuesday and I’m really looking forward to it. The massage therapist suggested I come right before my PT, but it won’t work out this week for me.
Marie, how did the massage go? Did you find someone who knows what they are doing? My massages are not that namby-pamby relaxing kind. My therapist gets in there and digs around. I had my third yesterday and I’m so sore, but today my PT was able to rotate my arm almost fully (arm at 90° and knuckles almost touching the table). My most painful position is sliding my arm up my back. The massage has helped that, but there is still more to go.
how is the pulley going Norma, just be careful with the back! have you given it a go yet? Holly you do seem to be one of the more fortunate ones, getting so much movement at 8 wks, there is hope then for the rest if us newbies . Denise i hope your pt goes well for you, the manipulation under anesthic, may not be so scary,, if it releases it, yu hear about people having medical procedures done some without, and others with anesthetic and i know which i would chose,the painfree option!,thanks everyone for your postings
It won’t be here until Monday and thanks for the tip about my back I will go slow. My arm seems to be getting stiff on me these last few days , the Dr said it would and when it did to come see him for a replacement ohhhhhh I hope not, I don’t want to go back to square one and the money that will cost, we seniors don’t have good coverage anymore. I have a little dog and her stay at the Vet will be as much as mine in the hospital.
oh Norma, i hope you don’t have to do that,as you say it would be like going back to square one, and is there any guarantees? would it be cheaper to try the massage that Holly got done, if it wasnt too expensive, it definitely worked for holly, How long would you be in hospital for the replacement? Gosh dog minding must be expensive where you live, we too have a wee dog, but we are lucky that we have a couple where we got her from to look after her, so the cost is quite reasonable, so it’s like home from home for her. That is a big decision Norma, best writing all the pros and cons and then making a decision? good luck let me know how the pulley goes,.
Hi Holly! Thanks for the massage tip! I will give it a whirl… At this point I’ll give anything a try! Doing exercises under a warm/hot shower also helps.. And my heating pad is my best friend :o)
Denise, did you get a massage? Read my response to Denise above.
Hi Holly….I did a 30 minute session and it did help…I have found that the the key is keep moving the shoulder.. I have been diligently working on my range of motion..Yes 5 months after the initial fracture it does still hurts and aches and swells up.. Progress is slow…but I look back and little by little it gets better…its just such a long process! Also doing some stretching and exercises in the jacuzzi has helped too… Will the pain ever completely stop? Is it age also? I don’t know…But I am trying hard to avoid shoulder manipulation!
This is the other Denise, with the fractured humerus. I last posted on March 3 a week after I fractured my upper humerus. At that time, I was looking for some sense of what the recovery process would be. It has now been almost six weeks since I fractured by upper humerus on my left arm. I did it while ice-skating, I was chasing my son around the ice, my blade caught a hole in the ice and I was down.
The following morning I went to emerge. and a doctor confirmed I had cracked my bone. She advised me not to wear a sling if I could help it.
The following day an orthopedic surgeon looked at the x-rays and said “You don’t need surgery” (words I was very pleased to hear). He also instructed the nurse to give me a sling.
The nurse fitted me with a sling and said “Don’t drive, and come back in two weeks.”
At this point I was feeling terrible, I wanted to sleep most of the day. I was partially relieved not to be driving, partially distressed. I teach at a college and can do a lot of my work at home. I took a cab to school ($50 a pop each way) for three days of the following two weeks, and that was enough to keep my job under control. My students barely noticed. But I was exhausted after two hours of teaching, and slept most of the next day. Either managing the pain, or the rate of healing, took most of my energy, so I was operating at about 50%..
The emergency room doctor had said “Don’t wear a sling”, the surgeon didn’t say much. This is what I know now: The sling is essential for people to take the break seriously. If I had shown up at school without a cast and no sling, no one would believe I was in pain. But I believe it is a mistake to wear the sling all day. My shoulder benefitted from the mobility.
At the end of two weeks, I was cleared to drive.
I started physiotherapy this week, 5 weeks after the fall, and the physio says I have a surprising amount of mobility, way ahead of her other patient who also has a fractured humerus. In a couple of weeks I will start strengthening exercises. The physio really hurts, but this week I think I’m finally back to my normal energy levels. I’m still protecting my arm, I can’t sleep on my left side yet, but otherwise life is getting back to normal.
Denise, It sounds like you are doing great! If I weren’t two+ years out from surgery, I’d be so ENVIOUS!! As is, I’m just glad for you. Pat
Georga Pat,
After 9 months of fighting my battle to win I am giving up and having my shoulder replaced, I am so handicapped and in this day and age with all they know and can do I don’t have to be!! Now another battle to win. The over the door pulley works great and well worth the 16 dollars I paid for it and it may seed up my new recovery.
Good luck to you Norma. Keep us posted on your surgery date and recovery.
Best of luck with the surgery, Norma. We’ll be here to listen and support your recovery. As Hooly said, let us know the date, and we can send prayers your way.
Sharon
Oh, Norma, I’m so sorry!!! I hope you’ll have a smooth surgery and recovery, and an excellent outcome! Is the date set? I’ve been reading messages on my BlackBerry from my dad’s rehab center, but am unable to respond to list messages from that account.
Thank You Holly and Sharon, I am so blessed to have found all of you what a great support group you are and that means so much just knowing someone else is or has gone through what you are and we all give each other hints on what works and what doesn’t. Your prayers I know will help me to a faster recovery. I go on the 18th to see the shoulder doctor. By the way the insurance finially approved the epadural and had it on Friday and am feeling so much better now, glad to have the pain down my leg gone.
Good luck Norma! Keep us posted….
Well we’re back from our lovely holiday in Florida and despite lots of sunshine, my arm is as wobbly as it ever was. Can’t believe it is now nearly 6 whole months I’ve had my arm in a sling. I have my appointment to see ortho doc next Monday and then will be admitted as a trauma case on the Wednesday. Have to have a bone graft which sounds pretty sore. Will let you know how I go on!
I understand how you feel mine is a replacement your’s sounds more involved. I thought with a positive out look mine would heal and it did until I layed on the bed and lifted the bar over my head and something slipped out and I had horrible pain which made me decide very quickly to have the surgery. Let us all know when and how long your next recovery will be and we will send prayers to God for you. Good luck
Hi! After a false start last week(surgeon was ill at the very last minute!) I now have my plate and screws in place. Arm and hand are swelled like balloons but I am so happy that I am at long last on the path to recovery. It’s almost six months to the day since I snapped my humerus in half and I have so much respect for people who have to live with only a single functioning arm for life.
The site of the bone graft on my hip is pretty sore so I’m hobbling around like I’ve been in a car crash according to my daughter!
Surgeon said the bones in my arm were quite soft which is probably because it’s not been used for 6 months but will probably have a bone density test at some point.
I will take all the advise posted and keep painkillers topped up and do my exercises. Doctor said it will take 2 years for my arm to reach its potential, whatever that might be. Will keep you posted and thanks for kind words and encouragement.
I really appreciate all the support it means so much to me!! I will give you an update as to how I am doing, I wonder the outcome for some peoples posts on here but I guess no news is good news and they are doing well. God’s blessing on all of you and thanks again
SurreyMum, I hope this is the beginning of your recovery. I know it’s been a long time of uncertainty. Pat
Hello Everyone,
This has been very informative. I got here after googling the umteenth time guidance on beginning to drive. I’m 9 weeks post upper humeral fracture, fortunately…if that’s the word to use….one break in left arm also sustained a “Colles” closed fracture of right wrist. The worst night after some of the initial pain subsided was when I got a intestinal virus and had to choose between taking off my rough velcroed hand brace about 10 times over 5 hours or abrading myself severely after every trip to the bathroom.
Really, I felt death was the preferred treatment at that moment.
This seems kind of a silly question: my ortho. released me from the sling at week 9, but my arm gets really tired and achey after some hours. Do you wear your sling during the day or evening to give the arm a rest?
I’ve limited my driving to about half hour at a time, not on high speed roads. I did get on the highway for about 5 miles, but not at rush hour. I drove like an elderly person: 45-50 mph, leaving a football field between my car and others. If anyone honked or gave me the finger (This is Boston after all!) I was concentrating too much to notice.
I thought I could do light duty at work for maybe 3 hours a day.
All I’ve done is sorting papers on a flat surface in front of me, stopping to ice every 45 minutes. At the end of 3 hours I am beat. Really tired. However, it is lovely to get out of the house. I am the most overpaid clerical help around, but I know the alphabet and can sort and file really really fast! I asked my ortho to specify a limit to my work hours and to approve me for driving only “limited ” distances. Getting back to a normal schedule and demands is complicated by usinig Family Medical Leave, and having short term disability. The doc has to document everything and approve my “Fitness for Duty”. I want to avoid any pressure to go back to my usual schedule of driving 50-100 miles a day on highways, getting in and out of the car, carrying supplies and writing lots of notes. My limitations are quite real, but I am determined to make the system work for my recovery, not against it.
Thanks for the chance to talk about this. I try not to bore my friends…..
Marie
Welcome, Marie. OUCH! Both of your arms…and a stomach virus?!
I never wore a sling after surgery, per doctor’s orders. I was released to drive after about three months, but, like you, limited it to a small area. I’m in an Atlanta suburb, and everything we need is within a few miles. Backing out of a parking space was the most difficult thing for me, because I couldn’t turn my head to look over my shoulder. I felt very vulnerable!
2+ years later, I still feel a burning pain in my shoulder, and an ache down my arm and hand, when I drive too much, or stand too much. I don’t notice it when I’m walking briskly (in good athletic shoes). Slowly browsing through a big store with hard floors, or standing in a group of people, talking, really bothers my shoulder and arm. I usually have to excuse myself and sit. Since my dad has been in the hospital or rehab for the last six weeks, I have felt like a back mule, lugging everything I own around all day. I’m a real estate agent, and often have to do business from the hospital. My shoulder protests, and looks forward to normal times.
Pat
Interesting that you didnt wear a sling. As I understood the reasoning, it was a single fracture and the sling held the proximal humerus in place so that it healed growing in the right direction to meet the top part of the break. This is certainly a non medical description!
It worked, in any case. Although I wont have full enough range of motion to do the crawl stroke while swimming, (it must be the recovery stroke from the hip to overhead) I dont need surgery or a new shoulder.
From what I am reading here and what my doctor said, even after the fracture is healed it can be a long long time until maximal recovery, which in my case will not be everything I once was.
Thanks for the reply.
Marie
Marie,
You are very fortunate to avoid surgery. It will be a long road in PT, but I think you are far less likely to have nerve damage and lasting pain. I still have the stinging pain along the scar sometimes, and have weakness and aching in my arm and hand, and burning in my shoulder. Nothing debilitating, but still present.
Marie i did have surgery i was down for 8 half hours had a long plate in and 17 bolts put in and i have just come home after being in preston hospatil for no felling in my arm
I go in Monday for a shoulder replacement on Monday after 9 months as the blood supply was cut off to the bone and it gave way but I feel fortunate they can do something to help. The surgeon says I will be amazed at how well I will do. It won’t be the same but pretty close so will let you know. They don’t keep you long just over night.
I’m sorry to hear about your complication, Norma, but – as you say – it’s good that they can do something to help. Good luck on Monday. I hope all goes well and that you feel a great improvement once you’re over the surgery.
Norma, I wish you all the best for a successful surgery and good recovery. Update as you are able. Pat
Norma,
All the best with your surgery on Monday. We know it will take some time before you can let us know how you’re doing. Pat, has anyone else here had the replacement? I don’t remember seeing any posts, but I also browsed mostly beginning and end posts on our blog.
We will all think good thoughts Monday (or Sunday night, here)..
Sharon
Hi all! First, georgiapat, you have given a wonderful gift of this blog to all of us that have experienced a shoulder fracture and have felt alone in the recovery process! Thank you!
My update on my fracture (two locations) of the greater tuberosity of the proximal humerus in January. Thankfully, I did not have to have surgery and am now almost completely recovered. My range is about 170 and my strength and flexibility continually increasing. The key is to utilize PT along with massages (at PT or separate) to break down scar tissue and mobilize the shoulder. Even when I was in the sling, I would go on walks with my husband and let my arm hang and slightly swing the side. I have pushed hard during PT and have religiously made time for exercise at home as well. The only pain meds I took were Percocet and Tylenol…my doc suggest no ibuprofen as it can inhibit bone growth…I decide not to take the chance. I am back in Pilates and have trouble on a few movements, but am close to fully utilizing my shoulder. (I haven’t yet had the courage to do a left side plank yet!)
My challenge going forward will to be to take risks and ride my bike. I don’t ever want to hurt my shoulder gain this way….so skiing is definitely out…I’ll just meet up for hot chocolate to the lodge. But I love to bike and it helps my MS, so I have to get up the courage soon.
My goal in posting is to give others that read this blog hope for their recovery. Each of us have different injuries, other health and mobility issues, and other life concerns that impact our recovery. My heart goes out to each of you that have had incredibly hard journeys….I admire your strength and perseverance!
Again, thank you georgiapat for this place to share. Blessings to each of you!
Lauree, You’re welcome. I guess you can tell what a lonely journey it was for me at the time, and I would have loved to have you all to talk to and share ideas!
Hello. I know it’s been a long time since your injury but I rarely find others that have had a greator tuberosity fracture as u stated you had I’m in my 7 week recovery from a fall I initially had a 2.4 greator tuberosity fracture but the dr had me start pt a week after Injury and 3 weeks later it had spread to a 4.8 mm. They say as of last week it has mended however I’m I’m in a lot of pain all the way to my hands and when I do the pendelum excersises it hurts and gets kinks in it like it gets hung up. Of course I worry about tendon and muscle tears. Did you have any of this have you completely recovered I’m just so worried and depressed leaning on prayer knowing God is the great physican thanks for your time
Hello all,
I thought I had posted my story already so apologies if I have done. I’ll try not to be too wordy. Basically I’m in the UK and fell whilst on a skiing holiday abroad.I am in my late 40s. Because I have always had a gippy, achey left neck/shoulder, I immediately thought the sharp pain was due to my dodgy shoulder. But no, a badly fractured proximal humerus with displacement was the cause. Told to go rest and see a specialist in a week. An orthopaedic jacket immobilised arm completely but what I didn’t realise was the the very slightest movement caused the most intense shooting pain. I barely moved for a week! ORIF surgery finally took place 17 days post accident and bless the surgeon, he managed to fit a plate and 8 screws after fearing at the last minute that an artificial joint might be necessary. I went under not knowing what I would wake up with. He described it as a very cracked egg! Waking up to a block was extremely pleasant although the pain did break through gradually. I am now 3 weeks post op.
On first reading your blog, Georgiapat, I admit I wept. Feeling low from pain and endless sleepless nights, when you described pain still months after your surgery, it probably wasn’t a good time to read that! But shedding a few tears is a good release and understanding the reality too. We are all different and we all will have different experiences but your site is invaluable and knowing other people are going through the same thing really helps.
My personal gripe is that the operation was not done immediately abroad. I suffered for no apparent reason and wasted time. The jacket was holding my arm in the wrong position and I felt so much more comfortable in a more open sling with my arm dropped to the side more naturally with gravity. Also, after the op, the sharp pain disappeared as the bone fragments were fixed or removed, whatever they do. Sharp pain was then replaced with an ache, occasional stabbing (poss from plate and screws) and wound pain which was only really bad for the early days.
I have started physio and have pendulum movements, squeezing sponge nod massaging scar tissue. All this is for me to do at home and I return in 2 weeks time.
Sleeping is a challenge but sounds like all experience this. My hubby is banished to another bed so I can happily wake, fidget, re-arrange pillows, sit up, swallow paracetamol, swear etc without feeling guilty!
I go for short walks but my arm and neck really hurt afterwards. I do use a wheat heat pad around my neck after which feels soothing.
It’s going to be a long haul I know but my main hope is that the bone does repair itself sufficiently. Then I will feel a big relief and blow a kiss to my blood vessels. The icing on the cake would be to be able to dance salsa again. Skiing has somewhat lost its appeal,
Very best wishes to everyone out there going through this.
Rusty, It sounds like you are on your way to a good recovery. I’m sorry you got off to a false start, but your pain level sounds manageable (easy for me to say!). Welcome, and keep us posted on your progress.
Hi all.
Am I glad to have found this site. I do not feel so isolated. I live in County Cork, Ireland. My experience is somewhat different from the majority of what I’ve read.
I’m right handed, 6 weeks ago I had a very bad Fall at home and now have 8 fractures of my right Humerus but all above the surgical neck. I’m an Occupational Therapist. So, having left the ER I am at home. In pain etc. Sent husband out for frozen peas and iced my poor arm for three days. Also Arnica, rubbed in 3-4 times daily. Made a big difference.
Had serious soft tissue damage to my my R elbow. Week 1.I slept upright. Got into shower, screaming. Toileting a nightmare. Drugs drugs. Weeks 2-4 I began hand /elbow extension and flexion lying in bed. Had to ensure I did not get flexion contracture of my elbow.
A PT pal visited and needled me
Helena, It must be so frustrating for you to be an occupational therapist and be going through this as a patient. On the other hand, you have a better understanding of the body than most of us. It’s great hearing from you. Pat
Please excuse me. I posted before I had finished.
I wanted to say how fantastic Acupuncture is. My need for pain meds decreased. MY PT pal carried out lots of passive range of motion and by the time I had my visit to my consultant she could not believe my range and healing. I have Osteopaenia. I’m working very hard with the exercises, I m at it non stop. But I have to be careful not to go past the pain level. As I did do it too much and swelling ensued. Back to Arnica and antiinflammitories. I was stupid. But overall its the state of my head that takes the work!!! Trying to keep busy and not focus on the 8-12 months that I’ve been told it will Take.
I can’t thank you all enough for your postings. I’ve read them all and it really helps. Bye Helena
Hi. Again.
I just wanted to say that I take my antiinflammitories via suppository as it by passes my gut and they last 18 hours.
Baby wipes work well in the loo.
Electric toothbrush works instead of hand brush as I have to do everything with my left hand.
Dressing.. You probably know this but taking off clothes, remove the good arm first.
Putting on clothes, put bad arm in first.
Bra to the front, fasten, and turn it slowly, put bad arm in first. But I wouldn’t bother for first six weeks. Good luck with the shoulder replacement op. You’ve all had such hardship. Take care Helena
Hello, Thank you for this wonderful blog! I broke my right proximal humerus on 4/6/13 — multiple fractures, had surgery on the 11th and now have a plate and 12 screws. All of the stories shared here have helped to decrease my fears about recovery, and I am grateful to you all! I broke my left ankle back in 2008 and have a plate and screws there, so am feeling a bit cranky about this injury.I found that wheatgerm oil healed my ankle scar, and it is no completely invisible, so for anyone who wants the scar to disappear, that can help… I hope that everyone is healing well. Very best
Helena, thanks for your tips. I can’t actually do the bra thing yet though as my bad arm won’t go up and into a strap. I do manage with those cotton vest tops with a secret support. Bad arm in first and rest over head then good arm through. I take off in reverse. It works for me and feels comfortable as straps thin and don’t rub scar.
As for the pain, it’s always hard to gauge, even when they ask me to score out of 10. Anti-inflammatories with paracetamol worked brilliantly until side effects of a/is kicked in. Nothing would relieve the constant pain of severe indigestion. I think I’m just one of those people who doesn’t tolerate them. I do have almost constant pain but i dont feel its unbearable if you know what i mean and sitting and resting the arm helps. These new physio exercises have increased the pain for sureI the physio noticed I was holding my arm folded in too much, automatic protective reflex I guess.
My surgeon suggested I get a stick and raise arms 90 degrees then good arm to push slightly hand of bad arm. That really hurt. However when mentioned this to physio she said to try this lying down but I couldn’t raise the stick from lying down. Absolutely zero strength in bad arm. So she said to forget the stick exercise. I’m obviously not ready for it. I’ll stick to swinging (of the arm variety!!) and squeezing.
Good luck to Norma for the shoulder replacement. I nearly had to have that but it was my age that concerned my surgeon. I’m sure it will give you a much better quality of life.
Hello all…I tripped over the dog on 2/1/13 and suffered multiple fractures. I had ORIF surgery on 2/7/13 and 8 screws and a plate were placed. I am doing “ok” with pain (motrin, tylenol etc), but the scar really hurts and I still can wake at night. My question for some of those farther out is about exhaustion? I am constantly tired! Could anyone weigh in on their experience with tiredness? I am 90 days out and feeling discouraged.
Hi, Beth, sometimes it takes awhile to recover from general anesthesia alone, never mind sleep deprivation from pain filled nights. I scarcely did anything beyond basic survival for the first several months.
Beth, I agree with Pat. It does take awhile to get your energy back. My accident and surgery were in Sept 2012. I stayed tired for months. Going to PT necessitate a nap each afternoon. I think the body just needs time to heal after the surgery, pain meds and interrupted sleep. My scar also hurt and burned for a long time. Some days were better than others. Hang in there. It does get better:)
Beth, I would come home from therapy totally exhausted and spent for the rest of the day. You feel as though you’ve lifted 300 lbs when you are only moving your arm 5 inches.
I didn’t trip over the dog, but she was with me when I tripped over the uneven sidewalk.
Hi Beth,
I had ORIF surgery on jan 17, so am a bit ahead of you. About 2 weeks ago I started sleeping through the entire night, and I do have more energy now. I am even walking for 30 minutes every day after being a couch potato for many months. So hang in there. I agree pt does take a toll. On pt days I try to plan for a rest afterward.
It gets better, slowly.
Michelle
Rusty, Perhaps do the stick exercise, but use the good arm to pull the bad arm up. Don’t engage the muscles yet.
Front close bras are great! It’s been 12 weeks and I just put on a back close bra for the first time today…and it still hurt and was hard and my arm only just got to my back. I can’t wait to actually be able to put my hand behind my back.
Hi there Holly
well done you!!!! Fastening your bra to the back is amazing. From a therapy point of view that means you have inward and outward rotation of your shoulder which is THE hardest movement to get back. That’s my worry. Exhaustion. I am wrecked. I went for a little walk with my husband and had to sleep for two hours after!!! I feel I’m totally lame. The ‘shoulds and oughts’ in my head are huge. I have sat down and cried regularly. I just can’t bear the thoughts of months like this. My other muscles have atrophied. I hate the whole thing. I feel ashamed for my thoughts. There are so many worse off than me. Life is sooooon short. Sorry for the rant. Helena
Helena, I totally agree this is the place to rant. so rant away we’ve all been there!
Thank you. What’s killing me are the senseless comments I get like… Is your arm fixed yet? Some I wear my sling when I’m out to stop people bumping me. I think some people think I’m dragging it on a big. It’s now week 7. I’m just fed up and so terribly weepy. My kidneys have moved up behind my eyes!!!!! It just… The whole thing is a pain…. In more ways than just my arm… But look the sun has come out Today. Thanks again. Helena
True, true! Most people have no idea, but to be fair I wouldn’t have prior to the op. almost everyone has wished me a speedy recovery and I feel like saying there’s no speed in this, people. It’s going to be months and months and so don’t ask me if I’m feeling better yet!!!
Like you, I stick the sling on to go out just for protection. I’ve never watched people’s movements so much. Everyone seems clumsy!
Weep and wail. Maybe your week 7 is just a bad one and you are expecting to start feeling better. But at least it’s taking you a week further towards recovery.
Hi there Rusty.
Thank you. You are right. So many people have been so kind.
My right arm swelled up over the fracture site and I’ve had increased pain. But this am it appears the swelling is reducing, so, toes Xd.
So upward and onward to week 8 and hopefully less pain. Especially in my forearm and hand. Heading out to the hairdresser, that should be interesting!!!!!
Thank you for taking the time to write me
Helena :))
Holly, thanks and I could try the stick that way. It’s a bit alarming when the arm just doesn’t move. That’s an amazing achievement for you at 12 weeks, I must say.
Helena, this is the place to rant so you shouldn’t apologise. Pain and poor sleep is truly debilitating. At my first physio this week, i didnt even do much but retired to bed later that day as i was exhausted.You have echoed my feelings and fears in a way but its early days for us both. As a friend said to me, this is truly you time. Normal life has come to a halt so now when not in pain, I can enjoy reading, sitting in the garden if the sun is out, friends ring or call by – these are the good bits instead of rushing around working and trying to fit everything in. I used to feel life was one big rush. Now, the complete opposite and I haven’t gone stark raving mad (yet!). Perhaps we should applaud ourselves for coping with a big accident trauma, operation and all the unseen work going on inside our bodies to repair tissue, bone, nerves etc.
I was interested when you said acupuncture helped. At how many weeks did you try it and where did the needles go? I feel a lot of my discomfort comes from neck along shoulder on bad side. My arm feels so damn heavy if I stand or walk a little.
Hi there.
Please excuse my delay in replying to your questions but I’ve been dealing with a lot of pain and swelling of my upper arm. I’ve done too much lately. I felt I was better a couple of weeks ago.
Re the Acupuncture I had it week 4 . the needles went in from my hand and my shoulder and my neck. My neck gives me pain. I’ve given up the bra, too sore. I haven’t had any acupuncture lately as I’m just so sore and wrecked after a walk etc. My problem seems to be that the minute I take my sling off I forget about my limitations then do something stupid and hurt myself. My OxyNorm is all gone. It’s Voltarol every 18 hours and Paracetamol, which really, doesn’t do much. I’m not sleeping full nights either which is not helping. Lately I’ve started using a hot pack of lavender and wheat which I heat up in the microwave. Total relief. Heaven.,
I also should mention that I take Nexium as a stomach liner for all the drugs I’ve taken over the last 7 weeks, it’s been a great help.
So. Upwards and onwards. I hope you are all hanging in there. Good luck. Helena
Sorry to hear of your struggle with pain and swelling, Helena. I was just reminded that you haven’t had surgery, have you? That is obviously better for you but perhaps more painful in short term?
I know what you mean about a sling being a helpful reminder not to use the bad arm too much. Perhaps you too are trying to run before you can walk. I was mowing the lawn with good arm yesterday, well not for long. It was too much.
Does anyone know if you can actually do harm by doing more than passive exercises prescribed in first weeks after ORIF? I’m not doing so but was given second-hand advice by another physio to get the arm moving as much as possible and take painkillers to do so. It’s all a bit of a grey area.
Hi there. Being an OT myself the answer is most definitely you can do damage in the first 8-12 weeks. First off weeks 6-8 are the ‘softest’ for the bones. If you get my drift. But not just bone… It is the surrounding attachments, muscle, tendons, fascia that were badly bruised, had haematoma, and in some cases ripped or torn. They have to settle back into their correct alignment. If we move past passive to active we can affect the correct repair. My swelling is my body telling me ‘I’m a dope’ the tissue has swollen up around my fractures to protect them.
I know better but…. I suppose I’m still only human and was hoping to hurry things along. I just know if we can get past 8/10 weeks safely then we can push it gently.. I suppose that’s why it takes 8-12 months and longer for full recovery.
I think I’d pass on the old lawn mower :))))))))
Rusty. I should have said I was talking about an unsecured fracture. But don’t underestimate the power of the trauma of an operation. You’ve had two traumas. But it is very important to have the arm moved passively to prevent sticking. Did anyone mention exercising in a swimming pool? Fantastic. Helena
Thanks Helena and makes absolute sense what you say. But say I want to try and lift my arm by itself, that’s not passive, correct? It actually doesn’t lift anyhow, moves a few inches then stops, I don’t force it.
No-one has mentioned exercises in a pool. I can ask at my next appointment but I bet that won’t be available on the NHS. Unless you were meant local public pool if I’ve been told what exercises to do?
I hope you manage to rest up enough to get the swelling down and ease the pain.
Nice to chat and share this journey. Hopefully others will join us too.
Hi there..
I’ve moved onto Gin!!! It tastes better than the old Paracetamol!!!
Oh I can tell you the pool won’t be covered here either 🙂 I just meant if you had a local pool. But please have some one with you as you will need help with steps. You can’t afford to slip!!!
Re exercises. Well, if you are on or in bed, you could do what’s called ‘Passive Assisted’ exs. I sit upright in bed and have a pillow under my arm, I then gently push my arm a few centimetres away from my body. I then gently pull it back to my side. I do this 5/6 times. I assist my arm by interlocking my fingers, gently lifting my arm forward a few cms. then gently let it down. I put the hot pack on beforehand. This prepares the muscle. But your physio will advise you.
Great to hear from you. Helena
Hi Rusty.
You are correct. If you use your arm without helping it, it’s an independent movement.
Passive Assisted is the first step. Be really really careful trying to do stuff alone. Your muscles can’t support the weight of your arm.
Okeydoke, it’s all clear now. Poor old muscles, must be shot to pieces.
I will do yours as well as my pendulum, can’t do any harm. And look into the pool too.
Hope the gin helps! Just don’t be fallin’ over onto the dodgy arm!
Hi there.
I was just wondering how Rusty is getting along with the exercises?
Week 8 today. What a difference two months can make in pain and movement terms. My Canadian PT pal emailed me with some advice. I was wearing my sling when doing things around the house to stop me making unnecessary movements. But I have active movement at my right wrist and hand. Being right hand dominant I tend to start an action with my right hand and then I’d jerk everything and start the pain. So, my pal said ‘get velcro, and strap your arm’.
So, Nurse Rachett was dispatched to secure a metre plus of Velcro. You separate it, lay one piece further down on the other and refasten. This leaves a hook side at one end and a fuzzy side the opposite end. I then had it wrapped around my body and upper arm, just above the elbow, and fasten. This stops Abduction completely. I can now get on with activities from the elbow down. Without risk of dislocation. I’ve found that my arm gets tired and I do revert to the sling to rest it.
So I just wanted to share this progress with you all. It works for me, but maybe not for everyone. This conservative treatment is working well. I can’t imagine what you are all going through post op. I wish you all good health.
Hello Helena,
So pleased to read you are having a better week, having found a practical solution with the velcro wrap. Funnily enough, before my op when any slight jerk would set off intense pain, I used to hold the top of my bad arm very close to my body (more than the sling was capable of) and used to wonder if I could devise some sort of strap to do the same thing. Even now, I get caught out by something falling when I instinctively jerk my bad arm as if to catch it, ouch that hurts ! I hope your friend’s idea benefits others too.
I am still doing my passive exercises and return to physio in a couple of days. Nothing to report really other than I felt the pendulum movements were me moving my arm too much no matter how hard i tried not to so I rock the body now to assist. Perhaps the joint is too stiff.
Where’s all the nice sunshine gone?? Not being very active, it feels chilly, brrr
Hi there,
I know exactly what you mean about a ‘ sudden jerk causing pain’.
What you are doing re: rocking your body is just fine if it gets your arm moving a bit. I did that in the beginning.
Have you tried it in the shower with the warm/hot water on the shoulder?
Or use a hot pack on your shoulder prior to doing the exercises. The heat is ”supposed to soften the muscle , my PT pal told me. Can you just imagine me with ‘ hot flushes’ standing in the shower to get more heat onto my shoulder, sure I was like a menopausal donkey shaking myself around!!!! As my friend would say’ not a pretty sight!!.
So, I think I will leave you with that unfortunate image in your head.
Good luck.
ps.. Oh and if the shower doesn’t work there’s always Gin!!!(can be rubbed on or if all else fails drink it!!:) 🙂
Your common sense is right on. I was taught to do all the “pendulum” exercises rocking my body. for instance, on the right to left pendulum, the arm hangs motionless but you sway your body side to side. If you left arm is the affected one, put your right foot out front a foot or so, for balance and rock your body back and forth.For the clockwise and counter clockwise pendulums, you can move your hips like you are using a hula hoop.
The same principle helps you get into that funky armpit so you can wash it. Not that the nice smell lasted long. That immobile arm “glued” to my side in a sling allowed for zero ventilation. That was an indesribable persistent ripeness. Really, I am grateful for continued healing every time I take a normal shower.
Marie, I can feel a dance coming on with my exercises. They will continue but I have as from yesterday upgraded to the self-assisted exercises with a stick. These don’t come too easy for me, the top front muscle (bicep?) really hurts and can’t manage many yet, will have to build up. Helena, my physio has told me to apply an ice pack to shoulder (not heat) to reduce the inflammation. She was quite adamant so better do as I’m told! Guess it could be related to her seeing me do the exercises and noticed my muscle going into spasm.
I love the humour, you ladies. Amidst the pain and frustration, we can find a funny side. Too true, heat and menopause aren’t a good combination! At my worst, post-accident I was immobilised in an orthopaedic jacket, with no air flow. Phewww, the smell. But in the contest acute pain v cleanliness, pain won. Others could pass out in disgust, not me with pain!
To Orland, that is excellent to be off pain relief so soon. Wishing you well in your recovery
HI THERE RUSTY.
Great to hear what you are up to.
You are quite right re Ice for inflammation. I only use the heat to warm up my muscles prior to exercise.
Yesterday I was at my GP, she checked my arm and tells me that I must use it all the time, that she has a 35yr old with a single fracture of her shoulder and she is back at work and has up to half her range of movement back.!!!!
I am not 35!!!I am 59+tax!!!I have 8 fractures!!! Plus my surgeon stated absolutely no abduction whatsoever and only Pendelum exercises.!! I am very limited. I have lots of pain still. I am worried now, I really hope I’ll get my movement back. Such conflicting instructions!! I return to the hospital physio today so I’ll get to see what’s what. I’m going to discuss everything. I hope to goodness I haven’t left it too late. I’m a serious painter. I’ve given up my OT to paint at various times in my life to exhibit and I just couldn’t cope with never painting again.
Before I left the doctors office she (god bless her little cotton sockz) gives me a big hug and Ses, you’ve a hard 3 months ahead of you.! I said ” you think””??
Phew…. Upwards and onwards ladies and gents!!! You have to smile or you’d go nuts :))
Hi Helena, how did you get on with the physio? It’s so confusing when you get conflicting advice. I would say the surgeon knows more than the GP but of them all the physio will know best. Always alarming to hear a story of someone with limited movement but maybe that person didn’t do enough physio exercises. My understanding is they are critical but only to be one at the right time. As you seem to find adduction agony, surely the healing isn’t sufficient yet for this to start. But I think your knowledge is better than mine so I may be talking nonsense! Time for the gin bottle!! But I would say even if we don’t end up proficient bra fasteners, we will hopefully be able to do most things. Look at Pat’s photos and I think she is about 60. I assume you don’t paint behind your back, so no need to put away your brushes!!
Personally, I would love to be able to do a bit of latin dancing again one day. Would need to be able to lift arm 180 – I’ve got a long long way to go, if ever!!
Hey ho, onward and upward
Hi there Rusty.
Not a good outcome. My Physio is great. It’s the same hospital I used work in. She checked my arm and was immediately concerned withabout my lack of range of movement, my pain and my swelling over the fracture site. She totally disagreed with my GP. Thank goodness. Went off to talk with the consultant who wants me at Mondays clinic to see me with new xrays. They think I might have a dislocation of one of the fractures. I’m at my wits end. It’s 8 weeks. And it’s back to rest
Hi Helena,
I had a great deal of swelling suddenly too and I went back into the sling and stopped physio for 2 weeks. The x-rays were fine so for me it was a waiting game. I sure wish you the best. Hang in there. I am at 4 months from surgery and am doing so much better. I have just a little swelling, but no pain. Also I started sleeping through the night at about 3 months and I just started driving so life is greatly improved. Try hard to not worry and give yourself over to healing. It’s all about you for now, and we are all with you!
Michelle
Helena, can imagine how you must be feeling right now. Thank goodness you saw the consultant though and they are addressing the swelling and pain. Good luck for Monday and let us know what they say. Like Michelle says, we are with you. It may be a longer journey, but you will get there. We all will.
I would love to think that at 3 months I might be doing as well as you, Michelle.
With that I am taking my rather painful neck, shoulder and arm off to bed for what will be another night of broken sleep. Oh joy.
Has anyone heard from Norma after her surgery? She was having the replacement done the last week of April.
I had total reverse shoulder replacement May 4. I stayed in the hospital for 3 nights due to low hemoglobin and blood pressure. I am off pain meds since Wed. May 8 and am doing well. Therapy started in the hospital the next day. Now I am seeing my local therapist 2 times a week. The first night home I did spend part of the night in the recliner. I am now sleeping in my own bed.So far there is not alot of pain. Hope the recovery keeps going as well in the following weeks.
I was in Rehab for 2 weeks got home today and I am looking forward to a shower good nights sleep tonight.. I had a very bad bladder infection and they had to give me a 5 day IV antibiotic. I did find out that bynadril keeps you from emptying your bladder and that is why I keep getting them.
welcome back to Norma. Sorry to hear of your infection and hope that is improving. Take it you have had the shoulder replacement? How is that feeling?
Hi E1:
Yes, I had a reversed shoulder replacement..Shoulder is fine it is my sicatic nerve acting up and my doctor will X-ray tomorrow to see why,It is not coming from my back according to my back doctor but my hip.I I am hoping maybe a brace on my foot will help just need to wait and see.I am amazed I have had no pain in my shoulder but may once I start the PT. Orland I had my replacement April 29 so we are on the same road to recovery so we can compare notes.
Welcome back, Norma. I think we all need to hear about your recovery, as your operation is the next step for us if things don’t work out. I’m so happy to hear t o far your recovery looks good. Mine is doing more than OK, and I’m getting stronger. I am a little over 2months out from te second surgery, and having all that hardware gone has been a real boost. With the ultrasound stimulator, I’m getting amazing bone growth. Next week I see the ortho again, and I’m hoping he’ll let me do yoga to get the rest of my life back. I spent a bit of time on my horse Sunday, and my intent is to ride alone tomorrow, which is a huge confidence leap from last week.
Best of luck to all, the first is weeks’ pain is the hardest – it keeps going, but tats bout when you think dying might have been better!
Sharon
I hope you have a smooth recovery, Norma. I’ve been reading everyone’s messages from my BlackBerry, but am still spending a lot of time at my dad’s nursing home, as well as working (real estate is beginning to pick up here in Atlanta). I dread cleaning out Dad’s house. I don’t think my shoulder and lower back will enjoy that activity! Pat
Pat so sorry about your Dad, check into a estate sale, they do all the work of cleaning out so you won;t have that much to do. That is what we did with my Mother;s house. When they finished the sale al we had to do was vaccum and clean a little.I go to my shoulder doctor today so will know more then. Be glad when I get out of this sling.I am not been okayed to drive but am going to today I have been driving for 10 moths one handed. I am not taking any pain meds before I go. They told me in PT. that alot do drive just have to be careful and aware of everything. I am going the back way with less traffic.
Norma
I’m so sorry you are having such a hard time. The grief of clearing out your father’s home. Truly I agree with the other post, get some assistance with this. You also have to cope with this trauma of your shoulder. Mind yourself chicken. Take care. My prayers are with you. Helena
I saw the Dr assitant yesterday and saw my X-ray of all the hardware I have in there, wow!!!! will set the alarms off at the airport. Since I have been both ways I have less pain with the replacement in fact almost none, I may when we start PT haven’t got that far yet. The only thing I can do is the pendlum and bending my elbow up and down and shrugs. He said no raising the arm up. You would laugh at my dreams of things falling and me trying to catch them and I wake up jerking on the sling. Orland how are you doing? Would like to compare notes with you.
Norma, wishing you well in your recovery and long may you be pain-free. You must be glad to have the op over and done with. Hopefully you’ll be catching falling objects for real soon!
Had to laugh Rusty my dreams lately have been of things falling on my head and tryinf to catch them or me falling out of bed which that one I hope not just a fear I have I guess Hard to type one handed so won’t be a chatter box for a while. You chat with people on hear and wonder what happened to them as after recovery they must be busy resuming life.
Hello all. We have WHITE SMOKE!!
We went back to the surgeon yesterday. All that rest (and no recreation) has paid off. My healing is ahead of schedule by 3 weeks. Definitely no surgery now. I have a part of the fracture displaced but in time as the muscles and tendons repair it will go back into place. She wants to continue treating conservatively, which involves a great length of time but hopefully with greater range of movement. I have been given permission to go into the pool to practice slow prolonged stretching. No more. I have pain but she thinks it’s adhesions which I have to break down slowly.
My 8 fractures have drawn together and it looks like a regular Humerus again with some bits sticking off it but the head looks clear.
So its heat before stretching, pool work and physio visits. I really am feeling chipper.!!! At last some light. It’s week 10 not. What a difference to March.
I really hope that the rest of you get good news soon.
Thinking of you a lot. Thank you all. Helena xx
Helena, I was thinking of you yesterday. What a great piece of news and huge relief for you. Your clever old shoulder has been doing just what it should and more. The pain has not been in vain!
Is the pool work to be in a hydrotherapy pool where they show you exercises? How much physio will you get? Weekly sessions or more/less?
You are really moving forward now, well done.
I had X-rays done yesterday and humerus is showing as beginning healing so I was cock-a-hoop too. I don’t know if it is too early to say whether it will fully heal or the fact that healing has started is an indication that the blood supply is there and will continue. I hope the latter. In physio, I had a go at a pulley but as it’ll be 2 weeks till my next visit, might look into trying to get one. My scar is still very hard and my ROM is quite limited but I have made a little progress.
Hi Rusty
I have a 3part fracture of humerous neck and had ORIF with plate and screws. This was 5 weeks ago. I’m in a fair bit of pain but not unmanageable, and only take painkillers if I wake through the night. I can move arm no further that shoulder level (and this involves PAIN!.. and forget bras!!) I’ve been off work since the op. As i live in Northern Ireland, I was just wondering if you and Helena could tell me how long you were advised to take off work . I have been given conflicting advice about this. I would like to return but am so nervous of injuring it further. I work with adults with Learning Disability, who obviously have a limited understanding of the need to be careful. Not being able to drive for another few months, I’m going to have to travel to work by bus during rush hour. I am also developing a worrying mid-afternoon pinot-grigio habit, that a return to work would definitely sort out!
Thanks,
Jane
Jane,
I returned to work at one week, which was dumb. The surgeon said two weeks IFF I had someone to drive me and fetch and carry. My husband actually took some family leave time and did this for me. However, I teach college students, and my colleagues picked up everything but the teaching. I was barely able to get through my classes without pain med, and could do nothing at home. I think you have to take into account the risks of being hurt and be very conservative when you choose to go back, because you can’t really undo that!
I do think I was in part restive because of the pain, unable to sit still, and there are pictures of me last fall where it was obvious that I was in a great deal of pain.
I do think also that I made others uncomfortable by ‘gutting it out’ and they worried.
When they took the hardware out at four months, there was immediately less pain, and that recovery went very well. I took two weeks because of the spring vacation, and was pretty much functional (driving, no sling, no pain meds until I went home, almost able to sit through meetings, etc).
I encourage you to be careful and ask your doctor, and at least consider his advice (or do like I did and hide the paper that said I couldn’t go back until that date had passed). I think everyone’s worst fear is getting bumped or knocked down and reinjuring the darn thing.
Best of luck,
Sharon
Hello Jane,
i get the feeling we are not too far apart on dates. My op was 10 April so maybe a few weeks ahead of you. I am like you with movement, up to shoulder but have made progress as was very poor to start, possibly as I had over 2 weeks between accident and op. Also my fractures were messy enough to make joint replacement a likelihood although this didn’t happen in the end, partly because of my age.
So, with regard to work, my main job is office based with lots of typing which used to make my neck and shoulder ache, before all this. I need to use crowded public transport too. My physio recommended waiting 12 weeks and she starts her week counting from when I first saw her to start getting movement so she is telling me to wait another 5 weeks basically. For me, that feels about right. I have lots of exercises to do during the day and I probably wouldn’t do them properly if I was working a full, long day. I haven’t started started resistance yet as the movement still needs improving. That walking up the wall is a killer!
So for you, it’s very much how ready you feel but it does sound a bit early. You might be vulnerable with people with learning disabilities and buses aren’t the easiest if you have to stand and hold on and they suddenly brake. Plus pain is tiring, it certainly seems to take it out of me some days. But then again, would they let you do a shorter day to avoid the rush hour and just give it a try?
Hope this helps and I’d love to hear how you get on.
And I’m sure the Pinot has excellent medicinal value!
Take care
Hi E1:
Back to two hands typing again It has been 6 weeks today since my reverse replacement and 10 months since I fell. Recovery has been slow but looking forward to getting my arm back to normal or as normal as it can be. Began therapy for 6 weeks. I had my hip X-rayed and have a pinched nerve and that is causing my leg pain and he mentioned surgery and I said no thank you the epadurals work and until I can no longer get them then I may consider surgery. It is so amazing what they can do today and if you don’t know what a reverse shoulder replacement is the ball is on my shoulder and the socket on my arm. When I saw the X-ray I was so facinated I have a rod halfway to my elbow. Anyway hope it is smooth sailing from now on with it. It gets tired especially when I try to do too much, which you woul tthink I would know better than to do but 10 months of house neglect there is alot that I need to do. I have a cleaning lady twice a month which is great but alot she can’t do or I don’t want her doing sorting throiugh my personal things and papers. Hope E1 of you keep on the road to recovery and don’t need more surgery once is enough.
God’s Blessings
Norma.
Norma, I hope it’s smooth sailing from now on. I’m just popping in from time to time because of family obligations, but I’m thinking of you all.
Thanks for this forum. You feel so alone when you are stuck at home and in terrible pain. I am one year post full rotator cuff repaire and orif. I’m doing a million times better than I was, but your shoulder is such an important joint, your back, arm, front are all so affected by immobilisation and I have being trying to rectify that for the last year. I have full movement now, thanks to endless physio and swimming and getting out of bed and doing my exercises every day for the past year. But I will never forget how losing the use of my arm and the pain following my operation.
Hi all! This is Denise in California…. I’m doing much better! ROM is good and I did it myself ….no manipulation needed still some pain and swelling but week to week it gets better… Keep up on the stick, heating pad and jacuzzi has done wonders for stiffness and pain….it’s been 7 months since I fractured my humerus…my dr said its a year process especially at 55 .. I broke my toe 3 weeks ago and I can honestly say that’s been a walk in the park (lol) compared to breaking an arm! This blog has done wonders for my state of mind…. Thank you all!
That’s great news, Denise!
Hello all. What a God send this has been to know you’re not alone. I tripped on a baseboard heater that was on the floor and shattered my right shoulder. The pain was so intense I thought I’d be physically sick. It took multiple injections to get it under control. I was put in a sling and told to see the orthopaedic surgeon a week later. Sure enough, major surgery needed (ORIF) which was done the beginning of June. I saw the surgeon 10 days after at which time he said I could go without the sling around the house and should start physio right away.
Until I started reading your stories, I thought the starting of physio would mean quickly getting back to normal, but looks like I’ll have to tone down my expectations a bit. I live on the coast in BC, Canada, and have managed to get out most mornings for the past week to take the dogs to the beach, but really have to push myself to get dressed and go. Once home I find I need a nap before I can go on with the day.
I’m a recently retired 61 year old and fairly active with 2 large collies and an older house that I’m constantly renovating. To say this type of injury is debilitating is putting it mildly, but then I’ve never dealt with any broken bones or serious illness. Learning to do things with my left hand has been interesting and I find I get more toothpaste on the mirror than in my mouth. After spending 3 weeks in my recliner I decided to try a bed wedge last night. Although it was more napping than sleeping, I did find I could last most of the night in my bed, which to date feels like a major accomplishment.
The doctor has given me hydromorphone for the pain but I find It makes me too sleepy and causes bad dreams, so I’ve been trying to rely on Tylenol for the most part. Today, being one of the down days, I’ve gone back to the heavier drugs. Think I’ll try Advils after this as the Tylenol just doesn’t seem to help much.
I’ll be starting my physio tomorrow and have written out a list of questions and comments that have come up after reading of everyone’s experience. My biggest worry is that I’ve done, or will do something to jeopardize the repairs that have been made. I don’t know that I could handle going through this again.
Thanks again for sharing all your stories. I look forward to updates on how everyone in progressing.
Hi everyone,
welcome Janet. Unfortunately, you are going through a hard time.
Hi to Rusty, I haven’t been in touch for a while as I was allowed travel for a sun holiday as long as I took my pulley. Not frilly knickers, a pulley system!!! I went about my exercises every other day. We had a lovely family reunion for my husband and my BIG birthdays. Week 1 went well as I did nothing much, but all the taking care of guests, lifting, moving, and worst of all I tried ironing. Well ladies I am in a very bad place. Also incredibly low.. I’m back on Oxynorm and will be introducing Lyrica for Neurological pain. I’ve over done it. I’ve developed horrible nerve pain in my chest, shoulder and back. It’s week 11 for me now. Apparently Neuralgia is not uncommon. As my 8 fractures are all around the head of humerus my Radial Nerve is damaged. This means that the pain runs down my arm into the back of my right hand. Hot needles. The good news is that my ROM is way ahead of schedule. At least I’ve done something right, I think! My exercise regime is slow, consistent movements. Pulley, stick, Isometric exercises every second day. But only for a few minutes. I’m hoping to join a local pool to do gentle swirling bits. I’m still unable to drive. But I expect to be back in college with my students in September waving my arms about. The latest update is March 2014 to June 2014 before I’ll be done.
What about the rest of you. Are you driving, working, exercising??? Pain levels, drugs? I’m really keen to hear how you are managing as time goes by??? I agree with Janet this blog is a life line. Buy for now Helena
Hello Annabelle and Janet, I think you must be new here. It is a lifeline and there seems to be little else out there. It must have been bewildering and lonely when Pat started her diary.
Janet, I can only share what my physio said that at my stage, 9 weeks from starting exercises, to use the arm as much as possible but just think ahead so there is no great strain like lifting. Do what feels comfortable, push past comfort with exercises but my pain levels will tell me if i am overdoing it. She said I couldn’t really cause damage. I hope yr therapist reassures you.
I can really see now how my ROM had improved from my posting at the beginning of May. It’s easy to feel despondent at times but the exercises really do help. I found walking the fingers up the wall agony to start, now I quite enjoy them!! But still lots more to be done as my external rotation is a bit rubbish so that’s my latest form of torture. And until my ROM has improved further, I can’t start the next stage, resistance exercises. But, hey, I took my first short drive this week. Changing down gear from 4th to 2nd hurt but rest was ok. Shoulder gave me gip after though, so will have to gradually build up.
So Helena, you naughty girl, overdoing it! Holiday sounds good though. Hope the pain eases soon with the medication and rest. At least you will know now and what a bonus, no more ironing! Well done for the ROM, that’s good news. Yes I think we can all pretty much be looking at a year to recover, from what I’ve heard and read. And I understand that bone takes about 2 years to regain its original strength. It’s a long old haul
Hi All! It is a LONG haul…and I didn’t need surgery….Some days are better than others… Heat has done best for me….heating pad, Jacuzzi, Pendulums under a hot shower….I’m thinking about you all!
Denise in California
Not forgetting the warm Californian sunshine! We could do with a bit more of that in the UK. Wishing you lots more “better” days.
I’m now coming up to 4 weeks after surgery and although I can see a lot of improvement in my ROM I am experiencing pain in different areas. Has anyone had sharp shooting pain on the inside of the elbow and lower arm? This started for me on Sunday while I was attempting to bake.
After my one week checkup, my Dr. said I could go without the sling around the house and as the shoulder had been plated and pinned, lifting was the one thing I shouldn’t attempt. I think this has had a dramatic affect on my recovery and I see improvement almost daily; however, some days I’m just too sore to do much more than the basics. These sharp pains have me a bit stumped though as I can’t figure out what the connection is.
Hope you’re all progressing. I found my biggest supporter has to be me, and although it is sometimes a struggle, I push myself to get up and do what I can and concentrate on staying positive.
Hi to all.
Just want to connect with you to see how everyone who coming along.
We are having a beautiful summer, the first in 5 year .so we are loving it. Great for my arm too. 14 weeks now. No surgery. I’m looking at the photos at that beginning of this Blog and I am just about there. At Pats arm. Great idea to have the photos. My greatest pain now is my Scapula (or my wings as I call it) . I’m having lots of manipulation of the scapula to get it off my ribs where it’s stuck onto. My hospital physio is not doing anything like that so I found a Neuro Muscular therapist in my area. I seen heritage weekly. Acupuncture is also helping. I don’t know about the rest of u but I tear into an activity and then that night in pain. But when we think back to where we all started from , haven’t we done well? ??Stay well and for those of you at the start of the journey stay with it you will recover. This is not where we will be going forward. Helena:))
Hi, Helena!
Hi Helena, good to hear from you again with an update. You sound like you are coming on really well apart from your sticky ribs (sounds more like something off a menu!) I too have been realising that I don’t feel much in the way of aches and pains just lately and wonder if our heatwave is the reason. My movement is improving and I think it’s because I am using resistance bands to exercise and build up some muscle etc. I don’t think my movement will ever match the other shoulder because of the metal plate but I can live with that. Next month I will hopefully find out if bone is healing satisfactorily. Like you say, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come.
Best wishes to everyone out there going though this
Hi there. In response to Janets comments regarding pain whilst baking. Janet…Be very careful. Those pains are either strain on weak muscles or your Radial Nerve is involved. The Radial Nerve wraps around the Head of Humerus, winds down all the way to your hand. What my surgeon said to me only yesterday. ‘exercise or carry out your activities only up to pain. When the pain starts that’s telling you something’. She said it’s a loud message you’ve gone to far.
I ve been that woman. Ended back on Oxynorm last week my pain was so unbeatable. So I’ve not to exercise for 2weeks but have Acupuncture and gentle massage. The good news is that she told me I’m 6-8 weeks ahead of schedule with my ROM and function. But I’m in grave danger of serious damage as I’ve overdone it… Again!!! I mean, what part of dopey don’t I get.
I totally understand your desire to do things, just don’t push yourself. You will get there. Give your muscles a chance to settle down from all the trauma. You will recover. Look at The founder of this website. She’s an inspiration.. And she was alone!! Take care. Helena
Hi, just want to share my exp. Bike accudent in May09 completely shattered my right collar bone. Only a few inches intact bone left near my neck & even fewer left at arm connecter. Right at the middle, all shatterd like glass to tiny pieces.
Doc connect whatever left with plate & 6 screw, & put the tiny pieces under the plate. Pieces start to connect after 3 week n progress can be seen months later.
I can lift arm fully after 1 year, n lift weight after around 18 month. Still have the plate n screw. Sometime still feel discomfort n strange tightness especially after heavy workout.
However i need to make sure i eat enough protein especially beef, otherwise some deep shatp pain can be felt in just 2 week of not taking meat, sometimes the plate can even move when pressed by finger. I think during heavy exercise, the screw is grinding the bone a little bit, n thru my exp, white meat was not fast enough to heal it. Otherwise im ok.
Welcome, Lugman! Ouch! I’m glad that you are recovering well. After 2.5 year, I still have tightness and some discomfort, but usually not pain. Knowing where we all started, it’s tolerable!
my previous comment, deep shatp pain, is , deep sharp pain.
I fell and broke my proximal humerus just below the surgical neck January 2012. It was displaced so I ended up with a plate and 12 screws (ORIF). I started physical therapy (had pt appointments for about 6 months) and regained a lot of my range of motion. Recently, I was experiencing frequent sharp pain so I saw my orthopedic surgeon. I had also lost some of my ROM. The doctor said it was either the hardware causing the pain or bursitis. She gave me a cortisone shot which appears to have helped some (knock on wood!).
I have continued to do my pt exercises off and on and asked about this. I was told that they should be done for life so I am now diligent about doing them every day. I think doing them daily has also helped.
Thanks much for this blog. It has given me a lot of useful information. Best wishes on everyone’s recovery from this very painful injury.
Welcome, Kathy! You’ll find comments from others on various pages. It sounds like you are recovering well!
Georgia pat. My account was hacked into today@ 1.44 am. Its was done in Jordan. People have contacted me telling me they ve received all sorts of Spam. Just to advise you. I apologise for any problems you may experience. Google has stopped it and I have changed my password. Again my apologies. Helena
Helena, I’m so sorry for you. I don’t think it will affect this site at all. I had a virus a couple of years ago, and it sent messages to everyone in my Outlook Express address book. Some were past clients (real estate), so it was very embarrassing. It’s certainly beenhttps://shoulderdiary.wordpress.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php#comments-form making the rounds lately. Pat
Hi Kathy sorry if this reply goes under Georgiapat, I think it’s the way the blog works, sometimes comments are out of sync. Must be annoying to have a setback 18 months on. You wonder why hardware might cause this so long after, and wonder whether anyone else has had something similar. Or what is Bursitis? Hope it all settles down now for you and you get your movement back.
All the best
One year ago I was in a bad car accident. I had multiple hematomas and bruises all over my body. I still have bruising on both of my legs a year later. I also broke the proximal head of my humerus (dominant arm) and spent months ( a total of 98 visits in physical therapy). My orthopedic didn’t perform surgery bc he said the break was too high and they wouldn’t be able to put a plate in and my arm heal properly. My arm healed in a sling hanging down. According to the orthopedic my arm healed shoved upward and to the left some. I am currently still experiencing pain and burning down my arm, My arm feels fatigued and heavy all the time. When I wear a necklace I usually have to take it off pretty soon bc the weight of it sometimes causes more pain down my arm. I also can’t wear my watch on my left arm now. During the wreck my watch was yanked around and a sterling silver bracelet broke off into 3 pieces. At this point the orthopedic who took over my case bc mine moved out of town said there is nothing else they can do. Is anyone else at least 1 year out and still having the same type of problems with pain, burning and heavy/fatigue feeling their arm??? Will this getting any better??? Do you have any suggestions on what I can try?
Hi, Leigh Ann. Welcome. I still have some nerve problems from the top of shoulder, down the top of the arm, and top of the hand. It’s not debilitating, but if I spend a lot of time driving, standing in one place, or sitting at the computer for an extended period, I have burning pain in my shoulder, and aching down my arm and hand. I think it depends on the injury, surgery (if applicable), maybe on the amount and continuance of physical therapy? My PT was not continuous. I’m 2.5 years out from surgery, and still have discomfort. I can ignore it most of the time. I don’t know how many people can say that they have no discomfort after this injury. Pat S.
Hi Leigh Ann. So sorry about your accident. I am 6 months out, still doing pt, and I still have discomfort and my arm does feel heavy and fatigued especially in the evening. I guess like Pat says, we will all be dealing with some level of discomfort. Driving and working at the computer and standing still bother me too.
Some folks have posted that acupuncture has helped them. I am thinking about trying it. Also massage has been mentioned as helping. I am finding swimming is helping my range of motion plus I do home exercises every day. I also take good quality vitamins and supplements and try to eat the most nutritional food that I can to support my overall health. Hang in there.
Michelle
Hi there Leigh Ann
My apologies I got me names mixed up. I wrote Michelle a question but meant Leigh Ann.
Anyway it doesn’t matter because Michelle mentioned Acupuncture.
I have used Dry Needling from about week 6 or so. My physiotherapist at the hospital uses Acupressure . Both these techniques help my pain tremendously.
The biggest problem I have found given that my breaks have healed is how my muscles have reset themselves in order to protect the area. I m not sure if you’ve heard of ” Muscle memory”? Because it’s very interesting. Apparently the muscles around the area at the time of the accident go into contraction , tighten, and tend to regress to the accident mode on a regular basis. So if you are having therapy, get relief from pain , when you go about your daily life and over stress yourself ( as we all do just trying to get on with life) the muscles remember the position they were in before and regress. It’s like three steps forward , , two back.
Also, it’s not just the site of the break but the knock on effect on your body. The best visual I can give you is a sweater. If you snag the wool or pull the sweater from the base, watch how far up to the top of the sweater the pull affects things . So, your break is affecting your back, ribs, neck and so on. Your body remembers the accident and goes back.
After three months of pain practitioners tend to label people as chronic. ( As opposed to Acute).
Have you considered Cranio Sacral therapy. ? Plus Myofacial Release?
These are whole body treatments. Not just the site.
Good luck. I fear we are all on a long road.
Helena
I broke my left humerus just below the shoulder joint 15 days ago. It was a stupid accident. I was walking up a step onto my back porch, caught my toe and fell. It might have been just bruises and banged knees except that as I fell forward I smacked my shoulder against a post. I lay there for about 15 minutes floundering like a stranded fish before I could lever myself up. I thought at first it was just sprained or maybe dislocated, but after an hour of the worst pain I’ve ever felt, I finally walked over to my next door neighbor and asked if they’d drive me to the ER. X-rays showed it to be a simple, clean break, so I didn’t need surgery, a cast, or a hospital stay. They put the arm in a sling and sent me home with a prescription for Percocet. The first several days were sheer agony, even with the narcotics. I had to sleep on my back, propped up on pillows, and that made my back and hips hurt. Now it’s feeling better. I don’t have a problem with any of my joints, and I can use my left hand. I’m down to one Vicodin a day. I know I’m supposed to go to an orthopedist and probably PT, but the problem is I have no insurance, no savings, no job, and I live alone. I was doing some part-time editing work, but after two weeks I’ve probably lost that. And now, with the third week, fatigue and depression have set in, and I don’t have the energy to concentrate.
(((BECCA))) I’m so sorry for your trouble. I was in a similar situation, self-employed and unable to work, and had a huge insurance deductible. If it weren’t for my siblings, I don’t know what I would have done.
There’s nothing that takes the place of professional physical therapy, but it sounds like you are doing pretty well. The bone has to mend. You may want to do the pendulum exercise, bending at the waist and allowing your arm to swing around slowly in a big circle, just to keep it from becoming frozen. You may find other exercises online. MY PT always stressed stretch and hold – no fast or bouncy movements. Use heat before any exercise, and cold after, to prevent inflammation.
Becca, what a disaster for you.
I totally sympathise with your feelings of fatigue and depression. I think I probably wept more in the first four months post-fracture than I had in the preceding 40 years.
The pain and lack of sleep were the worst things for me, but I also remember feeling overwhelmed with self-pity some days, just because I was having to manage all on my own. Fortunately, a really good friend came to stay with me through the first couple of weeks, but the rest of the time I was dependent on neighbours for shopping and lifts and helping me with odd lifting jobs. I hated being so dependent and having to ask people for help.
Luckily your fracture seems to be mending okay, so hopefully you’ll be able to do your own physio. I don’t think it’s recommended, though, to start before 6 weeks. That’s what my surgeon and PT told me, anyway. Start gently and gradually build up your muscle strength. And don’t push yourself too hard.
I hope it all works out for you. (And I hope your client’s understanding about why you can’t meet your editing deadline. If they value your work, they probably won’t let it stop them offering you more work in the future.)
Just found this blog and initially it was hard to read. Really scared me but I stayed with it since I wanted to know more about this issue. I tripped over my dog 13 days ago and have a displaced fracture of the head of the humerus. Went to emergency room and did x-rays and immobilizing sling. Left with pain meds and made an appointment with Orthopedic doctor. Lots of discussion on whether to do surgery or not. I am 64 years old and do have osteoporosis. Surgery is tomorrow. Upon consultation with other ortho doctors at the practice, decision to do surgery was suggested. Doctor seems to think I will be able to do a training I have scheduled for 5 days from surgery. I only have to sit and instruct so that made me optimistic about this whole process. Then I found this blog and felt trepidation that I could actually handle that. My ortho has done other work on me and my husband, carpal tunnel, knee issues and he is quite competent and I trust him. I thought this would be easier than it seems the experiences here indicate. I am doing the plate and screws. But I realize everyone’s experience is unique to a lot of varying factors so I am going to remain cautiously optimistic. It is generally my style to remain so. This blog has been so helpful though with good tips and hints about how this may progress and the physical therapy tips on heat, cold, massage, etc. I am in a sling now and pain is very manageable. But surgery may give me best option for more ROM in the future. He felt I was still young enough (at 64, that was good to hear) and healthy enough to do the surgery. I am fairly active and eat well (vegetarian) but still I have arthritis and inherited issues with my back, etc. I have a great husband helping me but I find myself being very careful and thoughtful about whether I will ever be comfortable flyfishing and maneuvering small streams again. I suppose there is no reason to speculate. But thanks for the postings. It scared me but it still helped. Wish me luck…..
Welcome, TABruner. You are right that it’s useless to speculate, as every experience is unique. Be prepared to be very limited for awhile, but otherwise, just do the best you can and be patient with yourself.
I hope the surgery went well, TA, and that you continue to recover well with little pain or discomfort.
TA, I hope your surgery went well. I was 65 when I did mine. I was back in class (college teaching) a week from the surgery. I was able to do that because my husband drove, and my colleagues at work did everything but the actual teaching. Nearly a year removed from it, I know I was probably crazy to do that. I remember the pain and the exhaustion, especially the exhaustion, as I didn’t take meds while I was teaching, and I would then just crash for the rest of the day. It can be done, with help, but it sure isn’t fun. The thing is, once I was back, I was back, and committed. I’m about to turn 66, and my shoulder looks a lot like Pat’s picture, complete with the scar! I took Vitamin D (50,000 units a week) and calcium, and took no NSAIDs. It’s just hard getting to the other end. Good luck,
Sharon
My surgery is tomorrow on Friday. I have 3 hours to drink water. I am already panicked thinking I cannot have water until after the surgery. Silly, I know since I have much larger issues. I really appreciate the comments. I am scheduled to teach next Tuesday, just 5 days after the surgery. But it is really just a day of me training someone on a program they are using in the library. I am sitting and talking to one person. Hope I can do it. My husband will get me there and get me home. My ortho seemed to think I could. So his encouragement made me feel that I could. They are sending me home with a nerve block for the weekend. My neighbor is a nurse if my husband has any issue with it but he is pretty capable so I am hoping all turns out okay. I realize from this wonderfully informative blog that my journey is really just starting. I only have to do a couple of days of training and then I will not work for the next few months. Hopefully, I can handle that. We are always tougher than we think aren’t we? I will let you know how the surgery and the nerve block work out…..Thanks!!
Best of luck, TA! Report back when you are able. Pat
23 days post fracture. I took myself off pain killers. It was getting to the point where the Vicodin wasn’t doing much good. It still hurts, but if I keep it still, it’s not so bad. I am exhausted and have absolutely no energy. Last week I did what should have been minor errands, going to the bank and picking up a few things one day, then getting groceries the next. That took all the energy and strength I had, and I was totally wiped for a couple days afterward. Then I somehow got stomach flu and couldn’t eat for two days. I e-mailed the people I was doing work for and explained the situation. Crickets. No one even bothered to e-mail back and say sorry you got broken. Nice. I’ll have to start all over once I’m healed, but I don’t know what I’m going to do in the meantime. I did manage to get my sling off and take a shower. It was a major production, but it was so nice to finally have clean hair.
(((Becca))). If they only knew how bad it hurts! As a self-employed person, I empathize. Trying to recover while worrying about income is the pits. It’s discouraging, and there’s absolutely nothing to do except move through it.
Hi there Becca
I take my hat off to you. 23 days!??? And you are out!. I’m amazed. Please take care of yourself.
Yes, in time of serious accident /injury it never ceases to amaze me how some people react. Uncaring, and unkind. It seems that some can only empathise if they’ve had a similar experience. Some people are just so caught up in themselves they’ve no space for a little bit of kindness.
I am so terribly sorry you are having this experience. You have enough to deal with what with your dreadful pain, and then to have the worry of your work and income.
If it helps a little Becca we are all right behind you in thought and spirit.
You keep strong. You are the better person.
Helena :::))
Hello Becca,
Sorry to read of your fall. On the positive side, it sounds like surgery is not needed. Yes, the pain is intense and debilitating and the poor sleep just adds to the despair but at least here we all understand and you will recover. The indifference from your work makes you wonder whether these people are actually human. But as they say, out of bad comes good so try not to worry, get as much rest as you possibly can and accept any help offered. Your body needs to recover and heal.
Helena, how are you doing yourself??
Hola chicas…
How are you diddling? All good thanks.
Yesterday at physio I reached 90 degrees in Abduction and forward flexion. I ve been told that’s what the surgeon wants. That’s her definition of functional. Yes I am functional. I’m driving. So to be honest I m doing well thank you.I want to try and get my arm higher.
I’m working away in the pool. I’m into the ‘resistance’ phase they tell me. They’ve given
me a elastic band that I use. But judging from
what they all tell me I think I might have to be
grateful for 90. But I’ll keep at it. I haven’t been discharged from the hospital yet. The next review is mid September. But thank goodness I don’t have pain unless I roll over at night inadvertently. But to be honest I think I’m extremely lucky. Multiple fractures, no surgery. Conservative treatment. And fortunately it appears to be working. Today I met with the Prof to negotiate my work for the coming term. So, it’ll be back to work I hope.
How about yourself? How are you progressing?
My heart goes out to Becca and all of the
others who are in the early stages of their recovery. The pain they are going through. But
as we know there is light. They will recover.
I don’t think any of us will be the same but
there will be recovery… Keep in touch :)))
Hi Helena, so good to hear your progress. 90 pc is pretty impressive and you seem to have the spirit and determination to try for the last 10 pc which would be a bonus but I guess not essential to function as pre-accident. How well you’ve done. Good luck with returning to work.
I am very grateful too for my recovery. ROM is good except for stubborn outward rotation and behind back. I don’t know what percentage I have but there is a definite difference between the two arms and I understand the metalwork may be preventing full movement. I still do physio exercises 2-3 times daily. I do still get some pain/aches, usually due to exercising or just overdoing it. Easily done. Just so glad to have life return to normal, pretty much. Even done some dancing! .
Just be interesting to see how the shoulder feels when winter and the cold weather sets in.
Our bodies with their ability to heal and repair after such trauma are truly remarkable. I respect mine so much more now!
Rusty.
I must apologise. I think I misled you and everyone else.
I’m at 90 degrees but only 50 per cent of the total (180 degrees) so I think I got excited prematurely. But sure every new movement is a gift.. As we all know ::))
I was in the pool for the first time a couple of
weeks ago and nearly had to ask for bed and
breakfast!!! Could I get out of my swimsuit???
My right arm has little power and the swimsuit must be lined with lead cos I pulled and tugged but no joy. A wet suit is a damned nuisance but I got there after about 20 minutes. Nurse Ratchet was out in the car demented wondering what had happened to me!! Anyhoooo, I’ve purchased a much lighter suit and you’ll be glad to hear I’m now independent again.
What a palaver!!
I hope Becca and the others are coming along Take care Helena :::))
Into the toilet for the disabled!! Boy was that appropriate.
Helena, I can relate to your “stuck in bathing suit” crisis! I had not been driving long when I decided to shop for loose, soft sweaters that would go over my still swollen arm and uncooperative shoulder. I had worn a knit top, and every sweater that I tried on in the dressing room stuck to my shirt. I could NOT shake them off! It was unnerving not to have any control – like an emerging butterfly still trapped in its cocoon!
To Helena, that was my misunderstanding, sorry. Must admit I was very impressed thinking you were almost back to normal with movement. Superwoman or what! You are doing really well though. I had a similar experience to you (Pat) in a changing room in the early days and only last week when went to a pool for the first time, an aqua fit class. In one of those open changing rooms, i was putting my bra back on (one of those sports type with no hook), it got twisted as my back was damp, I wrestled and contorted, considered asking a stranger for help (!) until finally I managed to sort myself out, having broken into a sweat and given the shoulder a massive stretch and workout. I wonder if us ORIFs have the unenviable advantage of having a big scar so people twig why we are behaving so!
To Becca, so sorry about your predicament and really hope the loan comes through to ease the worry. Go easy on the computer as your body may be compensating for the shoulder and putting pressure on your back. I got myself a V shaped cushion which I sat with all the time (V at top). It was invaluable. I still sleep with it even now.
Hi there Becca, TA, Rusty, Pat,
Isint it great to read this blog and go’Im not the only demented, one armed bandit wandering about ‘!! We have company and lots of it!!.
Today I actually tried swimming. I only managed half and length struggling before the pain kicked in. Over stretched BUT I DID IT. Every day we all improve.
I am very sorry Becca that you have to go through the worries about work etc whilst dealing with terrible pain. Put it out there into the universe and say an old wives saying we say here all the time especially in times of trauma and doubt. ‘ ‘What’s for you won’t pass
you by’. Something really good will come to you. I think it’s safe to say we’re all sending you positive energy during this time. Pat has given us all a great gift. Thank you.
I can imagine being stuck in a bathing suit and not being able to get out of it. It’s a major production just trying to get my pants up after I go to the bathroom. And I no longer even try changing into a nightgown at night. I have an old tee that I don’t care about and that’s what I wear. My arm still hurts, but I can move it around a bit more. It’ll be four weeks tomorrow. A couple new problems have reared their heads, though. My nightmares have come back. Last night I dreamt that a woman was chasing me with a gun and that some men had found their way into my basement. And I’ve been getting lower back pain now, which I didn’t have before. I’ve stuck a pillow behind me when I sit at the computer, and that helps a bit. I applied for an emergency medical loan from the professional organization that I’m a part of. They e-mailed me back asking for my writing credentials. I’m not sure if they want me to prove that I’m a real writer, or if they want proof that I will be capable of paying the loan back. I really hope I get that loan. Otherwise I just don’t know what I’m going to do. I have a real fear of being homeless, crippled, and helpless. I just want to be able to relax and heal for a while without worrying about whether I’m going to survive or not. Evolution in action. The weak perish. The weak and the unlucky.
I did go out into my garden and harvest some veggies today: zukes, pea pods, and some carrots. I also have tomatoes ripening and raspberries forming. As a city girl, I never get over the feeling of being able to walk into my back yard and come back inside with the makings of supper (although the raspberries don’t often make it that far 🙂 ).
I hope everyone else is healing up nicely.
Hi all, Saw my ortho yesterday, 1 week after surgery to take out staples and do x-rays. Plate with 10 screws applied to a two part fractured displaced humeral neck with resulting head crushed. Sent me home with a nerve block which worked wonders for 24 hours then the IV came out. I was in considerable pain then but the next day with pain meds, it relieved. Each day was better of course. The ortho actually did a whoop when he saw the x-rays yesterday and he said it was beautiful. Of note, once he got into the surgery, he found the humeral head crushed and that did not show on x-ray. So from a discussion of should I have surgery, it was determined postoperatively that it was definitely the route I should have taken. A reminder that I am 64, female with osteoporosis. I have good movement of hands and lower arm already. The sling is off and I can use it as needed but I do not like it on. I like stretching out my elbow. Finally, slept stretched across the bed last night for 6 hours which had not been possible. I am awkwardly typing with both hands now too. 2 more weeks I see him again and then he thinks I will start PT. I asked ortho lots of questions about the future. If I fall a year from now will this shoulder be stronger with plate in. He said yes. I said maybe he should just do the other one sort of like shoulder pads for additional strength. My husband also made a joke about the potential of swapping me out for scrap metal parts. I also have a large staple below my knee from an osteopathy 30 years ago. I hope I am not offending anyone with humor. I use it daily to cope and it has always served me well. I found from this blog and others that sometimes people who do fairly well are not posting. This blog and one other was invaluable for me to read about experiences going through this. I know I am early in the process and still have PT and more pain ahead but you all have encouraged me that I need to work hard and keep my expectations high and I will achieve optimal ROM. I walk like a little old woman now since I am afraid of falling. (Whoops, I am a little old woman!). That is my greatest fear. Went to a large store yesterday with my husband to find some sort of top to wear that I can get on comfortably. I wear a lot of sports bras but they are impossible to get on. Great challenge but found a danskin with thin straps that I can get on with husband assistance. Ortho gave me a couple of exercises to do for the next two weeks that would prepare for PT. Standing at counter with hand on it, bend forward and stretch the arm from forward position and do it again at the side. Hurts a little but he said he will not hurt my upper arm and would be beneficial to stretch out. Thanks again for the good thoughts and all of you stay strong. If someone at my age with osteoporosis can have a level of success anyone can. We will get through this. TA
Hi, TA, Good to hear the pain is coming under control. Don’t despair about clothing, it gets easier after a while. I cut the arms off a few old t-shirts, cut down one side a bit from the armhole so that it went on easier, and wore those as underwear. On top I found a few old chainstore shirts a size or two bigger than my usual, and borrowed a rain-jacket my husband had that had snaps as well as a zip, so that I could stick the sling-encased arm out between two snaps. I had an old pair of boots with a zip (it was mid-winter) for outdoors that I could actually put on myself, and slippers for indoors. It took nearly six months before I could comfortably wear a bra all day, but don’t worry, you’ll be glamming it up for Christmas.
Hi TA. Yes most of us do have lifestyle changes. I wear a sports bra that zips in front for PT cause it supports me more for exercise and stretching and other times I wear a bra made for masectomy patients that hooks in front and back although I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to fasten the back closure. I’m 4 months from ORIF surgery and 3 weeks from manipulation under anesthesia for frozen shoulder. It’s really been a struggle for me. Each week I reach a new milestone but PT with a good therapist is so important for recovery. Although I do stretching and exercises at home, that arm feels like lead in the mornings. And yes, I still sleep in a recliner and wake up several times during the night. To keep my arm from getting stiff, my therapist says I need to do pulley exercises every 2 hours, which is impossible. Currently I’m at 140 degrees; hope to get more but I think that plate will keep me from achieving much more. Don’t get too discouraged, keep happy thoughts and accept help even from the clerks that monitor the dressing rooms. The hardest thing for me to accept was my loss of independence. It’s a long road to recovery.
All of you have made such good suggestions. I do not know why I did not think of a zip front sports bra. I found some on Amazon and am ordering 2 today. Going to order two different ones to see about fit and comfort. Thanks Billie! And aoileann66 what a great idea on the tshirts. I just happen to have a lot of those collected from my old days of travelling. Perfect solution to cut out the shoulder a bit to get my arm through it. Did too much physical activity yesterday and tripped going up the steps to the house. Luckily I did not fall but it did scare me. I had on some sandals. Today, I finally got on sneakers but really not sure which is best to wear. My knees are not the best and I have always been a bit clutsy. That scares me a lot thinking of falling again. I like to fly fish small streams and wear knee pads in case I fall on a rock but the thought of that really frightens me. I live in a cabin in the woods on 28 acres beside a trout stream. Very rugged but it seems rather daunting right now to even consider walking around out there. I hate this fear. I guess I will get over it. Get those little shooting pains from the shoulder to the neck which must be nerve endings and healing. Very annoying. Using some Ibuprofin to knock that out. Swimming sounds good Helen. We have a spa and I wish I could get in it but that is too scary. Becca you hang in there. Hope you get the loan. You so deserve it. Keeping my spirits up but like many of you I get down at times rethinking how I wish I would have turned on the light that night walking through the house so I could have seen my lab on the floor. You know how that hindsight goes….Thanks for all of the support.
I’m a little surprised that I have never tripped over one of my cats. They like to sit at the head of the stairs in the dark, and I don’t have great night vision, even for a human.
It’s a little over five weeks now since the accident. It still hurts. I’m still exhausted. And I’m still depressed. Enough! Heal, already! And there’s no way I can even look for a job while I’m in a sling. I’m so tired of this. And I didn’t get the loan I asked for. I delineated the situation and told them that assuming no complications and that surgery wouldn’t be necessary, I should be pretty much healed in six months. I asked for enough money to pay my minimum household expenses for six months plus medical expenses for x-rays, orthopedic visits, and physiotherapy. What I got was enough to pay my expenses for September, with nothing for medical care. So I’ll just have to hope that my arm heals okay because I can’t afford office visits, x-rays, or physical therapy. I know I’ve been telling the Universe that I needed a break, but this is NOT what I meant!
Beware what you wish for. Really!
Oh, I meant to ask — a lot of the pain has gone away–I don’t take the amount of pain relievers I did before–but can anyone tell me why my elbow hurts? I fractured the proximal humerus. The elbow wasn’t involved at all.
Becca, I’m no expert, but have read about the possibility of nerve damage…not just in surgery, but in the original fracture. I never have had pain specifically in my elbow, but I have some mild aching from the shoulder to the top of my hand and fingers. Usually, it’s what I would describe as mild discomfort, and I can ignore it. I’m approaching three years (Can’t believe it!), so I don’t expect it to improve.
I’m SO SORRY about your money problems. It’s awful to be thinking of basic financial survival while unable to work. Definitely been there and done that!
Hi, Becca,
Sorry about all your problems. As regards the elbow, I fractured my proximal humerus nine months ago, and initially, my elbow was quite sore, not to mention black-and-blue, I have no idea why. The therapist suggested massaging it frequently myself and holding it up so that blood would drain (obviously you can’t massage it while the sling is on). The pain went away eventually, and the colour is now more or less back to normal, but it took time.
Hi all, in response to Becca, my elbow too was sore and tender for many weeks. It’s only really now that I’ve become aware that the pain has gone. It baffled me too. I had no bruising though.
So sorry you didn’t get the loan you needed. Makes me grateful for our system here which is far from perfect but everyone is entitled to free medical care including physiotherapy. But to be honest, you can probably find information on exercises online and you can always try asking us anything here.
Hi Becca, If we could only concentrate on healing ourselves and not have to worry about medical bills. What we all went through was very traumatic and it takes such a long time to heal our broken bodies. That was the worst thing that’s ever happened to me and was shocked at the staggering costs. At 5 months from the original surgery, my elbow still swells and hurts and I have tingling from elbow to inside of wrist. I’m pretty sure it’s nerve damage although my doc says no. It could also be aggravated by physical therapy since they’re still stretching my arm for additional range of motion. I just put an ice pack on my elbow when it bothers me too much. But I still have to have pain meds when I have therapy. I hope you find this site as helpful and supportive as I have.
Hi there Becca.
How are you? You must be feeling pretty fed up now. On top of that you have all the extra worries about job, money and then some.
Becca my accident was March 16th, I don’t think I will ever forget the day before Paddy’s Day… I am experiencing a lot of pain in my right elbow and forearm. My physiotherapist thinks I’m showing signs of Tennis Elbow. What that means is nerve involvement, how? I don’t know but I suppose as I landed on my elbow and not my shoulder it would explain things. You will get better. You will feel better. Things will improve. You are on the turn, please believe all of us, life will not stay as it is. I cried and cried. And I have no doubt in my mind every one on this site has cried.
If you can’t attend physiotherapy then don’t despair, you can do a lot of work at home. You are still healing so do be careful. Your poor bones are still mending. You can do gentle pendulum In the shower. You can squeeze a soft ball to build your muscle strength. But until you’ve been told your bones have knit together do be careful.
I am so very sorry you are having such a hard time. I wish you good health. And soon.
Helena
You bet we’ve cried and cried! And I’m crying today because I’ve been in pain all day despite a warm bath, cold packs, and hot packs. Ran out of pain meds until a few minutes ago. What makes me cry more is being unable to use my arm for the functions I used most before my accident. There are many useful physical therapy websites that illustrate movements that can be done at home to help recovery. And no special equipment is needed except a pulley that can be purchased at a sporting store. PT just forces you into a routine to move the arm regularly. When I run out of visits allowed under my insurance, I’ll either pay out of pocket or push myself to continue my exercises at home.
I am thrilled to find this blog. All of the stories are so helpful and supportive. Like so many, I am a nurse and I have a 3 part humeral head fracture. Am 10 weeks post standing fall (tripped on a downspout extension and fell onto concrete on my left shoulder. I had just started my dream job in an ICU 3 months before this happened. Have been on light duty now for 6 weeks (fortunately, I’m also an attorney and paperwork is a breeze for me). I so miss clinical work. But, I remind myself, that it could have been much worse – I could have fractured C-spine or my skull.
I decided not to have surgery: plate failure, pain, expense, set-backs and repeat procedures are not worth it. I’m working with my ortho, who is conservative and willing not to push me into a procedure. Doing PT/OT twice a week. Started that 6 weeks post-fall. It’s painful for sure, but I am off all pain meds except the occasional Alleve. What has helped me deal with the pain and reduce it, has been diligently doing my home therapy, taking a hot shower right before doing my exercises or using a hot pack, also walking 2-3 miles every other day – that improves blood flow, drinking lots of water. I’m now starting pool therapy. My background is as a runner and triathlete, so movement and body awareness is my lifestyle.
I may never be able to lift heavy patients again, but, I am grateful to have survived the fall and am grateful to obtain a better perspective/empathy for my patients who are in pain. It’s a life changing event for sure, but hopefully for the better.
Welcome to the club, Laura! We are all just our doctors’ best guesses, and always interested in the journeys of others! Pat S
Thanks much! It is a journey to be sure..
Hello Laura, quite something your energy and recovery so far. Well done and wishing you more of the same. Surgery is always best avoided if it can be. I so admire the work of nurses and it is lovely to hear your enthusiasm for your job. I hope you will recover sufficiently to carry on as before. I was told 18mths to 2yrs for the bone to return to 100% strength.
It is indeed a life-changing experience and in many ways is positive.
Hope to hear more from you
Hello Rusty,
Thanks so much. 18 months to 2 years, eh? Well, that is very helpful to know. I will bear that in mind when I get impatient with myself.
Laura, I understand what you are feeling. I am also a nurse. I work on a busy cardiac floor and have for 27 years. I shattered my shoulder-3 breaks, plate and 12 screws almost a year ago. Well, a year on Sept 11. Yup, 9/11 accident.
I was very worried what I would be able to do. I was very concerned about whether or not I would be able to take care of patients again or not. I was in PT for 5 months and light duty for 2 months. I don’t have full motion back but I think it is because of the plate. I take a full assignment without difficulty. I do still think before I reach with my right arm. I think this injury is life changing for all of us in some way. I am thankful that I didn’t fall all the way through the attic ceiling to the concrete floor 12 feet. Could have been worse for me. It has been a long journey but you will be better. I think that is why this blog is so helpful. When I was at my lowest point (in pain and unsure if I would ever move my arm again), I could look at the post of others like Pat who had made it past that difficult point and were doing fine. It helped me and I hope it helps you too.
Best of luck!
Sheila
Hi Sheila,
Thank you so much for sharing all of that. Hearing that you can now take a full assignment without difficulty, is the best news I’ve had all summer. I went back to work – light duty only 4 weeks after I fell, because the short term disability insurance was not cutting it with paying the bills, and I am the breadwinner. Been on light duty now for 6 weeks, and the stress of trying to make hours has certainly not helped the healing process. But, there will come a day when I will go back to a full load. I’m ACLS, ER/ICU so getting enough strength in the arm to do chest compressions, if required is a must.
Of course, there are the well-meaning, but inane, comments from others, along the lines of “you will never return”, “why don’t you just get surgery”, etc., etc. Ah well. We just keep on keeping on, right?
I know what you mean about chest compressions. That is still a bit of a worry for me. I know that my shoulder is healed but I do worry. Of course, I have many coworkers who just when I do try to pull on patients. It will come in time. I know what you mean about disability not cutting it. I was ok on the short term but the long term was really hard. By then, I was paying for my insurance copay out of pocket. Seems like the long term money was just changing hands. It was hard to be on light duty since I really wanted to do more but at the same time I was worried about over doing it. I was still doing therapy 3 times a week at the same time.
Hope you can continue to work light duty until you feel able to return to full duty. Don’t rush it It is a long hard ride:) But this blog is full of others going through the same thing. I think no one can really understand unless they have gone through this. Nice to meet a fellow nurse:)
Welcome Laura. Know what you mean about well intended concerns from others. My favorite is “thought you’d be well by now”. They just don’t know until they’ve been there. I applaud all of you who continue to work while struggling to heal your fragile bones. I’m 61, retired, and it’s all I can do to got to PT 3 times a week, housekeeping, cooking, etc. Luckily my husband is also retired and drives me to and from therapy so I can take my pain meds for the big stretch. But he also has medical problems and is taking cancer treatments. Getting that arm moving is critical to your range of motion. Muscle strength will come later according to my therapist. This has been the longest 5 months of my life. I wish you the best as you continue to heal.
Welcome Laura. I am a newbie here too. I found this just about 3 weeks ago and it was so helpful in hearing what others are going through and knowing what I might expect. I saw my ortho today and he was very pleased with my 3 week post operative progress. Be encouraged. If a 64 year old with osteoporosis can survive this, I think those of you, younger and still athletic will do fine over time. I start PT on Monday and I am ready to go. I have been doing some light exercises in preparation. We ate out today and I am nervous walking through crowds with the fear someone will run into my shoulder. Ouch…..I have been outside a lot more lately with my two shepherds but we have a lot of acreage beside a stream..very rocky so I am always a little worried about falling again. I will just have to get over that.
Hi, my name is Alex and I’m 18 years old, at the end if April this year I fell of my horse and broke my shoulder, initially they thought I had a clean break and tried to fix it themselves with a cast and a sling but it didn’t work, I was in excruciating pain so a week later they decided to operate and put a plate in, when they opened me up they soon realise why it wasnt fixing on its own, I had completely shattered the top of my right arm that sits under my shoulder blade and the bottom part of my humorous bone had pierced through my deltoid muscle!
I’ve got a 5cm plate and 6 screws in it and a whopping big scar!
It still hurts now and I can’t lift my arm very far above my head, I’m due to go back to see my surgeon in January 2014 to see if I need the plates out (fingers crossed I don’t) however I have pain down my arm, up my neck and my shoulder blade at the back, it feels like a dead arm, my arm around my scar is numb but itches on the inside and it’s raised and got lumps along it, however the thing that I hate the most is how red it is, I get asked alot of questions and it restricts me in my job (hairdresser) I can feel it tweaking when I’m driving and certain positions give my excruciating shooting pains down my arm!
I’ve been using bio oil on my scar to reduce the redness but it doesn’t seem to be working and the more I get asked questions about it the more I get self conscious about it!
I was just wondering (if this site is still running) if anyone has any tips on hiding the scar or getting abit more movement back into it? I’ve tried foundation but it doesn’t work 😦 advice would be amazing thankyou xx
Alex, I’m so sodry for your trouble. You have youth on your side, but it is a long recovery. Don’t beat yourself up for healing at your own pace. Are you still in physical therapy?
Georgia Pat I am getting 5 or 6 E-mails each time someone replys how do I unnsubscribe?? I am better now and no longer feel the need for all the wonderful support I recieved on here. It has been a year ago I fell and 4 months ago I had the replacement and am still in therapy as you said it is a long time in recovery.
Hello Alex, when they did my surgery, the break was much worse than thought. On x-ray it looked like a displaced two part fracture of humeral neck but upon surgery they found that the under the displacement the head had been shattered so surgery was definitely a necessity. I am just 5 weeks from the break and 3 weeks from surgery and starting PT today. You did not mention your physical therapy and how you did with it? It sounds like you might need more extensive Physical Therapy to gain back more range of motion. Standard procedure in US is not to remove the plate unless it is providing trouble to the site. I apply heat to the scar, soak in hot tub and massage it and it is improving daily. With your age that will help you eventually. Good luck. This is a long healing process from what I have read on this blog.
Welcome Alex, I think I’ve read of others on here falling off horses. What bad luck, I really feel for you but your young body will recover fast. Are you in the UK?
With your scar, are you massaging it? My physio got me working on my mine quite vigorously 3 weeks after the op to soften the hard tissue. She recommended non perfumed creams like E45 or Aqueous Cream. My scar is still red. I think they take some time to fade. it is tender in one area and i developed a lump towards one end which the surgeon thinks could be an internal stitch which broke away. Try not to feel self conscious. It is just a visual reminder of all you have been through and bound to be a talking point. I imagine people your age would be most impressed by your courage (and your metalwork!). But if the scar does worry you, you could show it to a doctor or nurse for reassurance. Other than that, easiest way to hide it is with tops with sleeves and probably not too good to overdo the sun to it.
Alex, I had the plate with ten screws, with an injury very similar to yours. At four months they had to remove the plate because it and the screws were impinging on other tissue- it was a lot like what you describe. I have to say, that as bad as the original surgery was, the removal went smoothly, as did the recovery. It was such a relief to have that thing out, because it was causing such pain. At 10 months, I have more than 95% recovery of ROM and solid bone. No signs of screw holes on the x-rays! I turned 66 yesterday, and I’m amazed at what calcium and Vit D supplements can do! Don’t be afraid to have it removed if the doc wants to do that. I groomed three horses yesterday before I rode, and I remember being so proud of myself, noticing that I was able to reach behind their heads to halter them and brush their ears. And, two of them are really big boys! Hang in there,
Sharon
I’m hoping if I leave this reply everyone will be able to see it and I can put everything into one post!
I’ve seen my surgeon 3 times since I did it and my physio about 4 times, the physio was absolutely useless, nothing ever changed and I think she was scared of moving it as it was stillclassed as broken, after 4 weeks pre op they stopped my going to physio because apparently I had good movement yet it seems to be getting less and less as the pain is getting worse, because I’m not due back to my surgeon until January I’ve booked an appointment with my go because my scar is burning like mad! I’ve only used bio oil on it and I’ve been trying really hard to massage it but putting pressure on it really hurts I can just about run my finger over the top of it!
And yes I am from the UK I live in chorley and my surgeon is at royal preston hospital!
Also, does anyone else getting a popping sensation as if your shoulder is popping out of place?
And Sharon the horse I fell off was only a youngster, he’s 4 and standing at 17.2, I’ve been back on but confidence is abit of a killer haha!
I’ve started doing everything left handed now 🙂 thanks for the comments guys, means alot! X
Hi Alex, So sorry about your injury. Hopefully because of your age, you should get full movement back. Healing and strength just take a long time. I was told to apply olive oil on the scar. The appearance doesn’t really bother me as I’m 61 and not in physical shape. I think the flabby skin on the underside of my arm detracts from the scar. Looks like the 3 days of physical therapy is paying off now as I have full movement in some areas and need 10% in the overhead lift. After 5 months, my surgeon has lifted all restrictions. Yay! So hang in there, it can only get better.
Alex, many of us have had severe ongoing pain at the incision site. For a long time I’m pretty sure mine was related to internal and external stitches pulling (twice around), but now it still suddenly gets fiery hot for no apparent reason. Doing everything you can to keep the scar tissue from tightening up will help with your ROM. Even the antibiotic ointment with lidocaine helps. In the worst part of the spring and summer I would get tiny pockets of infection at the stitch hole sites, and I think it was related to sweat and/or dirt from activity. They’ve cleared up now, finally.
Good luck with your recovery.
Hi there Alex.
Welcome. You are in great company. You’ll get lots of support here. We’ve all had horrible experiences, just like you… But you have a wonderful advantage, you are 18 years old, and I am not being flippant. I’m an Occupational Therapist who, in a past life worked with a plastic surgeon dealing with ‘lumps and bumps’ post surgery. So may I just throw in my cents worth. 1. It’s early days for scaring. You have a body that’s still developing so your ability to repair yourself will be greater than most. As you age the scar will stretch and flatten out. I could almost guarantee that in 5 yrs time it will be a fine line, unless of course you get infected. You would do well not to put foundation on at the moment. If your consultant thinks your scar istthickening then maybe he /she would send you to a therapist for scar management. The suggestion of putting oil on it is a good one, you need to gently massage the scar line each day but you must keep it clean.
You have a big job ahead of you with rehab, I wish you every success. I really hope your pain reduces and fast.. The scar will take care of itself. Good luck. Helena., ::))
Hey guys, I’ve been to my doctor today to check that I have no infections in my scar as its very raised, she said I have a keloid scar, she said its where my scar has healed twice, so I’ve got two lots if new skin, I’m back to see my surgeon in January and after that she said she can refer me to a derantologist skin specialist to see what e can do to sort the lumps out 🙂 thanks for all the advice 🙂 xxx
Hi Alex, ah so that explains it. Bet you are glad to have found out 🙂
I was very please to find out I have no infections or anything, she said to bring my appointment forward with my surgeon as my movement is getting worse and worse, in struggling to even open a door at the moment and see what he says, if he decides to take my plate out she’ll look at my scar once he’s finished, if he doesn’t she going to refer me to a dermatologist and a skin specialist to see if they can get rid of the lumps! Was please to hear its nothing serious? Xx
Also, does anybody else have odd arms now? My right arm (broken) is about 3/4 of a centimetre higher and fatter than my other one and I can decide if that’s because if the plate or if its swollen 😦 xxx
Yes, I also have a deformed shoulder at 5 months.
Alex, So glad to hear of no infections & your scar is healing. However; the diminished movement should be a concern. I developed frozen shoulder and had to go back under anesthesia for manipulation and that set me back several months. More tissue damage and more scar tissue to deal with in addition to more pain. Hope you discussed this problem with your physical therapist and your surgeon.
Just celebrated my 1 year anniversary from my injury. It was Sept 11 of last year that this strange journey began with a misplaced step in the attic. For some reason, I didn’t think it would be a big deal when the date rolled around. But I was truly depressed that day. Started to concentrate on the things I still can’t do. Not able to reach behind my back-thinking that might be gone for good because of the plate and screws. Still difficult to reach across my body with the right arm. Front hook bras are now a main stay. I am not so blue now. Guess I was reliving the injury and pain of the day. How frightening it was. Several weeks in I found this blog. So thankful for it. I know I will never be the same but I am miles ahead of where I was afraid I would be. It does change you forever but maybe that is the way it should be. Sorry to be so philosophical tonight. Anniversaries do that to me.
Awww, Sheila. I know how you feel, but there’s nothing we can change. I’ve sort of made peace with the shoulder, although it’s always a little stiff and a little sore. I remind myself that If it were 200 years ago, we’d be hopelessly crippled.
After reading Shelia’s comment I went all the way back to her original posts and followed her up to this anniversary. She really dedicated herself to her therapy. It made me sad and now I’m reflecting on my own journey. Although my therapist has set a goal to stretch me for 100%, my time is running out, I think I need to be realistic that I will never get there. The functions I really miss are not there and my life has been consumed with therapy and pain for all these months. It’s time to strengthen what’s left and just move on to living with diminished capacity. Just wish it wasn’t my dominant arm.
Billie, I am sorry that I bummed you out. You could still get more movement back. I think I knew that I had reached my personal best at the end of my therapy. Was kinda hoping it would continue to improve in my stretch but I am stronger. Also my dominant arm which is a bummer for both of us. Guess the stiffness is the new norm. I hope you have more movement and less pain. It seems like most people on here are really improving. Consider me he exception and not the rule:)
Thank you ladies for your honesty. I am sorry there has been some disappointment with the long term result but it has helped me to be realistic about my own expectations. You make an interesting point, Pat, about modern-day care and how fortunate we are.
I feel I have got to that stage where I am pretty much living my life as before (except for leisure activities) and so everyone assumes I am back to normal, ie better. Yet I still have 3 lots of daily exercises to do, which all hurt, and my shoulder gives me a lot of gip but I think people don’t realise that.
I wanted to ask you whether moving your arm to its max (reaching up to washing line, behind back etc) still gives pain or is it just that you cannot physically take the movement further but there is no pain?
Rusty, for me it is a little of both. The arm always feels “overstuffed” and slightly uncomfortable. When I stretch to reach something on an upper shelf, I feel mild pain with discomfort. For the most part, I can ignore it. Sometimes, I have a more significant burning pain, and it’s when I’ve done too much in one day (too much sitting at the computer, too much driving, too much standing or walking on hard floors, too much lying on it during the night). Pat S.
I just finished my first week of Physical Therapy, one month away from surgery. The pulley I am using has both of my shoulders extremely sore. I am doing three sets of pulley and extension exercises at home and two days of PT with therapist. I do isometric exercises with the therapist too. I know it is the no pain, no gain but I was much more comfortable BEFORE I began the PT. I was just not expecting this to hurt so much. I find that if I add lots of heat to the shoulder, it does help. Again, this blog helps. I find myself reading and relating to many of your experiences. Thanks, TA
TA, I hadn’t even started physical therapy one month after surgery, so it’s no wonder that you are sore. That’s entirely normal. I’m no expert, but my PT stressed that it’s important to avoid inflammation, because it can turn into more scar tissue. Does your PT feel that you are doing the right amount of exercise, or possibly overdoing it…? Pat S.
Yes the Physical Therapist is following my surgeon’s order for two days a week of PT but it is passive therapy. Although the isometric pushes do not seem so passive. The PT told me to do 3 sets at home with the pulley. Perhaps that is where I am overdoing it a bit. I go back to the surgeon next week. I go tomorrow for PT and will ask some questions about the soreness because I am pushing myself through the pain.
Are you telling the PT this? If you are between appointments, call and tell him or her.
If I was in a session, it was evident if the shoulder and muscles were tired or in pain. Tired, I was encouraged to rest as long as necessary and try to do a few more.
Pain: stop.And the PT did. We might stay with the former level of the activity another week until it could be done at the session w/o pain.
You may well need to take a long nap afterwards, even with the appropriate level of exercise. I sure did the first month of P.t. I felt like I’d climbed a mountain after a half hour of pendulums,passive stretching and mobilizatioin.
Absolutely, pain is not helpful or healing. It is a signal to back off, rest, ice or heat.
If you feel the PT is not paying attention, pushing too hard please please tell the supervisor.
He or she may need an attitude adjustment or better supervision.
Hi all.
I totally agree with Marie T. Sound advice. I’m now into my sixth month. Into the pool daily. Great results.
As an OT when a client has pain… Back off.. Don’t tear anything now. You’ll regret it. I over did it in week eight. Ended back on Oxycontin and total rest.. So it can cause damage.. I’m grand now….. But you won’t believe what I’ve done to myself!! We went to my Uncles 80 th birthday party over the weekend. It was just lovely, his children and grandchildren.. Lots
ofrellies.. Up I hopped with a dotey three year old, danced my socks off. Then pain!! The next day progressed as did the swelling of my left knee. Wicked pain, onto ice that night meds, G/T you name it I threw everything at it. Couldn’t put foot to the ground. Off for MRI, into the orthopaedic surgeon, torn meniscus. What!!! My right arm 8 fractures, now my left knee. Surgery scheduled for next month…
I am beside myself.. I am falling apart. I’m justmmortified to say to anyone I know that I’ve got something else wrong with me.
But then who knew an 80 th birthday party could be so dangerous.
I wish you all good health. I think of you all a lot as you’ve been a life line for me over the months.
Miss Georgia Pat will we move onto a knee blog…..???? Kidding.. Just kidding.. At this rate there’d be a blog for all body parts.
Good luck everyone. Helena ::))))
So sorry Helena about your knee injury! I have been through that surgery but that was 10 years ago. Definitely this is worse if that is any consolation. I talked to my PT yesterday following advice from this wonderful blog and now I am doing only 2 sets of exercises a day. Plus she was a little easier with my isometric therapy yesterday and I am NOT as sore today. Thanks for the advice. I am feeling better. TA
Thank you all.
aoileanne66 you can do yoga? I am impressed. Surely you can’t hold the down dog position?? I did a bit of yoga prior to my injury and struggled with this position even then. I was thinking my yoga days were well and truly over. I really must go swimming, especially after you saying how it helped you, but I feel so weary after work, walking dogs, cooking etc. I’m convinced I have much less energy than before even though its been nearly 6 months.
Pat, so 2 years on and still the shoulder can hurt when you do too much. Do you exercise it still or were you ever advised to? I just wonder if stiffness causes the pain?
Behind back, if I splay my fingers I can just get top of thumb to touch bra strap. Physio says I may get just a little bit more. So guess I won’t ever be fastening at the back. Wonder if anyone on here can do that after an ORIF? of course not applicable to a man, talking of which, why is it predominantly women here? Are we pre-disposed to humerus breaks??
Helena, what on earth?? How unlucky is that. So sorry you need an op. Keep us posted.
It seems like us ladies have the same problem with up the back & I’m wondering if the plate is the problem. Yesterday, I asked a tech (female) why I can’t twist my hand to climb my back for bra closure. Evidently she doesn’t wear bras because she said you use the back of your hands for that. I remember back zippers & back button closures. I probably still have some. Guess I must be getting feisty & frustrated with my therapy cause every time I asked why I couldn’t get different positions, she asked me why I wanted to do that. Even washing or scratching my back. My answer was because I was able to do that before. In addition to that, last week my therapist wanted me to add ibuprofin to my tylenol regiemin because I had inflammation. I got very sick at my stomach at therapy, recovered, but they wouldn’t even stretch me. I only need pain meds for the stretching and when I overdo it. No new exercises so maybe it’s time to let go of therapy. The mechanics of the arms and shoulder are so special that most people don’t realize it until they lose it.
Hi Billie, those questions to your physio are valid ones and don’t think her answers are helpful. Mine told me that behind the back is the last and hardest one to get back. Yesterday we tried really stretching to see if that made a difference. It didn’t. So I will keep trying just to gain that little bit extra. Bit annoying as that is quite a useful movement. I had such an itch the other day I just couldn’t get anywhere near. And yes, the plate would be restricting it and for each person it’s different depending on position of plate. I’m with you on Ibuprofen, just kills my stomach. I used to apply cold (ice pack) after exercises to reduce inflammation. Not that pleasant but it did help. Good luck.
Hi.
It’s 6.35am. In desperation I am lying on the couch, feeling very sorry for myself. I’ve given into tears. I am so fed up with all this pain. I do tend to try and make light of it when I write here. I try to see the funny side of life but really this is not funny at all.
As well as ripping my meniscus in my left knee I’ve overdone things (whilst at the 80 th party,) jerked my arm and am in excruciating pain with a trapped nerve. Movement causes screaming searing pain shoulder to fingers. I’m back to not sleeping and I feel like I did back at 6-8weeks.
Rusty don’t despair, I m going to the pool and it really helps, not yesterday, I nearly passed out with both shoulder and knee pain, and the wet swimsuit is tricky. I can’t do that bra thing. It’s front and twirl. And yes, doing all our activities of daily living is exhausting what with all the extra effort each movement takes out of us. I get very tired if I’m to be truly
honest but I am terrible for saying ‘thank you
I’m grand’!! I’m not, but I don’t want to be this
person. I don’t want to have to need
assistance getting my T shirt off.
I want the old me back.
I cancelled work yesterday. Pain and tiredness. For the first time I’ve actually given in. I just can’t keep up the happy face pretending all is fine. It’s not. My arm feels like a dead lump. The pain.. The pain from my shoulder down is mind numbing. So it’ll be back to the neuromuscular therapist today if I can get her to see if she can help me.
We’re supposed to be going on holiday to NY on Friday next. To visit my brother. Birthday present to each other as this is a big year for both of us. It’s been cancelled from earlier in the year because of my fall and the insurance company wouldn’t cover it so we lost everything in March (when I fell) so here we are trying to go again and I damage myself yet
again.
I really shouldn’t be writing so early in the morning, because that’s when the deamons set in. Feeling sorry for myself and ashamed for feeling like this when so many of you out there are experiencing similar, if not worse problems. But to be honest I really don’t think there are too many people that I meet daily that understand so well what’s happening as you all do.
Please excuse me but this is just not a good time for me right now. So Rusty pet, you’re not alone.
Here’s to a better day…. hopefully. Bye. Helena
Bless you. This is a safe place to vent, complain or cry if need be. You are certainly within your rights to be discouraged. Especially when you are in do much pain. Air hugs to you. Hope you find some relief tonight.
Sheila
Oh Helena, I’m so sorry you’re in such pain and so miserable. Sounds like the only thing that would comfort you is a morphine drip, instant relief. My complaints sound so petty compared to your problems. My granddaughter is only 3 months old and I’m trying to get over my injury so I can be my best for her when the time comes. Young children can be physically demanding, can’t they? I sincerely hope you get some relief, sooner rather than later.
Hi Helena, you really are in the wars. It’s so unfair isn’t it, trying to have a bit of fun with family and friends and put the recent pain and suffering behind you, and bam you set it all off and injure something new. At least here you can let your emotions out as we can all understand. I really hope the shoulder pain settles quickly to give you some relief. It sounds like your shoulder needs a bit of rest right now. Same for the knee. I guess we all get these setbacks in some form or other. But they will pass like everything.
You have given so much support to us and your warmth and humour come through in your posts (are you Irish? No surprise there then!!) but you don’t always need the brave face to those around you. Let people help, your independence will come back, the old you 🙂
Keeping my fingers crossed that you are able to make the trip to NY.
Hi there Girls.
Thank you. Thank you.
I was feeling very sorry for myself. Then shame, then fury. And I know you all know this emotional roller coaster.
Isint this the most wicked road we travel. Who knew when we fell, banged into something or whatever that our lives would be changed for ever. I’m trying to work myself into a zen moment and say ‘yes, I will be a better person for this’ ”???? The only thing I can say with feeling is that I have greater insight into the horror of loosing the power of a limb.
You are all so incredibly kind. Thank you.
Yep Rusty I am Irish but my sense of humour has deserted me lately.. But upwards and onwards.
Becca 8 weeks is very early. Your poor little bones have not knitted together yet so the bits can move plus the surrounding muscles are in shock and they have to realign themselves. Unfortunately when they do we get adhesions. I’ve got a loud clicking now, I’ve developed adhesions. But time.. So please take care no sudden movements. The dishes can wait. I do understand. I was here last weekend, walked into the hall, got soaked. Ran upstairs to find a burst radiator pouring water across the landing, through the ceiling, lights, walls onto the hall.
What can I say… That ould fairy in the sky is having a laugh eh???
Good energy to you all. AND THANK YOU. :))
Hi, Rusty,
Yes, I can do yoga, including the dog down pose (actually, the child’s pose gave e more problems: I can do it now, but it’s still not comfortable) – though I wouldn’t say I’m the top student in the class! It’s ten months now since my ORIF operation, and if you’d told me even two months ago that I would be able for yoga, I would just have laughed at you. Things change, and gradually get better. I think the deep relaxation and the controlled breathing for Yoga help, and attempting things a little bit at the time, and an understanding instructor who doesn’t push me too far.
I’m only now getting some reach up behind my back – to fasten the bra it helps if you pull both sides of the bra down a bit at the sides before you attempt to fasten. I’m lucky, though, it wasn’t my dominant arm that I broke.
Helena, my heart goes out to you, especially these grey days with winter setting in.
Rusty, don’t despair, things do get better. My doctor told me, 7 months in, to stop doing most of the physio exercises and concentrate on swimming. I’ve been in the sea nearly every day this summer (we were lucky to get some decent weather!) and it worked wonders. The clothes line is no longer a problem, nor is the high shelf, though sometimes I get twinges if I reach out without thinking. I’m back in Yoga class (9 months now since the plate was put in), which is wonderful – there are movements I can’t complete but I can do a lot of it, and I feel my range of movement is still improving.
Raising the arm behind my back is more problematic: I can do all the necessary things related to dressing and undressing, but I doubt if I will ever get the full range back – I don’t think it will matter though.
Rusty, I wanted to weigh in on the movement question. I have discomfort bordering on pain when I reach up. It feels like someone turning your arm until you say uncle. I feel like it is an “uncle” moment and want it to stop. Behind my back, it is just feels like a movement that I can not do anymore. It is just not going to bend that way anymore. Hope that helps. Kinda hard to describe.
I know I haven’t commented here in a while. I’ve been depressed to the point of tears. It’s been 8 weeks since the injury, and this last week it seems like the pain has been getting worse, not better. And the injury has adopted a new trick. It clicks. Whether I’m moving the arm or sitting still makes no difference. It keeps clicking, and when it clicks it hurts. The weather’s been turning cold, and my furnace doesn’t work, and I can’t put on a sweater or sweatshirt, much less a jacket. And last night my dishwasher broke down. That did really drive me to tears. I can’t afford to replace it. I can’t wash dishes by hand with only one arm. So I don’t know what to do. I hate to come on here whinging and complaining, but really, you guys are the only ones who understand. A couple weeks ago, I was at the grocery store. A woman let me go ahead of her in line and then helped me get my groceries onto the conveyer belt. She told me that her mother had just broken her wrist, so she knew what it was like. In contrast, though, a couple of days ago, I was on the bus trying to balance a purse and a couple of bags of groceries with my right arm. I couldn’t hold on, and there was this one woman screaming and complaining and getting mad at me because I wanted to sit down in a crowded bus and she wanted both seats. Then I was trying to get off the bus, and no one would move. It was obvious that a woman with groceries and a broken arm was trying to get off before the bus started up again, and they just stood there. At this point, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at how rude and uncaring people can be. I feel like the weak link of the herd, vulnerable to predators.
Hope you all are doing better than I am.
I got up this morning feeling a little sorry for myself and then I read these posts from Helena and Becca. I am so sorry for both of you. This injury is bad enough without all of the problems you are having Becca. I wish you had someone you could turn to for help at this time. Your inner strength is amazing to me that you are coping as you are. The bus and grocery shopping. Amazing! And, Helena your comment resonated. You just want your life back! I wish every day I could rewind and not have gotten up during the night to let the dogs out and have turned on the lights. I wonder if anxiety makes all of the pain even worse? I wish I had better advice to both of you but I have not completed 8 weeks yet. You both make me stronger just knowing what you are coping with. I know this is harder than I thought and I appreciate this blog!
I have not been on here since the end of Sept. It has been 4 months since my surgery. This blog was so helpful to me that I wanted to report my progress. I am doing very well. I still do some PT at home but I have been discharged from my PT and my orthopedic doctor. I have about 95% movement back. At 64, with a plate and 10 screws and 2 part displaced fracture of humerus, it is good news. So for anyone finding this blog, I wish you success in your recovery. It is not perfect and the break was life-changing. I get stiff and have to do exercises to loosen the muscles. I still get sore when I work out but it is becoming the new normal for me. I need to continue some light weight training. But I am pleased at my recovery. Good luck to all of you and Happy New Year in 2014. And no falling to all!
Becca, sorry for your awful experience on the bus. I find most people are thoughtful and considerate but there are some who just beggar belief. From what you have posted, you are facing financial difficulties and obviously are fending for yourself alone. That must be incredibly difficult. You should feel proud of yourself for coping under such circumstances. Marie only meant well in her post but I guess when we are low, words can be interpreted in other ways. Hope today is a good day for you 🙂
Hi All!!
Well ladies Helena shall go to the ball.. We’re off to NY tomorrow.
I’m in reasonable nick. My shoulder is coming along nicely with the Neuromuscular therapist. She’s just great. My knee has settled, as long as I don’t attempt any high jumps. Yesterday I spent 2 hours at the dentist having a root canal… He was really drilling for my brain… Holy god when he gave me the bill I nearly had to take out a freakin mortgage. I was thinking I’d sell my body but that’s in bits, who’d take it..???
This has been one very long expensive year between doctors, therapists and dentists (this is my second root canal in two months). But without being flippant none of this is terminal. And it will all pass, maybe not the way I was, but it’ll pass. We’ll be functional… Yes, with limitations but functional. This arm business is not a degenerative condition. Working as a therapist I work with so many people who have appalling cards dealt to them. So I just wanted to share with you all that today is a good one. I thank you all for your great support over the last couple of weeks, I feel wonderful that I feel so well today and I’m going to take that as a gift, and stay in the moment… H. ::))
Have a great time in NY and so pleased things have improved. Yes, teeth don’t come cheap these days haha
Helena, I hope you have a wonderful trip, and all your body parts behave themselves! Pat S
I’m in my early sixties, and the coffee shop is automaticaly giving me a ”senior” citizen discount on my coffee! So I am becomiing less and less embarassed to say “I getting over a broken shoulder/wrist…so I’m a litle slow….or…could you reach that for me….or could you get the door….?
I’ll say this somewhat harshly,, but with great compassion;
Get over yourself and your pride and embarassment or what every other silly social convention is in your way….and ASK FOR HELP.
Also, when you encounter a challenging situation, like “holding two bags of groceries and a purse” look at things ‘ergometrically” Is there a way to make things more simple? I hope I’m not insulting you by asking if you were trying to hold store paper bags? Cloth bags? Is a cross body pocketbook possible to use…that’s hands free. Any way at all to simplify….a coin purse hanging around your neck, carrying stuff in a pocket. I know purchasing new stuff isn’t on the list of things to do, but perhaps you could browse in a re=sale or thrift shop for these items.
Also, I found looking on line for ideas for people who are “really” handicapped like stroke patients, amputees had some some great ideas for adaptations.
Most important, Ask for help. Very honestly, ask for patience. Learn how to identify your problem in a word or two, so that people look at your hesitation or awkwardness with sudden understanding instead of impatience.
Honestly, as many people will surprise you with kindness and help as the a..h…who fuss like the lady on the bus.
I’m sorry that you’re of the opinion that I’m one of those people who have “to get over herself.” I’m sorry that you think that I’m “not really handicapped.” I was wearing a crossbody purse. I was holding a reusable grocery bag and a plastic bag. But why should I stand because an able-bodied person wants two seats? When I’m calling out, “Excuse me! Let me through, please! I need to get off the bus!” how is it my fault when they just stand there and glower at me and refuse to move?
Obviously I’ve pissed you off, and you think very little of me. I obviously made a mistake coming here and commenting. I thought I’d found people who understood what I was going through. I should never have said anything. I’ll shut up and go away now. I’m just an irritating complainer and whiner, anyway. No one’s interested in anything I have to say.
Becca, Please, please don’t take what I said that way. That wwas exactly the opposite of what I meant.You didn’t piss me off, and I feel terrible that I added to your misery. I can see why my post sounded the way you interpreted it. I was speaking about myself, and that I had to “get over’ a senior citizen discount (when I hadn’t volunteered I was over 60 and didn’t ask for one.) I hoped all the examples of how I had to “lower myself” to ask for help would illustrate how much work it is to adjustAft emotioinally. And since I don’t know you, except as a trooper and a brave soul, of course I don’t know how you got on the bus or all the many adjustments you’ve already made.
We’ve all been made handicapped. I had written a little more about the “invisibly handicapped” but got rid of it for brevity’s sake. That’s why I gabbed on about having to say out loud to people who might be able to help us, but don’t know we need it, what the situation really is.
So, maybe my post can be deleted so as not to cause you more pain.
Because I didn’t mean to. who needs more pain when so much was given to us, unasked for?
I wish you nothing but healing and good health and something to make you smile today.
Marie
Hello Everyone. I’m not quite sure yet whether finding this site has filled me with hope and inspiration…or horror!
I had my accident’ at the beginning of December 2013. Like some other bloggers, it was caused simply by not looking where I was going leading me to trip and catapult myself forward at great velocity shoulder-first into the very edge of the heavy dining room door landing face down half-in the dining room, half-in the kitchen where I then lay wedged up against the door for the next hour and a half until the ambulance arrived (a UK response time for a non-life threatening emergency call that day!!!).
I’d never broken a bone before but I knew instinctively and by the unbearable level of pain that I’d done some serious damage. I rebuffed all efforts by my poor husband and my sister to move me and there I lay before the paramedics arrived and wheeled me out to the ambulance.I can only described the state of my right arm at that stage as akin to Harry Potter’s following his Quidditch accident when Professor Lockhart had managed to dissolve all the bones in his broken arm rather than mend them! Remember?
Hazy with morphine and gas and air (I’d managed 3 pregnancies without need for the latter), I returned from the x-ray dept. at A & E to be told I’d shattered my shoulder(hairline fractures and ‘bits of bone floating around’) and I also had what was described dauntingly as a “spectacular’ spiral humeral fracture which started near my shoulder and extended hallway down my humerus.
I was told that I might need an operation but that decision wouldn’t be taken immediately and I was admitted to a trauma ward wearing a collar to cuff sling.
I don’t need to tell any of you about the pain or general discomfort which followed but after a CT scam the specialist who was assigned to my case made the decision that they would prefer to try conservative treatment with something called a Clasby Humeral Brace which would give a better outcome. I’m sure all on this blog will be familiar with something like this.
And so began seemingly never ending weeks of sleepless nights, sitting propped up on five pillows, in really serious pain. The black bruising over my back and my forearm and hand was something else – hadn’t expected that and it slowly disappeared. But of course, there was a crock of gold at the end of the rainbow – that in 8 or so weeks, my fracture would have healed sufficient for me to lose the brace and start physiotherapy.
I tried to be the best patient in the world, took my calcium tablets, took supplements, altered my diet to be the most nutritious possible, cut down on the red wine, regularly did that first little exercise of trying to gently straighten my forearm and by the time I reached what was the 7 week mark, it was back at the fracture clinic expecting to be given the good news that my break was healing nicely.
Only there was no good news. In a consultation lasting no longer than two minutes (no time for questions), my consultant said that looking at the latest x-rays, there had been no healing at all and that l would need an operation.He wanted me to see a surgeon colleague (for another consultation!!!) ASAP as he put it. Well – ASAP turned out to be a wait of a month and so here I sit incapable of doing much and just waiting, waiting waiting…
In the meantime, my pain levels have reduced to almost nothing and I am able to do more with the broken arm. Is it possible that my fracture is finally beginning to heal on its own if a little late? And if not, does anyone out there have a good experience of surgery and subsequent recovery. I do hope so.
Currently feeling rather despondent….
Hi, I too have been through an orif and complete rotator cuff repair. I had to have immediate surgery as my shoulder break was repairing itself, as the body wants to heal.. But the shoulder was moving away from the arm!!! So really get this checked out. I had even regained a little bit of movement and much less pain, so I too thought it was getting by itself. Not trying to scare you, just want you to really hassle the specialists!
Despondent with good reason! I thought my 12 day wait was long. I hope things go more smoothly. 3+ years out, it’s something that I don’t think about much. The shoulder doesn’t feel normal, but stiffness and mild discomfort are a far cry from the hellish pain of the first months.
From all I’ve read, orthopedic surgeons are not quick to operate, because the recovery is longer and more stressful. It seems that doctors in the UK are not so rigid in their treatments. My doctor was adamant that my displaced fracture needed the ORIF surgery, but said from the beginning that it would never be removed. That may be because of my age at the time (almost 60). Here in the U.S., it may take longer to get treatment in the future, because it will take awhile for universal healthcare to be affordable and efficient.
Pat
Hello Duornik,
Yes you’ve come to the right place and I hope it will give you some comfort and reassurance as it did me. Can understand your disappointment at prospect of an op after waiting and doing all the right things. But at the end of the day, no-one can know how well the bones will mend and if an ORIF can be avoided, it is better I believe. After my break abroad, I was told I ‘may’ need surgery. Back in UK, that was confirmed but there was a wait. All the waiting felt like such wasted time. But my pain was very acute, sharp pain with arm movement and the op immediately remedied that as the shoulder was then held in place, I guess. But it sounds as if you are not in much pain now. I should imagine that their concern is for your range of movement outcome. I would say ask as many questions as you can, pester for the op to take place now (if you are happy for it to). Movement did not seem that important to me after the accident. Just wanted to be pain free. But now almost a year on, I have regained pretty good movement (albeit with some discomfort for the bigger movements) and am glad for that.
Wish you all the best
I’m glad to discover this forum. I fell on Dec. 6, 2013 ice storm onto my elbow which dislocated my shoulder and broke proximal humerous. No surgery but immobilized for weeks. I’m at 12 weeks, the bones are healed but the pain is still bad begini g at around noon until bedtime. My orthopedist 6 weeks ago told me movie, “Lone Survivor” movie, now that’s real pain”. So I’ve been thinking its just me being too sensitive to pain. After reading these stories, I realize others are still hurting at this point.
Laurie
Almost 2 years out for me….Great range of motion and strength but still experience pain daily especially in the morning. Do not be discouraged by your Orthopod’s insensitivity to how you are feeling. I have yet to meet an Orthopedic surgeon whose strong suit was patient care or compassion. Orthopod’s do not care how you are feeling or progressing. Their job is done when your fracture is healed on the X-Ray. Gee too bad that your pain is still 9 out of 10, they then suggest that maybe you should see a pain control specialist. Anything so that you are no longer under their care as a patient. To use the Lone Survivor movie as an analogy would also be a typical insensitive response. Do I sound bitter you betcha! I work in a major medical center with a huge Orthopedic Division. They are by far the most arrogant group of Physicians on the planet. This is true not only at my institution, but industry and nationwide. So find a good GP or Internists and transfer your care. Let them take care of your pain control and progress with physical therapy. You will receive much better care without without subjecting yourself to the humiliation from your Orthopod!
Hi there Chris.
I am very sorry to hear about your experience. I am an Occupational Therapist and I had been taken to the very hospital I’d worked in. When I was in the Emergency room experienced insensitivity and down right arrogrance and rudeness from an Orthopedic Intern. So, knowing the system I decided to bide my time, not say anything that would jepordise my therapy and when I came up to ten months and discharge I met a new Orthopaedic Registrar and when he asked me had I any more questions I said my piece. He sat there stunned at first and then it went to embarrassment. I told him Id been treated with complete unprofessional behaviour, unkindness, total lack of empathy or sympathy. I also said that although I didn’t wish any of them ill they’d do well to walk in my shoes. Plus I wasn’t stupid but was spoken to as if. He actually apologised. Said he would take it further. I doubt it but I certainly felt better because it was festering inside me.
On the other hand my consultant Orthopedic surgeon was amazing. Her first words to me when she met me for the first time one week post accident was “you poor pet “!! I just sat and cried.
Your surgeon has issues. This is all about him. They develop this BS attitude to protect themselves, they say……. I don’t think so. The day we stop being sympathetic to others is a bad day.
You take care Chris, bide your time and I mean this, give to him between the eyes. It’s the only way he’ll learn, if at all. Good luck. Helena
Laurie, I think we should kidnap your orthopedist and break his shoulder. I confess that during my first two weeks of recovery, I sat in bed, surrounded by pillows, and watched old episodes of “I Shouldn’t Be Alive” on my laptop computer. It did make me feel better that others had gone through such horrific experiences, but maddening pain and sleeplessness make it hard to keep a good perspective!
Thank you Helena and Pat.
Helena I did file a formal complaint against the Orthopedic Surgeon not only for his behavior but also for HIPAA infractions. I did not get anywhere because Ortho controls the Administrators through intimidation by threatening to leave. However, I must say it felt great to release the pent up disappointment and pure anger!.. I still see the idiot in the halls far too often. I just glare at him, keep walking with my head held high. Again I am being far too kind with my descriptions. The point being You can not let this injury get you down. You must learn to be optimistic and know that each day will get better? No one knows until you experience this type of injury the type of pain you undergo. It is life changing…. Pat your comments always hit home. I am the one who walked around with my fracture for a month before they decided to put in the hardware. They had to re-break my arm to do so. I would love to return the same to my former Orthopedic Surgeon! Pat when I read your description of your first few weeks post ORIFit gives me PTSD…… Stay POSITIVE everyone! That is why Pat started this Blog so long ago. I discovered this site during one of those painful and sleepless nights!
Hello everyone,
I am male 53 years old and live in Dorset, England.
I had a cycling accident on 19/01/14 hitting a huge pot hole hidden by a puddle
Landing badly I manage to get an open grossly displace distal humeral fracture, it was nasty and required a 5 hour plus op, 2 plates and lots of other bits of metal too
My injury is at the other end of the arm to most on here but I still find it helpful to read of your experiences and wish you all the best with recovery
We all have different hurdles to overcome, I have been lucky in some areas for instance having the surgery was a no brainer due to my type of injury so no difficult decision about ORIF or not, I only had pain for a few days after the op and stopped all pain relief on about day 4 and have only had moderate disturbance to my sleep
On the negative side I have been signed off work for 10-12 weeks as I had 4 fractures and they had to break my ulna in the op, also NHS physio has been patchy so I will now need to fund my own physio to get proper rehab. My ROM at the elbow is still very poor and with my own exercise efforts have been able to improve extension a bit but when I try to flex my elbow it seems to lock up at about 90 degs. and not want to budge, as it’s my dominant arm it not good news. Anyway if anyone has experience of humeral fracture near the elbow it would be good to hear how you got on
Good luck to all
Hi everyone. I am a 44 yr old female from Northern Ireland that fractured my proximal humerus 29 October 2013. I have previously made some comments on here regarding this horrific injury. All I need to say is physiotherapy is the key to regaining flexible and overcoming impingement. I found a physiotherapist that was able to carry out the Emmett Technique and apparently I responded particularly well and after 5 months I able to get my arm up behind my back and it is a great feeling. I had 8 sessions so far spaced 1 week apart and now I am required to go fortnightly for treatment. I am so happy as I had resigned myself to not ever having such normal flexibility again.
So happy for you Samantha. My 1 year anniv is March 30, surgery April 11 & I have more movement than I thought possible after this horrific injury & surgery. I can now bend my hand inward up my back but not quite enough to fasten back closure bra. Still have some pain but is manageable with OTC meds. From what I understand, surgeons had to move ligaments & tendons to attach the plate to the humerus & those have to stretch over the plate. Makes sense why movement is so restricted. Hope to play golf this spring without too much difficulty.
Sounds like a good recovery, Billie! After 3.5 years, I still have some stiffness, and obvious nerve damage in my left arm and hand, but I hardly notice it anymore. In my entire life, I’ve never tried to reach behind me to fasten a back closure bra. I don’t know how anyone does that, even with two good arms! I always fasten mine in the front (around my waist), and then turn it around and pull the bra and straps up.
Good to see few familiar names back on here as the 1 year anniversary looms. We’ve made it and encouraged each other along the way, all made possible by Georgiapat’s shoulderdiary. I am not sure whether to still exercise my shoulder with a resistance band but I do most days for about 5mins. Reaching up in a dance exercise class, the shoulder catches and clicks a lot and there is a bit of a sharp pain. I occasionally swim too and same thing stretching forwards. And then some days the darn thing just aches but all in all, pretty good recovery I feel.
Very best wishes to everyone out there, whatever stage you are at
Eight months after my ORIF surgery and doing much better. Still some tightness in my shoulder but very manageable. Have had to learn to sleep on my back more often than not. I can raise my arm up but not quite as far as the other arm. I do a lot of stretching and I want to start doing more weight training. But at 65, I am pleased with my recovery. I had an excellent orthopedic surgeon and that helped. This forum was so helpful in the beginning helping me to understand what to expect. Being able to compare my progress with others, read about the pain adjusted my expectations and helped me make more sense of my injury. So thanks Georgiapat for this forum and to all of you who shared their experiences.
I’m so glad that you found a physiotherapist who knew what to do to help you. They seem to have a much better grasp on the long path to recovery than surgeons do.
Yep…not perfect, but functional. I am in the same place with my arm, and I just don’t worry about it anymore.
That sounds very painful, Neil. It is a shame that physical therapy is not deemed as important as surgery. Diligent PT for up to a year is very beneficial. My insurance company did not pay for PT, and mine was a bit off and on, too.
Good morning to you Georgia Pat.
I want to Thank you so very much for being there for the last year. 16th March I will remember it always, the day before St Patricks Day. To everyone, there is hope and there is life after this awful life changing accident.
It has been a hard year. Taken 8 months into my rehab I was dancing with a 3yr old and
blew out my cartilage. Surgery. Anyhoooo I’m grand again but heavens above it gets old, pain on pain. I ve had high days and very low days and lots of tears. But, and I really mean this, none of my injuries are terminal. I take heart from this. I can’t thank you all enough for your kindness, support and good humour. Georgia Pat, you have provided an amazing forum. Thank you. Kindest regards to you. I’m not sure that I can say today is an anniversary but at least I’m good, functional, working, painting again. Life is on the up. Bye for now Helena 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thank you for this blog. I’m ten weeks on from a fall resulting in a comminuted fracture of the proximal humerus of greater tuberosity with tendinosis. Has anybody found an increase in pain at this point? I still await physio and am due to have a steroid injection this week. I am dubious about this. My fracture was missed at a&e on 13th jan and discovered five or so weeks later on a scan. Any advice would be appreciated. I seem to be in agony more so at night lying down and my rom is very limited. .I still cannot get dressed etc….
Many thanks.
Hi I realised I posted the whole story/background on the thread “thoughts on peripheral nerve damage after orif” if anybody would take the time to read it which may make my post just now more clear. Many thanks.
Hi Peacelily, I took a look at your original post in July 2012 section
I do not have experience in steroid injections but wish you all the best.
My injury is actually in the elbow but due to having a long period of having to keep to passive exercises and not to use my arm my shoulder has stiffened up significantly. When I mentioned this to NHS physio he didn’t even bother to examine my shoulder but just waved his arm in 2 directions and said you could try a few of these. Well I had already decided this NHS physio treatment seemed patchy at best as they had already cancelled 2 appointments on the day, switched me around different people and cut appointment times in half. So I wasn’t too bothered or surprise by the lax treatment and on 21st March had my first private physio appointment. What a difference this was, the physiotherapist spent well over 1 hour carefully collecting details on my injury history, I had just acquired a disk with all my horrendous looking x-rays and she spent sometime helping me to understand them. Then she checked out my elbow ROM and the condition of my shoulder which has obviously lost a great deal of ROM. We ran out of time to do anymore but I was only charged for their normal 45min appointment (£40) Next treatment in 1 week will more likely show how useful the treatment will be but I already have so much more confidence in this private treatment. I just hope I can afford to fund it for long enough to see the benefit
Hope everyone is making good progress!
Hi (about 11 weeks in) after i fractured my left proximal humerus and no surgery my pain had increased dramatically in last week or so and I was scheduled for ultrasound guided steroid injection today. The mri scan a few weeks ago showed no capsulitis (frozen shoulder). However today showed adhesive capsulitis and my rom and pain had got so bad I could bearly endure the pain. So I underwent a shoulder hydrodistention procedure guided by ultrasound. I cannot describe how painful this was and I’m now in even worse pain. This is to be expected for a couple of days yet I have to do small exercises 6 times a day which is making me cry..a lot.
I still can’t dress myself very well and two months on I’m really defeated. Does this procedure help? Also a fragment of bone is is impinging on anterior supra with partial tearing I have fluid in lhb and supraspinatus tendinitis. It seems that this is all they are going to do …physio and pain relief. I’m rather scared. Living alone makes this almost impossible to get dressed etc….sorry for moaning. I feel like moaning today.
Peacelily, I am so sorry that you have had to endure further procedures. I’m not surprised that you are in such pain. I hope that time will take care of the worst of it. (((Hugs))
Thank you so much. I had a procedure called ultra sound guided hydrodistention last week as my shoulder had become so sore and restricted I was at a loss. Scan showed stage one adhesive capsulitis secondary to the fractures which was not picked up on mri scan a month ago. They injected with anaesthetic and corticosteroids then used a larger needle into the capsule to pop or burst it. The procedure was agony yet a few days on I can move my arm slightly more without screaming. So now im allowed to do the fingers up the wall exercise and circular pendulums. The behind the back is still impossible. I’m out of sling yet still two and a half months on I can’t do bra or wear tight tops..I get stuck literally! I feel rather more positive but realise I have a long way to go. I have had to change my thinking and attitude to get through this. This site and the people here are inspiring. Thank you again. If this doesn’t work we then look at surgery yet I’m adamant I want it to work! Hugs back and I hope you are doing well x
How are you doing now. I have a greator tuberosity fracture and I don’t feel it’s gettn better. I’m having difficulty with the pendulum excersises. I know this post was a long time ago but eager to see how you are. Thx
Hi- i’ve been looking for a place to share this injury and find some support. I fell on the ice jan 11, had a double fracture of humerus -100% displaced and required surgery. 11 pins and screws live inside me now. PT 3 times a week which is grueling and the pain is just always there. In the shoulder, forearm, hand. Still sleep in chair and also have moments of despair and unable to see the end of this road back. I know it takes time but between no sleep and the pain meds, some days its intolerable. Going back to work Monday which is a lot of computer work and its my dominant arm.
(((Shari))) You are among sympathetic fellow travelers who know exactly how you feel. It is a long road, but it gets better….I’m struggling tonight with the changes in weather. My shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand ache a
little. But, it’s NOTHING compared to those early weeks. It gets better. Believe me.
Shari, I feel for you trying to use your dominant arm especially for computer work. After a year I still have trouble typing, especially if arm is elevated above elbow level at desk. My arm gets very tired still and doesn’t have as much strength as it used to. Please don’t give up on your PT even when you don’t think you can bear it & remember to do your pulley exercises at home. When my 30+ PT sessions were over, I realized that my ROM continued to improve. My surgeon said after 1 year, I probably won’t get any more movement, but I’m a very long way from where I was except I still have a plate & 9 screws. Wishing you the best for a good and less painful recovery.
Shari this blog certainly was a lifeline for me. I too have 10 screws and a plate from a double displaced humeral fracture. My surgery was in Aug 2013 so it has not been a year but my ROM is much improved. I was desolate the first couple of months. I slept propped up in chair and then bed. I found myself coming again and again to this blog to see if anyone had experienced this. It is definitely life changing. But I am so much better now. Plus I am 65 and I worried about healing as well. Do ALL of your PT and continue at home to do exercises. I cannot sleep well on this shoulder. It is my dominant arm but I managed to use the mouse with my other arm which helped. Arm is still a little stiff and I am always aware there is a plate in it. It does get better so take hope in that. I am just starting to put some weight training with hand weights back into my routine. And that pulley does help with range of motion. I still do it but not every day. This may be what we have to do forever. But exercise is good for us so I just accept that. Stay strong.
I know what you mean about the slow healing process. My fall through the attic ceiling was Sept 11 2012. I had a 3 part fracture and now sport a plate with 12 screws. It has taken a long time to heal-mentally and physically. PT was 5 months post surgery. I have noticed more improvement in the 1- 1/12 year mark than in the first year. Thought it would magically be better at the one year mark. Sadly I don’t have the same range of motion that I once did. I think that is more because of the plate and screws. No desire to have it out-ouch. This site has been a wonderful network of people going through the most painful and frightening journey I have even been through in my life. TA you are doing so well. I am a little behind you in age. In fact my BD is Monday-will be 51. I agree. Just trying to stay strong!
Happy Birthday early Sheila. With a fall such as yours, you are lucky to be alive and celebrating it! My ROM is not the same but I continue to stretch my arm daily. My Orthopedic said I would never have my plate out. It is must like an artificial knee. It is just part of my body now. I am encouraged in thinking that after a year, this will be even more improved. I kept looking for someone older than me in this blog. I thought if they could do it, then at my age I could work through this!
My plate and ten screws were removed at four months because of impingement on soft tissue in the shoulder and upper arm. This was highly unusual, but I want everyone to know that the recovery was nothing like the original injury/surgery. I was out of the sling at a week, and off pain meds completely at two weeks. PT began then (it stopped three weeks before to second surgery to prevent more damage). It was an instant relief to have that thing out, and I’d been told it was forever, that if it didn’t work I would need a replacement. Don’t be afraid to have it out! I have nearly complete recovery of ROM. I’m not a kid – I was 66 when this happened. It can turn our well. The first four months were hellacious, and I am so thankful that Pat started this blog (and keeps it going). My best to wvetyone,
Sharon
Well, aren’t you lucky! My ortho said he wouldn’t take it out. I’m in US; heard that they will in UK. Is that where you are?
I’m in Connecticut. There was no option because of how deep the screws were. I admit to being scared to death that my Swiss cheese arm was going to snap, until all the holes filled and the bone was healed. The thing is, all that pain is from the bone break, not the incision, and the second recovery was primarily from the incision.
@Shari, I hope you are doing well after returning to work. I broke my dominant arm as well, and work at a computer. I started back at 4 hrs/day for the first month and that helped tremendously. You’ve been back at work for 2 1/2 months now…how are you doing? It helps me to stretch during my breaks (we have a little gym at work). Also, being conscious of keeping my arm level with my mouse and not shrugging my shoulder – I’m always compensating my lifting my shoulder! It’s so hard to keep the best posture when focusing on the job. I wish you all the best!
That would be ‘everyone’. My apologies.
Hi all, I broke the top of my humerous exactly 4 months ago today. Its been a long journey of recovery, but I can say that I am getting there. I did not require surgery and was in a sling for 6 weeks f/t then out of the sling 50% of the time and P/t once a week and exercises most days. It has been the most debilitating injury that I have experienced, the pain the tiredness, the depression, all the pain meds that do your head in and make you so out of it. I feel for anyone that is going thru what I have been thru now. I am still not at work as my job involves lifting and I have been cleared by my GP yet, infact they dont think I will be ready for work for another 4 weeks! so total recovery time will be 5 months!! I hit a wall about 6 weeks ago and thought I had frozen shoulder or rotar cuff tear so i had further CT scans and x-rays…I didnt… but just knowing that it was just a fracture slow to heal reassured me that I was going to heal and the improvement since then has been amazing and I am finding that I can push my shoulder movements and strength and it wont hurt as much. Up until two weeks ago I was taking codeine or similar most nights for the night pain, the cold weather seems to make it more painful also. Sometimes I really felt like giving up but I think I will recover and I really think there are people out there worse off than me.
@Louise, I want to encourage you to keep up the good work of exercising your shoulder. Just think about how far you have come! You WILL recover!!! From what you have written, I can see how much you have made great progress. And I would guess that you have progressed in further in the last month. One day at a time, and you will be stronger in the end. Wishing you the best in recovery!
I live at the foot of the Sierra Mtns in California, and I’ve been an avid snow skier for about twenty years. It was an icy day and the snow was unforgiving. I fell face first, and next thing I know I was on my back. I don’t recall the tumble at all, so I must have been knocked out. I didn’t break my nose or my neck, didn’t get a concussion, but I did break my goggles and my proximal humerus. This was three months ago. I had ORIF outpatient surgery (plate and 8 screws) to repair the break. It wasn’t long after getting home that the pain escalated. I remember cursing it like it was this demon in me, demanding that it leave me alone!! Four weeks passed of “sleeping” upright, pain meds that barely took the edge off, ice packs, tears, and then finally, I got to the other side of this nightmare. It was hour by hour, day by day. I still can’t put my hair in a decent pony tail, I have to pull my shirt off like a guy, and it’s hard to hug people. Oh, and when I wave to say hello, I look like a dork. But overall, I’m grateful that I’m alive, that I work computer, and that I got all my winter pruning done before the accident! ALWAYS look on the bright side and be THANKFUL. It is healing to have a positive attitude, and to celebrate the baby steps, because eventually they will lead to greater healing. Wishing you all the best!!!
Make sure you attend a physiotherapist for deep tissue massage around the shoulder, it’s very important to get most of your movement back. I can style my hair and fasten my bra strap now. My physiotherapist used the Emmett Technique.
Thank you, Samantha! You have given me the information I have been looking for to progress in my recovery. I feel that traditional PT may deliver ROM eventually, but I don’t want to drag this out forever. They say a year, which is a long time! Thanks again for this valuable info 🙂
Hi Mary, sounds like you had a pretty bad fall. I know what you mean about the recovery. It is something to be experienced to fully understand. The pain of healing is nothing like I had ever experienced. My fall was partially through an attic ceiling. Plate and 12 screws. Yes, there are so many things you have to adapt to after a shoulder injury. I still can’t do it all like I did before the “event”. It has been 1 1/2 years since mine. I can do so much more that at the year mark. The things I can’t do-I just adapt. Glad you have made it through the dark tunnel. This forum was a life saver. When you are up in the middle of the night in pain, you surf the internet with your good hand. This was so wonderful to find to see that others were going through and succeeding after surgery. It is a kinda club. Like you survived a terrible experience together and no one else understands.
Best of luck with your continued recovery.
SheilaC. It sounds like you are coping well with your injury. My surgery was 10 mos ago with a plate and 10 screws after falling over my dog in the night. I am 65 and doing very well. I still have to adjust at night sleeping on my left side which is difficult. my arm gets a little stiff in that area but I adapt and move on. This was a terrible experience that only those who have gone through it understand. I no longer complain and just tell people I am fine which basically I am. This forum was really helpful to me since I just did not understand how bad the recovery was to be. It helped me a lot to read about others experiences. I have been stacking some wood this week and doing heavy work so I feel it in my shoulder. But I know to keep it moving is the key. I am starting to life some weights again and that makes me sore but it is helpful. Good luck to all of you in recovering from this.
It’s been four months and two weeks since I fell shoveling snow. I didn’t have to have surgery for the proximal humerus fracture, but it has been a slow recovery. For the more recently injured people I would suggest:
Do everything you can to increase your general level of fitness. Now that it’s warm weather you can walk outside.
Six to seven weeks after my injury I began to have a lot of pain in my elbow and lower arm, neither of which had been hurt. The Physician’s Assistant confirmed what I suspected: atrophying of back and neck muscles–the deltoid complex–that lift one’s arm. They were too weak to bear the weight.
I didn’t want to take anything stronger than OTC anti pain meds, so I went for acupuncture treatments (from a doctor, an internist). They made my shoulder
feel much more normal instead of like a block of wood and eased the pain.
I had seen acupuncture done on cats, dogs, and horses, so I knew how much it could help.
Find a heated pool and go do your exercises in the warm water. there is a rehab hospital here that lets people use its pool for only $5 a visit. It costs more if you need guidance from a physical therapist, but just walking against the resistance of the water and doing your pendulum exercises will lift your spirits and help you make
faster progress with range of motion.
Mary, I’ve skied, taken horses over jumps, done ice skating, karate, and other sports and never been hurt. Coping with the concept of being badly hurt was also
difficult and I imagine it was for you, too.
It gets easier when you can use your two hands together–to hold a container of yogurt with one hand and tug strongly enough to peel off the lid, for example.
Margaret
Thank you for your good advice, Margaret. The whole thing seems incredulous, doesn’t it? I mean, to do something we’ve done for years, like skiing, shoveling snow, or for Pete’s sake, WALKING, and then come away with an incredibly life changing injury. It always happens in an instant, at that very moment when we’re caught off guard or not paying attention.
And here we are taking the next steps of recovery and healing. I agree with using a hot tub or heated pool. It helped me tremendously physically and emotionally. And then, follow up with ice – always ice. Until just recently, I had pain in my elbow, too. Now that I’m doing some resistance training with very light weights (3#) and stretch bands, the pain has subsided in my shoulder and elbow. Thank goodness.
At just over 3 months post op, I’m satisfied at my progress. I work hard at my exercises, go to PT just once per week (twice a week doesn’t allow me a chance to “recover”), and try to do everything I normally would if I wasn’t injured. Other than feeling a little stiff, I am not uncomfortable. The key is to keep it moving, and find the best way to make your injury less painful. I’m looking forward to the day I can look back and see how much I’ve grown through this entire experience, which I plan to do on my anniversary of 03/02/2015. 🙂
Hi, Everyone! Sorry I’ve been so lax in posting. My dad died last month, and for quite a few months, I’ve tried to handle everything from the hospital and nursing home. I wish I’d had such a good group when I was going through the months after my accident and surgery! You all have such good advice.
I still have some mild issues with my left arm and hand, but nothing I can’t tolerate. I’m so used to the tightness and mild pain in my shoulder (scar and shoulder joint), on many days, it’s the wrist that bothers me the most. That arm is still very sensitive to even a slight breeze. It is not my dominant arm, and I’ve noticed that my grip is weaker than it was before the accident. I was assured by my physical therapist that I will have arthritis in the shoulder, but I try not to think about it.
Anyway, best wishes to you all!
Pat
So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. And, the advice in this forum is excellent. I may try the massage therapy and appreciate Samantha providing the specific Emmett technique. I was wary of a massage with the plate and screws? Plus I echo the sentiment of hot tubs. I am in the it sometimes twice a day. It is an investment that really has paid off in helping with the shoulder pain. My return to light weights is really going slowly. I was fairly sore after starting those. That may take longer than I thought to get back into. But I still stretch my shoulder every day and do 10 push ups in the hot tub. Have to keep moving it. Keep the good advice coming.
Pat,
So sorry to hear about your father. I hope he had a peaceful end.
I too was told to expect arthritis in the shoulder. Something to look forward to!
Perhaps when the time comes, you can start a page for the old shoulder arthritics !!
Take care, everyone
PAT, I’m sorry about your dad. For your arm being sensitive and getting chilled,
have you tried a slip on arm sleeve? Not an elastic like support stockings, but an
arm warmer. You can find them at bike shops and bicyclists’ clothing sites online.
Bike riders’ arms get cold with all the wind.
TA, are you skipping a day or two between the days you lift weights? You have to
have the day(s) off so your muscles have time to heal back from the normal
stress of lifting and get stronger. Lift, then rest–a two step process.
Probably best to caution people not to lift even baby weights (1 or 2 lb) UNTIL they
get their doctors’ permission. And not before 3 to 4 months after the fracture, so
it has time to do the first major healing of the bone.
MARY, I’m doing 3-4 lb dumbbells with injured arm, 6-7 lb with good arm. It may not
do any good, but I drink a high protein (whey) powder shake after lifting. One scoop stirred into milk is easy to fix and it tastes like chocolate milk. I know muscles need
protein to rebuild. Bought at supermarket’s nutrition dept.
Margaret
Hello Georgia pat,
I have just returned to your site this am and I am so sorry to hear of you Dads passing. Please accept my sincere sympathies. It’s really been a rough few years for you. As we say in Gaelic “go neirie an bothar leat “.
Kindest regards Helena
I fell on 2/13/14 and shattered my left proximal humerus. The surgeon place a plate and 12 screws. For the first 8 weeks, the bones appeared not to be mending. I went for a second opinion and he stated the plate was to high and that was not allowing me to raise my arm. Stopped PT because he felt that the plate was hitting another bone and this was what not allowing the bone to mend. The second opinion doctor said it mechanically impossible for me to raise my arm. He set me up with a Specialist in San Antonio. Since this surgeon is top 1% in the nation, it took another 4 weeks to get an appointment. This made it 16 weeks after surgery. With his X-rays he was able to determine I did have some mending taking place. He also agreed that the plate was set to high and really not sure why my shoulder was fixed that way due to the shattered humerus head. He also stated that the humerus head was tilted toward my chest and the bone was not aligned correctly.
We decided to have the plate and screws removed in 6 weeks which makes it 7/23/14. The Specialist wants to see what kind of blood supply the humerus head has and to see what is under the plate. The burning sensation down my arm from the top of shoulder to the elbow is sometimes unbearable. I have shooting pain right under the arm pit. I can type with the computer on my lap, but put it on the table or desk to type is so painful. ROM is just at my waist. I can’t curl my hair, wash my hair, floss my teeth or even put contacts in. I can not push or pull on anything. I too have pain on the incision line.
What bothers me it was just an Orthopedic Surgeon and not a Orthopedic shoulder specialist.
It has to get better than this. Right????
Hi, Joyce. I’m so sorry thst you may have to undergo more surgery. 😦
It gets better, but not like new. With the best surgery and exceptional physical therapy, I think it never will be like before. More than three years after surgery, I have made peace with it a long time ago, and just ignore the discomfort. It’s so much better than it was in those months after surgery!
Reply to Joyce from 27 June 2014 re: Top Orthopedic Surgeon from San Antonio. Joyce may I have the name of your surgeon?
Thanks so much Chris
Chris
Dr. Michael Wirth, UT Medicine San Antonio Tx.
I had the hardware removed in Feb. 11, 2015 a year after my fall. It has been the best thing for me. The pain is miminal now and my range of motion is sooooo much better. I will never be the same as before. It was well worth the wait ti have the hardware removed. I would strongly suggest to look into it.
It will get better, Joyce! You will be going to a top surgeon – one that the others aspire to one day become – and no doubt your surgery will be of the highest caliber. He will get you back to a place where you can BEGIN. This is where you need to set your sights, to the time when you can start your season of healing. Claim this thought. Embrace it. Do everything you can in your power to look forward to repair and restoration. Never look back! You are in a room of so many that have had to do this very thing, and we support you and know that it can be done!
Mary
Thankful to find this blog. I started with pain in my shoulder area Jan. 2014. I finally gave up and went to a shoulder specialist near the end of February. He told me I had some shoulder issues but we had to address the tumor the humeral head. Fast forward, I was referred to an orthopedic oncologist and had a low grade chondrosarcoma removed and a plate and screws in April. I’m ten weeks out, have gone through physical therapy and been religious about my stretching and exercises at home. I do have a partial tear in the rotator cuff, impingement and some bone spurs. I am miserable. Sleep is difficult and everything else is more difficult. My sentries shoulder area is swollen, stiff and painful. The thought of more surgery makes me nauseated. This coming Friday, the ortho oncologist is doing an early follow up at the request of the PT. Oh yeah, the weather makes it even worse…. Thanks for letting me vent.
Hi, Pat. I’m sorry to be so late responding to messages. It sounds like you’ve got a lot on your plate. It is a very long recovery. There’s nothing you can do to rush it. Are you going to be followed by an oncologist as well as the orthopedic surgeon? Cyber hugs to you (((Pat))). I know a real hug would not be welcome at this point in recovery!
The “other” Pat.
Physical Therapy has been suspended for now. I am still stretching and doing some work in the swimming pool when the weather cooperates. I’m so amazed how weather affects me. We had a low pressure pass through this weekend, and then back up some. It was miserable. I guess I just need to have patience and look forward to next summer…..
After 3+ years, just a ceiling fan feels like the hand death. It gives me chills all the way down to my wrist and thumb. Still, it’s better than the alternative.
Hi. Its nice to see this blog. I broke my proximal humerus bone on Memorial weekend. I was in a boat and lost my balance. I went to grab captains chair because it has bar on back. Problem is it folds forward so my feet stayed planted and my arm went forward and down when it folded. It popped several times and I knew it was broke. I didnt have to have surgery. I just got out of sling and have had3 therapy appts. It hurts and of course I have very little mobility. I am discouraged as I want to be able to hug and wash or blowdry my hair. I know it all takes time. I just pray I get full motion back.
It takes a really long time, Sherry. I was in physical therapy with someone who was about my age, and she did not have surgery. She actually worked for an orthopedic doctor, so knew more than most of us would about treatment options. She was in PT almost a year, even without surgery, but at least didn’t have the healing of the incision and screws. She was light years ahead of me at the time.
Thanks , Pat. Luckily, my husband loves to build things. I tell him what I do at Rehab and he makes sure I have it to do exercises at home. It really helps but therapist thinks I’m over doing it. They asked me first visit what my goal was and I said to get back to where I was. They now realize I wasn’t joking. I am very sore tonight so for sure think I better slow down. I do return to work Wed. So I’m anxious about that. I am an Administrative Assistant so at least I don’t have to worry about lifting heavy objects. This weekend I heard song YMCA. I told my self I have to get back to being able to do that move. I do pray for everyone on this blog. I never realized how quickly an accident like this can change your life. It’s nice to have someone else that is experiencing this to talk to. I don’t think anyone really understands it unless they have been through it.
Sherry and Jackie, If you click on the RSS comments you see only the last few. If you click on the comment on August photographs….you can read comments posted earlier. In June I wrote about how much it has helped me to do my exercises in the heated pool at a local rehab hospital. You get range of motion without the pain of therapy b/c the water supports your arm.
To shampoo your hair, cut squares of foil wrap and place on side of tub. Put shampoo on one square, conditioner on another.
Get your hair wet in shower, then scoop up foil square with your good hand and apply to hair, moving over your head. Rinse, then do conditioner.
Good morning fellow travellers.
It’s been some time, in fact months since I have been on here. I’ve been reading all of the posts and it is remarkable how familiar this is to me from when I had my accident 18 months ago. Most of the contributors are new but I see some from back then, hi Rusty,. I want to reassure you all that are in such awful pain, worrying about the future and recouping your previous good health that you will get there. 18 months ago I had a very bad accident at home, and I sustained 8 fractures of my proximal head of humerus of my right upper limb. I am right hand dominant. Last week I painted our porch and utility room. With my right arm for most of the work. Of course I had to change hands to reach the cornice at the top of the wall but I did it. Was I sore the next day? Yes, but I took a day off and went at it the next day. I was elated. Imagine.
Margaret is right, I go to a local hotel pool, it’s my life saver. It’s been my life saver for the past year. If you can go to a pool.
Of course I have restricted range but I am functional. Sometimes when I do too much I do take the odd Ibuprofen, but in the main I’m good. And you will be too. I was just like you, not sleeping, in pain and all of the rest. Now I should tell you that I didn’t have surgery and I think that was a bonus for me. Hang on, hang in there and one day you will suddenly notice a shift in pain and movement.
I’m thinking of you all. Keeping you in my positive thoughts, wishing you all good health. This is not for ever, though it feels it. It will pass. This site was a life saver. When I fell I also activated my left knee, now I’m heading into hospital in two weeks for a new knee. Believe it or not I’m scared, even after all the pain of my arm, I’m scared. Silly but that’s it.
Good luck to you all.
Kindest regards Helena :))
Haven’t been on for a while. 15 months ago for me with plate and screws and most functions back. I have to keep the arm moving or it gets stiff and sore. Sometimes I forget I don’t have the strength to lift or carry 40 # of mulch, if you can imagine that. Overhead motions are very difficult. To my surprise I’m able to fasten a back closure bra again, but that movement didn’t come back until after my anniversary date. For those of you just starting your painful journey, it will get better. Just keep up the therapy and apply the frozen peas for pain and warm towel for soothing and muscle movements. I’m hopeful that you can achieve or surpass my return of movement. Thinking of you all. Billie
Helena,
That’s cool about you painting the porch! I remember reading your posts when I first found Georgiapat’s blog in February, soon after I fell while shoveling snow. Good luck with your knee surgery. I bet it won’t be as bad an experience as the shoulder fracture.
Margaret
Margaret, thank you..
I would hate everyone to think that it was easy painting. Or being glib. The old pain killers ,rest and ice packs were vital. I suppose I just wanted to give hope. I remember saying here once way back, “I just want the old me back “and everyone on the blog here said a big unanimous YES. So I am just saying to everyone there’s hope. But if you’d said that to me March 2013 I certainly could not have imagined it.
Margaret you have it bang on the money with pool exercises. It’s the one place where the pain is allieviated . I hope life is improving for you?
Kindest regards Helena x
HELENA, I have been fortunate,cf to many people with this injury. I noticed much less pain (chiefly in elbow b/c of weak deltoid, back muscles) 3 months afterward, and dramatic drop in pain/discomfort at 4 months. I never take naps, so I was surprised how tired I got. But I figured that my body was using the energy for healing. I’m past that now. I’m gradually getting more range of motion. I can raise my arm about 165-170 degrees and then pain tells me to not push beyond that (which is the guideline my doctors gave me). The first week of August will be six months after the fracture. It’s the first bone I ever broke. I’ve taken horses over jumps, skied, ice skated, etc and never been hurt before this.
SHERRY you’ll make faster progress with less pain if you get yourself in a pool to do pendulum and other exercises. Even if you can go only 1X a week.
JOYCE, find yourself a good, certified acupuncturist for the pain. I found a physician here who switched her internal medicine practice to focus on acupuncture. (I had seen it done on cats, dogs, horses and knew how helpful it can be, with no bad side effects like strong pain Rx).
Helena, glad to hear your able to get some projects done. I long for that day. I am still in early stages of healing. Im going on week three of therapy. It has helped alot. She feels I may be overdoing my excercises. I just refuse to believe I wont get my full motions back. I am 42 and feel Im way to young to not heal. Of course my doctor said I may not be able to ever lift my arm over my head. Right now Im working hard so that I will be able to blow dry my hair and straighten it. I am have restrictions by doctor to not lift over 5 pounds. That is hard to gage sometimes. I did go back to work last week and working the mouse caused my pain to get worse. I firgure that will subside with strength. I now have a fluid bubble on elbow. The doctor says it will go away but it causes sharp pains at times. Im wondering did you have this? She says its from the sling. If it doesnt go away soon I think I am going to see my primary doctor. Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful day. May it be pain free!!
Hey Sherry, I had a fluid bubble on my elbow that my orthopedic doctor called a small bursa which is common after our type of injury. It was so painful whenever my elbow rested on any surface. He gave me a quick cortisone shot to it which felt like a bee sting. That relieved the pain considerably and now the bursa or bubble is completely gone. I am now 11 months from my surgery with plate and 10 screws and it was quite the ordeal but it does get better. And I am 65 and I can reach my arm up over my head just fine. Good luck…..
My surgery was 2/15/14 to repair a shattered humerus head in left shoulder. A plate and screws to repair the damage. I am not able to raise my left arm because the plate was placed to high and hits other bones. The pain and burning sensation has be horrific. I am going back into surfer this week to have the plate and screws remove as well as check the blood supply to the humerus head.
Joyce, I had this done for the same reason, at four months. It was the best thing that ever happened, and my recovery has been much better with less pain and more recovered ROM and strength. Good luck with your surgery!
Sharon
On July 6,2014 I became a part of the group of people with a fractured humerus . I was visiting friends from Jacksonville and while staying at a hotel tripped over my husbands foot breaking my shoulder. I am now three weeks out and can’t even begin to tell you guys how glad I am to find this blog. It’s such a scary feeling not being able to know when and if this pain will ever go away . Sleep? I have forgotten what that is. Trying to get comfortable has been a task all on its own. My question is to some of you who have been through this is how long before your entire arm was not swollen? Mine swells all the way to my fingers. My doctor even did X-rays on my elbow since it swelled so much. It was fine but the swelling hurts as if my skin is about to crack. I’ve tried doing nothing but rest it still swells. I’ve done the light exercise to no avail. I know it takes time to heal. Just anxious I guess
Hi everyone,
I am back to update and ask for info. Quick recap. I am almost 2 years out from my 3 part fracture of the right shoulder after falling 1/2 way through an attic ceiling. Bh ad surgery-now sporting a plate and 12 screws. Returned to work to limited duty after 5 1/2 months and full duty after another 2 months. 5 plus months PT.
Ok, up to speed? Lol
Today I returned to ortho md today. Have been having much more soreness and difficulty raising arm. Usually weather related but more consistant these days.
Expected to be told it was nothing or a little arthritis.
Well, was told I have AVN or a vascular necrosis of the humeral head. Awaiting a CT to find out the stage. It can be send on the X-ray that the roundness is less round. Bummer. Anyone else been through this?
I am shocked that yet another setback.
Any comments welcome.
Sheila
Sheila, I’m sure you are shocked! I don’t know how common or rare that is. I’m not even being followed by my surgeon on a regular basis. Let us know what you fond out. I’ll do a little research, too.
Pat S
Well workman’s comp has denied my surgery to remove plate and screws. The constant burning sensation from my shoulder to elbow is 24/7. On the 15th of August will be 6 months since my surgery. I am so ready for the pain to go away. ROM is all waist level or lower. I am ready for it to get better. Someone tell me when it is going to get better????
Pat, I too have been researching this. Not finding much to encourage me. Seams that when it shows up on the X-rays, it is already progressed quite a bit. Going for CT next Wednesday. Hope to know more then. Of course we are moving our daughter to college the next week. Guess I will be supervising. I am worried about my work but I guess that will still be a worry that I will put aside for now.
Hi, Sheila. I am also a three part fracture to my right arm. I have been in therapy now for about 4 weeks. It is about to end as far as ins goes. Today I so wished I could have had a shot of anything to numb it for at least an hour. I wake up hurting and go to bed hurting. I’m not sure though if it is because I never stop pushing my arm to every limit. I refuse to accept it will not be like my left arm. I so have wanted to to give up but I feel I cannot let a stupid fall bring me down forever. I too want answers as to how long before normal or just no pain. I am so glad to have everyone’s stories to relate too!!. I am back at work and everyone is always asking me is that your therapy excercise? I have to move it non stop or it tightens up. I have not been to my ortho doctor for 6 weeks so anxious to see what she has to say. I finally got in the river to try and swim. I had a panic attack at first but found it to be very helpful. I know progress has happened and will continue. I just need more patience. Thankful to have all of u to relate to.
Sherry,
Hope you continue on your way. Seems like you are doing all the right things. It is hard to have limits. I know of where I speak. I have seen several people on this site get all or almost all their mobility back. I am amazed that you are back at work. I was off for 5 months. I wouldn’t have been much help as a nurse in the state I was in. I did love my heating pad for pain relief. Sadly I will be using it again soon. I need another major surgery on this dang shoulder. That’s another story. Best of luck to you. Keep us posted.
SHERRY, Glad you got in the water. Just standing in chest deep, so that your arms float out naturally, will help range of motion. Try to find a heated pool–rehab hospital, hotel, YMCA–so your muscles will relax more (‘Im thinking river would be cool). Do pendulums, gentle stretching, exercises in the water. That helped me more than anything.
FOR PAIN find an experienced, certified acupuncturist. I went to a board certified internal medicine physician who switched her practice to all acupuncture. I had seen acupuncture done on cats, dogs, horses. It helps most people with pain and mobility issues and there are no bad side effects (as possible with strong Rx drugs.) The needles are small It’s not like getting a painful shot. Animals let you know if something hurts and the ones I’ve seen getting acupuncture act like they’re at the spa getting a wonderful treatment. Insurance probably won’t pay for it, but it’s worth every cent. You can tell in a treatment or two if it will help. I went once a month, three times.
JOYCE ask your 2nd opinion doctor (the one who referred you to the Texas surgeon) to write a letter of appeal and maybe the TX surgeon would also write a letter saying you need this surgery. Meanwhile find an acupuncturist. Anesthesiologists or pain specialist doctors are often certified in acupuncture.
The better general shape you’re in the faster you will heal. Go outside and walk on your driveway. If it’s too hot, to to a gym. Churches often have recreation centers. If they don’t have a walking track, ask to walk on the gym floor. Sit on a recumbent bike and pedal away. Hold on to bars, sides of weight machines, stand on one foot and swing your leg.
It DOES get better. It takes 3 to 4 months for bone healing. That time has go by for the majority of pain to be gone. I noticed a significant drop in pain at 3 months and a dramatic drop at 4 months. What had hurt previously changed to just discomfort and then that left.
We are each unique, so some people heal sooner, some later.
SHERRY,
I forgot to suggest that since your ins pay for therapy is about to run out, you might want to save your last two or three visits for a while. IMHO, you would get more benefit by faithfully doing your exercises at home every day and then let the therapist see what progress you’ve made in a couple of weeks on your own.
My reasoning is that the bone would have healed a bit more so pain would be a little less and your therapist can see what’s helping you most/what’s still hurting you most, so she can advise different exercises or modify your routine.
Just my two cents worth. You could talk to the therapist and see what she thinks.
Top surgeon in San Antonio is Dr Michael Wirth. The original surgeon that did the first botched surgery Jorge Tijmes .
Thank you Joyce for the name of Dr. Michael Wirth. Is it too personal to ask how he corrected your previously botched ORIF? I am 2 + years out and still having significant pain. I hope that this gets to you….so appreciate having your information. My Best Chris
On Sun, Aug 10, 2014 at 9:44 PM, Shoulder Diary – From Injury to Recovery wrote:
> Joyce commented: “Top surgeon in San Antonio is Dr Michael Wirth. The > original surgeon that did the first botched surgery Jorge Tijmes .” >
CHRIS, Joyce hasn’t been back on to answer your question, but she posted a note earlier this month that workman’s compensation declined to pay for her second surgery. I am guessing, then, that she has not had the second surgery to remove the incorrectly-placed plate. I suggested that she ask the new surgeon to write a letter of appeal for her.
PAT, a question: is there any way to post on your blog a compiled list of tips from past readers, for the new people? I mean tips such as when I posted about putting shampoo on a square of aluminum foil and putting it on the side of the tub, to scoop up with your good hand or when Helena and I said that getting into a pool to do exercises. Only the people are reading close to the time tips are posted see them (unless they scroll back). But if tips could be posted on the home page (and you could add them from posts) new people would find them easily.
Margaret
Margaret, Thank you for following up regarding Joyce and also the difficulty presented with all the posts and keeping track of them.
Pat please correct me if I am wrong. When Pat started this significant Blog on WordPress there were only a handful of subscribers. I found it while unable to sleep 3 years ago and I may have been her # 2 blogger. It was a lifeline of information which I could find little of even though I was in Medical Research.
Pat how many blog members have joined in the past 3 years? Hundreds? from all over the world….sharing their experiences, horrible as they may be but mostly letting everyone know that there is a light at the end of the pain tunnel.
I have been in the tunnel for 3 years. 2 months ago I was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff on the same arm with the ORIF hardware. Most likely caused due to the way I had been incorrectly used my shoulder joint. The tear has been repaired, the hardware is out. Hard to believe but this also was an extremely painful surgery, possibly worse than the fracture. The good news I have a fantastically supportive and talented Orthopedic Surgeon. I also have an equally competent Physical Therapist. I am optimistic that the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer.
Regarding the size of the Blog. Is it possible to archive the old conversations to make it easier navigate?
I DID LEARN SOMETHING NEW TODAY WHEN I RESPONDED TO MARGARET. DO NOT USE THE LARGE AQUA REPLY BUTTON NEXT TO THE COMMENTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CONVERSATION. INSTEAD USE THE BACK ARROW AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE WHICH IS ALSO A REPLY BUTTON. The reply button at the bottom takes you back to Pats original post. The back-arrow at the top allows you to reply to the most recent post.
Good luck everyone!! Thank you Pat for providing this platform for people to share their invaluable experiences. Chris
Hey, Everyone! I guess you can tell that I haven’t checked the blog for a few. Sorry! I usually board a university student during the school year, and have been cleaning and repairing things around the house. I rarely think about my shoulder anymore, although range of motion is forever limited. However, this weekend, I’ve been cleaning my carport, involving going up and down the ladder. Looking up which made me light headed. I still have such a fear of falling. Chris, I’m so sorry about your rotator cuff. I went through that a good many years ago, and it took a year or so to heal. Thank goodness, no surgery that time.
Hi All,
Such a godsend to find this website – many thanks to georgiapat for starting it! It really helps to know that there are others out there who are going or who have gone through similar. This recovery seems to drag on and on and it’s only early days for me. I feel a bit lame/wimmpy telling friends that I’m having a tough time. Would love to be able to say differently but even my usually optimistic spirit is having a tough time showing herself right now.
I had my accident July 6th – I was riding my bike in a local park when a deer ran out into the road and smashed into me. Verrrrry unlucky, not to mention excruciatingly painful!! I was taken to A&E by ambulance and had surgery (ORIF) the next morning. Luckily, the lead orthopaedic consultant ended up doing the op (and not one of his team as was originally planned) as things looked a lot worse than the x-rays had shown, once they opened me up. So I am thankful that I had an experienced surgeon – not always a certainty on the NHS here in the UK!! From what I understand the top of my humerus was completely broken off and shattered and the surgeon used wires to connect the bone fragments back together. I’m still too scared to look at my x-rays so not exactly sure what it all looks like!!
I can so relate to everyone’s postings about pain, frustration, tears and lack of sleep!! My 6 week anniversary was yesterday and it’s really encouraging to read everyone else’s posts. I started physio one week after surgery – basically doing lower arm extensions so my elbow didn’t freeze up. At four weeks, I had x rays and the surgeon said they looked fine and that I could then start pendulum exercises – albeit very carefully!! I’ve been doing these for about two weeks now. Going ok but really wish I could do something else!! He’s told me 12 weeks until the bone fragments should be united. I am guessing that pt will step up a lot then?
I have surgery September 3rd to remove the wires in my arm. Has anyone had wires placed? It would be helpful to know if there is anyone else out there with whom I could compare stories;) (Un)funnily enough, I broke my opposite shoulder 16 years ago snowboarding. I had a plate and screws placed then. They were removed one year later (I lived in Switzerland then and it’s standard practice to take out hardware there). I am 44 now – so 28 then – and recovered 100% from that accident. Not sure why – or maybe I’ve just forgotten with time – but this accident seems to involve a lot more pain and slower healing. Although the ball of my humerus was shattered this time whereas last I believe I had clean breaks mid shaft.
Sorry, realize I’m rambling here. Would be great to hear from anyone in this situation. Sometimes this feels a really lonely place to be in. I’m signed off work for the summer and the days seem really long! But am studying full time come September so just keeping everything crossed I will be well enough to return to university in a few weeks’ time.
Rachelle
Rachelle, Sorry I was so late getting your introduction online last night. I wasn’t able to read email until late. Poor you!!! I tore a rotator cuff tendon years ago, but can’t imagine having shoulder fractures years apart (and what a crazy freak accident with the deer!). None of us would end up where we did if we weren’t physically active, self-sufficient “can do” kind of people.
Treatments in Europe seem quite different, and I’ve wondered if they don’t have the right ideas. My surgeon was adamant that the plate and screws never will be removed, and that seems to be the way of thinking of most surgeons in the U.S. Where are your wires? I don’t have anything like that – just the plate and screws.
Pat S.
Hi there. I too shattered the head ofy humerus…as well as the entire h7merus. I have a plate covering the entire humerus and wires on the head. My accident was in mid Nov and surgery in early.Dec. Tool a while because we were in the jungle in Laos and need to get hone and find a qualified surgeon. My elbow DID freeze up. I am happy for you y
That you were able to avoid that. It was Miserable. I began “aggressive” but passive physical therapy? 2 weeks post op. My surgeon saved my arm as many Dr’s I interviewed said it was such a mess we had to wait and see. Anyway…my Dr does not like to remove any wires, plates or screws. His comment was ” why?”. I agree…at 8 months I am unaware of any of it (except in tremendous cold…I am told that will pass….I have about 98% percent of my arm back with occasional pain in certain activities . I am working on that. I am a 63 year old very active email woman and am so great full for my wonderful and gifted surgeon and excellent physical therapists as we as an extremely kowledgeable trainer. I have a new, profound respect for pain…I did not know a person could exist with that level of constant pain. I wish you well…keep working hard…it’s worth it.
Sandy, that’s amazing that you got back 99%! I can’t say the same, but lapses in physical therapy affected my recovery. Still, I’m glad to have two arms and fairly mild pain and discomfort. Three+ years after surgery, I am still affected by the cold, but I’ve just learned to have a sweater with me at all times. You make me VERY grateful that I was in a large metropolitan area and not in the jungles of Laos! 😮
Hi Pat and Sandy – thanks for your messages. Wow – Sandy!! You had an ordeal and a half, and in Laos no less! Can’t imagine what that would have been like – to be in a foreign country with such a bad injury. I am so encouraged to hear that your recovery has gone so well.
I saw my x-rays yesterday – finally got the courage to look at them! It was so upsetting. I felt nauseous and thought I was going to pass out. The physio told me that it is a very nasty break and they can’t predict how I will recover. We just have to take things one day at a time. I have surgery on Wednesday to take the wires out. Pat, the wires run from my elbow to the ball of my humerus. I think there were 3 or 4 of them from what I could see. Apparently they were hammered through the humerus bone lengthways. The physio seems to think that I will have a reduction in pain once they are out.
Regarding pain, I am now at 8 weeks and have been feeling really discouraged that I still have so much of it. But from other posts on here, I guess this is normal? I’d been trying not to take pain meds but yesterday had such a bad day that I took the full dose – ibuprofen, paracetamol (= to Tylenol) and Tramadol (not sure what that is in N. America but maybe like Tylenol 3?). I’m going to keep taking them for the time being. Why suffer when I’ve got the meds? I don’t know what I was thinking trying not to take them. I think I was trying to convince myself that I was getting better and that no meds meant I was doing really well. This recovery is just so painfully slow – I find it so hard to be patient.
Regarding physio – I’m still only allowed pendulum exercises. I am strictly forbidden to use the muscles around my shoulder. When I looked at the break on the x-ray I saw that there was quite a displacement of the bone – even after wiring it. I think that’s why they don’t want me to use the shoulder muscles. Consultant wants the bone to heal first. Plus, I have tried to use them a wee bit but holy cow, do I pay for it afterwards! So from now on, I am being a good patient – taking pain meds and not overdoing exercises!!
Thanks so much for your comments – they are really encouraging me. I was in tears for so much of yesterday. So it was nice to wake up this morning and read your comments.
Rachelle
To Chris ,
I am waiting on the appeal to the decline of surgery with workmans comp to remove plate a screws. My advice to you is to make an appointment with Dr Michael Wirth and see if he had any recommendation.
My plate was placed to high so it hits a bone coming across the shoulder. I just want the plate and screws out .
Joyce,
I had my plate and screws removed at four months because the screws were impinging on the joint and into a ligament. I can’t believe how much the pain was reduced immediately, and how well I recovered after that. It wasn’t what is usually done, but I sure to recommend it if you can get it approved. I had no issue like that – my doctor scheduled the surgery and the insurance paid. I was amazed. I admit, I have better than average insurance at the moment, but the difference was amazing and I do hope you get the surgery approved. Good luck,
Sharon
Thank you Joyce so much for your response and also to Sharon for for input. I live about 8 hours from Dr. Wirth but am very much considering contacting him. I hate to add to anyone else’s misery but I still have significant pain and feel that my only recourse is to have the hardware removed.
Joyce my heart goes out to you and I so hope that your insurance covers the procedure and that you also have such a wonderful outcome as Sharon has.
My very best wishes to both of you….
Chris
Joyce Thank you. My well wishes to you that you are granted the rights to have your hardware removed. I have Dr. Wirth’s website saved as a favorite. We are expecting our first grandchild (Birth to take place in the UK) in approximately 4 weeks. Once we have settled ourselves I plan on reaching out to Dr. Wirth. I never want to discourage others…..but I have never been the same since the break. If it is not too much trouble I would love to hear about your progress. If you would prefer privacy my email is chrishmcmillin@gmail.com. Best Wishes to you!
On Tue, Aug 19, 2014 at 11:51 AM, Shoulder Diary – From Injury to Recovery wrote:
> Joyce commented: “To Chris , I am waiting on the appeal to the decline > of surgery with workmans comp to remove plate a screws. My advice to you is > to make an appointment with Dr Michael Wirth and see if he had any > recommendation. My plate was placed to high so it hits a ” >
I am 6 months after surgery and cannot lift my arm without pain. I am glad you can raise your arm above your head. I can’t raise mine to blow my nose, put ear rings in, brush my hair or curl it or even put contacts in.
My plate and screws needs to come out because I feel them all the time.
Ok, the latest on this very strange voyage.
Had a CT and returned to my Ortho surgeon today. It is avascular necrosis and arthritis. The humerus head is collapsed. The blood supply to the humerus was interrupted and the bone started to die and collapse. The treatment at this point is a partial or total shoulder replacement. Said it will depend on the scar tissue and other factors. At least the plate and screws will be removed. I am still a little shocked that I will be going through this again. It will be 2 years on 9/11. The first time through, I didn’t know what to expect. This time I KNOW what is ahead. Just needed to vent about this. My doctor said this is his first AVN. Great. Always a leader.
Oh, Sheila, I am so sorry!!! For each of us these are uncharted waters. I guess we all wonder what the future holds for our least favorite body part.
Please keep us posted.
Pat
Pat, thanks so much. Again I appreciate your support and that of all the posters. We are so thankful for somewhere to go to talk about this. I am sure I will be up late in the near future re-reading all the posts.
Sheila,
A friend of mine had the replacement surgery done because of rotator cuff and arthritis issues, and his recover was MUCH shorter than what any of us has gone through. When I had the first surgery, I was told they were doing a replacement, but they did the plate/screw thing. My friend has none of those horrendous ongoing restrictions from a plate, so this may just be the best thing ever for you.
Please keep us informed, and we will all cross our fingers and pray for you to have a quick recovery.
Sharon
This reply is to Shiela C with AVN. I am so sorry for you! I still have significant pain ( 2 Yrs post) all being disregarded by my Ortho. It is certainly not good news but at least you know have a definitive diagnosis and game plan in effect. Please keep us posted…we wish you well. I so hope this will alleviate your pain and get you mobile again very soon!
Chris M
Progress note at 6 months post op.
I stopped going to PT at 4 months because it always left me in such discomfort for 3 or 4 days, I couldn’t even do my daily routine of stretching and resistance training. Essentially I had this setback after every visit (I was going once per week): PT, pain for 3 days, stretch for 3 days, repeat. Much of the pain that I was feeling was on the bone, where I imagine the screws are located. I fully expect pain in my shoulder joint, but I was not okay with pain on the bone itself. It just didn’t make good sense to me. So I stopped going.
After about 5 weeks of taking therapy into my own hands, I connected with a massage therapist who specializes in joint pain and frozen shoulders. After three visits, I can say I’ve had incredible results. And the increased ROM stays with me – it doesn’t go away after a few days, if you know what I mean.
I’m going to throw in an occasional PT visit, but the moment I experience that same pain on the bone, then I’m not going back. It has to be beneficial for MY situation. Everyone is different, and one therapy does not “fit all”.
I don’t feel constant pain, however I have some stiffness in the joint which is only noticeable when I’m not busy – typically at home when I’m not absorbed in some project or activity. I notice it when I walk and swinging my arms. Since I’ve started massage, it is better – much better.
If you’re feeling some pain or constant stiffness, and you don’t believe the hardware is impeding movement, I want to encourage you to KEEP stretching every day, consider massage (even though you may have to pay out of pocket), but do whatever you need to keep that arm moving. Work it in reverse, too. For example, when you are stretching in a doorway by having your hands on each side of the doorway, lean in to get a good stretch BUT ALSO press back in reverse. Both ways. This works with a multitude of stretches.
All the best to each of you on your journey to complete healing!
SHEILA, I’m sorry that you will face more surgery. FWIW the two or three people I have talked to who had shoulder transplants (generally for arthritis) seemed to have had it easier than most people who had the fracture and subsequent surgery.
MARY, glad you found the massage therapist.
Hello All,
Just found this site today and it has been eye opening! Evidently, nobody is kidding when they talk about the long recovery time! I fell and broke my shoulder on 8/30/14. Worst pain in my life– worse than childbirth–and it continues.. Today is Sat. Night. Go to see orth for 1st time Monday a.m.
I have done little besides research all of this for the past 9 days. It seems most think you are better off if don’t have surgery, but it seems a good number go without it for many weeks before they decide there is not sufficient healing, and then have surgery and begin recovery all over again.
I have broken my feet six times. Last time was 4 years ago and after 8 weeks, they decided it wasn’t healing and put in one screw. Then it did heal, but have had permanent nerve damage. They also removed the screw 7 mos. later because it was causing such pain…
I am worried now because I am recently divorced and have no short-term disability. When I don’t work, I don’t get paid. I need to know what will have the shortest recovery time, as I have no savings because of the divorce–only lawyer’s fees! My job involves driving all over city working with children and a great deal of report writing (typing).
I feel completely useless at present. Can hardly do a thing! Read too much about proximal humerus fractures, and watched whole course of Downtown Abbey all over again. Plus, besides the shoulder and arm pain, have a lot of neck and back pain from sitting so much, wearing sling, etc.
I want to be optimistic, but haven’t heard many stories with happy endings…
Thanks for letting me vent to people who understand.
Welcome, languagelady, even under these terrible circumstances! Each of us has had a different experience, so consider that yours will be unique in some ways. From everything I have read and witnessed, doctors prefer immobilization to surgery if the fracture is not too messy. It’s still a long recovery. I was in PT with a woman who had regular physical therapy for 8 months. I lost touch with her after she completed her therapy, but I bet she continued to recover well. It sounds like you have that opportunity for recovery.
I an empathize with your situation. I’m not married, and at the time of my accident, I had been a full time real estate agent for over 25 years. Breaking my shoulder in the midst of the housing crisis was financially and emotionally devastating. Thank goodness for siblings who live nearby.
My fractures (five) were messy and displaced (my surgeon described the damage as the equivalent of a gunshot). I’ve ceased to expect further improvement, but I can ignore the discomfort most of the time. It is what it is. 😦 Pat S
Thanks for your encouragement. Sister is 1500 miles away, as are my daughters. Son and wife are close, but I do not think they realize seriousness of this, or how much pain I am in. Additionally, I feel a need to not put too much on them–they are young, in ministry, and have a toddler. Thank goodness I have two young roommates and a wonderful church!
Hi Mary.
In my experience, as you so correctly put it, people don’t realize the seriousness of your injury. They don’t mean to , but I’ve found unless you’ve walked in anothers shoes you rarely can appreciate it. When I heard that someone broke their arm, that is before I did, I hadn’t a clue. Oh my goodness do I now!! A knee replacement? As an Occupational therapist myself I thought it was common practice. I didn’t understand but I do now.
Reach out, ask. People love to be needed. They Love to step in and help. I allowed cousins to come and babysit me to let my other half out to shop. We live in the country. Please ask. Your son , I know he’s busy and he has a young family but you are his family also. These are painful times Mary and there are days when we get down. I can only tell you whats worked for me. I have asked for help much more with this injury this year than I did last year. My partner also needed a break or two..to be honest he was exhausted from two hourly ice changes for four solid weeks. Night and day. So when she said ‘what can I do ‘, I said x, y and z.
One girlfriend came to stay for a few days, she baked his favorite cake, babsat me, he golfed and relaxed and we chatted and had a lovely time. He was chuffed to bits.. And we had a bit of space from each other and the intensity of illness and injury.
I didn’t do that last year and you know something, some friends were upset with me for not reaching out. So now I put my cape back into the wardrobe and reach out. It’s what we’re on this planet for…. Each other.
I really wish you well. I hope you don’t find my comments too personal.
Helena
Languagelady, Here is a link to an article from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ Journal on various ways (nonsurgical and surgical) to treat a proximal humerus fracture
http://www.aaos.org/news/aaosnow/jun09/clinical7.asp
(You can’t get much more respectable than research from that organization and publication). This article will give you some insight. Every doctor I spoke to or medical journal article I read said that a patient’s willingness to do daily exercises at home is critical to success of regaining range of motion and recovering from pain.
As Georgiapat said, every humerus fracture and recovery is different. Generally, the more complex the fracture, the more necessary surgery is. But sometimes surgery
is necessary for a simple fracture b/c of poor blood supply or another reason.
Some people who post here (and on the other blogs about this fracture) had surgery later, not their first surgery delayed, but to remove the plates and screws (continuing pain and/or impingement on movement) from their first surgeries.
With or without surgery it takes bones three to four months to heal. You’ll hurt that long and be taking either over the counter pain relievers or Rx pain medicine.
Everyone says that they had no idea how painful the injury is and how long it takes . to heal. Once you’re out of the sling, most people assume you’re back to normal, but this fracture is not like a simple broken wrist.
I read about one man who was able to type with both hands 8 weeks after the injury. It was about 11 weeks for me. I typed with my good hand and made lots of typos.
You get use of your arm back and lessening of pain, gradually. It’s a big deal when you don’t have to try to sleep sitting up. Another milestone is when you can use both hands together–the injured arm’s hand to hold a container of yogurt while the good hand pulls the lid off, or holding the bottom of your jacket while the good hand pulls the zipper.
Ask your surgeon what your fracture is on the Neer scale (That’s 1 to 4, with 4 being the most severely damaged. It’s not as precise as, say, a thermometer reading, but
that gives you an idea).
Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulders. Keep us posted. Things will get better, but it will take a while.
Hi language lady. I really feel for you. It’s early days for you and this whole process can be so disheartening. But this site and all of the posts on it are invaluable. There is a wealth of information on here and if you haven’t already, I am sure you will find some comfort and encouragement from reading the various experiences.
I broke my shoulder early July and it was a real shock. Life for me changed in a split second. I have just completed a second surgery to remove the wires that were used to hold a multi-fragmentary fracture together. I am finally beginning to see a little improvement as well as pain reduction. I think it’s a combination of having the metalworks removed and also being able to start with physio. I can totally relate to Margaret’s milestones above. What she has written is right on the money!
Where do you live? I live in the UK although I am from Canada originally. Like you, I am recently divorced and also found it really difficult with no family close by. Also the financial strain is a real stress. A word of advice is to ask for help when you need it – friends do want to help but often don’t know how. I think it is difficult for anyone to really understand how truly debilitating this is!
I believe you said you were going to the doctor today. I hope you had some further insights and are clearer now as to the best path towards healing. I think there are advantages and disadvantages to having surgery or not but best to trust in the expertise of a good orthopaedic surgeon. I hope you have found someone you can trust.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. We are all here to support one another. This is so tough for anyone to understand unless they’ve lived it.
Take care,
Rachelle
Margaret, Rachelle, and Georgia Pat,
Thanks for your kind and encouraging words. Went to the doctor on Monday. Turns out I have a 4 part fracture with both tuberosities significantly displaced. Then there is a chunk of bone floating off doing its own thing. Basically, he said I had no real choice but ORIF if I want the shoulder to be functional in the future. So, all my previous fretting was for naught…there really wasn’t a choice.
What I found most upsetting is that he said my x-rays showed advanced osteoporosis. The cortex (hard, outer part) of the bones was extremely thin. So thin, he felt sure it could not hold the plate and screws. Therefore he is putting cadaver bone inside of my bone to give it structural strength.
Only five years ago I had a bone density test that was completely normal. Now I have advanced osteoporosis? As we talked, he said severe, chronic stress will leach the calcium from the bones. As my husband began suffering from mental illness and abuse and violence became common, then separation and divorce, yes, I had suffered from just a bit of stress!!!
So, a word to the wise–find ways to effectively manage your stress. Don’t keep it bottled up inside. He told me it was critical to be as stress-free as possible (realizing the injury itself causes stress) to have the best possible recovery.
My surgery is 9/12. When I am able, I will update you and tell you how it went. I covet your prayers. Thank you.
Mary (((HUGS))). OMG!!! What a lot you have on your plate! I will be praying for a smooth surgery and uneventful recovery. Please do keep us posted when you are able to type.
GeorgiaPat
Mary, my heart goes out to you. In five years your bones have taken the brunt of your stress. Dare I ask did they offer you therapy for the Osteoporosis? About five or six years ago when I lost both parents within 16 months I was told that I had Osteopaenia right on the cusp of Osteoporosis. I take Fosovance every Friday am standing up, before food. Now I am
flying. My surgeon says my bones are
Remarkably strong, my arm healed and I was discharged after 10-12 months. There wasn’t
even a question about my knee replacement.
My op was 6 weeks ago. I’m walking without any crutches. What I want to say to you is that I embarked on a programme of walking for weight bearing exercise. The pool for stretching with support. I did try Pilates but had to abandon that as too painful. You can do something about this. Go onto the Osteoporosis website in your country. They give great dietary advice. I’ve taken it all on board. And I have benefited. You must be very upset. I don’t know what age you are, I’m not asking. But I’m post menopausal so I have to be proactive. You can halt the progression of this. I just want you to know that you can take control… Mary. It’s all ahead of you girl. A whole new life, different but a new one and we are all here beside you supporting you. Good luck. Helena (also heading to the pool tomorrow) thanks Margaret. I’m getting there. It’s a very painful operation this ould knee. 🙂
Howe
Rachelle, That’s great that you are hurting less and are free of the wires at just two months. Are you totally free of hardware now? (I know some surgeries are wires only and some are wires plus plates). Helena in Ireland seconded my post about how much it helped to get into a heated pool and do my exercises there. So when your incision heals I would urge you to find a pool and go as often as you can.
Just standing in deep water and letting your arms float out for stretching is so much easier than doing it on land.
Hi all.
My heart goes out to you in the early stages of recovery. I had 8 fractures proximal humerus 16th March 2013. I am currently recovering from a total knee replacement. I damaged that while recovering from the shoulder. Why Im writing is that Margaret said I am a great proponent of water. She’s right. I cannot stress how therapeutic it is. I have fully recovered from my shoulder injury. Of course I do not have the full range of forward extension but I still had enough to paint the porch before I went in for this surgery. Now I am back in the pool, just walking each day in the water. It is wonderful. The water takes the pressure off the joints. I get greater range of motion under water. And you can see what is possible going forward. If you can do things passively (I was told by my physio) then it will happen actively in time. So please do try and get in the water. Just to say to you that when I first got in the pool I just stood there, and let my arm hang down in the water. That went on for weeks, then one day you’ll get a surprise, you’ll move a little and so it will go. Do take the pain meds before you exercise.
Good luck. I’m right beside you.
Helena: )
Helena! I’m so glad to see a note from you b/c you’ve been on my mind, with your knee surgery. I wish the quickest possible recovery. I’m seven months from my fracture and my bones (the physician’s ass’t says) are strong enough for me to do anything I want to. I’m having some fine tuning physical therapy and my good therapist has discovered a problem that we’re correcting. I was completely unaware how bad my posture is and the shoulder fracture and immobility made it worse.
The main culprit was using my laptop computer for long hours, as a desktop. This is a growing problem b/c many people work only on laptops and tablets. If the laptop is at
comfortable typing height, the screen is far TOO LOW. That means that you instinctively lean forward, looking down, and your head gets too far ahead of your shoulders.
Your back muscles are stretched and weaker than normal. The opposing muscles–pectoral/chest–become foreshortened and overstrong and tightened. The remedy is posture correction, stretching chest muscles, doing scapula stabilization exercises, and elevating the laptop so screen is at proper height for your eyes and then you add a separate keyboard down at correct typing height.
Since the shoulder fracture affects weight and movement of the upper back and the weight of your arm (plus anything it’s holding) has to be transferred via your trapezius and other back muscles to your spinal column, the weak back muscles cause pain (neck and shoulder) and interfere with shoulder range of motion.
So if anybody is using a laptop at lower height, get it elevated and buy a second keyboard to use with it. Recovering from this shoulder injury is bad enough–you don’t need the extra complication.
Margaret, who will be in the pool later today
Mary, You’re on my prayer list as well. I’m sure the osteoporosis diagnosis is upsetting, but IMHO it is really good that your surgeon is going to strengthen the bones with cadaver bone rather than go ahead and install the plate and “see if it will work.” With that decision he has spared you from a lot of setback and pain.
For the surgery you’ll get a local anesthetic to block your entire arm and neck on that side as well as the general anesthesia. Stay in the hospital as long as they’lll let you and don’t hesitate to ask for pain Rx.
Neighbors and friends will help, so ask. You can pay their kindness forward after you recover. You are so right about the stress. We should all be hugging the cat or dog, practicing meditation, saying prayers or whatever else works for us. If yo don’t know how to do deep, yoga aka belly breathing, get someone to show you or check for a video on Youtube. People in martial arts or women in childbirth often learn this.
It’s not permanent, but it has been proven (Herbert Benson MD classic book The Relaxation Response) to lower blood pressure and help people feel calmer. As Pat said, let us hear from you as soon as you are able.
GEORGIAPAT–thanks for the extra effort to get notes posted quickly!
Margaret
In my short but continuing saga, i just got home from my CAT scan and pre-admission testing when my doctor’s office called. Surgery on Friday is cancelled. Evidently my doctor had concerns about doing the surgery because my bones are so thin, and he was worried about complications, and maybe a need for a second surgery. He showed my X-rays to some other surgeons and all agreed i ended to be referred to another uber shoulder specialist. i will see that doctor on Monday and surgery scheduled after that. It’s hard to wait, but i am thankful my first surgeon was humble enough to consult with others, and now I should have the best surgeon possible.
Any suggestions for really good books, DVD’S?
MARY, I’m even more impressed with your surgeon’s caution and that must make you feel less frightened. If you mean books or DVDs about broken shoulders I didn’t read any. I just read medical journal articles and then stumbled across Pat’s blog here and a couple of other blogs. (A Canadian man who broke his shoulder ice skating with his kids, a graduate student in VA who fell off of her mountain bike). Neither of these are still active for new posts, but not a lot changes with bones. You can find them by seaching for fractured shoulder + blog or proximal humerus fracture + blog. Hang in there and keep us posted.
GEORGIAPAT, again, thanks for the quick postings
Margaret
Hi All,
My, a lot has been happening since I last posted! Mary, what a roller coaster you’ve been on. I am sorry to hear about the osteoporosis. That must have been such a shock and not what you want to hear when you’ve got so much on your plate already. But I do agree with Margaret and think that it’s a really good sign that your surgeon is being so diligent and has referred you to an ‘uber’ specialist. You will be in the best hands, it sounds and that can only bode well for any treatment that you may receive. Nonetheless, it’s a lot to take on board but we are all here for continuing support.
Margaret and Helen – thanks for the tips re water therapy!! I went to physio this past week and mentioned this. My therapist says I can hit the water after our next appointment which is on the 22nd. She says the resistance might be too much for me at the moment but thinks next week I should be ready. So I’m really looking forward to getting into the pool:) As an aside, I had some encouraging news at my appt. I’ve been working soooo hard on my exercises and it seems to be paying off. My mobility is coming back. Zero muscle power at the moment but my therapist says we just need to focus on the mobility and the muscle will follow. So I am motivated to carry on and work through the pain. My shoulder/arm is really sore these days but I guess it’s a result of me moving it after being immobile for two months. So keeping up with the meds for now and just trying to stay positive and focused. A quick question…at what point did you begin to feel that you were getting back to normal life and could almost forget about the pain? Was it 3-4 months?
Margaret, I had only wires in my arm and these were all removed on 03/09. I am not sure why I didn’t have a plate and screws but it was something along the lines of the fracture was so badly displaced and the head of the humerus too shattered – so wires were the only possibility. I saw the x-rays after surgery last week adn the arm bone is not straight but the surgeon says it is the best they could do. He says the important thing is that my function comes back and not to worry about ‘straight bones’. So, I’m going with that!
Pat, thanks for continuing to post our comments:))
Rachelle
(accident was 10 weeks today…and counting)
Rachelle, The Physician’s Assistant told me, too, that regaining motion comes before regaining strength. That’s good that you can get into a pool soon. Even doing the same exercises in the water will help your arm in a different way and it hurts less. Borrow an aqua jogging vest or life jacket so you can float vertically and regain some fitness by water jogging. And you can float on your back and kick well before you can do sidestroke or breaststroke..
The short answer to your question about regaining normal life was 3 and 1/2 months–big drop in pain with it mostly gone at 4 months (if I didn’t try to reach my arm too high). So I could do most things with my arm at shoulder level or below. I didn’t drive until 4 months afterward b/c, while I could hold my left arm out straight to hold the steering wheel at 9 o’clock position I could not extend it up and over to the 2o’clock position without feeling pain (like a deep pinch). I didn’t want to risk having to turn the wheel hard and suddenly to avoid a traffic accident, but end up damaging my shoulder. I’m 7 months out and I still get twinges of pain if I lift something too heavy. That’s b/c my back muscles are weak. (As I mentioned in an earlier post that comes from leaning forward to use my laptop computer which is too low for long hours of use). I hurt so much over Labor Day weekend that I had to stop doing the shoulder stabilization exercises and just concentrate on holding my head and neck back in proper position and improving my posture. I went to PT 9/11 and the therapist said my posture is much improved and I should slowly add the stabilization exercises back and skip a day or two between doing them (as you do with weight lifting). She felt my chest/pectoral muscles and said they were much softer and not as overtight. As the back muscles regain strength my range of motion will improve. Straightness of bone is not the only factor in the amount of ROM regained. As I understand it, bone remodeling continues for up to a year more, after the major healing at 4 months. (It’s as though there is a tiny sculptor inside your shoulder joint, both adding and subtracting bone cells.) This injury takes a long-g-g-g time to heal (because it also impacts your back, neck, balance, and upper body movement)and many people say it’s two steps forward with one step back sometimes. And, as GeorgiaPat has said, we’re each experiencing the same injury in different ways.
Margaret.
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for your insight and advice. Lots of helpful info for me to keep in mind! I really can’t wait to get into the pool. Next week can’t come quick enough. I think what you said about strengthening back muscles is really a good point. I am also going to start working on core strength when feeling a bit better. I am sure that most of my pain is muscular and is a result of other muscles compensating for those that I haven’t been able to use since my injury. I am stretching tons and doing massage once per week to try and speed the healing. I am sure this is helping but as you say, this is just a looong process.
Did you find that your pain was mostly muscular? It’s funny but the pain I have now is pretty constant – it’s a different pain than the one I had before I could start moving my shoulder. But it is still pretty intense. Again, I think this is because I’m starting to move/use muscles that haven’t been used since my accident. I think the pain I had when my arm was immobilized with the sling was more to do with the bone mending. That seems to have subsided but is replaced by muscular pain. Does that kind of fit in with your experience too? Just trying to see if I’m healing ‘normally’ – it helps to compare notes!
Mary, I hope things are coming along with you. Have you met with the specialist yet? How are you coping with everything?
Take care,
Rachelle
Hi Rachelle, I am 9 months post surgery. I think you are on the right track about muscular pain. It seems to be, regain mobility, then put the rest of your body back together. My trainer pointed out to me that left side had suffered the effects of the right shoulder injury. I was imbalanced, and all of my muscles were tight. But…don’t forget that along with a broken bone you probably have soft tissue damage, and perhaps you ligaments and tendons suffered as well. It sounds like you are doing really well…enjoy your pool time and just keep putting one foot in fronts of the other. My best regards, Sandy
Rachelle, Yes that constant pain that comes on well after (weeks) the fracture is muscle weakness.(of course your bones are still hurting,but mine were not, constantly at 2 months later) So your bones are getting better (and you’re expecting to hurt less, but you still hurt, just in a different way), but your muscles are getting worse b/c more time has elapsed since they moved normally and bore weight normally. It’s like a person on long term bed rest. They lose strength in other parts of their body. All the focus is (understandably) on your bones, but the collateral damage to your muscles is a lot to deal with, too. I remember keeping my elbow (which wasn’t damaged when I fell on ice) wrapped in a heating pad b/c it hurt so much b/c my back muscles had had time to get very weak. They weren’t able to transfer the weight of my arm through to the spinal column, so the pain went down my injured arm. As Sandy said, you may have some tendon or ligament damage, too, that would cause pain. Bone pain for me nearly always felt like a deep pinch, as if a giant’s hand was trying to crush my bones. And sometimes if I had done exercises and gone to the pool and thought I would likely be extra sore the next day, I was fine. Other times I hurt, but I hadn’t lifted anything or done anything extra physically the day before. Another welcome thing was that, at three months after my fracture, I quit feeling tired (or even just exhausted sometimes. I mean later than the first two weeks).Acupuncture by a physician helped my back and neck musclepain.
I had seenit done on cats, dogs, horses and how much it helped them. The needles are tiny and when they’re put in, the pain starts easing. I went 1 x a month for 3 months..When you’re able to get in the pool you’ll notice a difference. Ask your therapist if you can do any shoulder stabilization exercises yet. Maybe she wants you to do some, but not others until later. As you can, walk or ride a stationary bike for general fitness. It makes you feel better mentally and physically, helps your circulation which speeds the healing process. For me, once I start checking days off on the calendar I have a chain that I don’t want to break. I’m at 52 days now, either swimming or walking every day. Keep us posted on how it goes at the pool. SHEILA, good luck with the surgery. Your list looks complete. One tip: cut up some aluminum foil squares. Put two on tub b4 you get in for shower. Put shampoo on 1 sq, conditioner on 2nd sq. Get your hair wet and the squares get shampoo & condt well-dispersed, almost as well as both hands. Keep us posted. Margaret
PAT, thanks for getting the postings up. You’re really doing a good deed by keeping this blog going.
Well the countdown is on. 1 week until my partial or total shoulder replacement. The road has been kinda bumpy. I went last week to get medical clearance. I am in good health other than being a wee bit chubby. Dang middle age. Well, the lab came back great except for my calcium level which was a bit over range at 10.5. (10.2 high range). Anyway I received this news and immediately took to the internet. Of course, the internet is full of worse case scenarios. I was convinced I was headed for surgery on my parathyroid. Anyway, had to wait several days for additional lab and more days to find out it was NORMAL-prayers answered. Hard enough to have this surgery but to wait to have it was unthinkable.
Anyway, daughter has car back after first wreak (college freshman) so I am ready I think. This has been a weirdly stressful month.
Since it has been 2 years this month of my fall, I am trying to remember all the things I will need the first few weeks.
Any suggestions? Shawls, slings, recliner, side table for recliner, front closure bras ( still in those), tank top, pull over and pull up things to wear. What am I missing? 3 more shifts to work and I am starting to get a little freaked out if you can’t tell.
Thanks for all the support these past 2 years.
Will keep everyone posted on this new journey.
Sheila
Sheila,
Hi there. I’m an OT and was stunned to find that it was the simplest of things that helped. One arm, going to the loo. Maybe you don’t have this problem but at the time for me I had problems with my knee, (I now have a new one ), but a grab rail for the good arm to get you up would have helped. I found going to the loo tricky, getting up,. I didn’t have the wherewithall to put one up so my other half slipped down to a medical supplier /pharmacy and purchased a raised toilet seat but its on a frame. Its the frame that helps rather than the raised seat and more importantly in the middle of the night I’m safe and don’t have to ask for help. It was 45euro. Money well spent. Now I’m using it for my knee replacement. Double value.
Make sure your arm sling goes across your back and doesn’t pull your neck down or else you’ll get forward head posture and back pain. Standing in the shower and letting the warm water hit your neck and shoulders will warm up your muscles before you exercise.
Remember, heat up your muscles to exercise, ice them to cool them down.
Take care Helena
HI Sandy and Margaret,
Thanks for your insight – it makes a lot of sense regarding the muscular pain felt as a result of not using the muscles for so long. This was especially true for me (as my physio reminded me today), because my arm was totally immobilized for 2 months. I even slept with that nasty contraption on – it was a 24/7 ordeal!! I’ve only been sling free for a month. So it does stand to reason that now I am starting to use my arm, the muscles are in a bit of a shock and are sending me pain signals to let me know they aren’t happy;) But onwards and upwards we go.
Margaret, I took your advice and went for an acupuncture session on the weekend. I did feel some pain relief for about an hour afterwards so that was encouraging. I asked my physio about it today but she advised to hold off further sessions until my muscles have had a chance to get used to moving again. I will give it a bit of time but then plan to go back. She did say I could continue with massage once per week so I’m happy with that. Also it’s a bit easier on my wallet to be paying for one extra treatment instead of two!
I also appreciate your comments re exercise – I’ve been trying to walk as much as possible – even if only to get out of the house and clear my head. I find this injury is psychologically tough to deal with and walking just makes me feel better. I also joined the gym yesterday so will start going to the pool this week. Will also get on the bike and maybe try a Pilates class if I can avoid using my arm. Will give it a whirl. Well done on your 52 days straight of swimming/walking! That’s inspiring!! Good for both the body and soul I am sure:))
Sheila, best of luck with your surgery. It sounds as if you’ve had a really tough time through all of this. From what I understand, the recovery from a shoulder replacement should be easier than your original fracture. Keeping everything crossed that you have the same experience. You seem to have all of the bases recovered re preparing for post surgery. The only other thing I could think of was maybe preparing some meals in advance and freezing them – although I guess this depends if you have someone at home who can cook for you while you’re unable.
Rachelle
(11 weeks today)
Rachelle,
Please be very careful at the gym! I found that my left-right balance was disrupted for a long time because of the unevenness is my muscle strength. It was more trouble than it was worth to use a treadmill or stairclimber. I was fit when I got hurt, but it was about six months (second surgery at four months to remove the ‘stuff’) before I was safe on a moving base! Good luck with your recovery.
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for your advice. I’m only doing the stationary bike at the gym – and it’s the kind in which you can sit back on so I don’t need to use my arms at all. Totally safe and no risk of falling;) I’m finding it’s good to get my heart rate going a bit and I bike while watching a television show so it’s not boring. I then get in the whirlpool and sauna afterwards which is quite a treat. My life has become so unexciting these days!!
Rachelle
Thanks Rachelle. I hate to share this but I have another setback. Sigh
Have had a filling bothering me since it was filled. Apparently it was a deep filing. Thought it would get better in time but this weekend I was in agony. Called the dentist in church. Emergency root canal on Sunday afternoon. Called Ortho office first thing this morning. This afternoon I got the answer I most dreaded-delayed the surgery a week. Dang. Had everything in place for this Thursday. Another week to make sure the dental work didn’t cause any infection. I totally understand his reasoning but I was devastated. Called my boss- added back to the schedule to work this weekend. Will have another week to clean. C’est la vie.
Rachelle. Hi. Helena here. I’m delighted you are getting some relief from acupuncture. I also found it helpful.
I wonder what your physiotherapist says about the pool. Floating your poor damaged arm in the warm water might just be the thing.
Currently I am recovering from a Total Knee replacement. I go into the pool and just gently bend my new knee. On top of that I also float my right arm (8 breaks March last year ) as using the crutch is causing old pains to emerge. I just wanted to stress to you the benefits of warm water. I’m not suggesting for a moment you exercise, just let the water take the weight of your arm. Its just so beneficial and it eases the pain.
I wish you all thats positive.
Kindest regards Helena.
Thanks Helena:)) I’ve just returned from the pool again tonight. I’m trying to go 3-4x per week. You’re right, it is lovely just to float my arm in the water. Also doing some very very gentle arm movements which feel good too. Physio appointment tomorrow so will see how I’m progressing then. Funny, some pains decreasing but others are exactly the same. Did you have that experience? ie. some pains took a lot longer to subside than others?
Wishing you also lots of positive energy so that your knee recovers speedily. How many weeks post op are you now?
Rachelle
Hi Rachelle.
Yes. The arm pains come and go in waves. I used find certain muscle groups would go into spasm and sometimes I had pain far away from the fracture sites, especially around my back, at my scapula, also down into my elbow and below. I used attend a lady who specialised in deep tissue massage. The pool was my lifesaver.
At the moment my knee is not bending as it should. So following my review with my surgeon it looks like I might be heading back into hospital to have my knee bent under anaesthetic. I’m not looking forward to the procedure but it looks like it has to happen.
I still go to the pool every other day and it certainly helps.
Phew.. It’s non stop isn’t it.
I wish you every good wish going forward. Keep us posted.
Helena 🙂
Rachelle.. Oops. Sorry forgot to answer your question, 8. Weeks post op.
Thanks for asking.
Helena
Hi Helena,
Sorry to hear your knee is not cooperating!! Fingers crossed that bending it under anesthetic does the trick. Sometimes this feels a tough old road, doesn’t it? Hoping the pool and massage helps speed the healing. Just thinking that we are both doing the same therapy at the mo – will be interesting to compare notes!!;)
Take good care,
Rachelle
It’s been almost three months since the break. Shoulder doing better but my hand is always swollen. Did you have that? If so how long?
Hi there Kimmie. It depends on your break up at your shoulder. You should revert to your surgeon. In the meantime I would elevate your hand and wrist above your elbow when you are at rest. Say when you are resting on a pillow ensure your wrist and hand and fingers are slightly above the angle of the elbow for drainage. Its called retro drainage.
But your surgeon is the person who will tell you the why. Ice sometimes helps too if your hand gets hot.
Good luck H.
Thanks Helena , Its now been almost six months. I can’t even close my hand into a fist. I’ve talked to the doctor and he makes jokes about how his thumb is swollen years after a break. My hand was not injured ,my shoulder was. I guess I will find a new doctor that can advise why this is happening
Hi All,
Thanks so much for your continued words of encouragement and advice. Just to let you know that I did hit the pool this week and it felt great. I did very gentle arm rotations and extensions as it felt good to do it. The next day I noticed a decrease in pain so was really encouraged.
I saw my surgeon yesterday. Had x-rays done and he says the bone is healing nicely. I asked him about the tendons and ligaments and he said that they had been TOTALLY shorn off of the humerus with the accident. Gulp!! I hadn’t realised that but maybe this is why I was forbidden to move my arm/shoulder for two months. Of course I’m worrying like mad now that all this pain I’ve been having is actually the tendons/ligaments not bonding to my bone. Of course I didn’t think to ask the surgeon that yesterday. He wants to see me in 3 months time. He said if physio say I’m doing well than I am doing well (they have said that the last two visits). He also said that we will see in time if I need any further surgeries to reattach the tendons/ligaments. Aaaaargh!! Feel really depressed to think that this pain might be related to T&L and I may have to have more surgery. Okay, that’s my moaning for tonight – sorry for that but I am worrying and feeling so down today:((
Kimmie, it seems we had our breaks around the same time. Mine was July 6th. Glad to hear your shoulder is doing better. How long were you in your sling for? When did you start physio? I don’t have any swelling but continue to have pain which is tough. How often are you seeing your surgeon for checks? Hopefully he will be able to clear up any concerns when you are next in to see him.
Sheila I am sorry to hear about the delay of your surgery. Fingers crossed you are in after the weekend. Sometimes I think the psychological stresses of this ordeal are just as tough as dealing with the physical. Anyway, will be thinking of you and sending you some positive energy next week.
I’m off to the pool now…
Rachelle
(12 weeks this Sunday)
Rachelle,
Sounds like you are doing great. I think I will visit the pool this time. I was told it would help last time but the thought of walking in the cold to get to the YMCA pool ( it iso covered when you get there) in February didn’t thrill me. Maybe I should have.
Just a quick update on surgery.
Still on for next Thursday but as luck would have it, I was stung by a yellow jacket today. Luck for me it was the other arm. Trying to get the last minute clipping of my roses done and wham! Haven’t been stung in so many years and now a week before surgery. I need to lock myself in a room and not come out until next week.
Sheila
Yes, do try the pool. I am actually cheating a bit and doing the whirlpool instead. Found that the regular pool was a bit chilly as I wasn’t really moving. So I sit in the jacuzzi and do my exercises with the water bubbling away. It’s bliss.
I visited my physio today who really put my arm/shoulder through the ringer – holy cow did it hurt!! She was also quite strict with me and told me no more worrying as it is pointless and will do nothing to help my recovery. I felt like a naughty schoolgirl leaving there – either she woke up on the wrong side of the bed today or else she just thought I needed a good talking to!! Dunno but has stopped me worrying so guess it did the trick!
Shame about the wasp sting but hopefully the pain was gone after a few hours. They are nasty. I’m allergic to wasps so have to take antihistamines as I swell up like a balloon. Thankfully it’s been years since was stung and hoping not to repeat it any time soon.
Let us know how the op goes once you’re up and about. Wishing you lots of luck!!
Rachelle
Rachelle. Mine too was broken July 6. I am on a return visit in two months. I feel so thankful to be able to lift my arm over my head to get dressed. Still not 100% up but so much better. I can’t make a fist with my hand still The swelling is gone but the strength in that entire arm is not anywhere near what it used to be . I have finished pt but started working out at my local gym.funny how many people I have met there that also have the same injuries . Im still sleeping with the pillow under it for support but I can now sleep on the other arm without a lot of pain. I go in January for a recheck so hoping to figure out the hand thing. Hope you are feeling better too
I have been looking for you guys for the past 9 weeks. So incredibly thankful to Georgia Pat for maintaining this site! I am 9 weeks post op ORIF – plate and 10 screws level 4 injury. I have read every single reply here. It is so comforting to know there are other people who are or have previously been in the same state as I am now. I am 52 years old; so no spring chicken. However is the first time to break any bones. This process is agonizingly slow. 9 weeks ago I was thrown from a horse and broke my ankle as well as really messing up my shoulder. I have been searching for a site that I could find real people to connect with. I began PT 3 weeks post op doing passive only stretching with the pendulums at home. The past 3 weeks we have moved on to active exercise. It . is . so . painful. I am often close to tears after these sessions. I am unable to move my elbow past 90 degrees and have learned that a possible cause could be an inflammation of the bursa, thanks to this site. My doctor would like for me to come off all pain meds and I just don’t know how I will manage without them. I think I am going to be looking for a pool this afternoon and give that a try. I still have significant swelling after PT. Seems like I only have long enough to barely recover from Pt when it’s time to do it again since I am there 3x a week. So glad to “find” you all!
I haven’t been back on here for ages but I do still read some emails and my heart goes out to everyone starting this long, painful and emotional journey. My ORIF was about 18 months ago for greater tuberosity fractures. I was 48 and had never broken a single bone before. Pat’s blog was unbelievably helpful, a godsend even and Helena in particular gave some sound advice and lifted my spirits. Life for me is back to normal and my shoulder feels strong and robust. Bit achey at times and I’m waiting to see if this winter it worsens with the cold. Everyone’s injuries are different but I would say don’t rush back into anything. Rest, eat well, do the physio exercises and be patient as it is a long healing process.
RACHELLE, I’m glad you got in the whirlpool and the warm water is helping you feel more at ease. For when you get stronger and able to try swimming a bit, see if you can find a warmer than normal pool. One possibility is a pool for people who have arthritis. Some YMCA’s have a smaller such pool for water aerobics classes for those people who have arthritis. Is there a rehabilitation hospital near you that has a pool. Your physical therapist might know of a truly heated pool.
HELENA, I’m so sorry to hear that you will have to have another procedure on your knee. I can imagine that getting to the pool is extra difficult for you these days. I thought of you painting the porch because I spent two afternoons this past week using the leaf blower and then (using both arms) picking up endless rakefuls of leaves and dumping them into the trash carts. When I went to the gym to do weights on Friday, the five pound dumbbells were way too easy, even for my injured arm. I moved up to the 8 pound ones. I did take some acetaminophen and ibuprofen OTC before and afterwards on the days, but on none of these days did I have the expected pain or soreness! That was a fine surprise and I write it here to encourage everyone. Tuesday will be eight months since my fall on ice that fractured my shoulder.
SHEILAC, I hope you haven’t had any more delays and that you finally got into surgery for the transplant and are beginning your recovery and hurting much less!
SYL, It sounds, IMHO, as if you had too much physical therapy too soon. Ask your surgeon about the clicking and kinks during pendulum exercise. Before you ask, though, try doing pendulum very slowly and gently with small circles. (You need to be able to tell him if you have the same level of pain no matter how gently you’re doing the exercise or if it gets worse as your arm moves in larger/wider circles.)
Some of the pain you’re feeling is probably from the increasing weakness of your back and neck muscles (due to their immobilization). Get in a heated whirlpool or pool and just let your arm rest in the warm water. Then you can do exercises very gently. That helped me the most with pain, along with some acupuncture treatments by a physician. It takes a long time to recover from a humerus fracture, even if you don’t have surgery. Most people have less pain at three to four months afterward, when the bones have done their major healing. But the muscle pain will last until you can strengthen your muscles back to normal so they are strong enough to hold the weight of your arm and transfer that weight to your spinal column. Sometimes with this injury it’s two steps forward and one step back. Everyone says taht it hurts more than they expected and recovery takes longer. But you will get there.
FOR EVERYONE a new book I found at the library: The Exercise Cure by Jordan Metzl,MD. He’s a rehabilitation and sports medicine physician in New York City.
Margaret
SYL, Somehow your last post was put into posts from April *2013*, not the most recent postings. It was someone named Lauree who wrote about greater tuberosity fracture back then. Rachelle, who was injured about a month earlier than you were, has some concerns about tendon damage. I didn’t have that, but I’ve had a lot of pain in my neck and down my arm from the weakened back and neck muscles. There are so many variations to this injury (types & location of fracture, types of surgical repair or no surgery, physical therapy routines, complications such as what you’ve had to deal with) and it’s much worse for almost everyone than it first seems.
One of the bad parts for virtually everyone is the psychological, depressing part.
When you hurt physically, you hurt emotionally and you feel helpless (suddenly losing the use of one arm and the ability to use your hands together will do that) and wonder if you’ll ever feel like your old self again. What helped me the most with pain was getting in the heated pool, acupuncture by a physician, and using a heating pad.
Other people find pain relief from massage. You’re in a bad stage now (even without your complication that set you back): you’ve coped with the pain and limitations for so long that it seems as though you should hurt way much less by now than you do. That would depress anyone.Early movement is essential so that a patient doesn’t develop frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulosis). That’s very painful and usually requires surgery, even if the fracture didn’t need surgery.That’s probably why your sports medicine doctor sent you to physical therapy so soon. Early, aggressive PT works for some patients, but sometimes, as in your case, it’s too much too soon. What would have worked instead was more gentle exercises, such as slow pendulums, done faithfully several times a day at home. That’s why some doctors delay PT a week or two or until the patient is out of the sling (if they know they can trust the patient to keep the arm moving every day.) You asked if I were completely healed. The short answer is that six months afterward I could do most things, but still had neck and back pain. Some PT “fine tuning” of shoulder stabilization exercises and correction of my posture (It’s really bad to use a laptop computer as a desktop for hours. You need the screen UP at eye height and a separate keyboard down at normal typing height.) gave me more range of motion and reduced pain. I continue to improve slowly-y-y so I don’t consider myself totally healed. (Bone remodeling a resculpturing, goes on for months or a year more after the major fracture healing) If I were in your shoes, I would talk to your surgeon, not the sports medicine dr, about how your arm is when you perform the pendulum (see my previous note) and ask your therapist, too, about the problem. I would get into a heated pool asap and as often as possible. Check into acupuncture and/or massage to get you through this rough patch. You will get better, but it will take longer than you expect. Keep us posted. We all know what effort it takes to get through the day with so much pain and disruption to your life.
Margaret, who may have given you Too Much Information
Oh thanks for the reply. I’m
Not sure I’m using the site correctly Yeah not seeing the sports med dr again and I’ve told the therapist about it and she just says the shoulder is complex I go bk to surgeon on 10/22 I just haven’t read where anyone eles has had this when doing the pendulum excersises thanks
You’re fine, Syl. Somehow, most of the comments ended up in August 2012 . I am glad you found us!
Pat
Hi again looking bk thru some postings you indicated in June you were having elbow and lower arm pains I was wondering if you still do? Did it go into your hand? Thanks for any advice. Trying to think where I can get to a pool as many on here indicate how wonderful they are in helping rehabilitate. Take care
Hey everyone
Post op day 5 from a total shoulder replacement. yes, I did get the total not the partial.
Do I do anything half way? Only stayed overnight in the hospital. Not my choice but I understand that we are trying to do everything to prevent infection with this new joint.
Rough couple of days. Finally feeling more human. Sleep still in shifts but better. Pain tolerable. Not as much swelling as the first time. Nausea finally leaving and appetite returning. Getting used to the sling again. My post op appointment is this Thursday. Will be 1 week post op at that point. Surgeon decided to go with the total since there was damage from the arthritis and avascular necrosis. He hollowed out the humerus for a larger implant but it was too big so he had to backfill a smaller one. Yes, that sounded bad to me too. He showed me a picture of the joint and with the implant. It has been a whirlwind since Friday. Hubby is my man servant. He is doing a great job. Can’t help but compare the ORIF surgery 2 years ago and now. Funny what you block out of your memory.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.
SHEILA, I’ve been watching for a note from you. I send wishes for a quick and UNeventful recovery. Ask your surgeon exactly what anesthetic and drugs you were given. It’s possible that either the anesthetic or one of the pain or other medications caused the nausea. IF you know which ones then you can avoid them if you have to have any surgery in the future (or at least ask for an antinausea Rx).
Keep us posted on your progress and as Helena and Rachelle would say, get into a heated pool or hot tub as soon as the danger of infection is past.
Margaret
Hi there everyone. I have a greator tuberosity fractute that I sustained in a fall on 8/20/14. I went to a sports med dr whom started me on pt a week later. The pt was too aggressive and when I went bk after 3 weeks for X-rays it had more then doubled in size. The dr wanted me to see surgeon same day. I think he was worried he sent me too soon to therapy anyways of course this dr is all in a group so surly not gonna say they were at fault. He said to do no therapy for 2 weeks then we xrayed again which it did show signs of mending. I however have still at 8 weeks swollen bicep and lots of pain all the way down to wrist. When I try to do the pendulum excersises it pops and stings of course I don’t know if it’s tendons rotator cuff. I just don’t know. I used to be able to do them without pain. Has anyone had this. I’m just so consumed with all the worries and pains. And like you all I want my life back. Sorry for rattling on and on. I know lots of you have had it way worse then me. I sure wish the dr would prepare us for what lies ahead. Instead I was told 6-8 weeks. Hmmmm what’s that’s suppose to mean. Thanks for listening
I’m curious if anyone else has noticed that they started growing “man hair” on their effected arm? I have a 4 inch area under my elbow that has started growing long dark hair, like what you might think of men’s chest hair. I have no idea why this is happening?
I’m not sure why both of my comments here are listed as “waiting moderation”, am I doing something wrong?
I don’t know, Dani. I thought I had approved the first one from my cell phone, but evidently, it didn’t stick.
I’ve read your entire site and the comments over and over again makes me feel im not alone I’m so consumed with pain and worry. I have constant aching all the way down my arm and my wrist hurts and hand throbs. I’m 8.5 weeks from a greator tuberosity fracture. The bone has mended but the pains I feel are worse since engaging in pt. will this ever end. Feelin pretty weepy and afraid at this moment sorry (;
How are you feeling today, Syl?
Well the day I posted that I had a few hours later came down with a horrible stomach flu so that prob explains some of my awfulness I was having. Today I went to pt which always makes me worse. I’m just so concerned about the lower arm and hand pain. My hand throbs and I place ice on lower arm every time I sit. I know that a greator tuberosicy fracture is particularly bad cause of the tendons and muscles that attach there. Tomm I go for a second opinion. I’m 9 weeks today from the injury I don’t know if I should still be having all this pain or not. Very worried and sick of it all. As I’m
Sure everyone who Injures themselves are and I know many many are worse, i have crohns disease and this makes it impossible for me to take medsI my heart goes out to everyone on this site
Hi Syl
How are you? I really feel for you. If it’s any help to you yes the pain you are experiencing is usual. Nine weeks is very very early days. You have months to go. This is only the first stage. Your bones may have healed but you’ll have soft tissue damage. That will take physiotherapy to sort this over time. And, like me, eighteen months later I still get pain in my Rotator cuff and have to go back for therapy to ease it so please don’t despair .Some people are better than others. Everyone is different. Try exercising in the pool.. It really helps. Unfortunately this type of injury takes a long time to recover. You take care. Helena
Thanks so much. I have read your posts and you are a great inspiration to me. I wish I wasn’t so mentally weak. I guess I just worry I’ll never get out of pain. The weakness in shoulder and arms is bad enough but to add the lower arm and hand pains on top really makes it overwhelming. Hoping and praying it at least will subside. Not a lot of peop mention the pain below elbow. I hope ur recovering well with shoulder and knee. God bless
Update-almost 3 weeks since total shoulder replacement.
Less swelling than healing after 3 broken bones. More movement
in hand and arm this time. I seem so emotional this time. Perhaps it
is menopause rearing its ugly head. Or just the stress of another surgery.
Frustration is running high this time. The not driving thing is really making
me crazy. I am so used to just going when I want and now to have to ask for
someone to drive me whether it be my hubby, my mother, or my daughter (when
she is home from college) makes me crazy. I know I am preaching to the choir
but it is so maddening, Thanks for letting me get all that out. I am sure my
family is understanding but those who have been there know best.
Sheila, I think you’ll start feeling a little better every day. I’m so sorry that you had to go through the replacement surgery. Not fair! I understand the frustration. That’s a lot to go through to get back to a normal life.
Pat S
Thanks Pat. My coworkers met my daughter and myself for lunch today. It was fun to see them. They even brought food for me to take home. My best bud gave me a bracelet that has an engraving on it “today I choose joy”. Going to wear it often to remind myself that I can choose joy over sadness. Too easy to go with the sad feelings. Have to find the joy.
Sheila
Hi Sheila – I am glad to hear that your op is over and that you are now on the road to recovery. I am sending you a ton of positive vibes for a speedy recovery (well as speedy as it can be). We all know how frustrating this whole process can be but so especially tough for you my dear as you’ve been through all this before. It was good to read your last post about meeting up with your colleagues. How kind of them to bring food for you and I absolutely love the message – ‘today I choose joy’. It is so apt. Along with the physical pain involved with this fracture, there is also the mental pain and the feeling of despair and dare I say it…depression. It can be so soul destroying sometimes and it takes such strength of character to hang in there and be mentally resilient. Small kindnesses from friends and family and others who have been in similar shoes make all the difference. When I am feeling down, I ask myself the question – do you choose to be miserable or choose to be happy? Because at the end of the day, it is a choice. Just sometimes tough to remember that when you are feeling so low!!
Apologies all for being off of the site for awhile. I have returned to university and was busy with lectures and studying etc. I am studying social work and am now on a 2 week break as my placement has been deferred by the uni for that length of time in order to give me a chance to work on physio and get some strength back before committing myself full time. I was so worried that I would have to defer the entire year but my faculty has been really understanding and supportive with giving me extra time so I think I will be able to manage.
On the shoulder front, it is slow progress but I am still making improvements. It seems that most of my issues lie with tendon and ligament damage. I am seeing my physio weekly and doing my exercises religiously. Also still hitting the whirlpool circa 3x per week. So working really hard still and just looking forward to the day when I can use my arm normally again and not have to take pain killers most days. I am trying to get in to see a shoulder specialist (orthopaedics) and hopefully will get the referral from my GP when I visit her next week. Fingers crossed as I would really like a second opinion to be sure I’m on the right track and also advice re further surgery if needed.
Syl, I think your accident was about 6 weeks after mine. Sounds as if you’re having a tough time. I’m sorry to hear that. It will get better. There is a lot of pain with this type of fracture but this seems to decrease between 3-4 months for most. I also have significant tendon/ligament damage so it sounds as if we may have similar issues. Bad thing about T/L damage is that it takes sooooo long to heal. It will be interesting to compare notes over time:)
Anyway, just wanted to pop in and say hi. I hope you are all progressing well and again Sheila, wishing you lots of strength – both mental and physical – for your recovery.
Rachelle
xo
Thanks so much I’d love to discuss our similarities I feel so alone and overwhelmed I truly feel for everyone on here. I think this site is a GOD send nobody can understand unless they have gone thru it. Today I saw a shoulder specialist he xrayed again and bone looks fine. He says he thinks I have brachial plexeus. Sorry I know this spelling is off. He said he didn’t have a crystal ball so he doesn’t know if it will go away but said usually it will (referring to the lower arm and hand pain) said to stop pt excerpt for passive rom excersises he said trying to build strength isn’t important rt now and can always do that later. Gave a prescription for pain pills and said worrying won’t help it. He has a point but geeshhh constant pain makes me nutts!! Said if he was forced to guess it could last 6 mos then be off and on forever. Sugg I get rice and put in a brown paper bag and heat In microwave and sit and rub fingers thru it. I think at pt they have a device simular to that. I’ll try anything. hope your making improvements thanks for listening and encouraging. I’ll take any sugg or advice rt now. God bless
Hi Syl,
I’m so sorry you’re havnig such a rough time. My heart goes out to you as I know how debilitating constant pain can be. It’s such a huge challenge to stay mentally positive and focused on a full recovery when you are in pain. But you will get there. This is just a time thing. Focus on what the doctor said – believe it WILL go away. The power of the mind is so important in our situations. I really believe it’s the key to recovery. Try to find nice things to treat yourself. That’s what I did when times were at their worst. I would go for a long walk, book a massage or pedicure or meet a friend for coffee. I tried to have at least one nice thing to look forward to a week and I would try to get out for a walk once a day. Sometimes you really need to push yourself to do it but find the strength to do so. It will help to take your mind off of the pain and the current situation.
I had to Google injury to brachial plexus. Good old Wikipedia!! So from what I understand you’ve damaged the nerves running from neck through your shoulder and down into arm. They say this is common with motorbike accidents so you must have had quite a blow to your arm/shoulder. How did you break it? I’m surprised I didn’t have the same injury as I was knocked off my road cycle by a deer running at full speed. Caused a very nasty fracture and tons of tendon/ligament damage but thankfully no nerve damage. I guess we all have our own battles we are fighting when it comes to type of injury related to this fracture.
Have you tried the rice thing? It sounds good. I use a microwaveable wheat bag every day still to help with pain. It’s been a godsend. What has also been very good is getting into the whirlpool at my local gym. I usually cycle for 45-60 minutes, do my physio exercises and then get into whirlpool and sauna. The heat seems to really help to loosen up the muscles and provide pain relief. What is also good is ice during the day when I feel a burning pain. I would imagine that you’ve got your own routine going but thought I’d share what’s been helpful for me. Let me know if you have any tips that I’m not using;))
How often are you using pain meds? I began decreasing a few weeks ago but am still taking most days. I can get away with 1000mg paracetamol/acetaminophen once or twice a day. Sometimes I will take 400mg ibuprofen on top of that. I also have acetaminophen with caffeine and codeine – my mom sent it to me from Canada. I use that if the pain is bad but hate takingi codeine so only use it if I really have to. I start a full time social work placement next week which will probably mean that I will need to up my meds again. I’ll just have to wait and see how it goes but keeping fingers crossed that it’s manageable. Are you working right now? How are you finding it if so?
Hi to evreryone else. Sheila, I hope you are coming along nicely. Please let us know how you are doing once you are up to typing again:)
Speak soon,
Rachelle
Hi there. Hope everyone is recovering well, actually it’s strange to me how a dr can label without doing an MRI or ct scan. I’m
Hoping and praying that being as my Injury wasn’t but 9 weeks ago that this lower arm and hand pain will disappear. Dr said its not uncommon with football players as they land on there shoulders. My fall was not that bad I slipped on a wet floor in my bathroom. The fracture initially was a 2.2 mm greator tuberosity fracture but the dr I went to started me on too aggressive pt and when I went bk for X-rays 3 weeks later it had spread to a 4.8 mm GT fracture this area is bad to break however when others post the have multiple fractures of the humerous head I’d assume the GT is somewhat involved. Dr put me on tamadol I’ve only taken it twice. Just got them. They take the edge off a bit but I surly don’t wanna live on drugs. I think my body has inflammatory issues even before this accident. I am ashamed to say I haven’t returned to work I only work part time. I prob should it may take my mind off myself. I’m
So consumed by it all. It’s scary when I read this site and rarely does anyone mention the pain in lower arm and hand I know everyone is diff and heals differently. It’s funny how I don’t even mention the fact that I have major shoulder issues. I guess cause if I don’t move or use it. Then it doesn’t bother me. I cannot raise my arm above shoulder height. What are your sympthoms? I hope when you return to work that it goes well for you. I see a lot of peop return to work and do well. Take care ,, speedy healing to all I pray!
Syl, I hear you and I too had & still have some pain in forearm to thumb as well as shoulder. More like nerve pain. It’s been 20 months now & had additional problems because I injured my predominant arm and couldn’t brush my teeth well ( not ambidextrous). Spent all summer at the dentist with mouth infections, 2 root canals and 2 crowns. More antibiotics, steroids, and pain pills. One day, I hope all this will go away. When I started PT (3 days per week) I could only move my arm 5 inches but now I’d say I have 90-95% rotation. Pain pills are essential for PT. So cheer up; it can and will get better over time. It just takes time and patience.
My dear Syl. Do not be ashamed. Do not say anything about being mentally weak. There isn’t a soul on this site that hasn’t been where you are, to a greater or lesser degree. Please believe me this passes. Life changes. You will suddenly notice one day that you’ve gone some hours without pain and you will be thrilled with yourself. Stop worrying about the drugs. You are so aware you won’t let that happen. But please don’t be in pain for not taking the meds. I ate everything they gave me for my knee, As for the shoulder I ate everything also. I’m not addicted. I’m off all meds, swimming daily. I was on Oxycontin. But they are very tight here on drugs. I used get 14 tablets for 14 days. Then I’d go back to the doctor and ask all over again. I just wanted to say something to you. You mentioned pain below your elbow. I had swelling and black bruising from shoulder to wrist. Have you Googled “bone bruising”? I was told that I had bone bruising along my Ulna as I’d landed on my elbow. That pain lasted up to four months or more. Just a thought. But honestly things will improve…. In time. We are all so similar but so different in our recovery. Please hang in there chicken. Helena
HELENA! I’m so glad to read that you are back to swimming daily. I hope the knee bending procedure wasn’t too awful and that your knee is well on the road to recovery. SHEILA, good news that you were able to go out to lunch. I have a friend who had one shoulder transplant in June and the second one in August–bad arthritis–and she is doing well. She’s out walking her dogs albeit very slowly and off on a drive to North Carolina. While her arm was in the sling on the 2nd transplant she had a lot of swelling, but it left when she was allowed to remove the sling. RACHELLE, Good luck on your social work placement! Is a road cycle what we in the U.S. would call a motorcycle or a (nonpowered) bike made for city streets? SYL, Things will get better, but every stage of the healing is so slow-w-w. Two to two and a half months is a bad patch. You’ve hurt for so long that, logically, you should feel much better, but you don’t. In addition to your brachial nerve problem you’re most likely getting some lower arm pain b/c your back and neck muscles have atrophied since they haven’t been used normally. Yes, find a pool that’s heated to a higher temperature than a regular heated pool and get in it as often as you can.Such a pool might be at a rehab hospital, or a senior citizens’ residence, or a fitness center that has a smaller pool for people with arthritis. Hi RUSTY–good to see a note from you. I’m almost nine months from my fall on ice. I continue to make small improvements in range of motion and strength. Today I worked about three hours in the yard, blowing and raking leaves, stuffing rakefuls into small yard trash cans and then lifting and emptying the cans into the big garbage carts.PAT, Thanks for keeping this blog alive.MARY, if you’re reading, let us know how you are.
Margaret
Hi everyone thanks for all the encouragement it’s hard discussing this stuff with my friends and family cause they cannot relate. It’s such a tuff long and lonely road!
Billie so glad you have gotten so much movement back as of rt now I don’t have any. Sorry about the teeth issues however I know how you feel I’ve had plenty of root canals and when I fell I also landed ony face and broke 3 front teeth which costed me a small fortune to make them look almost normal
Helen, you are such an Inspiration to me always having positive and encouraging words. I hope and pray your knee surgey is a complete success I know dr have profected that technique at least where I live everyone I’ve talked to has had tremendous success with the knee surgury I will diff talk to dr about bone bruisingy lower arm didn’t get injured in the fall however my pt today talked to my dr on my behalf and finally gonna do an MRI. I pray I’m fixable and will be completely pain free soon as everyone on here I want my life back!
Margarette everyone speaks of benifits of a warm pool I live in country and not many places near me but I’m
Certainly gonna ck it out. Thanks soooo much for ea of you taking the time to write and share your progress and successes I can use all the advice and wisdom I can get
Take care and God bless you all!
Rachelle, Syl and Margaret,
Thanks for checking in on me. I am doing better than ach day. Of course I can feel the storms coming today. Super power we all inherited with our injuries.
I too have had more dental issues these past 2 years since the accident. In fact I had 2 fillings done about 1 month before the shoulder replacement. One of the fillings was deep as it was a redo from childhood. I was praying it would not require a root canal. But it was so sensitive and painful after that it of course required that root canal that was done on Sunday and 4 days from the planned surgery. I got instant relief. On the down side, it delayed my surgery another week. Surgeon was worried about possible infection. Still wearing the temporary crown a month later. Waiting until I can drive and I am a little further out from the surgery to finish up with the dentist. He is a friend and understands.
I am looking forward to going to the heated pool this time. I didn’t do it last time even though the surgeon did suggest it. So many have talked about it helping that I am willing to give it a try.
I am 4 weeks out from surgery and 2 weeks from PT. Still with sling. Far less swelling this time. Got the surgeon’s bill yesterday. It included the total shoulder
replacement, repair of my biceps tendon and removal of supports implant ie the plate and 12 screws. He did so work that day:)
Can’t tell you how much I look forward to each and every response from y’all!
Sheila
Girls… And yes we are all still girls in our head(s):)) the ould body might not be but sure what can we do, the alternative is not too appealing, is it now?
I just want to share with you 2 exercises I was shown by my physiotherapist to do in the water. I do daily. I was given this for my neck and I find it great. Ok here goes.
Stand chest high in the water.. Float both arms out to the right at shoulder height, turning your head to the left. Then swing both arms across the water to the left, turning your head to the right. This gives a gentle stretch to your neck muscles.
The second exercise should only be carried out when you have some rotation, or some ability to reach your back trouser zip.
Take the affected arm and gently swing it around to your back. With the other good arm reach behind and gently catch your bad arm at the wrist and hold it for 10-15 seconds . Relax, let both arms float and repeat. This exercise is for the Rotator Cuff pain I still get.
I do find they ease the ache and pain I still get 18 months later. I’ve found that rubbing a topical Antiinflammitory on my arm and neck really helps much more than taking the tablet form. Good luck Sheila, Rachelle, and Margaret, enjoy the water. Helena 🙂
SHEILA, Glad to know your surgeon agrees with Helena and me (and the others) who extol the benefits of getting into a heated pool or hot tub/whirlpool (if that’s not too hot). In the warm water you can do something to help yourself–stretching and your exercises–and it doesn’t hurt b/c the water, not your poor weakened back and neck muscles, is holding the weight of your arm. If you do nothing but sit in a hot tub or stand in chest deep water in the heated pool and let your arm float straight out in front of you, you’re helping it heal. In a pool you can do a lot that makes you feel like a normal person, to regain your fitness. With a foam aqua jogger vest or ski belt you can float vertically in deeper water and aqua jog.
You can float on your back and kick your legs. You can hold on to the side of the pool (facing it or facing the center of the pool) and flutter kick or bicycle kick. Just walking in the pool feels good. You get time to be relaxed and lower your stress level, too.
Margaret
I just wanted to pop in to say that four years after the fracture and surgery, I have been doing yardwork this week! I’m reclaiming my flower beds, and planting for spring and summer. It gives me hope. The arm is a little mad at me, but not too bad. Definitely worth it!
HELENA, LOL about the girls part. Thanks for posting the pool exercises (SHEILA, take note). I already do the reaching behind my back one, but the double arm side swing is new. I will add it. At the pool I use the hand paddles (thin hard plastic, roughly hand-shaped, with adjustable rubber tubing, that slip over your hands), moving my arms out to the sides, up and down, and in front, up and down–basically moving my arms in all directions/planes.******* I also use the water weights dumbbells, circling them in front of me, like pedaling an arm bike and up and down, like an arm row exercise with a regular dumbbell. It also helps to stretch out my left arm and lean my head over to rest on it. *****I also do regular swimming strokes. When I first started doing breaststroke it hurt so much to try to extend my arm straight out for the glide phase. Then my arm would go a tiny bit straighter with less pain. Then it would extend with discomfort. Now it feels normal, but it’s not quite as straight as I want it to be. For nonswimmers, this is the equivalent of extending your arm straight up, 180 degrees. Here the water is supporting the weight of my arm and allowing it to move closer to my head.******(my new way to separate paragraphs)PAT, That’s great that you were doing some gardening. Have you tried getting into a warmer than normal pool to do your exercises? Even as far past your injury as you are, you might still get some benefit.SYL, Let us know what you hear from your second opinion doctor. Margaret
I had a car accident on 2nd August 2014 and my shoulder was crushed and also my humerus went missing but I now feel mild pain sometimes. Surgical wires were put so I want to know if I will ever feel normal again on my arm.
Thabo, it is difficult to say whether or not your arm will be normal again. Four yesrs after surgery, I still have mild pain and stiffness. I am accustomed to it. Pat
Syl on November 7, 2014 at 2:22 am
Hello everyone. Thanks for the water tips. I may try to get to my moms this weekend and try gettn in. I truly hope everyone is doing and recovering well. It lifts my spirit to hear success stories on this horrific injury. Well if anyone has any good recommendations on a good orthopedic shoulder specialist in or around the Houston Texas area please let me know. My dr was very rude and basically told us to come get our file and go get a diff opinion ,my experience is that a lot of dr in this field are on an ego trip. I’m not saying they don’t have difficult jobs because I’m sure they do but really !!!! Anyways he still says its brachial plexus and that’s it. However when I went to get my file the MRI report was in there. His nurse which happens to be his mother in law said he doesn’t look
At that report he makes his own determination off the actual MRI. In any event it said servere tendonathopy. With a 2.5 cm rotator cuff tear, bursities, impengment no signs if brachial plexus. There’s other stuff but I really don’t understand any of it. I’m just so frustrated with it all. I’m interested in knowing what the name of the topical anti inflammatory some of you have mentioned. Oh he seemed really bothered by this shoulder blog when i mentioned it was so helpful the last time i was in there he rem and brought it up to me to consult yall,, Needless to say he was Somewhat offended !!!Thanks everyone for listening God bless
Reply
Hi Syl.
What a total plonker. Ego!!! And ignorant. You certainly didn’t deserve that AND you paying him for his rudeness. The anti inflammatory I used here is the gel version of the oral medication. Here in the EU it’s called “Volterol”. I find it quite wonderful.
Good luck with your new consultant. There’s a great old saying “where ignorance is bliss ’tis folly to be wise “. You keep fighting. Helena 🙂
Sly
I don’t know if you received my response .
DR. Michael Wirth in San Antonio is a shoulder specialist. He is amazing !!! The best of the best !
Syl.
Excuse me. Its “Voltarol”.I miss spelt in the last reply. Helena
Thank you all,,, Helena I googled that gel and apparently it’s only available in the UK. I assume it’s by prescription only. Too bad I’d sure would like to try it. Joyce. Thank you so much. San Antonio is a bit of a stretch for me however I called his office and after several attempts I got his nurse a super sweet lady she said shed ask him and call me back next week. 10 min later she called said he’d just called in and she asked him. He had 3 reccomendations one is nationally known as a top dr and the other 2 worked with him. Thank you soo much for the lead. Well. I blabbed long enough take care everyone and thank you all!!!!
I’m sorry Helena I meant in EU. Opps
Well now you have some options. Good luck.
I am waiting to have my hardware removed because the first surgeon placed the plate to high and I do not have any range of motion and severe pain. My accident was Feb 13, 2014. Almost 9 months of pure hell.
I use this topical gel. The U.S. brand name is Voltaren, it’s an NSAID and is useful but only for relatively superficial use. I recommend it for the shoulder, neck and arm muscles. There is also a gel called Traumeel, which is a naturopathic gel, available OTC in many health food stores and pharmacies, which is nearly as good.
Best of luck,
Sharon (2 years and two weeks out from the break and the first surgery, still occasionally using this stuff)
Thanks Sharon I will check it out. I was wondering if anyone ever tried alpha lopric acid or l carnitine. I read it’s used in europe for pain but maybe mainly for nerve pain. Joyce you must be miserable I sure pray you can get the surgery you need quickly and it’s a great success. Please let us know how it turns out. Do you have a date as to
When you will be doing that? Are you using dr wirth? His nurse was one of the nicest peop in the medical field I have encountered. Best of luck to all!! This site is marvelous !
Yes I will be using Dr Wirth when I have a confirmed date. I am waiting on workman comp.
Syl.
That gel is over the counter. Not on prescription thank goodness.
Syl. I’d be delighted to forward a tube to you if you would like me to. Just put in a mailing address . If you wish to do this I will give you my email address and you may put in your address in private.
My total pleasure. Helena
Syl. I’ll be offline for a few days as I now have to have my knee flexed under anaesthetic on Monday morning. Amazingly my right arm is holding up well. I think it’s due to the daily swim and upper extremity exercises. Heaven’s above I read like I’m falling apart but really getting there slowly.
Helena
Thank you Helena that’s so sweet of you to offer and do that for me!!!! I’m sooo sorry about your knee. I guess the knees can get frozen like the shoulder? I’ll be praying that goes well and you make a complete recovery very fast!!!! God bless
HELENA, Prayers and good thoughts coming your way for the Monday procedure on your knee! Let us hear from you as soon as you are up to it.
SYL, I’m glad to see you have some new doctors in mind. The one you’ve had sounds terrible.
RACHELLE, SHEILA–how are you all doing?
Margaret–who went swimming Friday, my nine months’ from the fracture anniversary.
I continue to get tiny, subtle improvements in range of motion.
Hi everyone,
5 going on 6 weeks post surgery. Headed back to the surgeon this Thursday. Hoping to be able to drive. Going a little stir crazy. Of course, that will also mean PT will be starting again. Sigh. I know it is coming. Hoping to progress faster this time. Trying not to think about the pain and soreness coming my way. Gotta keep my eyes on the prize.
Great to see everyone else moving along so well.
Sheila
SHEILA, Good luck at the surgeon’s! When you go to PT ask the therapist to show you some exercises to do in the extra-heated pool. And, FWIW, it you think the last therapist pushed you too much, ask for a different one this time.
Margaret
Hi everyone, I am just starting this journey, having fallen this past Tuesday. Broke my right humerus bone in two places. Seeing the doctor again on Monday and just had a cat scan. He originally told me that I would not need surgery based on x-rays and now decided to wait for cat scan. So I’m more worried after reading blogs about surgery. Also I just started running a low fever and was wondering if anyone else had a fever so close to their injury and what does it mean if at all related to the injury. I’m glad I found this website and all your good advice. For now, I’m not in tremendous pain and I’m managing with advil. But that may change. I can sleep ok. I didn’t realize what a long process this was going to be. Sounds like I have to put a lot of my future plans on hold. I’m 64 and concerned I won’t heal so fast. Any advice you can give me at this stage will be helpful. Lorraine
Welcome, Lorraine. I’m so sorry about your accident! 8f it is cold weather where you live, i’sure thst it is extra uncomfortable.
What was done at the emergency room? Is your arm immobilized? The fever is baffling. I would not ignore it, but I have idea how/if it is related. Were there a lot of sick people in the ER?
I never should reply from my cell phone. I can’t type on this tiny keyboard!
Hi Lorraine, I was 64 when I broke my shoulder on 8/3/13 and surgery 8/16/13 with a plate and 10 pins for the displaced humeral two part fracture. I did about 6 months of PT. I can now reach my arm above my head almost straight up. It is not 100% but it is better than I expected. It was a long journey that I wrote about on this blog which helped me immensely to endure. I will admit the first couple of months were painful and I had to really keep my spirits up. I still have difficulty sleeping on that side. I am in the hot tub every day and still apply a heated pad to my shoulder for comfort. I spent hours reading all the past archives on this blog. I was very worried that my age would be the determining factor in my lack of success. I had a wonderful orthopedic surgeon. Good luck. And be thankful you found this blog. TABruner
Lorraine- I am so sorry for your accident. I too am 64, and have just completed a year of recovery from a shattered humerus. My advice is this: 1) Don’t be afraid of surgery; if you need it get it. 2) Make certain you find the best surgeon available to you…that would be someone who doesn’t look at you like a “senior citizen”…someone who will repair you with the expectancy of a full recovery for you just as if you were 25. 3) Get more than one opinion…4) Work just as hard at finding a wonderful physical therapist who has the same expectancies as you and your surgeon. My first surgical opinion was from a dr. who was condescending and a jerk. He spent a great amount of time telling me what I would never be able to do. He scared the hell out of me. But…when I calmed down I realized that he had no idea who I was or what I could do. I am an athlete at heart-broke my arm in Laos on a 40 mile bike ride in the jungle. I was not built to lie down and take it. That should be your new attitude. One year later, I have 95% mobility and am able to do anything I want to do. I’m not going to lie to you, it was a long year full of challenges and yes plenty of pain. But I want you to know, the payoff is worth it. I will go into my senior years with a fully functioning body. That is your goal. Try hard not to lose sight of it. My very best to you on this…you are up to the challenge!
Thank you. In the emergency room, they took x-rays and immobilized my arm with a sling which I haven’t changed yet. I was told I might need surgery but after the x-rays, they released me with instructions to see an orthopedic doctor. I chose a doctor who came recommended and who specializes in shoulders. He took more x-rays and told me I wouldn’t need surgery. The next day, I received a call from his office and was told he wanted more testing and I went for a cat scan. Monday is my appointment with doctor again. I hope he doesn’t change his mind after reading all the posts on this blog. I am very careful with my arm and it is immobilized. I purchased two other slings and my next step is to shower and change the sling. I also purchased a chair to sit in the shower. I’m afraid of injuring myself further. Doctor wants me to move my wrist and hand which I’ve been doing. He also told me to move my arm from elbow or I would have other problems later. I’m afraid to release my arm from sling to move it from the elbow. Fever went away. Any advice you can give me is greatly appreciated.
Hi Lorraine. Glad to hear your fever left. It may have just been b/c your immune system was a littler weaker than normal b/c of the stress of being injured and your life suddenly changing in so many negative ways. Ask your doctor what your fracture’s rating is on the Neer scale. That’s not as precise as say a thermometer reading since it’s just 1 to 4 (the lower the number, less severe the fracture and less chance that you’ll need surgery). Xrays don’t show soft tissue (muscles), so the cat scan was probably taken b/c your doctor wanted to see if there was damage to the muscles that make up the rotator cuff. That fear of hurting yourself further is common in the early stages. Gradually it will lessen. You’ll be able to be out of the sling in a few weeks, but you’ll still wear it away from home b/c you’ll be scared somebody will bump into you and jostle your arm.
To shampoo your hair, cut some squares of aluminum foil. Put shampoo on one, conditioner on the other and put them on side of the tub. Get your hair wet, then scoop up the foil square with shampoo with your good hand. The foil’s slickness helps the shampoos slides all over your hair. *****separating paragraph**** I remember sitting in a chair, slowly removing the sling, and waiting for something to go wrong–it never did–then slowl-y-y-y lowering my injured arm from my lap, using my good arm, then stopping when my hand pointed to the floor (again waiting to be sure I hadn’t injured it) before I started doing very slow pendulum exercises. (Your doctor will show you this classic exercise). It doesn’t hurt and it keeps the shoulder moving so you don’t develop frozen shoulder.*****You will heal and you will get your life back, but it will take much longer than you expect. The bones will heal in 3 to 4 months, but it takes much longer for your weakened muscles to regain strength and for you to feel normal. Physical therapy will help and so will getting into a pool that’s heated to a higher temperature than normal. Just to stand in the warm water and let your arm float so it can stretch gently is helpful. I’m nine months from my fracture (slipped on ice, shoveling snow) and I didn’t have to have surgery. I’m still getting tiny improvements in range of motion and strength, but I can do almost anything.
I’ve been lifting heavy rakefuls of leaves and emptying trash cans full of them–my usual autumn routine, done with no pain this year, and with gratitude to have two
strong arms. Margaret
Hey guys, My fingers are still swollen and super stiff four months after the break. Is this normal?
Kimmie, I think that swelling (edema) of fingers is much more common after wrist or lower arm fracture. Have you been moving your fingers or gently massaging them? Ask your physical therapist about this and also ask if ultrasound might help.
Margaret
Hi everyone. Update from my 6 week visit with surgeon. Everything is going well. The shoulder replacement looks great. No more sling. I can DRIVE! PT started today. Wow, it is funny. I feel like an alum in PT. My therapist friends are still there and welcomed me back to the fold. LOL. No credit for all that PT from the first time. Starting over. It was a little difficult but I will get back in the swing before I know it.
Being more independent has done wonders for my psyche.
I recently joined this group and posted my story in a different section (About Me and Shoulder Diary). I saw some current 2014 posts there and assumed that was where I should post but then discovered this more active section. My post on Nov 17 was quite a long post so I won’t repeat the story, but, in short, my ORIF surgery on upper humerus was July 23 and I am now on the long road of doing physical therapy for both arm/shoulder and my wrist (on the same arm). I go to PT twice a week and may soon be adding some acupuncture to my routine. Tomorrow I have my first appointment with an acupuncturist so am anxious to learn if she believes that acupuncture can help. I have read that others have had some success with this so I am hopeful that it may enhance or even speed up the recovery.
Sherry (in Texas)
Hi everyone. Hope everyone is doing well. Sherry let us know how acupuncture works for you. I’m
Considering it. I’m still dealing with lots of burning pain down my arm to wrists. Just can’t stand it.
Helena how did your knee procedure go? Hope your gettn more movement in it. Dr put me on anti inflamatories for my bursities and severe tendonopthopy but they bother my stomach so bad had to get off them after only 4 days. Has anyone taken anti inflamatories for this. If so have you guys had stomach issues with them. Any suggestions on gettn the inflammation down would be great. I hope everyone is healing and doing better and better every day. It’s seems like a llooonnngggg road to recovery for some others seem to heal very quickly I suppose it just depends on what’s all involved
God bless everyone !
Syl, because of previous ulcers that caused scarring, I couldn’t take NSAIDs. So, my orthopedist gave me low doses of percocet and then Vicodin for most of a year (remember, folks, I had two surgeries to recover from). It kept the worst at bay, I took more in the first few weeks after each surgery, but he said stop the pain or my recovery wouldn’t happen. I had a great recovery from the second surgery.
I use a topical NSAID, Voltaren, that is prescription. Not as good as Aleve, but almost! Nowadays I do occasionally take two Aleve withPrevacid (docs said this was OK for me). My scar looks just like Pat’s picture, and occasionally it hurts, or sometimes the muscles in my upper arm. That usually means it’s time to get the rubber bands out again and do some exercises!
All the best,
Sharon
Hi ladies. I’m upright again. What a wicked procedure. Now I am back on crutches and my arm is kicking up. That is the right humerus that had 8 breaks. The pressure has exacerbated my shoulder. So physio starts at my knee and finishes with my neck.
In answer to the question about oral anti inflammatories, I had a similar problem so I now take them in suppository form. Not a problem. By passes my stomach.
I hope you are all coming along each day.
Helena 🙂
Hi Syl and all. Thought I would report back on my acupuncture. So far I have had about four acupuncture visits, and I do think it is helping. She is also doing some electrical stimulation. I went to PT a few days after the first visit, and my physical therapist did notice a difference in how my arm felt. She also felt some adhesions release. Now was that just coincidence and it was time for my arm to start getting better, I really don’t know. My wrist issues however have not improved, but I do seem to have a little more range of motion with my arm. I am almost 5 months from surgery date (July 23). My ortho guy will see me next mid-January. On my last visit, he was expecting to see more improvement, so hopefully, I will be at at a better point. He said I would have to decide at that time if I want him to go back in and do some manual manipulation. Don’t think I want to go that route so will probably continue with what I am doing. He said even with manual manipulation, it only shortens the journey a little, as the arm would freeze up some after a few weeks and I would still need PT. Fortunately my medicare benefits will start up again in January, just about the time I exhaust them for 2014.
Sherry in Texas
Thanks Sharon for your reply. I have tried posting twice and it won’t let me so I had to reply here. The dr was adamant that I take antinflamatory drug. Said its becoming chronic I wonder if anyone eles has been told they had bursities and tendonopthopy after there fracture and if it went away on its own. I tried the trameel cream OTC it didn’t do a thing for me. The dr prescribed thru a compounded pharmacy a cream which was 60. And didn’t work at all. I need to try and get the valtrol cream so many of u mention maybe it will be my answer. I read boswella and curcicum has been very successful for inflammation maybe I’ll try that. Before long I’ll have enough stuff to open a drug store. Pretty sad actually. Lookin more and more like nerve damage and I’ll need to have an emg nerve study test. Sharon I need to go bk and read ur story sounds like you’ve been on a long journey with success. That’s marvelous I hope I get there too one day soon. Stay safe everyone prayers being sent
Syl,
I hope you saw Helena’s post about the suppository version of the NSAIDs….the one thing I wished I could do was take the ?NSAIDS because of the swelling. Pain meds don’t do anything to help, they just help you get through it.
Gradually the collection of “stuff” has receded. You’ll get there.
And Helena, it’s great to hear that you’re becoming mobile again.
Pat, I’m still amazed at the community you’ve brought together here, and how supportive everyone has been. I hope you’re in good health and that things are settling down a bit for you.
Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate.
Sharon
HELENA I’m glad you’re back. How frustrating to have your shoulder hurting from using the crutches. It must be like going backwards. I hope you can get back in the pool soon. SYL, I did a little medical journal research for you. A study that looked at the results of many studies on what helped tendinopathy (not just in shoulder, but all joints) was published in “Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research.” What seemed to be most helpful (and suitable for a shoulder) was nitric oxide patches. This is an off label use of glyceryl trinitrate. That means that the FDA has approved the drug, but not officially approved it for this condition. Ask your doctor about trying these patches. Topical Voltaren (and Voltaren gel) which are brand names for dictofenac was also recommended along with a topical compound of ketoprofen, piroxicam and 1% lidocaine. This may be totally or partially different from the compound the doctor prescribed for you that didn’t help. *******separating paragraph*****NSAIDs (aspirin and ibuprofen are common examples) are Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs. They cause stomach problems for many people, especially if taken in high doses and/or for a long time. People with chronic pain conditions that won’t improve, such as severe arthritis, are really caught between a rock and a hard place. They can’t take these drugs for pain.Any time you get a prescription ask the doctor if he has any samples. Then you can try those to see if the medicine helps before you spend money to have the prescription filled.
Margaret
Hi there Margaret.
Thank you. Yes I have been at my wits end with pain lately. My physio says give it time. But I am now into my fourth month. This is not usual.( bear in mind I’ve already had 12 months recovering with my right arm) . I have every part of me x’d that this too will pass.
You mentioned Voltaren, we have it as Voltarol. I use it in gel form on painful parts and at the moment I use 100mg daily in suppository form. This is used each night around 10 or 11 O’clock as advised by my GP. Apparently it absorbs better when lying down. I continue to get the benefit for the rest of the day. Also if I go to the pool or use the bicycle in the morning I have the anti inflammatory and it makes movement much less painful. Personally I prefer medicine in suppository form but not everyone cares for this (understandable really).
Just a thought. My best to everyone for a speedy recovery. Thank you all for your good wishes. I am hopeful for a peaceful and pain free Christmas and I wish this for all of you. One lives in hope:))):))Helena
Hello Margaret, Sharon and Helena I truly thank you all for offering words of advice for me and Margaret even researching I’m truly grateful for all of you and feel such a connection with you all. I will mention the stuff to my dr but one thing I’ve noticed is doctors don’t like my input perhaps I approach them wrong I’m not sure but I surly don’t mean to insult there intelligence. I cannot take meds by suppository but wish I could I have Crohn’s disease which is a nightmare when it flares up. Thankfully it’s been okay so far since my accident. I’m really glad Helena that you can take them that way. I’m sooo sorry your suffering so bad with the knee I never really thought about how crutches would effect the shoulder but really makes since. I will be praying for your healing quickly. I hope everyone has a pain free Thanksgiving and Christmas. We all deserve it that’s for sure Ive been investigating different remedies and found great results on arnica c30 lozengers has amazing reviews so I’m gonna try it lady at health store said it healed her husbands shoukder after a bad motorcycle accident. Take care all!!! As always speedy healing☺️
Hi everyone,
Hope the weather isn’t getting everyone down. I just finished my 3rd week of PT.
Some days I really feel the burn. I was thinking I would be a little further along after this surgery. But I guess I am going down the same path. Maybe it will be easier as the weeks go by. I noticed the swelling comes and goes. Didn’t notice as much before I started PT. Enough about that! This strange weather is killing me. Hot, cold, rainy, or threats of sleet. Crazy. How is everyone else doing? Do tell!
weather is definitely doing a number on me. rain doubles the pain. not to mention the cold makes for cabin fever.
Hi SHEILA and SYL, hope things are getting better for you all (and everyone else). Sheila, it must be frustrating to compare this experience with the previous one. Somehow, by logic, your direct, first, experience, should make you heal faster this round.*****paragraph separator*** HELENA, I hope your knee is feeling stronger and less hurtful. I’ve been doing your arms stretched out to one side and head turned in the opposite direction exercise in the pool. I’ve got a new aqua exercise for you.****paragraph*** I can raise my injured arm straight up and touch my left ear, but not press against that ear as much as my uninjured right arm presses against my right ear. (I can lift it with my good arm even higher. The therapist said that was a strength issue.). You know that exercise where you lie on your back, raise both arms straight to hold a cane or bar and then lower it back behind your head? I can’t get my left arm to touch the bed I’m lying on. It occurred to me that it needs a bridge, some exercise to hold some of its weight.***paragraph*** SO, my new aqua exercise: float on your back, with your good arm hold to the pool gutter or a bar or railing so your body doesn’t move much. Then take your injured arm straight out to the side and then up toward your head, floating it, and then move it as though you were waving to someone. I’ve been doing this aqua exercise (and also swimming backstroke–almost normal stroke with injured arm). Now I’ve just begun to notice that my injured arm will (in straight up position) move back down under the water an inch or two (sort of straighter than straight, if that makes sense).
Tomorrow is 10 months from my fracture. Somebody will read this post in a month or three or ten, in pain, disbelief, and fear that he or she will never have his or her normal life back. Take heart from the posts of everyone. It will take a lot longer than you expect, but you will come through this and be okay. Get into a heated pool as soon and as often as you can!
Margaret
thanks for the inspiration. there is a pool at my gym. i’ll ask my therapist what I can do there this week. just have to figure out how to get bathing suit on 🙂
Did anyone see “Grey’s Anatomy” this week? A young woman had badly fractured her arm and shoulder, and the doctors kept telling her that it shouldn’t be hurting after surgery (FICTION!). She finally tried to commit suicide by running her car into a tree. Derek diagnosed the problem as Spinal Epilepsy. Her arm had been pulled so hard away from her spine, she had developed fluid filled cysts that caused shooting pains from her spine to her arm. Derek performed surgery, and she was much better. I thought it was interesting, and I certainly empathized, although, I never considered running my car into a tree! Pat S.
I’ve just discovered this diary and have been reading with tears. it is both sad and wonderful to read everyone’s experiences. I am 8 weeks post fall that fractured right proximal humerus. Ortho said did not feel surgery necessary though perhaps some type later. have been in miserable pain- same as I have been reading here. narcotics did not work and made me sick. have been alternating Tylenol and motrin. pain is defintely better but i am amazed how much it still hurts all the time.the depression is very hard to deal with as I am normally pretty upbeat. am 61 and this was to be my retirement year. was chasing a defiant and aggressive child at work when I fell. I also have throbbing from elbow into my wrist. have been using ice packs, biofreeze gel, and sometimes moist heat. my pt is very aggressive and I trust him completely but I do scream throughout sessions. Ordered the pulley and use that to stretch at home. my last checkup was with the ortho PA and he made me feel horrible. like I’m not being aggressive enough in therapy. I’d like to see him bear the pain that I am feeling. am going for second opinion this week. it is so hard to accept this whole thing. the idea of being in pain and having limited arm use for the long haul. it is wonderful to connect with others who are going through it and have been able to adapt and move on with healing. I have wonderful support from my husband, grown children (who do not live in the area) and friends. but I don’t feel like they can really understand the constant pain and worry that comes with this. and I feel like a broken record when complaining.
Hey, Barbara. I’m sorry it took me so long to get your comments online. I kept trying to approve them from my cell phone, and wasn’t getting anywhere. I’m glad you found us. There are some wise people here, and I wish I’d known them when I was going through the process. It is a very long road. I don’t think it’s ever as good as new, but it gets a lot better over time. For me, it’s been four years, and I swept leaves off the front walk today, and didn’t think anything of it. I’m grateful to have two good hands, and 1.5 good arms. 😉 Pat S. (GeorgiaPat)
thanks Pat. reading all these posts has been amazing. like looking in a mirror both physically and emotionally. everyone is sympathetic but no one truly gets it like these guys! I will keep reading and posting. off to pt now for my torture session. you have created a wonderful thing 🙂
Hi Barbara and All,
I haven’t weighed in in awhile. I am coming up on my 2 your Anni. since my fall. I think I am at much the same point as Pat in my recovery. I too, had ORIF surgery, with 5 breaks. I certainly can do everything I need to do, and occasionally I actually forget about it. But, the truth is many days it is uncomfortable, usually when I sit too long at the computer or do housework, or drivie a long distance.
I think the first 6 months are the hardest. It really does get better. I had extreme swelling where I thought my skin was going to burst open. I had to quit physical therapy for awhile. It is possible that it was partially caused by the PT. I did my exercises very faithfully for a full year. Then I went to Europe to visit my son, slept in a bed for the first time , and quit doing the exercises. Honestly, it felt good to feel like a regular person instead of a recovering one. I still do occasional exercises, as we have a great teacher here that uses the Rosen method for stretching etc.
I , too, had great support from my husband and a bank of friends who drove me to PT. But it is the pain and lack of sleep that get to you emotionally. So hand in there. It is a life changer in many ways. I certainly have great compassion now for those who live in chronic pain, and am thankful that I no longer do.
I got some meditation tapes that helped me through surgery and after too.
Well, back to work I go.
My prayers are with everyone going through this.
Michelle in Arkansas
This site is wonderful. I was 65 when I had my break so keep positive. it will happen that you will improve if you follow your therapy instructions. But reading all of these entries really helped me so stay at it.
thanks Michelle, glad you are doing so much better. It give me much hope to hear about your recovery. Can’t wait to feel like a “regular” person, though I understand will take lot of time. 🙂
Welcome, Barbara, You’re at a bad point now. Two to two and a half months past the fracture means that you’ve hurt so long and so much that you can’t understand why you’re not a whole lot better than you are. It takes three to four months for an adult’s shoulder bones to heal, speaking generally. I noticed a major drop in pain at three months and more reduction at three and a half months, but everyone is different. The pain in your lower arm is most likely because your back muscles are
weak (from immobilization with your arm in a sling, and from inactivity). The weight of your arm (and anything it is holding) has to transfer through your trapezius, rhomboid, and other back muscles to your spinal column. Temporarily, your muscles can’t do this. Gradually, in the weeks and months ahead those muscles will get stronger. Acupuncture (by a doctor) helped reduce my pain and make my shoulder feel natural instead of like a heavy block of wood. (I had seen it done on cats, dogs,
and horses, and knew how much it helped. It does not hurt. The needles are tiny, not like those used in shots, and when they’re tapped in the pain starts going away.
I went once a month, for three months. Insurance probably won’t cover it, but it’s worth every penny I think. Unlike strong drugs, acupuncture has no bad side effects. The worst that happens is that it doesn’t help much. In the pool if you do nothing but stand in chest deep water and let your arm float out that will help. It’s so much easier to do exercises in water than on land. Look for a warmer than normal heated pool (maybe one used for a water aerobics class for people with arthritis.)
***PAT***Interesting about the Grey’s Anatomy case. Something new: I have ordered ice grippers to go over my boots (If I had had them last February I wouldn’t have slipped while shoveling snow.) I spent hours reading reviews of different brands and types. Margaret
thanks Margaret, looking forward to the three month mark! I’ve had acupuncture before for bursitis and loved it.. Have put a request in to the insurance company and hoping it gets approved. Careful on the ice!
so just had my second opinion and he said he feels I need to have ORIF 😦
he feels with the type of fracture I have it will not get better enough without it. feels I should have had it done sooner so of course I am kicking myself. will have to re-set back to beginning but I think it will be worth it. am waiting to consult one more surgeon and get insurance approval. aaarrrrgghhhhh
So sorry to hear that Barbara. I know hard hard it is to hear you need surgery. We will be here for you to visit with on those late night hours. Greatest support system ever. Have been here for 2 years and everyone here has been so helpful. Keep us posted.
this is such a confusing process. had a third opinion and he said could go either way in terms of surgery. Went back to original dr and he still feels I will have a decent (80%?) outcome with no surgery, possibly something later on to clean out scarring and bursitis. (golf but no tennis as he described it 🙂 ) He was surprised by other opinion and discussed how little agreement there is among drs when it comes to shoulders. I am so reluctant to go back to the beginning with an extreme surgery (ORIF or possible replacement) if I can get to a decent outcome without it. I want to keep the long range picture in sight, but at the same time my pain is now manageable with mostly biofreeze gel, I can use the hand pretty well, and have become way more independent. I know surgical outcome is not guaranteed, plus the risks. Will wait three more weeks to see a shoulder specialist within the original practice. supposedly he has seen my xrays each time and not recommended surgery…
to be continued….
thanks for listening!
Barbara, in my opinion, avoid surgery if possible. I doubt that many of these breaks will result in 100% recovery, but so much of the pain with the ORIF is from all the tissue damage in surgery. The worst that can happen is that you’ll have have surgery down the road. The best that can happen is that you’ll have a good recovery without surgery. GeorgiaPat
thanks for your opinion, that’s certainly how I’m leaning. I don’t expect 100% but even the surgeon said we wouldn’t expect a “home run” afterwards. I’m not sure it’s worth the wear and tear on my body as well as emotionally. meanwhile I scream and cry at therapy so I know I’m giving it the best shot possible. have a great holiday!!
You have a great holiday, too…under the circumstances! Pat
Barbara, FWIW, I agree with Pat. Did any of the three doctors tell you what your fracture rated on the Neer Scale? It’s 1 to 4, so it’s not as precise as a thermometer,
but the number can give you a ballpark figure. The lower the number, the less complicated the fracture, and the less chance that surgery is needed.
A lot of the recovery of range of motion depends on moving–gently, several times a day, such as the pendulum exercise. The thing that helps so many of us is getting into a well-heated pool (such a therapy pool for people with arthritis, not as hot as a hot tub), just floating your arm out as you stand in chest deep water and doing your exercises as you can in the water. Ask your therapist to show you some water exercises and where you can find a suitable pool, (if you don’t know).
******For the pain, try a heating pad or acupuncture (with an experienced, certified acupuncturist). Until the bones heal at three months and later, you will have that deep pain. Then it starts dropping off. Your back and neck muscles will hurt b/c they are weak. Ask your therapist if you’re ready to do shoulder stabilization exercises that strengthen your back muscles.*****SHERRY, I’m glad the acupuncture helped ;you.***Last week I got to swim four days x 40 lengths of the pool (that’s not as impressive as it sounds b/c the pool at the rehab hospital is shorter than a Y or college pool.) A woman came in and said that she had seen me doing laps. I said to her, “You can’t imagine how grateful I am to be able to move my arms and do backstroke. A few months ago I couldn’t move my left arm forward three inches without sharp pain.” I continue to get tiny, tiny increments of improvement in strength and range of motion. My physical therapist was poolside working with a new client, so we talked just briefly. She said the reason it takes so long for shoulders to heal is that the joint is so intricate, more parts than a hip joint. She said many people just give up and stop doing their exercises. I had long ago told her that I expected to do pendulums on both shoulders every day until the day I die.****ELIZABETH and ELIZABETH, welcome. (I realized there are two of you when I saw you had each posted different ages.)What a terrible ending to a family vacation in Alaska! You will get your life back and feel like your competent, independent, normal self again.But it will take much longer than you expect. The depression and bleak outlook will lift as you gradually hurt less and can do more. You will have to tell family members and friends repeatedly that you’re still in pain, get tired very easily (that’s a sign that your body is using energy to heal, so be sure you’re eating well and getting enough calories.) I took the mindset that in many ways, I had lost a year. Then any gains and improvements seemed wonderful. Margaret
thanks Margaret- it’s so good to hear from others who have been on this extended path….I can’t imagine swimming again but it’s certainly something to aspire to! As is being able to shave under the opposite arm 🙂 I did get into the pool at my gym the other day and it felt great. It’s not super heated but it was ok. I walked a little and did some swings and just let the arm float around. I don’t remember if my dr told me my neer score but he did tell me about a study that found tremendous disagreement when different doctors used the scale. his point was about how difficult it is to get consistent treatment opinions from different doctors. I’m still hoping that I can make a decent recovery without surgery. Planning on keeping at the exercises forever. I am really enjoying being more independent and feeling optimistic. Depression has essentially gone – tomorrow marks 10 weeks from the fall. happy and healthy holidays, and again thanks for the encouragement!
Hello all,, sorry to learn of the new injuries its a long and scary road I wish I could say I’m better but I’m not. Been 4 mos since my greator tuberosity fracture still in therapy and recently found out my insurance isn’t paying for any of it. Really disturbing being as I’ve had like 20 treatments and just learned this. Also looks like I have nerve issues which is the most debilitating part of it all I still have massive swelling all the way around my arm mid way. Dr keeps saying it will go dn as I get more movement in it. Well I am moving it a lot. I wonder if the swelling is contributing to the nerve pain dn my arm. Had it massaged yest and now it feels even worse. Pretty overwhelmed at the moment. Sorry for venting. Hope all is going well for the rest
Hi there Syl.
Margaret s suggestions are really sound. From an OT perspective may I suggest ‘retrograde massage ‘. But clear it with your doctor if you are going to get someone else to do it for you. Retrograde massage involves starting at the distal end, eg, finger tips and very gently with your fingers holding each digit use your thumb to massage toward your heart. Use some oil to facilitate ease of motion. I would do this in conjunction with elevating your arm as suggested by Margaret.
Have you “nerve impingment “? I had to have a lot of work on my arm as I had a nerve impinged. Its good now but gives me a dart every so often when I do too much.
Sometimes with these breaks we get an old nerve trapped in there :))or a young one!!
Thinking of you all at this time of year. Wishing you all good health.
Helena xx
Helena. Thanks for the tip on the retrograde massage. Im gonna implement it. I’ll sched a emg after Christmas hopefully it will reveal good news. Just dreading the test and have been puttn it off. Praying everyone speedy healing and a blessed Christmas/ holiday Helena I hope your knee is making progress and your doing well. I know I surly don’t want another injury!
Syl, I’m so sorry you’re still struggling and hurting so much. I would think that any swelling would contribute to pain b/c there’s only so much room for the nerves and other structures within your arm. Here are some things you can do that may reduce the swelling. Sodium/salt retains fluid and adds to any swelling that already exists. So, temporarily, cut out chips, salty snacks, sodas, fries and other heavily salted foods. Read food labels. There’s a lot of salt in cereals, canned soups, and other processed foods.Eat an orange or tangerine every day so you’re getting vitamin C and potassium to counter sodium. (Potassium is found in bananas, apricots, and other fruits.)******* Drink extra water. I know you can’t take anti-inflammatory medicines, but try adding cucumber or lemon slices to water. (They are natural anti-inflammatories. Of course they aren’t as powerful as aspirin, ibuprofen, and Rx anti-inflammatory drugs, but may help a bit.)
*****Are you still using ice (not directly on your skin, but wrapped in a towel and not for longer than 15 or 20 minutes per session–several times a day)?*****The standard treatment for reducing swelling is to elevate that part of the body to the level of your heart or higher. That’s hard to do with a broken arm, but here’s a way to do that, with some help from your mom or a friend. Lie on your good side. Have the other person gently and slowly raise your am and slide a pillow(s) between it and your side. You may need some more pillows piled up around your back. ****Are you walking (inside or out) for 10-15 or more minutes every day? Increasing your overall circulation will help reduce swelling.****Doing any or all of these things won’t hurt you and the more of them you can do, the more relief you’ll get. I’ve been racking my brain thinking of treatments for people with prolonged swelling from other situations (women with breast cancer, for example, often have swollen arms from damaged lymph glands), but what comes to mind would definitely NOT be suitable for you.
****Nerves take a very long time to heal. That’s not encouraging, I know. I wish I could send you some magic. Instead, I send a cyberhug and these few gentle low power strategies to try. Margaret
Thank you Margaret
I didn’t know elevating it would possibly help, I also didn’t know potassium and cucumbers would help. I do take extra c and even use antinflamatory protein powders I really watch my diet and actually have a low sodium blood level because of my Crohn’s disease. I know I’m a mess. Today has been pretty BAD. I do use ice ,, dr wants me to have an emg which I’ve put off but thinking I may have too. I’m just praying what I have isn’t permanent. Do you know if wrapping it with an ace bandage would help? I just welcome any advice. Thank you soooo much!!
Syl, Do NOT use the ace bandage wrap (or any other form of compression, such as putting on an elastic sleeve. (That’s commonly suggested for breast cancer survivors who have swollen arms from damage to their lymph glands.) UNTIL you get your *doctor’s okay* to try this. ****It may be fine or it may be too much pressure in a different way that could aggravate your nerve(s) even more. It’s more powerful than the other strategies I listed. That’s why I didn’t suggest it to you.****Carefully elevating your arm would be okay. That helps fluid drain by gravity. There’s a classic formula for sprained ankles and other injuries with swelling: RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. That’s general and for any particular injury a doctor might say leave out some part of it. Not all injuries that have swelling (edema) would have nerve damage such as you have. ******IF your doctor says it is okay to try the ace bandage ask him how long you should leave it on for. He may recommend on and off periods, the way you do for ice.****LORRAINE, Good to see a note from you and that you’ve found a shoulder specialist to help. Are you doing pendulums or other gentle moving every day? Ask when you can get in a pool and ask the therapist to show you some water exercises. Margaret
Syl, My suggestion about watching sodium and not eating a lot of salty snacks would be okay for anybody with swelling. Since you already avoid high sodium foods and have low blood sodium, you wouldn’t need to try to eat more foods with potassium. (It would be okay for you to eat some fruits if that’s not too much acid for the IBS, but don’t start taking potassium tablets.). Getting potassium and sodium levels out of whack is inviting other health problems. What I’m trying to say is that *your* swelling isn’t increased by eating too much salt the way it might be for someone who doesn’t pay attention to salt the way you do. Margaret
Margaret I understand what you meant about potassium and sodium balancing out. I wish there was a Otc or natural anti inflamatory I could take. It’s odd how most peop on this site don’t have all the nerve related issues im having. And it seems like those who may have never get bk on and say if it went away or how they are doing. It’s truly frightening. It really overwhelms me. It’s s burning pain in forearm to hand like a BAD rash or acid poured on me.
Thanks for your suggestions and advice
Hi everyone, this blog has been an education and very helpful. I am 5 weeks after falling with two breaks: my proximal humerus and the humerus shaft. I asked around for an orthopedic doctor who specialized in shoulders. I have to say I feel lucky to have found him. After reading this blog, I like his approach. He showed me the results of a cat scan and it was scary…what looked like a clean break on the x-ray was actually in pieces of part of the proximal humerus. When I asked where I was on the neer scale, he told me 4. Initially, my doctor was on the fence regarding surgery and he told me that he consulted with two other doctors (a group who consult each other). One said absolutely surgery and another said no surgery…shows how this is not an exact science. My doctor said that he felt that the surgery would not significantly improve the outcome in my case. He also told me that I will not regain full range of motion in my shoulder. I am supposed to start physical therapy next week although I can’t imagine how this will work at this stage. I have pain and take Tylenol because I’ve had a poor reaction to pain pills in the past. I guess what is so discouraging is that this is going to be such a long process and no assurances of the outcome. I’m afraid there will be more pain with therapy and I’m dreading it.
Lorraine,
Sorry to hear about your accident. You are in the most discouraging time. The early weeks are the hardest. You feel so bad and are very discouraged. It will pass. I know PT can be a challenge but it will make you stronger and more limber.
I use ma heating pad still. I am 11 weeks since my 2nd surgery. It is getting better.
Hope you feel better soon.
hi Lorraine- sounds like your doctor experience is similar to mine- very little agreement, from pro-surgery to anti. I am waiting for one more opinion from shoulder specialist in few weeks. I am 5 weeks ahead of you in recovery and though not great, the level of pain and beginning of mobility is enough for me not to want to go back to stage 1 and have surgery. I too can only take Tylenol and motrin but have gone off them because was taking too much. Therapy is horrible but so necessary. remember our brains don’t remember the sensation of pain, only that we had it! I try and repeat that to myself while screaming 🙂 I think reading these posts has helped me come to terms with the length and extent of the recovery process. very upsetting at first. but it’s wonderful to hear from people who are further along. if you haven’t discovered biofreeze yet I recommend. you can get a giant pump jar from amazon. between that and ice packs you may get some relief. try to keep your spirits up. there are small corners to turn, even in the beginning!
Helena! How is your knee? I hope your poor shoulder isn’t still hurting, from having to use the crutch for your knee. I checked online to see what if there was any news about the singer Bono since his bike accident in NYC about a month ago. There was a picture of him on the street in Dublin. His coat was around his left arm, so he’s evidently still wearing a sling. He broke his scapula/shoulder blade in three places, his little finger, and distal (elbow) humerus in *six* places. We can all empathize with him, knowing what a recovery lies ahead. I wish you a wonderful Christmas. Margaret
Hello,
Great to be able to read what others have experienced on this long road to recovery.
i broke my humerus on July 27, 2014. Spiral Mid-shaft as well as a shoulder fracture and one more in between those two. Tired cast and then cuff and collar for a month. Dr did not think enough healing was taking place so I had ORIF on Sept 2nd. One plate, 11 screws and a 12″ scar.
I started therapy while in the hospital and have gone twice a week since. Arrrghhhhh. I can look back and see improvement but still frustrated by not range of motion, swelling and nerve issues as well.
I missed one week of work with the initial injury and another week after surgery. I think I am lucky as it is my left, non-dominate arm. I am a light weight for drugs so the time off was only due to narcotics then I was off of them so I can drive and get to work. Slept in a recliner for the first month and a half and then moved to the couch. Finally on October 30th I was able to sleep in a bed again as long as I used lots and lots of pillows.
My arm still feels like a block of wood and everywhere along the incision is numb. My fingers are also sort of number and two hurt like the dickens as does my wrist. On my last visit I asked if it were possible that I broke two fingers…maybe but I am so far down this path that scar tissue would make it impossible to do anything about it.
Started massage last week to try and help the swelling. Cannot get to a pool to swim but hoping massage helps soon. Compression wrap did not help swelling at all nor has diet or elevation. Maybe I will just always have a fat arm/elbow/fingers.
I really thought I would have ORIF and be good as new in a week. Ha. This gets frustrating quickly. I do have to look back and remember how far I have come.
Hi Kim. Sorry your having a difficult long recovery. The people on this site have truly been a blessing to me. Way more helpful then my doctors. I had the swollen area massaged deep tissue last week and wish I would not have. It blackened it all over again and swelling and pain horrendous When I asked dr about the swelling all they say is movement will help. I find nothing has helped and my own research has shown me that prolong swelling can become chronic and surly can compress on nerves. Nerves can take a long time to heal. If scar tissue is present sometimes it can interfere with healing therefore you and I both need to get swelling down. My accident was August 20 so close to your date however I didn’t have sugery. I do believe Helena is rt about the renegade massage I’ve looked it up and it sure makes sense. Finding someone skilled to do it may be an issue. I’ve started having my husband try applying the method to me. Everyone on here has great advice. Implemented cucumber like Margaret suggested. I try most the stuff offered up for advice because many have been on this road and are father along then me and ALL mean well. I love this blog and thankful that Margaret started it. Her story is so good and has been encouragement to me, but admittedly has brought tears to my eyes reading Her story. She’s got a lot of courage. Best of luck to you and speedy healing to ALL!! God bless
Syl, I’m glad Helena’s suggestion of the retrograde massage is helping. Keep on elevating your arm, especially after you finish doing the retrograde massage. That will get you a little more benefit for your effort. ***Thank you for the kind words. Posting here is a way to pay forward for the many friends and neighbors who helped me. You were probably tired when you typed one of your posts, but I must add the correction that Pat aka GeorgiaPat started this blog, not me. She’s one who had an incredibly long recovery after ORIF.**** Nerve healing is like making a baby blanket and knitting only three stitches a day. The healing is so slow that you can see it only by looking back and realizing that you can do more now than you could two weeks or a month ago.***When I fell on ice while shoveling snow in February I also hit my lower back against the edge of the concrete step. To be brief it turned out that my spinal disk between lumbar vertebrae 2 and 3 ruptured. The “jelly” inside spinal disks contains neurotoxins. As it leaked out I felt as though a burning hot knife was being drawn across my back. Ten days later the rest of it leaked out and I was in tears and had to ask for pain Rx (for my arm I had only been on Percocet for the first three days). The L2nerve area affects the front and side of the upper leg. Pain gradually left, but numbness (and sometimes a sting) remained along the front and side quadricepts muscles of my right leg. I did the McKenzie exercises (lie on your stomach, lift both straight legs up and hold and repeat lots of times, for months), but the main thing was time for sciatic nerve damage to clear up. It took from February until November for it to go away. (I looked at a lot of sciatica websites and medical journals and wondered if it would ever feel normal again.).I told myself daily to trust the process, to keep on doing the exercises (for my shoulder and leg), even if I couldn’t see progress.****Kim, I’m sorry to learn that you had to have the surgery. If I were in your shoes I would find an experienced, certified acupuncturist (preferably a doctor or a nurse) and try a treatment or two.******
Acupuncture is particularly good for nerve-related issues. You can tell in a couple of treatments if it will help. I had seen it done on cats, dogs, and horses and knew how much it helped with pain and mobility. It helped me feel more normal, as though my shoulder was not a block of wood, but normal. I went once a month for three months. Some people go every week or two. It varies by the injury or condition. The needles are tiny and don’t hurt like needles used for shots.
Margaret
Oops, my apologies, Margaret and georgiapat. It was indeed a typo. I knew it was pat. I really shouldn’t post from my iPhone but it’s just a lot easier but then mistakes like this happen. Sorry for mishap, my phone makes it hard to proof read before posting and even then a lot of them don’t post at all
Oops meant “retrograde massage” typing this from phone. Sorry
I started a retrograde massage sort of at my session. It seems very similar and will keep trying to see if I get improvement. My Dr also recommended an Iso Toner glove to wear whenever possible. Provides compression. Just hard to work with a glove on so I have to admit I have not done it as much as I should.
Scar tissue is very much present and therapy hurts when they break through but I can survive it. I am so sorry to read that you blackened after you tried massage. The only deep tissue I have done is by my Therapist on my shoulder blades. From being in a sling and immobilized for so long we think everything just tightened up. I do swell a bit after therapy and must use ice. No deep tissue on the arm however, everyone is very gentle with that still.
I think I have read most of the blog. I did not want to as I just wanted to read that I would be healed and normal in a month or two. Ha. Failed at that. But it has been re-assuring to know that a very slow heal is the norm and that I may gain my arm back someday.
I must keep looking back and remember that I can now dress myself, type and even lift a glass of wine to my lips. All very small steps but still steps forward.
Wishing everyone a pain free and enjoyable holiday season
Kim, I agree at first I only wanted to read about those who healed quickly but when I wasn’t I started looking at more long term healing and those who were still in pain such as myself. For sure some heal very quickly. I don’t think wether u have had surgery makes a lot of difference at least it hasnt for me. My swelling is odd. It’s a large area mid upper arm almost all the way around like a Turnikit very odd because I didn’t injure this part however the bone that broke bled drained to this area. Hope you start to feel much better and this new year 2015 brings EVERYONE on this site great healing with a pain free future
hi Kim– so sorry to hear about your difficult recovery. I too expected that I would heal quickly and just work hard at pt and regain full motion. I have been a fairly active and healthy person up until this fall (Oct 10). Still waiting for final decision about ORIF- original dr says no, second says yes, third had no strong opinion. would like to hold out with just pt and possibly have arthroscopic down the line to break up scarring. don’t think i will get full range with or without surgery and i think i’m ok with that as long as i’m functional and pain is gone. I’m impressed that you can drive and dress yourself. I can dress myself but only in yoga pants and button downs. have discovered lands end flannel shirts that fit and wash great! have had to stop pain meds but still take a tramadol before pt and sometimes at night. pain is constant but I get some relief from topical gels. also have swelling in the hand and fingers, and pain in wrist. I looked up retrograde massage and actually found a brief demo on youtube. will try it, pretty much will try anything!
Yoga pants are my friend! When I wrote I can dress myself I did not mean dress “pretty”. Yoga pants are my go to and for me, shirts without buttons. My hand will not do buttons yet.
Tuesday I had PT followed by massage followed by chiro. Pain in fingers and wrist almost went away. All three confirm in their opinion that the muscle in my shoulder just is not moving well and no gliding in the joint. My hubby has me joining the gym today and hopefully getting in the water will start to free things up.
I borrowed an acupressure mat that I lay on and also press it against my arm. Will try to find a good acupuncture location but will use the mat until then.
The decision on surgery vs no surgery is difficult . I wish there was a standard. I was given the option to wait but then I asked, if I were your wife, what would you do? Surgeon said time to schedule…. I cried as I was already four weeks from falling and it felt like starting over.
I hope everyone had a nice holiday and sending thoughts of a pain free and fast healing for 2015
I still love my yoga pants!! How lucky we are the leggings even Jean ones were so in style this year
Yoga pants and large sweatshirts are a great fashion statement.
I made it to the gym and into the pool. First problem was getting my swim suit top on. I am sure I looked like a fool in the locker room. The pool was amazing. I was nervous but the arm felt much looser after easy movements. 2nd issue was getting swim suit off when wet. I need to find a new suit… Now watching YouTube videos for more pool exercises. Also using a stress ball to help swelling in the fingers and wrist. How many stretches and exercises can one do in a day….
Kim, That’s great that you were able to get into the pool and that it helped your arm. Standing in chest deep water and doing pendulum circles is the gold standard. Also here are some aqua exercises I did and still do: 1)Float your arm straight out in front of you and gently sweep it to the outside and then back in towards the inside of your other arm. 2)Hold onto the pool gutter, injured arm straight, and bend your head over onto your arm. 3)Stand and bend your elbows at 90 degrees. Keep them close to your sides and slowly move your forearms out to the sides so your hands point to each side(external rotation) and then move them back to hands pointing straight ahead and then to the inside 90 degrees (internal rotation) pointing toward your midsection. 4)Float on your back and let your arms drift straight out to the sides (like the corpse pose in yoga).5)Use an aqua jogger or flotation belt so you can do water jogging for general fitness and improved circulation. While you’re doing this you can move your arms on the surface of the water.*****For everybody in chilly climates. That means dry skin. To get lotion across your back isn’t easy even with two good arms. Send somebody to the paint department at WalMart, Lowe’s, a hardware store to get a painter’s special “brush” used for cutting in (getting paint on the wall up to the woodwork/trim, but not on it). For about 35 cents you can buy this tool, a wooden stick that has a wedge of soft gray foam rubber glued to it. You can reuse it lots of times.
Painters go through these quickly, changing colors. You can buy larger ones that cost a little more, but I’ve only needed the smallest ones, with handles about six inches long. Margaret, just back from the pool
I was reading Margaret’s instructions and doing the motions at my desk to help me remember tonight. My co-workers thought I was odd… Thank you very much for taking the time to explain various exercises I can use in the pool! I am on my way shortly with my granddaughter.
As for the brush, not just for cold weather people but I used for sun screen as well. I am in Minnesota so I understand the cold climate but my fall was the end of July and I needed sun screen back then. I also needed a scrubby on a handle for help in showering. Never thought of a painter brush. All good ideas.
Off to the pool…
Kim, LOL about entertaining your co-workers by practicing shoulder exercises. BARBARA, for an extender for the razor have you checked with a home health supplies store? If not there, then there must be a big online company that has way more types of aids for disabled people than a regular store would have. Google home health equipment or helps for disable people, something like that. Another possibility: Home Depot. Measure the handle length and the diameter and see if HD has a slip on extender. The razor is the equivalent of a small tool, the kind that would be used in small spaces and a carpenter or plumber might need such an extender to slip over a wrench or screwdriver handle.
Margaret
hoping 2015 brings improved shoulders to everyone! on the subject of pool and dry skin, sending along a reminder not to forget about moisturizing, as I did for first two months after my fall. ended up with eczema on my legs, now using a super intense cerave renewing cream that’s working great. Hoping to get back into the pool but waiting till this is all cleared up because chlorine is so drying. also, has anyone found something to extend a razor handle? one of my therapeutic goals is to shave opposite armpit, not there yet.
happy 2015 🙂
so just had consult with a wonderful shoulder specialist. he said no to ORIF. feels no surgery now. will see him again in 3 months which will be 6 months from break. says i may need hemi or full replacement but only if I don’t think I’ve recovered enough function. and no need to rush that, especially given limited longevity of replacement. he thinks the break will limit function, not scarring. he feels the most pain free outcome will be without surgery. he actually wants pt to be less aggressive for now, do more with natural movements.
That is good news for you, Barbara. But I hope he is wrong about the limited longevity of the shoulder replacements. At least in my case since I had a total done in October:)
I hope so Sheila! what did your surgeon tell you about longevity? how long did you wait until you had the replacement? I have the sense that I will need it eventually, but relieved that no surgery looming on the immediate horizon. especially as my daughter is getting married in august, we are planning to sell our house by the summer, downsize to a city apartment and move out of state. Lots to focus on besides pain and PT!
Barbara, I didn’t have much of a choice on my replacement surgery. I was almost 2 years out from my ORIF. I returned to the surgeon this August because I was having more pain and limited motion. Found out I had avascular necrosis. The humerus head was collapsing. My doctor said they don’t usually do a replacement at my age, 51. i think it is assumed that the replacements last at least 10 years or longer. Hoping to outlast that number. I am concerned about wearing it out in my current job as a busy RN.
Congrats on your daughter’s wedding. Sounds like you will be busy with to move too. Good luck with PT. Currently in PT myself. Hope your pain lessens every day.
Good News on no surgery but I hope they are wrong on limited function.
As for a razor, I have not found any with a longer handle. I do remember that I could not shave until the swelling went down. Then if I leaned a little bit to the left, which is my affected arm, I could get enough space to open up and shave that arm pit. Then I would just twist my good hand/arm up underneath my good “pit” and shave that one. Crazy positions I would have to put myself into.
Barbara, That’s great news that you don’t have to have the surgery! If your doctor wants less aggressive PT, I would say get into a warm pool as often as you can. Kim asked about water exercises so a few days ago I posted some of the ones I do, or you could ask your therapist for suggestions.
HELENA, SYL, how are you doing?
Margaret
Hi Margaret I’m still hanging in there still in PT. And still dealing with lots of nerve issues back on anti inflammatory meds. Only taking 1/2 dosage because of stomach have appt with neurologist but they are so backed up can’t get in till end of February. Im gonna try and find one sooner thou. Hope you and everyone eles are healing well!!!
Sheila, sounds like you have been through it all! My surgeon said they estimate 12-15 years as of now. I’m 61. I think I will need it eventually because of the jaggedness of my break from latest x-ray. but after this last dr, trying to stay positive and stop thinking about it. next appointment 3 months. I just found a razor extender on amazon called the giraffe, if anyone is interested. It’s about $30 and fits all kids of razors. looks like it’s helpful for legs as well, to reduce bending and possibly slipping. Margaret, I’m aiming to get into the pool but waiting for the eczema on my legs to clear up first. soon!! thanks to everyone for all the feedback and suggestions!
has anyone developed cysts in hand due to swelling? that’s my new issue. yet can’t get seen by hand dr until “hand” gets added to my case. just had trigger point injections in shoulder, which I’m hoping will help. waiting for approval on a compound pain topical cream. halfway through month 4 and hoping for some progress on the pain front! hope everyone is doing well 🙂
Barbara, I’m sorry to read that you have another complication with which to deal. The side issues that can come with this fracture seem to be as bad as the break itself. I do hope the injections will help and that you get the topical pain Rx soon!
I can’t remember–have you had any massage treatment?
*******I’m 11 and a half months past my fracture and doing okay. I do shrugs, pendulums, stabilization squeezes, and more exercises every day at home. We’ve had a mild winter so I’ve been able to drive to the pool two or three times a week to
swim and do exercises there in the warm water. I’m probably about 97% of how I was before my fall. Knowing how much a lot of people are hurting, I feel a bit guilty writing that, but maybe it will encourage other people. Keep us posted on how you’re doing.
SYL, were you able to get an earlier appointment with another neurologist?
Margaret
Hi Margaret. I have not gotten a sooner appointment still in a lot of pain. The meloxicam helped but tore my stomach up so I got off them. And I was only taking 1/2 dosage. Pretty depressing. I’m truly happy that you are feeling so well 11 mos later. It is very encouraging. I still have a lot of shoukder pain with diff mov esp moving arm backwards and I’m not sleeping on it either along with the burning nerve pain in forearm and hand. It’s been almost 5 1/2 mos since my fall. Hope Helena is doing well haven’t heard from her lately and of course everyone eles on this blog,,, take care
Margaret that is really encouraging! I love hearing that you’ve had so much improvement. I don’t believe in wishing my life away but there are times when i do wish it was a year from fall. Syl, sounds like you are in similar place to me. I’m at 3 1/3 months. have essentially no inner or outer rotation. (and most likely won’t). Concentrating on up and down. just got some front close bras online that I think will work. but even those take work to get on and off. and so swollen still under my arm in that area. I feel like pain in hand and forearm is often much worse than shoulder. have had some acupuncture treatments but so far can’t tell much difference. big blizzard coming this week which I could totally have predicted. so will be shut in, so even more depressing. I feel like I’m going to get through the year and then have the replacement. but they do say it’s better to wait to have it because bone will be stronger….. hang in everyone and stay safe and sane 🙂
Barbara so sorry for your pain and weather. I live in texas our winters arnt bad and this one particularly mild but very wet. I love to see pictures of the snow but as I’ve aged im thankful to not have to deal with harsh winters. Most peop on here don’t mention having the nerve related issues that you and I have. It’s very debilitating has your doctor addressed it and Given you any indications on when it will go away. I’m sched to have a dreaded EMG. In feb. Hoping it will give more clarity as to what my darn nerves are up too,,, 😦
glad you don’t have snow but I’m sure the humidity wreaks havoc with you. I am contemplating wintering in Arizona!! dr referred me to pain management specialist who has prescribed a compound cream that I believe has some nerve healing properties. it hasn’t been approved yet by worker’s comp but hoping it will happen soon. will let you know if and when I get it. they take their sweet time approving anything. my hand felt odd/numb/shaky the moment I fell. I remember thinking that I had probably broken my shoulder but also that there was something VERY wrong with my hand. drs keep saying it’s referred pain but I feel like it’s more than that… fingers are swollen all the time. hard to use the hand, make a fist, etc… good luck with EMG. Hoping for dry weather for us all 🙂
Barbara I hope your ins approves is quickly and that it works. I was givin a compound cream but dr told me it wouldn’t work for nerve pain and it really hasn’t worked for any pain and cost me 60. If your dr prescribed for nerve pain then it’s diff then mine. I’d love to know how it works for you. When I fell I never noticed hitting any part of my body but my shoulder and face. I broke 3 teeth in the process. So I cannot say my hand hurt immediately but you know when you break your shoulder it seems the whole dang arm hurts. I started really noticing the lower arm pain when PT started when I’d take the stick and with elbows bent rotate arms to side externally. My forearm seemed to burn. And continued no matter what goes to top of hand in between knuckles and top of index finger. It’s an odd odd feeling nothing I do seems to help. However when im sleeping oddly my arm feels no nerve pain. I’ll let keep you posted on my EMG. Results. Apparently this test is the only one that actually detects nerves which one and where it’s streaming from. I do have bursites, severe tendonothopy and 2 rotator cuff tears and edema in the shoulder all from injury. Stay warm!!
sounds like our falls were similar, I didn’t hit my hand but it hurt immediately. I landed on my face as well and they were concerned that I broke my nose, but didn’t. will let you know about cream if I get it. I can’t do that external rotation more than an inch or so. or internal (behind my back). hoping it might improve as the year drags on.
I’m 7 weeks ORIF of the humorous. I glad to have found this blog. It good to know there are other people experiencing some of the same things I am. I have learned a lot from reading the posts and I thank all of you for sharing at least I know I am not alone. Any ideas on how to reduce the nausea caused by stretching during pt?
I never had nausea except the day of the accident through the surgery and short hospital stay. I did shed a few tears in PT. Pat S
Thank you for starting this blog. It’s great that you still check it out and are willing to offer advice. I broke the humerus in four places and had a plate with 15 screws attached and several fragment they glued in place. My hand shakes from the nerve damage, the elbow and shoulder blade feel like a constant toothache. Ortho doc said all of this is nerve regeneration. The break was so bad they were going to do a replacement but the ct showed the ORIF may work. I go for another X-ray tomorrow and will find out if the bone is starting to heal. There was minimal bone growth at the four week point, hopefully there will be more. How long did it take you to be able to use the arm semi normal again. Right now they are not letting me do very much because they need to see more bone growth. It’s amazing how quickly you loose strength when you get an injury this severe.
Hi Sharon.
I know this was quite a lifeline for me when I had my two part break in the humerus along with ORIF with 10 screws. At nearly 1 1/2 years later, I have fairly good ROM but there is always a mild ache in that area. I doubt I will ever live pain free. But I do not pay much attention to it unless I am turning over in bed. I am thinking of doing some light weight lifting to build up some muscle. Thanks to all of you who keep posting. I know how much it helps.
Hi, yes I got nauseated when I did the wash the window exercise only. They let me be excused from that PT. Good luck & best wishes with your recovery.
Sharon, Ask your doctor (either the orthopedic MD or your internist) to give you a prescription for an antinausea drug to take before you go to PT. Severe and/or lasting painfor any reason causes nausea/vomiting in some people. The brain is receiving messages about the pain and those neuroreceptors are close to the part of the brain that’s involved with the gastrointestinal system.******Ask when you can get into a pool. The warm water makes it so much easier to do stretching. It relaxes you and you don’t have to fight gravity. Even if you do nothing but stand in chest deep water and let your arm float out that will help. Ask if you can substitute a pool session for a regular PT session. *****Alas, your recovery sounds as though it will be a long one. You have a multipart complicated fracture to heal. You have nerve damage to heal from. You have major surgery to recover from. *****Bone healing takes three to four months. Bone pain eases as time goes by, but you will probably pick up pain (back, neck, lower arm) from weakened muscles and inactivity. The first three months are the worst b/c sleeping and other normal activities are disrupted. You feel depressed, helpless, as if you’ve aged 15 years, and wonder if you’ll ever feel like you again.*****You’ll get past that, but it takes time!
Everybody says this fracture hurts more than they expected and it takes so much longer to recover from. It also has so many variations–surgery or not, type of surgery, type of hardware installed, how severe the fracture is, what type of physical therapy, etc. Acupuncture (by a physician) helped me a lot with the early pain.
Margaret
Also for new people: on the home page if you click on comments (on the right side with the RSS information) you will get the most recent notes from the various threads that people are posting in.
Sharon, so sorry to hear what you’re going through. I know each day seems like an eternity, but you are still at an early stage. I am coming up on 4 month anniversary and finally feel like I have turned a corner in terms of pain. I probably should have had ORIF but Dr I saw in ER is very conservative and by the time I had second opinion it was too late. will probably need replacement but now shoulder specialist says to wait a year and see. range will always be limited, especially internal and external rotation. I saw pain management specialist at three months and she did trigger point injections. not sure if that is what is helping me or just the timing but noticeably better. she prescribed compound cream but worker’s comp denied it because of cost. I live on Biofreeze gel, it’s the best topical OTC I have found,highly recommend it. it gives me short-term relief and I just keep re-applying. My hand and fingers were very swollen but I can see it is finally coming down. I can use my arm more normally as long as within certain range and don’t lift anything too heavy. Bottom line is this is a horrible process but will get better in baby steps. I said something recently about this being like watching grass grow, and a friend reminded me that eventually the grass does have to get cut. Hang in!!
Had my 6 month check-up recently and thought I would post an update for others who are behind me on this journey. The good news is that, yes, the arm does eventually get better. As others have said the depression fades aways, sleep gets easier, motion improves, and pain subsides. The bad news is that improvement seems to continue at a snail’s pace.The prognosis for me is that my ortho guy projects I will eventually get about 80% back, meaning I will not be able to stretch my arm upright at 180 degrees. I forgot to ask him if that is due to the plate in my arm or the frozen shoulder. In either case, the physical therapy continues. A number of years ago I had a frozen shoulder in my other arm and was able to recover from that so I am hopeful I can prove him wrong; but I also know the severity of my injury and the placement of the plate could possibly restrict full recovery. They have just started me on strength training so perhaps that will help move things along. My hand and wrist issues are still present, and, although much improved, he expects it will take another 6 months for swelling and inflammation to subside. If things don’t get better, he wants to look at the possibility of surgery. Not an option for me at this point. While I don’t know much about it yet, I think I would almost rather live with the discomfort and less function (left hand thank goodness) than submit myself to hand/wrist surgery. After this horrendous arm ordeal, guess I’m just knife-shy. Also, as a side note to those who might be considering acupuncture, I did do acupuncture for several months but haven’t been back since mid-December. I believe they did help, and I may resume them again soon. Anyway, best wishes to all my “shoul” sisters” (this is my affectionate term for y’all, since the majority of posts on this site are from women); hoping that 2015 will be a better year for us all!
Sherry in Texas
Hi sherry and everyone eles. I think gettn 80% range back is great I’m happy for you. I still have prob with reaching behind me like when putting a coat or sweater on or if laying on good shoulder puttn my bad arm out to side to pull up covers. Does anyone else have that prob. When I do that movement my shoulder joint will throb and throb then it settles down. Also been experiencing a lot of dizziness which may or not be related to my fall. Had EMG which showed no permanent nerve damage however he wants me to get an mri of chest for brachial plexus and cervical for neck. Always something. Gorgeous weather here today. I hope everyone is recovering well and things are gettn back to normal. I’m 5.5 mos from my fracture. Blessing to all
SYL, Thanks for your response, and, yes, I agree with you that if I am able to get 80% range back that would be great and I would be most grateful. Like you, I still have difficulty with putting on sweaters, coats, etc.., but I am getting so used to it now that it seems like the new norm. It is interesting that some days I think I am making those baby steps to 80% and then the next day my arm stiffens up and seems to lose the range it had just a day earlier. I’m sorry you are having so much throbbing when you move the joint, but its good news that you show no signs of nerve damage to that area. I think I was still experiencing throbbing a month ago (but that has now subsided) so maybe when you reach 6.5 months you will see improvement. If you are open to trying acupuncture, it might help with that. I have not gone back since mid-December. I just started with strength training so am waiting a few more weeks to see how that goes before I resume any acupuncture. So amazing how quickly the muscles deteriorate and go to flab. My PT gal seems to think I am progressing with external rotation movements but my shoulder is still quite frozen when it comes to internal rotation. She is working me hard to try and get that area to release. We had glorious weather today here in San Antonio (in the 80’s) so maybe with the coming of warmer weather there will be less stiffness of the arm from the cold. At some point I might want to try massage, but she told me she did not want anyone touching my arm yet but her. And if ever I do, I should stay away from deep tissue massage. Hang in there… when I think back to what it was like when this whole process started, I realize how far I have come. Time is our friend!
wow 80% sounds like a dream come true! Syl glad there is no nerve damage. I have essentially no internal or external rotation because of the way the bone is broken- it’s hitting bone on bone when I try that motion and don’t think it will improve significantly. but as shoulder dr said a lot of the movement can come from other muscles including back and arm, so hopefully there will be some compensation. my up and down range needs to be stretched constantly- bought an over-the-door pulley on amazon and use it several times a day. hopefully that will improve so that I can do the motion actively as well as passively. I traveled to DC this weekend and was frustrated by the inability to lift my small suitcase or get my arm into the right position in the body scanner at the airport. but at least I was able to go see my daughter and it was great to feel that I am starting to get my life back. Wishing everyone that feeling!!
I would be almost happy at 80% not there yet. I agree with the difficulty in putting on a coat, for me it depends on the material I am wearing. Fleece on fleece is very difficult but I jiggle my arm and get it done. My shoulder is also frozen on internal rotation. All that time of being in a sling did a number on freezing me up. Just started Bio Freeze as I saw it was mentioned. I am desperate to find more hints for the swelling but my doctor currently believes it is all normal. Swelling is mainly under my arm now but I can feel it and I think it hinders my movements and causes some pain. Six month check up from ORIF on Feb 25th. Hoping some of my weight restrictions are lifted and I have made some good bone..
Glad you were able to see your daughter Barbara. Doing “normal” things is encouraging!
I start (should start) racing our sailboat in three months. I am determined to be on the boat and doing the activities I use to do.
Kim, I had a suggestion to help reduce the swelling, so I did some quick online research before I suggested it: acupuncture. Swelling after breast cancer surgery is common in the lymph nodes of the arm (lymphodema). No less a respectable institution than Sloan Kettering Hospital in NYC has found that acupuncture is safe for and helps reduce lymphodema in their breast cancer patients. A doctor at SK has published medical journal articles on it.
So get thee to a good acupuncturist and see if it helps your swelling. (She can also treat you for pain or other things at the same time.)
*****Before Christmas you were looking for a new swimsuit. After that a Lands End catalog came with new swimsuits, in time for people going on winter beach vacations.
******GIGI, acupuncture by a doctor helped me a lot with pain and feeling normal again. Unlike strong drugs it has no bad side effects. Also get into a warm water pool as often as you can. You can do your exercises and stretching without hurting and you’ll make faster progress.
Margaret.
Margaret, How do you find a “good” acupuncturist. I had done a few massage treatments with good results then had a bad reaction so i stopped that. I wanted to see a Lymphodema specialists at our clinic but my surgeon did not give me a referal.and they require one..arrrghhhh. I looked on-line and there are a ton of acupuncturists but how do you know who is “good”…..
I did get a swimsuit at Costco of all places. The pool is helpful on loosening things up but the swelling still persists.
Kim, To find a good, experienced acupuncturist start by calling the 1)offices of doctors (usually anesthesiologists or pain management MDs) to see if any of them are certified in acupuncture.Even if they don’t offer it, they may have an acupuncturist they refer their patients to. Call your internist or primary care doctor to see if he refers patients to a particular acupuncturist. (There is a national association of physicians who are also acupuncturists.I forgot to look it up for you, but you could find it by googling physicians and acupuncture association, something like that).
.******2)Look at the national certifying associations’ websites. They have links to click on to find an acupuncturist anywhere in the country. [The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is ww.aaaomonline.org and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is http://www.nccaon.org.]*******3)Then, when you have some names (if you didn’t find a doctor who does acupuncture), look at their websites. Be sure they have certification and find out how long they’ve been in practice. The longer, the better. *******4)Ask your friends for recommendations, if any of them have had acupuncture.Check out the recommended names for certification. ******5)Another possibility is an acupuncturist who teaches acupuncture at a school which trains acupuncturist, massage therapists, and other practitioners of healing arts. You don’t want a student, even at reduced rates, but a certified instructor with years of experience would be good. Margaret
Such an unspeakable relief to discover your diaries and sharing your progress as well as set backs, I’m ready to not have a shoulder problem, this really sucks, I can’t do anything! My husband has been so helpful, I cannot believe omuch I did everyday, because now he is doing it. Looking back..looking back doesn’t help. My
life has changed and so has his.
I’m three weeks post fracture of my dominant left arm arm. Our adorable 11 month old Aussie, who is currently stretched out asleep on the bed, is the primary cause,
She had just worked the gentle leader off her nose and I was reeling her back towards me so me to put it back on..
Suddenly she went bat shit crazy and burst into high gear over a dog who was off leash and running to catch up and pass us. But when she bolted I couldn’t free my hand from the grip handle fast enough.. then I tripped and came to a ballet point on my right toe, then a face plant.
Fortunately it was a dirt road but I hit hard and dislocated my shoulder, smashed the humeral head and neck etc.oh blah blah..BUT the ER crew did such a superb job reducing my shoulder it might heal as is! Option 2 is that the humerus will be replaced.
Nothing can be plated,or banded, or screwed into place because that is broken too. yikes! I’m going to be seventy in October and have osteopenia.
If I over do activity, the consequences besides pain is sleeping deeply and not knowing I’ve moved into a wrong position.. it is painful. The pain is like a train that can’t stop even when the pain med kicks in…it just advances and keeps going for a long time,
This morning I had a dream and asked myself why I was like this now?..then told myself ‘it really isn’t a good idea’. What a bizarre way to wake up. Part of me must have been sitting in judgement and denial. Hydrocodone and flexeril may have inspired that mind set.
Everyone has a little different experience as they go thru this. All in all it seems to unpredictable process,Does anyone have ideas of how to build new bone?
Oh, Nan, I am so sorry that you had to join the club! You’ll find comments from others on various pages, mostly August 2012.
It gets better, but seldom as good as new. I have osteopenia, too. It is a tou bhai h road. I’m glad your husband has been so helpful.
Pat S
Ummm. I should know better than to post from my cell phone!
Hi Nan, Welcome to the club that nobody wants to be a member of. A year ago I was where you are now. Poor little Aussie, I know she didn’t mean for her mama to get hurt. Reading long ago notes on this and other blogs I can tell you that other dogs caused the same type of accident for their owners.
You asked about building bone. Be sure you are getting a good supply of calcium and vitamin D daily. The body can absorb at most 600 mg. of calcium at a time, so if you have been taking those big 1,00 or 1,200 mg. tablets, half of the dose has been wasted. You can cut the tablets in half though and take them more often.
There is some evidence that boron, a trace mineral, helps strengthen bones. The best sources are dates and almonds, then red apples and red grapes. Smaller amounts are in lots of foods, including grains (bread, cereal), broccoli, spinach, other nuts, raisins.
Weight bearing drives calcium into bones, but, of course, you can’t use even small hand weights for some time to come. When the weather improves and you are less tired (healing takes a lot of energy, so get enough calories and rest) you can walk a bit to regain fitness and improve your circulation which will help you heal faster.
Acupuncture (by a doctor who had the additional certification) helped me a lot with
pain and to feel more like myself. A few days ago Kim asked me how to find a good
acupuncturist and I posted a reply to her. I also used a heating pad, but some people get more relief with ice bags or the Biofreeze gel.
If you’re not already doing slow pendulum exercises at home, ask your doctor when you can start. This gentle movement helps prevent frozen shoulder.
People post notes here in different threads. To see all of the latest notes from all of the threads, on the home page, under the red subscribe, click on RSS comments.
Helena and I are among the people here who swear by getting into a heated pool as soon and as often as you can.
You will gradually hurt less and less and gradually feel more and more like yourself. It’s a long slow process. Hang in there!
Margaret
Just checking in. I am at 4 going on 5 months post I’d from total shoulder replacement. Still going to PT 3 times a week. Not back at work yet. Pretty sure he will let me return to limited duty after my next visit March 12. Ready to return to nursing and a real paycheck. Long term disability payments are better than nothing but certainly not as good as a paycheck.
As far as therapy goes, it is going. Was hoping it would be easier or faster this time but it seems to go at its own pace. Anyone else having lots of stiffness across back and shoulders? I blame the weather for some of my soreness. Also still have some instability there as evident by the popping in the shoulder region. Thinking some adhesions are effecting my movement.
But on the positive side, my therapists have become family:). Lol
welcome Nan, sorry to hear what you are going through. I totally get what you said about looking back. I try really hard not to let myself go there, particularly since I fell at work while doing my job. If I could redo any 5 seconds in my life it would be the decision to chase after that child. But I feel like it’s unhealthy and unproductive for me, leads me to anger etc and I think that will not help me heal physically or get on with my life. glad your husband is being great. I am so lucky with mine too. sometimes I think there should be a blog for the caregivers too- their lives have indeed changed as well…. The pain does ease after a few months, you are at an early stage. I could not tolerate narcotics but found that vodka takes the edge off (but wait till you’re off the painkillers!) I also swear by biofreeze topical gel, over the counter. I have heard people say to drink lots of water and get extra calcium to build bone. hope you are feeling better soon. 🙂
Welcome Nan, wish you did not have to belong to our club but glad you found this place. I did so much reading here as there seemed to be limited information anywhere else. I remember having to have so much help. Putting on clothes was impossible without help. I slept in my recliner and couch for a long time as any movement in bed caused pain. Plus I could not get myself out of bed without help so I become one with chair and lots of pillows for propping my arm and neck.
Took me a bit to realize that pain meds did not help as much as muscle relaxers. My muscles were crazy an no amount of pain meds would help. After the first week I was able to tolerate no meds for the most part but did lots and lots of icing.
6 month post-op later this week. Progress seems so slow but I look back and see how much more I can now do. I have also started Biofreeze.
Still have not tried acupuncture. Hopeful that at my post op appointment this week that my Doc will write me a prescription so that insurance will cover. Fingers crossed but I still see improvement in swelling and motion even since last week.
I have heard some people have done ultra sound to promote bone healing also. It just is a slow process for many of us.
SIx month post op went well. Small “residual” area that can be seen by squinting at the x-ray. Dr was very pleased with range of motion. He once again explained that while the bone is healed in his opinion, the nerves, blood vessels and lymph take longer. Be patient…arrrghhhhh.
And with a snap of his fingers, I went from no lifting anything heavier than 5 lbs and PT x 2 week to no restrictions and no PT required. Done
Sort of weird and bittersweet. He did give me an RX for lymphedema therapy and I still need to make that appointment.
I think the hard part now is doing the stretches and strength therapy on my own each day. Must be disciplined…
Congrats on your good report. I know how you feel about PT ending. When PT ended for me the first time, I had an anxiety attack when the Ortho MD told me that all my restrictions were gone and I could return to full duty. I was so unsure of my own strength but it did improve with time. I really enjoyed going to PT because I felt like I had a plan. When the safety net was removed, I wasn’t so sure. I am going through it all again and know that day will come again for me. Headed to the MD this week and expect to return to work on limited duty with continued PT.
Best of luck to you as you continue to strengthen.
Sheila
I hope your report is good and you can return to work. I remember being home for a week and going crazy. Hard to stay home when you are not allowed to do anything. PT was a safety net, you get it. It was a place I could voice concerns and be reassured. Even though it was painful and some days I wanted to quite.
I hope you have continued healing!
Happy you got good news. We are close in our accidents time wise. Mine occurred 8/20/14. A day that has truly changed my life:(. I’m really happy your dr said nerves and soft tissue can take a year. I have had burning numbness pain in forearm, and hand all test are revealing nothing so neurologist mentioned CRPS which I at that point had a meltdown. I have done some research on that and its is a horrid diagnosis so I’m trying to remain positive. So you can see why I’m happy to hear your dr mention a year. Im happy your doing so well. I too had horrible swelling in inner bicep area before Christmas I had deep tissue massage which was at the time and a week or two later horrible. Caused it to blacken for a while and sting but it seemed to have broken it up and it’s noticeably swelling now. However I don’t feel it will ever be normal. My under arm skin now just hangs. Not that I was fiirm or muscular before but it’s way way loser on the injured arm then my good arm. Take care
Oops I meant noticably less swelling after the massage
We are very close on our timing. My fall was the end of July but did not have ORIF until 9/2. I had so much swelling and bruising. I just got off the phone scheduling a Lymphedema evaluation. My fingers are still swollen and under my arm is as well. Not as bad but it is bad enough to drive me crazy.
Acupuncture will be after that.
I cannot believe you did deep tissue massage. I have done massage but everything is light. The muscle is still bruised as is everything else along the incision. I have had burning and for sure have numbness. And sort of an electrical shocking sensation along the incision. Bio Freeze seemed to help some of the numbness and Aspercream has helped some of the burning pain. I try anything.
Yes my skin hangs as well. I have been assured that as I can do more strengthening that I may tone back..ha.
I hope you do not have CRPS and it is just our normal healing path. My Doc said when you do a great fracture and they have to ORIF that so much damage happens to everything around the break. I am not sure I will be normal either but I figure I have another six months or so to keep trying everything to come close to normal…
Hello Syl, you had a deep tissue massage, did it break up scar tissue? My bicep area is so big I am unable to wear ladies shirts because the are to restrictive. My PT said all of the enlarged area is scar tissue. When pressure is in the area it causes extreme discomfort. I am only 3 months post op and do not want to damage healing tissue, but I know scar tissue is a pain in the rear to break up.
Hi Sharon sorry your having such a diff time with swelling. I too had ALOT of swelling in bicep actually all the way around that area. My PT said that may be partly the cause of my lower arm pain so I went to massage and the lady did deep tissue on it. Well it turned blood red and black all over again stung and hurt soo sooo bad for several weeks at the time I thought wow I made a mistake and everyone’s advice was not to ever do that. However the swelling is pretty much gone. The tissue does not feel normal it’s very lumpy odd feelin not like the other arm but visibly it took the swelling away. I didn’t have surgury so your case may be different. I wish I had more answers for you but I can only tell you my situation. My arm was terribly swollen and is not now. My feelin is I tried everything and nothing eles was working so I just went for it. And knowing what I do now I’d do it again if I had to. But every case is different. This is a horrible hideous Injury to over come. Best wishes
Kim, glad you got good news! making me envious that I didn’t have the ORIF. I think by the time it was approved he would have ended up doing a replacement. Syl sorry to hear about the possible crps. here’s hoping it’s all just taking longer to heal. I’m almost at 5 months and pain has definitely eased up, at least until the mid-to late afternoon most days. I think the underarm swelling has decreased a lot but still lots of hanging skin especially on forearm. ick. Finally found out what the lumps in my hands are, it’s Dupuytrans contracture, which I apparently have the gene for but it was brought on by the trauma. Hand dr says that in his experience when traumatically induced it doesn’t progress fully so I’m hoping. Still working hard to get some more flexion, and trying to find ways to compensate for limits in external and internal rotation. if I could get my flexion range actively to where it gets passively I would be thrilled. Seven more months to go to see if I want to go through replacement. will be hard to start all over again but may be worth it. will see…. wishing everyone less pain and more range!!
Hi everyone, I can’t tell you how much it helps to read your posts. I fell in November and thought I was doing great in the beginning. Have gone downhill or maybe that’s just how I feel. The doctor decided not to do surgery, felt that I would not benefit sufficiently from it. By the way, I fractured my humerus proximus, right shoulder two places. Everything seemed ok, started physical therapy but, just a few weeks ago, seems that I am not healing well. X-rays showed non union of bones but the cat scan must have shown something a little bit better. I am now using a machine CMF Bone Growth Stimulator. Did anyone have experience with this? Also, I changed my calcium vitamins to something which is supposed to help with bone growth. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, doctor told me to stop physical therapy for now and not to do anything that hurts shoulder. It’s painful most of the time. I’m thinking of going to a homeopath although I’ve never had experience with one. Doctor doesn’t seem to think that there is anything I can do to promote healing. Thanks for any advice.
Hi. Sorry you had an accident and are struggling with pain and non Union but there’s a wealth of knowledge on this site. I too was not showing signs of mending. Infact my fracture had actually gotten worse which I blame partly on the dr starting me on too much physical therapy too soon. I contacted a nutritionalist who put me on good quality calcium (not all is the same) put me on metagenest also vit D 20k iu a day and good quality protein I make a shake every morning with blueberries, protein, kale, green energy powder mix. Etc, when I went bk in after his regimine it had nearly completely mended. Hope that helps you out some. Best wishes
Barbara: Envious of ORIF…funny how I feel the opposite way. I waited four weeks but the xrays were not showing enough bone growth so I was recommended to another specialist. He recommended ORIF. I really felt like I was starting over and had wasted a month. Now I wonder if I should not have insisted on waiting a few more weeks. Recovery I think is just a long process whichever we go.
I will have to see what the new PT person says about the hanging skin and underarm swelling next week. Will hopefully find out if normal or lymphodema.
Lorraine – I have no knowledge of Bone Growth Similuator. I did take lots of vitamins but sometimes it might just be length of time to heal. I know I was not allowed any active PT or more than 20% abduction for 8 weeks following ORIF. I was in my sling for over 6 weeks as well. Surgeon felt that even with ORIF that we needed the arm to be protected and let things heal. I was ok to do Passive PT. Ice helped pain a bit but sadly pain is part of this for me. I still have times where it hurts but not bad enough to take any drugs for. It improves in very small steps. So small that you do not always notice and some days it is two steps back. Then all of a sudden I am doing something that I could not have done before and think YES!
Kim and Lorraine, I used the Bone Growth Stimulator after my second surgery (to remove the ORIF appliance). My Ortho recommended it because I was only four months out from the initial fracture and surgery, and the removal was going to leave ten more holes in my arm. It worked extremely well, along with megadoses of vitamin D and Calcium, and the screw holes, along with everything else, was healed over in about four months. I was originally supposed to have the replacement surgery (24 hours after the break) but he found that he could put it back together.
I feel really blessed that a) I had the ORIF surgery immediately and b) that it was necessary to remove the plate early in my recovery, because it really helped speed things along to get the plate out. I was 64 at the time of the break, and I am considered to in the 99th percentile in terms of recovery. The scar is the primary reminder, with some stiffness at times. My insurance paid for the Bone growth stimulator, by the way.
Best of luck with your recovery,
Sharon
Kim, I know, it’s just so hard to know which was the right call. three orthos, three opinions. Monday morning quarterbacking. just hit 5 months, will know in 7 more whether to do replacement. some days I wish I could just do it now because I feel range is so limited. other days I feel like I can sort of manage ok with limited range, so why mess with what I have. in any case, not doing anything until after my daughter’s wedding in august. pain dr wants me to have EMG to see about pain in my lower arm. but I think I’m going to wait and see what ortho says in another few weeks. I think if it were nerve damage I would have loss of strength in my hand….
Sharon it sounds like you did great with the orif, that’s what I meant about wishing I had had it. original dr was against it and by the time I came out of my fog to seek another opinion it was too late and would have needed replacement. but can’t go back there, what’s done is done.
Hi everyone. I’m a year & a half past my humerus break. It was about 2 inches above my elbow & it was spiraled. I was not seen in the ER by their on staff Orthopedic Surgeon. I was splinted & sent home to find a surgeon in my network to operate! The operation was 11 days later. 11 days of pure hell! I have permanent nerve damage in my hand. Can’t make a tight fist etc. I was wondering if the time waiting for surgery contributed to the damage or if I would have had these problems anyway? I also wound up with shoulder surgery on that side 6 months after humerus. Oh, I have a plate & about 10 screws.
Welcome! Sorry to be so late approving your comments. My surgery was 12 after the accident. I was sent home from the ER, and was on my own to get an appointment with an orthosurgeon. GeorgiaPat
My 5 month update. My Ortho doc said it was looking good with my range of motion. Need to work on strength and my overhead reach. I can return to work on limited duty with a 10 lb limit. My boss and coworkers are beyond excited. Have been off for 5 months. Ready to ease back in. Will continue PT for the next 8 weeks and then return to doc. Excited and a little apprehensive about work. Ready for a paycheck again!
How is everyone else?
Congratulations on returning to work! 10 lb limit can be frustrating but it will be good to ease into heavier weights.
I started the Lymphedema PT. Not sure if this will help. Arm is in a compression wrap which feels like being in a cast all over again. I promised myself I would give it a couple of weeks before moving on if it does not work. Next up would be accupuncture and maybe the deep tissue massage. I was not excited about deep tissue but keeping it in my “back pocket”. Each day is an improvement slightly..
Mauitrash: my surgery was over a month out from fall. Still cannot make a tight fist but I am getting closer. Swelling still in the fingers and some pain but I keep working it. Hope you do not have nerve damage and that you continue to heal
Thanks Kim. Work hasn’t changed much. Going to go slow.
Have you tried squeezing putty to help with the swelling? It was the first things I did in PT. Squeeze and move your arm up and down for a minute then rest a minute x 2. Seems easy but did help.
Just a thought:)
Sheila, good for you, congrats on getting back to work! take it slowly and be careful!!
Sheila, glad you are going slow but hope it feels good to be back with coworkers! I will try the putty. I had been squeezing a stress ball but maybe that was too much as it caused more pain.
My PT had put all my therapy on a video program that I could log on to get. Since I was released from PT , I was worried that my log in may be disabled soon. Just spent time writing them all down so I can YouTube them if necessary. I know them but still like the routine of watching while doing them.
so had a follow-up visit with ortho and I am totally confused. last time he was insistent that with a replacement I would have better range of motion but possibly more pain. yesterday he said the replacement would give me pain relief but not more range. I should not do the surgery if I thought it would give increased range. and now he is talking about a reverse replacement, whereas before he mentioned a hemi or a full.
I have had it with all of these doctors!!! not going to think about it any more until a year has passed. six more months. by then I will have relocated and will find another surgeon.
hope everyone is doing well 🙂
Barbara, How frustrating for you! SYL, I’m glad to read that the swelling in your arm has lessened. I’m almost exactly 14 months past my fracture. Yesterday I was out in the warm sun doing yard work, grateful for two strong arms. We had awful cold snowy weather in KY and since then I’ve been busy so I haven’t been to the pool in two months. For the newer people here, get into a pool as soon and as often as you can. Doing your exercises in the warm water is so much easier.Wishing everybody less pain and more range of motion! Margaret
I agree, how frustrating Barbara. My goal would be no pain and good range of motion. I do not think I will ever be 100% ROM but I would like to be close without pain. I hope when you relocate that you find a surgeon who has a better outcome plan for you!
Putty has been helping with the swelling in my fingers and easing the pain. Thanks Sheila!
I was/am doing Lymphedema Therapy. I noticed an improvement but now the compression is causing pain right along where my incision is. I am about ready to throw in the towel and move on.
I have not been in the pool as often lately either Margaret. Good reminder that I need to make the time. I still do my therapy at home so some positive but I need to kick myself i the butt and get moving to the pool.
holy cow, if anyone is having a rough day and needs inspiration, check out dancing with the stars contestant Noah Galloway. Lost an arm and a leg in Iraq. He is incredible.
Barbara I agree he’s a great inspiration. When I see people like him I really do feel blessed. My daughters friend has a child born with no arm and no leg with other complications so actually there’s a lot worse off then we all are that’s for sure. I was curious for those farther along if you or when you were able to sleep on the arm that was injured. I’m going on 7.5 months and last night I tried sleeping on that side and wow I woke feeling awful achy and stiff,, just wonder if I’ll ever be able to sleep normally again. Blessings and full recovery for all
Hi There,
I see several folks have been asking about when it becomes comfortable to sleep on your affected arm. It must vary widely. Personally, it has been 2 years and 4 months since my surgery and I still can’t sleep on it. The good news is that I can roll onto it for very short periods of time. I still keep a very small pillow next to me to support that shoulder when I lay on my back. I do sleep through the night usually. I don’t want to be discouraging, as we all heal differently. I can do everything I want to do with my arm and with little discomfort, so I am pleased.
Cheers,
Michelle
Four+ years later, it’s still uncomfortable for me, too. If I turn over in my sleep and end up sleeping on that arm for awhile, I wake up very stiff and sore. It feels like a bunch of bent metal in there, and takes an hour or so to feel normal again. Pat S.
That is exactly the way it is with me nearly two years after surgery on shoulder. I can sleep on it for short periods but not through the night. But I have movement and I am happy with what I can do.
At two and a half years, I’m just starting to be able to sleep on my left side. For several months my body kept trying to shift and then flipping back (sort of as if I had no control over this) and then I started to finally sleep for a while. I use an extra pillow to keep some of my weight off it, but it’s finally getting better. This is pretty much the last remnant, other than the scar, of the damage done.
I hope everyone eventually gets to sleep comfortably for a whole night.
Peace,
Sharon
Just to give a few of you some hope, I’m about 10 months out from surgery and have just recently started to sleep on my left side some. Like others, I find I get a little stiff from doing so, but I get so tired of sleeping on my back and my right side that I am trying to make it work. I usually start out on my good side with my bad arm supported by an extra pillow that I hug but then switch back and forth during the night. I wonder if the kind of mattress makes a difference? I haven’t slept away from home too much in the past year, but I do find it easier to sleep in my own bed, which has a latex mattress.
Cheers,
Sherry
SYL, I’m 14 months past my fracture now, but I don’t sleep on my injured left side normally, so I can’t give you a definitive answer. I am a right side and back sleeper.
How is the swelling in your arm?
I went swimming twice, Wednesday and yesterday, the first times since bad weather, and it was glorious to be back. I swam 40 lengths of backstroke and 20 more assorted strokes and I was pleased to have no loss of range of motion. I have been faithful about doing my shoulder exercises every day (pendulum, shoulder shrugs,
“touchdown signal” arms straight up, shoulder blade squeezes, and both arms straight out to the sides, circling).
For those of you more recently injured, get into a heated pool as soon and as often as you can.
KIM, how are you doing?
Margaret
Syl, I just passed 6 months and cannot sleep on that side yet. hope to do so in future.
but exciting news, just did my first spin class in 6 months!!
have been doing some aqua classes, but I think if I try to swim it will end up being doggie paddle 🙂
Thanks Margarett and Barbara about the sleeping info. I guess I’m in the norm then as far as not sleeping on it yet. Margarette my swelling has gone down which mostly occurred after the very very painful deep tissue I had done on it. My movement is pretty good however I’m still dealing unfortunately with the nerve issues still. Wish I had access to a pool as you all do sounds to be very beneficial for all injures really. Wow doing spin classes Barbara is great. So happy your doing so well. Take care and continued healing for all:)
I think Margaret is my coach, those reminders that we need to keep doing the exercises that I so hate.
I am 7-1/2 months out from surgery. I DO sleep on my arm. I started at the six month mark when my weight restrictions were lifted. I should say I sleep on “that” side with my bad arm under the pillow. It aches after an hour or two so I cannot do it for an entire night but it feels good to lay on that side sometimes for a little while.
I really wish I knew what the new normal was suppose to feel like. I stopped lymphedema therapy. It started to hurt. Hurt as in OMG Give me drugs. Did help with swelling but I refuse to be in that much pain. Theraputty is more helpful and less expensive for me. Keeps the fingers moving and the swelling is down in my hand.
Just begining to think that “tight” and sort of achy is now suppose to be normal? I think I feel my plate at times. I did help hold up sheet rock this weekend but it was not comfortable. I had to relax with a glass or two of wine Saturday night. 🙂
I find when sitting on the floor and going to stand up that I do not put weight on my injured arm yet. I think I am afraid it will collapse. It just feels odd, not sure how to explain it but the feeling just isn’t right for full weight bearing.
I do need to get into the pool more often. I am a slacker. I also need some balance training as I think my lack of activity for so long has thrown me off my game. I start sailboat racing in about a month. I really hope I have some great turn around in the next month or being on the boat will not be fun.
Sun is shining and I think winter has been put to bed. Getting outside helps my mood at least if nothing else
KIM, I am flattered to be considered your coach. So many people were helpful to me when I was hurt and in the months afterward that I just try to pay back their kindnesses.*****I’m sorry that the lymphodema treatment hurt so much you had to stop. I think I recall that you said your insurance would pay for acupuncture if you got a referral from your doctor. One good thing about acupuncture: it won’t hurt.
Tell your doctor to check these summaries of medical journal articles on acupuncture for lymphodema on pubmed. The numbers are 23576267 and 21685498. [pubmed is part of the National Library of Medicine and has articles or abstracts of them from thousands of medical journals. Each one has a distinct pubmed number.] These two articles report studies done by Dr Barrie Cassileth, who is a researcher in alternative medicine. She is also Chief of Integrative Medical Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in NYC. (one of the top cancer hospitals in the U.S.).***I just wish I could go sailing with you. Margaret
Thanks for the information. It is good to have a coach! Since PT ended, I find myself slacking. It will be good to continue the pool. I still have not dove into the water, only walked in. Need to try diving just to get over the fear of hurting my arm and worried I would sink. Maybe next week I will be ready to try. My freestyle crawl is pathetic. I can do a back stroke but nothing else yet without looking silly. Working on it…….
back stroke sounds great to me! I’m aiming for side stroke !! mostly water aerobics is a safe bet and resistance is good in water, even without the weights. I’ve seen people swim with noodle wrapped them around to help. going to try that soon.
hope everyone is doing well. 🙂
Kim, Barbara, Syl–how are you all doing? I wanted to share an inspiring story with everyone. I read this profile in an equestrian magazine, Chronicle of the Horse. There is a doctor who is now in her 50s. When she was a resident she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and began using a cane. She switched to radiology instead of her original, more demanding, choice of practicing obstetrics.*******To minimize her MS symptoms it’s important to control stress. She began riding and found that it helped her with stress and ability to move. About 2009 she fell off of her horse and broke her shoulder.She had FOUR shoulder surgeries and says she was on narcotics for *3 and a half years!*****. She sold her horse and thought she would never be able to ride again. She finally recovered and began riding other people’s horses. Then a horse was stung by an insect, reared, and threw her. She ended up with an elbow transplant, recovered and began riding again. She bought a new horse and was getting on well (she enters a few shows close by and she can do low jumps.)
Her horse had a serious bout of colic and had to have surgery. While she waits for him to heal she is riding other horses. ****I thought if anyone could empathize with her shoulder injuries, it would be people on this blog.
Margaret
Wow, I was about to post my update but that story took the wind out of my sails. Incredible!
Simply inspirational…..I envy her strength and incredible determination!
Sheila,
I forgot to mention you, to say that I hoped you were doing okay after your return to work so please do post your update.
I am at 15 months after my fracture. My shoulder is okay. When I reach my arms straight up overhead I get a little aching sometimes, but otherwise I’m fine. When I think back where I was a year ago it’s unreal.
Margaret
Ok here is my update. Returned to the Ortho doc a week or so ago. He said everything seemed fine. No xrays which was weird but I am sure I glow by now from all the xrays I have had. I asked if I could return to full duty. He looked concerned and asked if I thought I could do the job. I said I had to. I am not nor will I be fully recovered but I will hopefully gain more strength. I stopped going to PT that week too. I am a little sad to say goodbye to my friends in PT but I can do home exercises since I am closing in on the end of my insurance benefits for PT.
I have returned to full duty with no restrictions but my coworkers are very helpful and don’t want me to leave again so they watch and help with the lifting. Very hard being a nurse who has to ask for help. But hey, I want this shoulder replacement to last for a really long time. BTW we moved our daughter out of the dorm this week. Wow, my shoulder was talking to me after that.
Hope everyone else is coming allow well.
Sheila
Chris, You’re welcome. That update about Joyce was in August. She has since had the surgery to remove the hardware that was incorrectly placed. She posted once (or twice at the most) that she had much less pain, and that was right after the surgery (which was done sometime in the winter, I think).
********* I’m glad to hear that things are better for you. Rotator cuff repair can be very tricky and I believe that the pain would be bad, and your arm useless, just barely able to move. I would say get into a heated pool as often as you can. ***PAT, I’ll say it again. You have helped many people by keeping this blog going. I think a lot of people discover it at night, in those first few shaky days, when the pain keeps them from sleeping.
Margaret
Hi Chris
This is Joyce and I was very excited when workman’s comp agreed to have my hardware removed. In February 14, 2014 I shattered my left humerus head at school then a botched surgery where plate and screws were placed to high. I was unable to move my shoulder and arm with extreme pain 21/7. February 11, 2015, a fabulous shoulder specialist Dr. Michael Wirth with UT San Antonio Medical removed my hardware from my left shoulder. I have made leaps and bounds with range of motion and occasional dull tooth ache pain in the shoulder and arm. Since I was not able to use my arm for a year, I have been in therapy to rebuild and try to regain the strength in my shoulder/arm. The pain I think is from therapy rebuilding muscles. My last doctor visit Dr, Wirth was pleased with my progress. My next appointment is July 9th and I hope he will be pleased with my continued progress. I know that I have limitations but believe me the decrease in pain and the mobility I have is tremendously better than what I originally had..
Very inspirational story, I cannot imagine riding a horse again. Wow.
Rotator Cuff surgery sounds like starting over again with regaining range of motion. Hope you are able to control the pain and heal quickly
Keep asking for help Sheila. My strength has not come back yet and I am not shy about asking. I do not want to tear anything. But it is frustrating having to ask.
I continue to see minor improvements. That is how this healing journey has been for me. Very slow improvements but when I look back, I can see how far I have come. First race was last week but the weather was wet and cold. Decided to not risk a slip on the boat so waiting for this Thursday to try again. Have mowed the yard a few times and my arm yells at me. It does not like the vibration maybe.
Happy Spring….
glad to hear from everyone and that some recovery seems to be happening for people in one way or another.
Here’s my update. My shoulder is making slow steady progress in terms of pain. still have pain with many movements but can live with this level of pain and limited range. I have decided to hold off on replacement since dr can’t guarantee I would get significantly more ROM. still going to pt 3X week, can’t believe worker’s comp is still paying but yay. my pt says I still get a little more range each week or so.
So after EMG testing was reviewed by pain management dr, I finally decided to try Neurontin for nerve damage .I was leery about doing it initially because I didn’t want to put anything else in my system, as I was beginning to feel more normal. The good news is it has significantly improved the pain in my forearm and hand. the ortho drs were so sure that I did not have nerve damage and it was just referred pain. they were WRONG. Shocker! I recommend going through the EMG testing for anyone who is experiencing arm pain. it’s amazing how depression eases as pain does 🙂
meanwhile our house has sold, so hoping my arm is strong enough to help with packing and some light carrying. moving from 4 bedroom house after 37 years to 2 bedroom condo with no storage. interesting process!
wishing everyone continued recovery and strength, positive outlooks and nice mild weather. 🙂
yesterday I was sleeping and ma humerus bone slipped out of my shoulder joint with an urgent Sharp pain I screamed alot until I manage to push the bone back to its position.This injury has been persistent pls I need hour help
Toju, I don’t know how long it’s been since you fractured your humerus, but it sounds as though you should have it checked again by your doctor. It sounds as though the break has not mended together or rejoined completely.
Margaret
One year Anniversary of the fall. An anniversary I wish I did not have.
How is everyone doing?
Question for the group who have had ORIF. Went in for a sinus infection to a minute clinic. I did not even think about it, but they took my Blood Pressure, on the injured arm…OMG, Hurts and feels again like a block of wood. Prior I had been swimming and sailing etc. The pain was always “there” but nothing that stopped me. I still could not put complete weight on that arm but I was doing ok.
I never would have thought that a Blood Pressure Cuff would hurt so bad.
Ouch!!!! I never have thought to mention it! I always have them use my good (right) arm.
I got another reminder this week of why I always keep a sweater in the car. I was in a 3 hour CE class in a freezing cold classroom!
Pat,
That is so true! There’s a huge difference between my ‘good’ arm and the ‘not as good’ in the blood pressure!
I just injured my ‘good’ shoulder – about a month ago. Had a cortisone injection, which seems to be doing its job. The therapist laughs because I know all the exercises. The ortho said no exercises (gym) above my head….so my horse (not the one who ran over me) injured his eye. It’s over my head and needs treatment every three to four hours. Not helping.
I hope everyone is doing well. And staying out of drafts!
Sharon
Sharon, I hope your horse’s eye is healing. Is your barn arranged so that you could use head ties on him and then stand on a stall side fence board or the lower step of a ladder so that your hands would be at or higher than the level of his head?***PAT, That was so scary to read about you getting dizzy while you were on a ladder. I bet you could find a high school or college student who would be glad to trade an hour of his or her time putting things up in your garage for $20/40, since they’re used to minimum wage. An hour or two’s pay is a whole lot cheaper for you than another injury to your shoulder. You could do the work on the lower shelves–just a thought.****KIM, I’m glad to read you’re back sailing. Did the swelling in your arm go away?*** I’m a few days short of 18 months since my fracture (no surgery). I feel some light soreness sometimes when I first stretch, but that’s the only difference.
There are days that go by and I don’t even think about my fall, the fracture, the long, painful recovery. That’s amazing when I think of how this injury and the result of it took over my life and dictated/influenced/governed virtually every daily action for so long. It’s a psychological/emotional healing as well as a physical one. PAT, again, thank you for keeping this blog going. .Wishing continued healing to everyone! Margaret
This must be the longest single blog chain in history!
Margaret, he puts his had over the stall door for me, but still pulls away. He’s in less pain now, so things are going better. I don’t know why I didn’t think to try the stool, other than maybe it wasn’t quite safe at the beginning. I do find that I’m reluctant to fall these days 😀 as I still have that bit of fear that got drilled into me! All is well here, thank you. My other shoulder is healing well, and I’m using all those exercises on both arms, as I had become a little complacent. I’m told that allowing myself to become a little forward with my shoulders set up the vulnerability to the impingement. Back to some of my old exercises now, and my posture improved rapidly.
All my best to everyone, especially to Pat, who still keeps truckin’ with this blog, and all for all the good you’ve done for so many of us by providing a space to share our misery and compare our progress with fellow travelers.
so nice to hear updates from everyone. I hadn’t seen anything posted for a while. I am almost 10 months post fall- no surgery- range of motion not great but surgeon said he could not guarantee more even with a reverse replacement. I am grateful for what I have and that pain is significantly reduced. I do find there are at least parts of days that I don’t think about it– that is a huge improvement!
we sold our house in ny suburbs- I was able to pack most of the kitchen and dining room and carry light boxes, something I did not think I would be able to do. we moved to philadelphia in the city about a month ago. again, was able to unpack and get things put away in high places (10 ft celings) thanks to a very sturdy and lightweight stepstool. I find I am very careful but can do more than I thought. we are in the process of adjusting to city living– meeting new people- I wonder when I will get to the point of not feeling like I have to explain that I recently broke my shoulder…. something always seems to come up….
this weekend is my daughter’s wedding in Virginia,. again, grateful that I will be able to participate fully, though I may not be raising my arm too high while dancing.
I guess I have finally stopped PT- can’t seem to get information from the worker’s comp about continuing in a different state. I guess it’s time anyway- have my pulley, hand weights and know the routine. I continue to take Neurontin for nerve damage, but only a small dose at night, which has the side effect of helping me sleep. pain in hand and arm are greatly improved. but haven’t tried to take BP in that arm- I automatically give them the other one- for bloodwork too.
I met my daughter at one of her wedding dress fittings and the women who owns the store where the seamstress works and I began chatting- turns out she had pretty much the same break as me, about 10 years ago. it was amazing how quickly we bonded. she is having new significant pain, so I guess that’s something that’s potentially in store…. will try not to worry about that yet!
glad everyone is doing well and going about business as normal, at least the “new” normal. wishing you all well!
Good to hear that you’re doing well, Barbara! I hope the wedding is wonderful. I’ve been working on major projects around the house and yard. I’m VERY careful climbing up and down ladders, but otherwise, can do most things with no problem. The only real discomfort is when I’ve slept too long on that arm, or when I’m in a cold building (I always carry my sweater), or when I’m on the computer too much. It’s not perfect, but I really don’t give it much thought. Considering the trauma, I’m glad to have a functioning arm, shoulder, and hand!
Pat S.
Hi Pat and everyone,
Was looking at the updates and marveling at everyone’s progress. I am 1 month shy of 3 yrs from the original injury and 10 months out from the total replacement. Mostly good days with some bad ones too. Overworking it or really bad weather still bother me. My range is better but far from perfect. Basically back to speed. Still enjoy reading everyone’s story.
I am always so encouraged when I read these posts. I am approaching my 2nd anniversary of my 2 part break w/ORIF. I am doing very well and just started lifting light weights. Able to turn on shoulder and sleep for a while. Not there yet for the entire night but it is better especially after doing my free weights. I continue to wish I had not gotten up and had turned on the light in the middle of the night in which I tripped over our dog in the hallway causing my injury. I guess you always think how different life would be what if? But this blog is amazing and I still 2 years later depend on it. Thanks to all who respond on it.
Hello Everyone,
Finally left formal physiotherapy on 2nd anniversory of fall. Shown to one more ortho surgeon and as per him, recovery is good looking to the 4-part fracture injury and ORIF. I have almost 80% of ROM with no pain and can slip on injurged shoulder with no discomfort. Still doing some excercise at home.Thanks to Pat and everyone, this blog gave me great support and encouragement.
That’s great news! Good, consistent physical therapy seems to be the key. My PT was disrupted during the most crucial early months because my insurance company would not pay a penny. By the time I resumed physical therapy, the scar tissue had set up. Still, it functions OK and is bearable. 🙂
Hi Georgia pat , Rusty, Marie, and all the familiar old names from 2013, hello to everyone else also. Long time no blog .
This is such an unusual club to belong to but one that is vital for sound mental health as well as the arm.😆 I’ve been reading all the new comments, and its stunning how many ways the human arm can break. I am two years and a few months post 8# of my right dominant shoulder. I have had a wicked time since that happened. Just as I had my arm back and functional (with limitations of course) I had to have a Total Knee Replacement. Boy oh boy , crutches using my right damaged arm..my arm flared up with swelling etc. That was exactly one year ago. Then in February whilst in the car I turned to retrieve my bag and out popped a disc in my neck! Pure nerve pain ,back to Morphine. Im Not sure if this was because of all the poor posture , slings etc.
I can’t say which pain was worse but each was wicked and mind numbing. I think if I’m to be honest the last couple of years have passed in a drug induced haze.
Anyhooo, the reason I’m back here is to say that I got through it and I’m out the other side. But of course I have reduced functional ability . I get frustrated and I have pain from time to time. I have to rest up and slow down and realise nothing is the same . I hate that bit. Swimming daily is my life line, without it I tighten up and things start hurting. I’m off all meds of course but sometimes I just have to take Paracetamol to ease things.Though Rarely. Now that I’m so well and healthy again I look back and see just how awful the whole experience was but its wonderful, the human condition, how we can forget the level of awful pain and just get on with life. We have to.
I want to thank Georgia pat for this great great service, because that’s what this is, an invaluable service, one that money cannot buy. So thank you. Good luck to everyone else, you will get through this, you won’t be the same but you’ll be wiser. Helena
Hello to all. I was gonna wait till my one year anniversary date which will be 8/20/15 I decided after reading all the recent post to do so now. I agree that my life will forever be changed I’m so cautious now about falling. Everywhere I go I have a fear of slipping , as for my shoulder I have pretty decent movement some movements are painful like reaching out to side like at a drive thru or holding the door open for someone behind be I simply have a hard time. I cannot sleep on my injured shoulder for when I try I wake stif and awful pain. This I prob miss the most I cannot sleep well on my back and staying on one side all night doesn’t work for me. August seems to be a risky month for me. 2 years prior to my shoulder break I was rear ended in a car accident and sustained bad whip lash however that had improved until my fall. Although I didn’t initially get the neck pain back I did get the horrific burning nerve pain dn my arm none of the doctors knew where the burning pain was from I’ve tried the nerve meds and ALL bother my stomach terribly I have over the last month had a bad kick up in my neck pain with debilitating headaches and all. So I’m now convinced the nerve pain in my arm thru hand in from the neck :(. Really hoping to end all the suffering soon. I think some peop have issues with chronic inflammation which I seem to be. Welp here’s hoping and praying this year brings continue healing to us all. And I know this has been said by all. But this blog has been sooo helpful ive learned so much from it that no dr could or would take the time to tell me thanks!!
Hello Helena and all the old timers and new and of course, Pat, the blog creator.
It was nice to be remembered, Helena. We did enjoy some banter through the tears, frustration, fear and pain. All a distant memory now, thankfully. Sorry to hear about the knee and disc problems. I have had quite a few bad back, neck episodes. The back was a sacroiliac problem and the neck, well like you say, could be posture, over compensation for a weaker arm…who knows. I tried yoga but the positions were too much for my shoulder. The dance exercise also was probably too strenuous too now I’m not a spring chicken. So reluctantly I just keep it all low key now with walking, bit of swimming… I try to sleep on my back (great for snoring!) or just slightly turned to the side and often wedge my head with bean bags either side. It seems to work for me. I have been left with excellent range of motion which is great. It is clicky but generally painless most of the time (much better in warm weather which I put down to relaxed muscles and less heavy clothing) although I get episodes of an achey shoulder from time to time if I overuse it or do too much heavy lifting. So at this point, for me, it’s a case of being kind to the shoulder and it doesn’t give me gip. I really can’t complain at that.
Very best wishes to all especially those at the start. This is the very best place to find and give mutual support, a lifeline for many.
HELENA! I have wondered about you all spring and into summer. The neck injury explains your absence. I’m sorry to hear about it. It’s so hard to deal with another injury when your body hasn’t recovered fully from an earlier one.*****SYL, I have worried about you as well and had hoped that your nerve situation had improved. I send strong wishes for both of you to continue healing.
I haven’t checked this blog in two weeks or so, probably the longest interval since my fracture in February, 2014.
I do the pendulum and shoulder stabilization exercises every day. What is blessedly wonderful to me is that I don’t think about the fracture for days at a time b/c the emotional and physical pain are gone. Something will remind me—I’ll see a friend who helped by driving me when I couldn’t drive or I stretch and get a faint ache that my uninjured arm doesn’t have–and that reminds me to be grateful for where I am now. PAT, thanks again for keeping the blog going.
And, for everybody, as Helena says, swimming is a lifeline. It will help more than anything.
Margaret
Margaret. How wonderful to hear from you. Thank you. You sound so positive and upbeat. Good for you. I read your comments with great interest. Isn’t the human an amazing thing ? After months of pain and sleepless nights, of drug fuelled days and here we are talking about it as a distant place. I really hope the new people here take heart and solace from us long timers (we’re not old timers). Things do improve. Im well. But no doubt you find something similar to me in that I must exercise daily or Im in big trouble. I seem to lock down . I need the pool daily It’s my bugfest friend.
Thank you Helena, I am new to this club and am extremely grateful to Pat,and to all the support that is found here. Ye are a great inspiration to us have who have been suddenly plunged into this misery.
I had a fractured proximal humerus with a 4 part displacement July 7th 2015, and I had ORIF with plate and screws July 21st 2015. I sincerely hope for this pain to be a distant memory, and to really know that this is achievable. Right now, the pain is a blazing hot insane reality. 😦
My physio has been cancelled due to a new partial displacement. I have to keep the faith and your posts have helped me to do that. Thanks 🙂
Hello IrishAnne
You are really going through it, aren’t you. There’s nothing like that intense pain and with the anxiety and lack of decent sleep, it’s very emotionally exhausting. I too had my break whilst in another country and had a similar length of time car journey back home. In the long long week before the return home, I researched probably too much on humeral fractures and knew of the differing outcomes from surgery.
For me, too much information at that time!
Never really being offered a choice, surgery took place over 2 weeks after the break (I wish it had been sooner) and the unbearable searing pain from displacement disappeared. But there was bad surgery pain, of course….
But here I am now with movement in the plated shoulder almost as good as the other shoulder. I’m not sure that would have been the case without surgery. It does give me gip sometimes and I try not to put too much pressure on it (eg carrying heavy bags) and can’t sleep on that side. But it’s minor stuff.
I hope I can give you some hope at this difficult time for you. It will get better, for sure. It can just be a long old journey and sometimes with complications.
If you have further displacement, I bet this is accounting for the severe pain. I hope this subsides or they can do something. I wonder if anyone else on here has experienced that?
with very best wishes
Helena, Thank you for the kind words. I just feel more flexible, more limber, as though I move about faster when I do the exercises or swimming or whatever (dance around the air conditioned house and amuse the cats, if nothing else). Since you’re Irish you’ll appreciate my latest inspiration: the beautiful, talented Maureen O’Hara who turned 95 two days ago. Time.com had pictures from some of her movies and there were stories on Facebook and elsewhere. I had loved the original, 1961 movie “The Parent Trap,” identifying with Hayley Mills.About two weeks ago I was prowling on Youtube (having watched all of the Downton Abbey episodes so often that I know the dialogue–and lots about the upcoming season, thanks to the British papers) looking for something to watch when The Parent Trap popped into my head.****I found the movie–a fuzzy copy–and enjoyed it again, but as an adult I found Maureen O’Hara and Brian Keith more interesting. I had forgotten that Maureen O’Hara was a fabulous singer. Since then I’ve watched many of her movies or clips of them. I realized I had never seen any of the films she and John Wayne did together. M O’Hara usually did her own stunts. McLintock is my favorite of their movies. The musical score as the movie opens sets one up for the day even better than a John Phillip Sousa march. I loved the Irish landscape of The Quiet Man. I have a library reserve on Maureen O’Hara’s autobiography. I’ve read some parts of it and I think you would enjoy it, too. Take care and keep us posted! Margaret
Hi everyone,
My year update-it has been a year since my total shoulder replacement. Cake please!
Today I had a followup with my Ortho doc. Seems like all is well. Thank goodness. Looks good. Range and motion about the same. Well, that was to be expected after a bad break and 2 surgeries. I did get a chance to visit with my PT buddies. I miss them. Not the work but just the social part:)
How is everyone else?
I am still working as a bedside nurse who is going back to school. Wow. Didn’t think I would be doing this at my age. Trying to keep my options open.
Hey, Sheila!
October 14th will be the 5th anniversary of my accident. All is well here. Some mild discomfort, but tolerable.
Pat S
Congrats on making it 5 years Pat. I sometimes think how much my live has changed in the 3 years since my accident. Weird but this is the new normal. Glad to hear you are doing well. Do you still visit that pond where it all started?
When I read these comments about 5 years or 3 years post surgery they are encouraging. I am just 2 years and 3 months post ORIF surgery. 3 months into lifting a 7 pound weight has helped my shoulder. I often have to get back up and do 20 lifts before I can comfortable sleep. The lifting numbs my shoulder and the ache goes away allowing me to sleep without Ibuprofin. You are right Sheila, this is the new normal. At 66, it is so much better than I expected it to be so I am grateful. This blog kept me motivated and optimistic!
Hi Pat ,
I too am a Georgia resident for many years, and am truly grateful to have found your blog. Never, despite my medical background, could I have understood this descent into shoulder hell and the slow, painful, one armed crawl out of it! I fell while in Ireland July 8th 2015 and sustained a proximal humeral fracture with a 4 part displacement. The 9 hr flight back was pure mad as we say in Ireland!
I had an ORIF with plate and multiple screws on return to Atlanta July 21 2015.
I am 10 weeks post-op and making very slow progress. Pain is a constant as is a sense of nausea, so the pain pills do not help. A nights sleep is a distant memory. I have come down with shingles as a result of the stress. Nothing has prepared me for this, but I am trying to stay mentally strong and take solace in the recovery stories I read here.
I started physio at 2 weeks post-op, but the surgeon has cancelled it due to the lesser tuberosity being somewhat displaced again on xray. Physio is still cancelled at 10 weeks.
This is a lonely, expensive, exhausting journey not to mention emotionally draining, so the support we can give one another is such a blessing and much appreciated ;))
Welcome, IrishAnne! I hope my WIFI holds up long enough to respond. It’s been very off an on this weekend. The pain gets better, but PT can be pretty brutal. I can’t imagine a nine flight in that condition. UGH!!! It’s been almost five years for me, which is weird. I have mild discomfort all the time, but nothing that I can’t handle. I can do most of what I need to do. Climbing a ladder is pretty daunting, but I have done it recently. I hope you like your surgeon, and have good support at home. I don’t know what I would have done without nearby family members.
Thank you Pat for your response and well done on your 5 year survival and recovery tomorrow!
You are to be congratulated for your humanity, kindness and generosity to those who are suffering on this little understood but immensely painful and long journey.
You have been an inspiring and needed source during these dark times.
My pain has returned with a ferocity that leaves me breathless at times. I am 11 weeks post-op and am close to tears with pain over the last 2 days. I had 4- 5 day decrease in its severity last week and was so hoping to have left that degree of pain behind me.
I do have some support at home, but at the 3 month point it is normal for them to expect me to be better than I am.
Though a nice man, my surgeon is more interested in healing and union. His eyes seem to glaze over when I tell him about the severity of the pain.
I am starting to regret having had the surgery, as I read some recent studies done in Scandanavia where they compared 2 groups of patients with proximal humeral fractures with a 4 part displacement. One group had ORIF, plate and screws. The other, same injury was treated non operatively. The outcome showed less long term pain in the non-operated group. The functional advantage for having the surgery was 10%-15% if everything went completely well. I was told I did not have a choice re surgery, but I wondered about that as people have been fracturing shoulders long before we had titanium plates and screws. I doubt the study was funded by an ortho device company!
However, it is too late to go back and I must keep the faith and persevere. Thank you again, blessings, and stay off the ladder if you can!
Sorry to have been absent. My WIFI was out most of yesterday and last evening, when I needed to be preparing for a class today. Those first six months or so after surgery were hellish for me, physically, personally, and financially. I empathize! I don’t know what I would have done without a sister nearby.
Hi everyone,
I love reading all the recent updates from everyone. So encouragingI I had my 1 year anniversary in July–humerus breaks happened 7/16/2014 and surgery with the lovely hardware package occurred 7/25/2014. I also injured my wrist (a TFCC injury) at the time of my fall and finally, just a few weeks ago, I was able to get a ring on my finger! The swelling is still hanging around though, as there are still some days I cannot; but progress is being made and for that I am grateful. Like so many others I thought my age (67 now) would be a factor in recovering from the ORIF surgery, but so far I think I am making good progress. I can now sleep fairly comfortably on my affected shoulder/arm. And, thankfully, the pain and discomfort of those early months is now a distant memory. I still feel a lot of stiffness and have a limited range of motion, but I am okay with my “new norm” and am hopeful I will see more improvement over the next year. I have great compassion for those just starting down this long road, but take heart, as better days are ahead of you.
Hi Sherry,
It is really encouraging to know that you are doing so well after a year. Keep up the good work!
I will be very happy to have reached that place on my one year anniversary, which will be 07/22/2016. My pain has receded to a more manageable degree and I am cautiously optimistic, and extremely grateful.
This site was a lifesaver for me during some long sleepless nights. to know that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that you are not alone.It was a lifesaver to find that hope and support that is not found elsewhere.
Kudos to Pat, and all the others for doing this without any seeking financial gain, or any kind of marketing.. It gives us hope for humanity, and reinforces the power and compassion of womankind!
Hi all
Am in my 60’s and slipped 5 weeks ago on tiles in my kitchen and have a displaced proximal humerus fracture – my first ever break. Am normally fit and active but this has stopped me in my tracks completely! The ER Orth specialist recommended conservative (ie no op) and left hospital with a sling. Have discovered after bone scan that I have some osteoporosis. 2 other surgeons have recommended surgery immediately – one says pin/plate immediately, another one who seemed empathetic says Intramedullary nailing is less invasive to fracture site and tissue to min damage ie thin nail through humeral head. All said each other could be right!? One said go to 3 specialists and you’ll get 4 opinions! I really don’t know what to do as the original Specialist still says to leave it due to potential surgical complications whilst others say urgent op needed. I have v limited ROM and yes “sleeping” on the lounge since fall but really not much sleep at all. It’s been a mixed blessing finding your site as you know what I’m going through, I’m soo very confused. Do you have any advice? Regards
Sorry to be so long catching up! That’s what I get for reading messages on my cell phone! I’ll sign in from my computer tomorrow a.m. – Pat
Hi all
It’s a mixed blessing finding this site as I know you’ll understand what I’m going through. I’m in my 60’s and slipped on my west kitchen tiles 5 weeks ago and have a displaced proximal humeral fracture. I went straight to ER in ambulance and Orth specialist said to treat it conservatively ie no op and I left with a sling. The follow up appointments show it is slightly worse with only about 1mm contact between the two bones but told to keep with that treatment. I’ve since had bone scan and have some osteoporosis. I’ve seen three more Orth specialists and all said it needs surgery immediately – two say pin/plate (they even said to me if you ask 3 orth specialists and you will get 4 different opinions!?!) the other, who seemed very empathetic and aware of surgical risks esays an Intramedullary nail through humeral head is less invasive to avoid tissue/nerve damage at fracture site from pin/plate. Have been “sleeping” on lounge for 5 weeks, very little sleep. Has anyone had or know if anyone who’s had the nailing procedure or plate who has osteoporosis? It seems less invasive but has some risks to rotator cuff. I’ve also been told I could feel the plates as I’m only a small person. I’m soo very confused so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Regards
Fionap1, I was 63 when my 2 part humeral break occurred and resulted in a plate and 10 screws inserted. I have osteoporosis and it took a long time to heal and improve. I am now lifting light weights, have a decent ROM and can sleep on that side occasionally. I consider that success. I am not taking any pain medication 2 years later after the break. Sometimes if I drive a long while, an ibuprofen helps but rarely do I need it. I did all I was told faithfully and I am not back to optimal but it is good. Wish you the best.
Hi everyone,
I have been looking for anyone that can relate to what I have gone and am currently going through. I have read some of this blog and think I may be in the right place for some advice/information. I hope my story doesn’t completely bore you to sleep. I am currently 32 years old but I had a proximal humerus fracture in April of 2012 when I was 29. They initially didn’t believe I was going to need surgery however, after a miserable 3 weeks, the humeral head had rotated outwards. So, surgery was scheduled and a locking plate with 7 screws was installed the 2nd week of May. Being a firefighter, I was told I was not going to be able to get back to work for 6 months post surgery. Extensive physical therapy ensued, until my insurance company told me they didn’t want to help pay for it anymore, and then I was on my own. I continued to work hard in order to get back to the job I love. After many hardships, I felt pretty good and was cleared to go back to work after just 5 1/2 months from the initial accident. Overall, in the 3 years since I have been back to work, besides some ROM loss, I have felt great. My shoulder has become stronger(not near of what it was), I have been highly effective at work, and most days, I don’t even think of my injury/shoulder. I experience minor aches and pains here and there, but nothing a little Ibuprofen can’t handle. However, I have had multiple incidents where that pain is a far stretch from “aches and pain”. The pain, which Ibuprofen won’t even touch, has reached the limits of almost having someone drive me to the emergency room. It is so intense, I feel like my bone has broken again. And several times, besides bending my elbow,I have been unable to move my arm. Luckily, these reactions have all occurred on my off days and have all resolved on there own in a day or three. Until recently. About 3 weeks back, my shoulder began to ache. Nothing new or out of the ordinary, so I thought. I took Ibuprofen and attempted to get to sleep. As time went on, the pain intensified. And intensified. I was unable to sleep and the pain became unbearable. By noon the next day the pain was so bad I was barely able to move my upper body. Also, beside bending at my elbow, my arm became completely inoperable. With the pain aside, my shoulder was so tight and constricted. I am confident in saying it felt like the first day of physical therapy 3 1/2 years ago. I figured it would subside, but I told myself if it didn’t, I would go to the Dr. the following day. That night the pain became even worse. I was on the phone with the Doctor’s office by 7am and thankfully they were able to get me in by 830. They attempted to take multiple x-rays, however I could not move my arm where they wanted. The ones they were able to take, showed everything to be normal. I was given pain meds and told to touch base after the weekend. What a long weekend it was. The pain meds did offer some comfort but at times they did absolutely nothing. I was sure my shoulder was somehow completely shredded. By the next week(almost 7 days later), the pain had decreased and I was able to minimally move my arm again. Still significant pain and a far cry from being able to use my arm productively. I was referred to an MRI and they said it was swollen and had some fluid in it. The pain continued to subside and my movement slowly was coming back. A few days later, the pain was basically gone and I would guess I was back to 50% of normal ROM. I was finally able to get into the surgeon who originally completed the surgery. He seemed very surprised that I physically could not raise my arm above a 90 deg. angle. However, he had no idea as to what was happening. He said he didn’t know what else it could be besides the plate. After explaining my normal aches, pains, and multiple excruciating episodes, he said this was not normal. He wanted a CT scan to identify if there was something else going on. By this time(2 weeks from the first day of misery), I had missed 5 days of work but I was more or less back to normal. The pain was completely gone and I again had my normal range of motion. A CT scan was done, and besides a minor early onset of arthritis from the initial injury, nothing was found. He again couldn’t tell me what had happened. I told him if this is due to the plate and screws, it had to go. I said I am unwilling to live my life having the job I have with the uncertainty of what or when these episodes are going to occur. He said he would remove the plate if I wanted it out but said I shouldn’t remove it if it isn’t hurting “right now”. I again explained this is not about what is currently happening, it is about what has happened in the past, where I was the last 2 weeks, and I could not afford another episode in the future. So he said he would remove it for me and we have since planned a surgery for removal. I am getting a 2nd and 3rd opinion over the next few weeks but it seems like no one knows what is going on. I am more than ok with another surgery IF it solves these intense episode from occurring. I know aches and pains are part of this injury and I can live with that. However, the pain I experienced was not “normal” and I cannot live with my shoulder randomly swelling and causing such terrible pain and major deficits. My job is too important to me to jeopardize by missing work when my shoulder decides it wants to flare up. Has anyone experienced anything of this sort? If so, has anyone had the plate removed and did you experience any pain relief. What was the recovery like? Do you know where to find any other information regarding this type of pain and these reactions? I feel I am at a crossroads and that I am making the decision to remove the hardware on my own in hopes that it is the plate causing this. I know there is no guarantee what will happen but I feel I am gambling and rolling the dice.
Michael,
That sounds awful. I just we to let you know that I had plate a screws removed, and the recovery went very fast. No bone healing is needed, just the inflammation from the incision and much less, but more successful, physical therapy. I’m sure it’s not everyone’s solution, but for me it was the answer. The screws were impinging in the joint space and in a tendon.
I was 65 when the break occurred, and when the plate was removed, and I’m at a 99% recovery. The pain from the screws was much like what you describe. I hope you find a solution that works for you.
Good luck with your recovery,
Sharon
Michael, we each have such different experiences, it’s difficult to give advice. At your young age, you deserve a resolution, so you can live and work. Obviously, something’s wrong! In Europe, it is not uncommon for the plate and screws to be removed after six months. I don’t know of any surgeons in the U.S. who do that. It seems that they learn a procedure in med school, and never deviate. It sounds like a screw is impinging on a nerve, but it seems like that would show up on a CT scan.
Pat S.
Hi Michael, I have had the hardware removed from my shoulder on Feb 11, 2015. I was in continuous pain from the placement of the hardware improperly placed to high after I fell and shattered my left proximal humerus head on Feb. 13, 2014.The surgeon that placed my hardware in shoulder was NOT a specialist. It took a shoulder specialist in San Antonio at the University of Texas Health and Science to discover my problem. Dr. Michael Wirth is the one of the leading shoulder specialist in the country. The United States’s practice is NOT to take out the hardware. You will need to find a shoulder specialist that believes in removal of hardware. Dr. Michael Wirth in San Antonio Texas is my HERO!!! I traveled 250 miles to see him and have the surgery done there and believe me I DO NOT REGRET IT. The pain is very minimal and yes I have limitations but I cans live with them. Joyce
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Hi Michael
Were you able to find an answer for the pain yet? I was told mine is probably muscle spasms. I do not feel the spasm but the pain sends me into tears when it happens. Once I was told spasm, I used heat and a relaxer. It seemed to help
kim
Hi I was wondering if anybody has had a similar situation to me.
8 weeks ago I fell in my yard and I broke my humeral head in four places. I’ve had surgery and a bolt and 6 screws inserted to hold it together. At 4 weeks they noticed that the head wasn’t sitting where it was supposed to be and I needed immediate physio to get the muscles going again. So after 4 weeks of physio the head is in place and I can lift my arm up nearly as high as my good arm but in no way can I get my hand even a little way up my back. I have a lot of pain and its next to Impossible to sleep because of the pain. Just wondering if anybody else has problems getting their hand up their back as well
Dona
Hi, Dona. I’m sorry that you have joined the club. It is an awful experience. It’s been a long time for me. My accident was in the autumn of 2010. Four weeks after surgery I was still in horrible pain, tolerable during the waking hours, but it made for LONG, lonely, painful nights. My arm and shoulder never got back to normal, but I seldom think about it anymore. Physical therapy is important, and my delays (due to insurance company not paying) prevented me from having a better recovery.
Five years later, the things that bother me the most is the cold. Sitting at a computer too long, or standing around at a party or business function, are most uncomfortable (but tolerable). Sometimes, I wake up lying on that side, and it feels like a car wreck of bent metal, but it is better when I move around.
Hi Dona,
I’m sorry you’re going through this. My break and surgery were very similar to yours.It has been 3 years and I’m still seeing a little improvement.
The pain, for me, was a great deal less at about the 3 month mark. And then improved little by little as time went by. No, I can’ t get my hand up my back, but that’s really the only thing I can’t do. So, you hook your bra in the front, and twist it around! No big deal.
Hang in there. It will get better. In the not too distant future, you will be able to sleep through the night, and the pain will stop.
Cheers,
Michelle
Hi Donna, commiserations. You have joined the club you poor sausage. Bide your time it’ll all come right ,in a couple of years. I’m not being facetious. My 8 breaks occurred in 2013 I am much better today. I can reach my bra strap but to be honest with you that did most definitely not occur in year one. I swim daily to keep me mobile, if I don’t I know all about it and am back on antiinflammatory meds. I never had surgery. I healed very slowly , naturally , as the couldn’t bolt me to anything. You will come right. You are really doing amazingly well for the time you’ve put in. Give your muscles time to forget the onslaught. When I was in terrible pain I used a mix of heat packs and ice , your physiotherapist will advise you what’s what. The very best of luck to you. Keep up your heart. Best wishes Helena
DONA, Welcome to the club of which nobody wants to be a member, but there are many kind, supportive people here. (Under RSS click on comments and you’ll get the active, latest comments that people have posted under different threads). Pain dropped off dramatically for me two and a half months after my fracture. It seems that then or at three months afterward that happens for many people and you can sleep better. That said, the effects of this injury will be with you for a long time.
After your bone heals, your weakened muscles will hurt from lack of use and stress.
Your upper body’s balance is affected, too. It really helps (HELENA will second this) to get into a heated pool as often as you can, to do your exercises there. (It might be a pool for arthritis sufferers at the Y or a pool at a rehab hospital.) Ask your physio about this. Keep doing your exercises.Bone remodeling goes on for a year or more. Healing is very slow. Often you realize only by remembering that you couldn’t do something weeks ago that you can now do. Be very careful not to lift anything too heavy (your surgeon or physio probably gave you a weight limit). I’m almost two years post fracture (no surgery) and I can do anything I did before my fall on ice–pushups, lifting weights, swimming backstroke.
HELENA!!!! I am so glad to see a post from you. I think of you often. Here in KY we had a warm rainy Christmas and the same for days afterward. I started reading the weather channel and our weather was very close to that of Glengarriff in County Cork. If you have not read Maureen O’Hara’s autobiograpy ‘Tis Herself, do get it. She was so much more than a talented, beautiful actress—really inspiring. You’ll like the details of her Irish family and upbringing in Dublin.
Hi to Syl, Pat,Kim, Michelle,and everyone else. I hope you are all doing well Margaret
Well hello there yourself!! Great to hear from you. I’m delighted to hear that you are doing well. I’m flying now. Since my fall and resulting fractures I’ve recovered well from that, then the following year had a total knee replacement , that took 6 months or more then I unfortunately popped out C 5 and C6 discs in my neck and OMG , if I thought the pain of the 8 fractures was bad it didn’t touch the nerve pain from the discs. It appears that the fall knocked out my spine and one day whilst reaching around for my bag in the car the discs popped out. It would have to have been the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced. I was put on morphine and knocked out for five days. But I’m over that, swimming, walking, painting again. Teaching at the local university again and life is back to a new normal. It was all just unfortunate. It’s now hard to imagine a time when I couldn’t do anything. But time is a great healer both physically and mentally. Thank goodness. You sound in good condition Margaret. ? Life is good for you? Thanks for the book recommendation. I’ll look out for that. Take care. Helena
Hi Margaret and everyone eles This site was truly a blessing to me during my fearful, painful shoulder break. As for my burning forearm pain it has improved even thou dr said after 6 mos I would have a poor recover. It still bothers me but at least 70% better. I do feel now that like Helena a lot of mine was from my neck from a wreck I had 3 years ago and the shoulder break only irritated the already irritated nerves. I’m ready to be well. I’ve been dealing with terrible vertigo and dizziness since August so it’s been very overwhelming and keeping me house bound. Hope everyone eles is fully mended and doing great. Blessings to all
Sylvia
Hello Margaret Glad to hear most are recovered ,,as for me turns out my burning forearm pain is from an irritated nerve root from neck. I was in a bad wreck 3 years ago and injured my neck and the fall inflamed it. Thou dr said I would have a poor recovery after 6 mos after the fall they were incorrect. I would say it’s at least 70 per better. Not gone but much better. I’ve been dealing with vertigo/dizziness since August which as been awful and left me housebound. It always seems to be something. Praying everyone is doing great. Blessings to all
Sylvia
Oops sorry guys. First time it didn’t post so I re wrote and now it’s posted twice. I do this from iPhone which is prob the reason sorry
Hi there Sylvia, I feel so bad for you with vertigo. My colleague at work has Labyrinthitis. She’s been out of work a while now as she was bold and didn’t do as her physiotherapist told her. Bad enough you have your shoulder pain and problems now this… But things tend to happen when you’ve experienced an accident . Other parts get knocked out of sync. I should know. Do take advice regarding your vertigo. You might have an inner near infection. Take care and rest up. Best wishes Helena
I had my fall on December 14th 2015 and broke my proximal humerus and wrist. I had orif proximal humerus and closed manipulation of my wrist on December 18 2015. So now I’m starting 10th week post-op. I was so excited when my surgeon said I could stop using my wrist fracture brace and start PT for my shoulder and wrist. Well that said, this is surely going to be a MUCH longer recovery process than I was expecting. My surgeon gave me no info about rehab or post-op expectations and I know realize I could have been doing pendulum exercises almost immediately and believe my shoulder ROM is slow coming back partially due to delayed PT.
I take two steps forward and a step or two back. I think my pain is really minimizing and then a reach or stretch will bring back more intense and lasting muscle and or nerve pain going down my arm and into hand. Emotionally I feel depressed and afraid. I want to move ahead with my PT but am so fearful any reach I make with that arm will send me into downward spiral. Do a lot more crying these days and feel like a burden to my husband always being in some type of pain it seems. Really helped to find this blog and hoping to connect with others going through this process. By the way, I’m 56 and was injured going up the steps and slipped falling backwards and I guess landed on my shoulder and outstretched hand. All I know for sure is one minute I was upright and the next I was laying on the floor unable to move my arm.
Debbie, I am so sorry that you are going through this. It is hellish! Physical therapy is awful, but you will recover with more function if you have regular PT.
Some people have had the hardware removed after six months with good results. Most ortho surgeons in the US do not remove the plate and screws.
Pat-How kind of you to reply so quickly. I feel so fortunate to have connected and appreciate all input. I will stay in touch with my progress and hope to hear about others as well.
Hi Debbie, Everybody who suffers this fracture (surgery or no surgery, degree of break, other complications or not) says that they had no idea how bad the pain would be or how long it would take to heal. Often you will realize that you are better only by looking back and realizing that you can do a little more than you could two or three weeks ago. ******You’re in a bad patch now, at 2 and a half months post fracture. You have hurt so much and for so long that it seems you should be much better. Part of the depression comes from the inability to do simple daily things, such as button a shirt or zip up a jacket. The depression will leave. Most people seem to
feel much less pain at about 3 months later. ****That said, you will have pain for
some months ahead. Some of it will be from weak, unused muscles, even after the bone is healed. Generally speaking (and this fracture has many variations) people who have surgery take longer than those who did not.*****Be sure you are moving your arm every day.Pendulum done gently seems to be the gold standard exercise for rehabbing a shoulder injury If you don’t move your arm you could develop frozen shoulder.****What helped me the most was getting into a warm swimming pool to do my exercises and, later,
swim as best I could. You’ll find such a pool at a rehab hospital or at a Y, for people who have arthritis. Having the water take the weight of your arm allows it to stretch without hurting.****As for physical therapy, talk to the head of the PT department, explain your fears, and tell him or her that you do NOT want a young therapist who will push you like a Marine drill sergeant. Ask for someone with at least seven years of experience. Ask the therapist to show you exercises to do at home and in the pool.
***Be sure you’re getting as much sleep and eating well b/c your body takes energy to heal itself. I fell shoveling snow in early February, 2014 and didn’t have surgery.
By that November I was back to swimming backstroke with both arms straight. By Feb 2015 I would go days without even remembering that I had broken my shoulder.
So many people helped me. That’s why I check back on this board and take the time to write to people who are newly injured. If HELENA in Ireland sees this post she will also tell you to get into a pool as often as you can. Margaret
Let me add my welcome. Sorry to hear of your injury. I agree with everyone else. You are in a difficult period. It hurts and you are tired of being depended on others. Add the fear that this is the new norm. I know that feeling well. Have been there myself twice in 2 years. I fell halfway through an attic ceiling. Mine was a 3 part fracture of my right shoulder. Yup I’m right handed.. So plate and 12 screws and 5 months off work as an RN. Fast forward 2 years, problems with my humerus collapsing which lead to a total shoulder replacement. Again PT and extended leave from work. Anyway that was a little over s year ago. Working again with some stiffness but hey what can I expect. Everyone here has a story. Hopefully you soon will be telling yours in the past tense to someone else. Hang in there. Take your meds before PT and use heat to relax your muscles . Post here when you need to vent or ask a question. We are here for you. Sheila
Thanks for the welcome Sheila!
So many brave stories. I’ve had it easy compared to some others for sure.
Big kudos to you for going back to nursing after all you’ve been through.
Margaret,
Wow, what a supportive and helpful post. I will follow up on your advice. We have a recreation center in my neighborhood with an awesome heated pool so I will renew my membership and take advantage of that for sure. Thank you for suggesting I get pool exercises as well from physical therapist.
I look forward to hearing from everyone else and will continue to post on my progress.
Debbie
Debbie,
Welcome to the club no one ever wanted to join! This must be the single longest blog thread in history, and every one of us is grateful to Pat for starting it. I understand being at a point where everyone else thinks you maybe should be over with this, but there’s still so much pain and fear built into the recovery process. No one understands who hasn’t been there, and there are no real support sites, which still seems odd to me.
We’ve all eventually come through it, and Margaret and Helena seemed to find a great therapy modality with the swimming. Good luck with your therapy. I think each of us at some point was frustrated with our doctors or therapists, and they all could use some coaching on communication!
Having someone to listen to you and to bounce ideas off is one of the best things you’ll find here. No one will judge you for feeling depressed or still in pain. We all get it. It happened to most of us, and we got through it one way or another.
Hang in there, and go swimming.
Sharon
Hi Sharon. This is my 3rd physical therapist but I plan to stick with him for the long haul. The first person I saw used a “rolling pin” on my deltoid muscle with so much pressure I was bruised and in pain for a week. The second one was more interested in gossiping and talking about healing crystals than she was in supervising her patients. The one I’m with now seems to really know his stuff but he has to get to know me and where I’m at tolerance wise. I’m learning to listen to my body in synch with what the therapists tell me to do. I have to back off because I have a tendency to “try too hard” and end up straining a muscle or setting off a nerve. This therapist said our body has a sixth sense about itself and that muscles want and need to move. I agree wholeheartedly.
Pat was so brave and clever to start this blog. I have yet to meet anyone in therapy or elsewhere except this blog who has had this surgery. So this blog realoly is a lifeline to me now and I’m thankful for all the feedback.
Debbie,
Mine was a four part with ORIF, 10 screws and a plate. At three months two of the screws were causing trouble, and at four months all the hardware was removed. That’s not normal, but it was a blessing, and my recovery was excellent. You’re right about the muscles telling you what to do. I remember dreading an exercise where I had to raise my arm above shoulder height and screw some spools onto a board. That was the worst exercise ever, but gradually it worked. I had great insurance at the time, and they kept approving PT until I got to the 99th percentile. I went twice a week and then once a week to keep the PT going as long as I could, and did my exercises at home. I still do, but I have to admit that now I usually slack off until it starts to feel stiff, and then start again. A good therapist is a godsend. Mine ended up using me as a case study for her PhD program. I was 65 when I did the damage, and I was very afraid that I wouldn’t generate enough new bone. But it worked.
It’s been three years almost to the day from my second surgery.
The good part of what you find here is the community of fellow travelers!
Take care,
Sharon
Debbie you are lucky you found this blog….On 8/16/13 I had surgery with plate and 10 pins from a displaced humeral two part fracture. I was 64 and it was the worst thing I had ever encountered. This site really helped me. I believe I read all 600 or so blog comments that there were at that time looking for some relief and hope that the pain would get better. Now 2.5 yrs later it is better but it took a long time. My shoulder is aching right now so I will lift a light 7 pound weight about 20 times before bed, get in the Jacuzzi for a while and then I can sleep. Do your PT faithfully, try to stay positive and improvement does eventually come. Good luck! Theresa
Hello Theresa. My humerus fracture was also 2 part displaced and I had a plate with 10 screws so I guess you could say we are bionic twins, LOL. I also broke my wrist and thankfully it was all the left arm since I’m right handed. You are right, I feel so fortunate to have found this blog because I agree it’s difficult for others to relate. You have to live the nightmare to really understand, ugh. I can’t wait to check my email now and every comment I read really reassures me that I’m not alone and things will get better. I’m learning to listen to what my body tells me as well as my physical therapist. I have a tendency to want to “push through the pain” hoping I will advance faster but now realize if I strain a muscle or irritate a nerve too much it’s a setback and not a gain.
Lucky you with the Jacuzzi! I bet that feels great.
Hi all! It has been awhile since I have been here but suddenly saw all the new posts.
Welcome to the newbies.
Listen to your Doctor Debbie. I have 11 pins and was not allowed more than 20% abduction for two months. Or was it three. Your PT will be able to show you the correct form so you do not injure yourself more in rehab. This is a slow process.
I am now about 18 months out from ORIF. My range of motion is 98%. I can live with that. Once released by my Doc and ok’d by PT, getting into the pool really did help the ROM. I now take a water boot camp class at least once a week to keep flexible.
Recently pain returned more than I thought it should have. And I have not regained muscle strength. Scheduled a follow-up visit with surgeon. He loves my ROM but not sure about the pain. Nerve damage maybe, scar tissue, etc. So many possibilities. The pain I believe is muscle spasms. Surgeon sent me back to PT who recommended dry needling. Never heard of it before but three treatments later, my pain is greatly reduced. We are now working on muscle strength. Thinking my muscle has been in a constant contraction so the other muscle will not do their “thing”. I am working with both a PT and also a trainer at YMCA to improve strength. All of our nerves and muscles are so connected, I knew that but I forget. They are finding a trigger point in my neck, around C5 that may be causing some referred pain. And my Quad muscle is tight as it is helping balance me more since my arm doesn’t want to. More information than I ever wanted to know.
I have asked about hardware removal. Not gonna happen. Risk of infection is great and possible additional nerve damage. After my own research once I was told about this, decided to stop my brain from thinking about it unless completely necessary.
This is such a slow recovery. I complain about not being 100% and yet I look back and can see all the progress I have made. I believe water exercise and PT stretches need to be incorporated into my weekly life forever. It doesn’t take much neglect for my arm to stiffen back up.
It’s been awhile since I have sent a reply and I too have made it past the year point. I tried earlier to send a note to welcome all of the newly injured to our elite group that all of us wish we were not a part of. This journey we are all on has been eased by the care and compassionate responses and encouraging words sent by all. I myself look to Georgiapat and Margaret as the wise ones and have learned a lot from their posts.
Kim my injury was 3 months after yours and I too have not regained muscle strength. I have most of my ROM back and have begun to have problems with the tendon in the shoulder. I am not sure where your pain is but if you are having muscle issues ask the therapist or trainer to work their fingers under the scapula to release the rhomboid muscle. It will be a bit painful, but it helps a lot. Scar tissue can build up behind the scapula so the shoulder will not move properly. How did the needle therapy work? Is it similar to acupuncture and will it help with the tendon?
Georgiapat, I will be in Georgia visiting family and would love to meet you. I know the Gwinette Braves will be in town when I am there in April and I would gladly buy you a ticket so I can meet someone on the same journey. Do you have any advise for flying? My guess is it maybe a bit uncomfortable with the pressure changes. I have not flown since the injury. Once again thank you for all you do for our group you truly inspire all of us.
Hey, Sharon! I would love to meet for lunch when you’re in town…IF I am in town at the same time! We are going to east Tennessee to bury my dad’s ashes in mid-April. We’re taking several cars, and haven’t firmed up the dates.
Hello again to all old and new members of the group. It has been some time since I have posted. I survived the first year. This has been quite a journey and with all of the comments and advice I too have benefited from this wonderful site. I look to Margaret and Georgiapat as the wise owls that provide the best inspiration to all of us.
Kim your fracture was about three months prior to mine and I also have not gotten my muscle strength back. I too have been gotten much of my ROM back but was recently in an auto accident and I am back to therapy for the tendon. When you begin to lift heavier weights stay away from the bench presses it places a lot of stress on the hardware. Was dry needling similar to acupuncture and how much relief did it provide? I have done the deep tissue and it was very painful but helped for the muscle. I also had the athletic trainer massage under the scapula to loosen up the rhomboid muscle and that helped the movement, scar tissue builds up due to lack of movement from the initial injury.
Georgiapat if you are free in April I will be in Georgia to visit family. If you are close maybe we could meet. I know the Gwinette Braves will be in town when we are there and I would love to meet you in person, I will gladly get you a ticket. Do you have any advice for flying? My guess is that it will be very uncomfortable.
I have tried several times to send a reply, but most of the time they do not go to this site. I welcome all the new member to this site and want you all to know that our fearless leader Georgiapat has provide all of us with knowledge and feedback we can only get from people who share a similar journey. Margaret is also wonderful providing feedback and advise. I look to both of you and appreciate all feedback.
Kim I to have been having some similar problems with the muscle and had my trainer work under the scapula to loosen up the rhomboid muscle and it helped a lot. As we heal, our muscles do not always move properly and need to have the scar tissue broken up so that both shoulder move evenly or they will cause pain. Ask you therapist if this is good to try. It is a bit painful but it is worth it to break the scar tissue up. I am having some problems with the tendon due to an auto accident and the seatbelt tightening on the shoulder. Did the needle therapy help and is it similar to acupuncture?
Georgiapat I will be going to Georgia in April and I know the Gwinette braves will be in town if you live close enough I would love to meet you in person and will gladly buy you a ticket and dinner. Thank you for all you do for everyone.
Sorry, Sharon! Your reply was waiting for my approval, and I have been struggling to install my new internet/voice router. I am going to call Comcast and pay for installation.
That’s ok. I thought I was sending them wrong. I am terrible with computers. I hope we will be able to meet when I am in Georgia. Thank you for everything. Sharon
Hey, Sharon! It was great spending a day with you in Georgia. I hope to see you when you come this way again.
Pat
Hey Sharon,
Currently working around the scapula, I will ask about the rhomboid on my next visit which is two more weeks away. I believe the dry needle therapy is helping. It is not the most comfortable procedure so I wouldn’t try it if I didn’t think it was helping. It is like acupuncture only from a needle standpoint. My understanding of acupuncture is that it has a focus on energy flow. Dry Needling involves multiple pokes like a piston of a filament needle into the muscle in the region of a “Trigger Point’ and also into my scar.The aim of Dry Needling is to achieve a local twitch response to release muscle tension and pain. Ain’t gonna lie, when a trigger point is hit, I about fly off the table for just a moment, then it is all good again. My surgeon did say if Dry Needling did not work to feel free to then try acupuncture.
He also gives me exercises to stretch that scar tissue and working on various back muscles. Not a lot different than the early PT days, I think I just had not done many of them for so long that I took a step backward. I was so happy being in a pool and “moving on” that I did not focus on just arm PT.
Slow and steady….
hi all, and welcome Debbie- sorry to hear you’ve joined the clud, but you will find it’s a very helpful place to check into. I sobbed for two days when I first started reading, realizing all that lay ahead of me….. I had a pretty intense break of proximal humerus head, and dr decided not to do surgery.. two months later a second dr said he would try to do a fix or a replacement, and eventually I decided it was too late and would try and see what kind of recovery I could get without replacement.. i was 61 at time of the break and didn’t want to have to have it redone in 12-15 years which is what surgeion told me would be. It’s almost 17 months later- I had a fabulous PT for 8 months and then we moved and I couldn’t access the workers comp insurance out of state….. the pain was the most difficult part to get through- I recommend a pain management dr- I finally got to one and they found nerve damage, took meds for a while for that which helped greatly but have since stopped. I have limited range of motion but can raise my arm high enough for most things.. cannot get it behind me much above my waist.. this is all from the way the bone split… however the good news is that pain is at a very manageable level, just some motrin some days, and I have been able to return to many activities.. have spent this winter in florida and still cannot believe it, but i have been playing a little golf and tennis, as well as swimming and pool volleyball (with beach ball).. I’m careful not to overextend my arm, but the pain doesn’t seem any worse when I’ve used it for sports.. I really had thought that this part of my life was over, so it’s truly amazing to realize how far I’ve come. I don’t expect it will ever be the way it was, but you learn to live with and celebrate what you have. each new thing I’ve done this winter was a little victory. I’m glad to hear about everyone’s progress and wish you all an early and warm spring!
Hello Georgiapat,
Sorry to hear about your father. The memories and love for our parents live on and will help to get you through a tough time.
I will be in Georgia April 27-29. I fly home early on the 30th so any of the days will be possible to meet for lunch. I look forward to meeting you. I think you have my email from the blog. Send me an email and I will give you number and let you know where I will be.
Sharon
Hey, Sharon. I can’t seem to view your email address on the blog. Probably, the best email for me would be patricia.sabin@comcast.net . I tend to check email on my smart phone more often than not. Send me an email, and we’ll see if we can figure out a day that works for both of us.
Hello all! I’ve followed this wonderful blog since I fell on the ice & suffered a 2 part proximal humerus fracture in November, 2014. I received ORIF within 15 hours of my injury & now have a plate & 11 screws that my doctor said “should” stay in forever. My excellent insurance allowed me 40 PT visits & I used almost all of them in 2014-15.
Fast forward to now, 17 months post injury. I still do my home exercises & very proudly boast about the ten Marine Corps style pushups I do almost daily. I am 59 & never did a pushup before this. They say that my range of motion is excellent. I can reach straight over my head, almost touch my head when I reach behind & tip my head back, I can come up from the side & point my arm straight up, but not comfortably.
When I hold my injured arm straight out to the the side & roll it clockwise & back I can feel & hear crunching in the joint. So can anyone who rests their hand on my shoulder. I feel sharp pain when I continue raising from the side to reach over my head, (as a ballerina might). Once my arm rolls over a “hump” the sharp pain stops & I’m left with a dull pain. I can talk through this pain, but it isn’t comfortable. Also, I enjoy hiking & after 10-15 mile hikes, and sometimes shorter ones, my arm aches.
All in all it’s not too bad, I have an arm that allows me to work & play. But I wonder if this is as good as it gets?
To that end, I saw the doctor last week. I am radiation-phobic & opted to skip x-rays for now. The doctor agrees that something is definitely going on in there, but he doesn’t know what. He said the crunching & pain might be due to the hardware, I might have some arthritis, or there could be a tear. The way to diagnose a tear is with MRI. Unfortunately, my hardware would distort an MRI image, so that’s not an option. An x-ray would show a screw that’s considerably out of place, but not one that’s just kind of rubbing on something.
The doctor doesn’t have a problem with removing the hardware, he’ll do whatever I want. If he goes in, removes the plate & 11 screws & does nothing else, he assures me that I won’t be any worse off than I am right now. He would look for tears while he is in there & there would be no MRI.
If there are tears I’m not sure I want him to repair them, nuts as that sounds. I have good enough use of my arm and I need it to work. I simply can’t afford to not work for 6-9 months while a soft tissue injury heals. I can do that in 10-15 years when I’m retired, if I want it then. I can afford the relatively short down time to have the plates removed though.
I have some questions that I hope you can help me with.
1. If I have the plate & screws removed & nothing else done, how long do you think it take for me to have good use of that arm? How long, say, until I can lift 10-20 pounds with it? Will I need a sling and if I do, for how long?
2. Am I just crazy stupid to consider a surgery without having him fix everything (if he finds a tear)?
Thanks so much for your time, and thank you for this blog!
Hi L in Colorado
Have not had my hardware removed so cannot answer your questions on that one. I do have some crunching but my pain is more when I lower the arm from the muscles relaxing. I wish I could do pushups. Just working up to them. Discovered with a compression sleeve on that I can finally get my tricep to engage so I will begin plank and pushup exercise now that we figured that part out.
I am about 19 months out from ORIF and also have 11 screws in. My PT does not think I should have my hardware removed if I can avoid it. I have great range of motion and except for a few days of pain here and there, I really can do what I want to do in life.. And Advil helps the pain so I am not in huge amounts of discomfort. They are more concerned about hospitals and infections. Those 11 holes in my bone are 11 places for one piece of bacteria to find its way in and that could be a risk. I am unsure of what to think about that. I will be curious what others have experienced.
I have X-rays from three days after my hardware was removed, and the bone looked like a woodpecker had been very busy. I also have X-rays from three months out where there is no sign at all of the holes. In between, I was very careful!
L in Colorado
I have had my hardware removed and it was the best thing I did. Recovering time is much shorter. You have to be careful until all the holes fill in because it is a stress point.
Again it was the best thing I ever did.
Do you know how long your removal surgery took? And how long until you do things like hold a newborn baby (who is due the week I think I might schedule this surgery for).
I think the long post I wrote is lost. Oh well. First, I want to thank you for this blog. I’ve never posted before but this really helped me with my recovery. I broke my arm in Nov, 2014 & I’m thinking about having the hardware removed. Can someone tell me what hardware removal after 17 months might be like? I know you aren’t doctors & that everyone is different, but I’d like to know what you think based on your own experiences. I have a plate & 11 screws. Is the removal surgery fast (like, 30-60 minutes)? Is the aftermath painful? How long is the recovery? Is the incision as big as the first one? Were you in a sling? Is there a restriction about holding weight? For how long? Thanks!
Sorry, L in Colorado! I have to approve comments to keep spam out (although WordPress does a good job.
You are doing well! What was your age when you had you accident? Do you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, or did you just fall the wrong way?
GeorgiaPat
Ah, that makes sense about spam, georgiapat. No wonder this is such a good site! Yes, they say I am doing very well. I have excellent ROM, but not without pain. Because of the plate & screws an MRI will be distorted & not useful. I could leave well enough alone, or have the hardware removed with or without soft tissue repair, if I have any. Repairing a tear could take 6-9 months to heal, and I can’t take that much time off work. Hardware removal only is a much shorter recovery, but how crazy am I to consider surgery without having everything fixed?
I was 58 when the accident happened, 59 now, and I have osteopenia. The endocrinologist didn’t think this sounded like a fragility fracture. I fell backward onto black ice covering a cement driveway with all my weight coming down on my left elbow. I think. I honestly don’t remember falling; it was that fast. Usually, when you trip or fall there is an “oh no” instant before landing. I didn’t have that. I went from standing to hyperventilating & nausea with nothing in between.
I’m considering just having the hardware removed. The doc would look for soft tissue damage at that time and not fix it if he finds any because of the long recovery for that, but I want to know what people here think of that idea.
And I want to know what people’s experiences of hardware removal were? Thanks so much!
Hi L in Colorado, I was lucky enough enough to forego surgery, so what I know about removal of the hardware is second hand. The postings I’ve read on this blog and some others (closed, no longer active) by people who had the removal done all indicate favorable outcomes. They wrote that the second surgery and recovery was nowhere near as painful or long as the original one and the pain they had been feeling from the hardware was gone. You asked about the incision. Most likely your surgeon will make it through the original scar. Your osteopenia might cause some surgeons to be reluctant to do the removal, but obviously, your surgeon does not feel that it contraindicates the procedure. You seem to heal quickly and you’re smart enough to pay extra attention to your diet so that your bones get the needed nutrition for healing.****You mentioned not being able to hold the baby and asked if you would be shortsighted in skipping repair of the tear, should one be found. IMHO, yes that would be shortsighted and you could well regret it in the future. ****You’ll never be any younger than you are now and you’ll never heal any faster than you will this year. Your concern should be your strength and weight lifting ability when that baby is a toddler and beyond, IMHO. IF there is a tear it might cause future problems with mobility or pain or (depending on location) rotator cuff impairment.***Repairing the tear now spares you another possible incision, another anesthesia (general anesthesia is a hit on the body to recover from), another healing time that will likely be longer, and, of course, more pain.***Once a patient is”open” for surgery it just makes more sense to go ahead and take care of any other adjacent parts of the body that may cause problems in the future–unless the surgery has to be done as quickly as possibly, say for an older patient with heart problems who would be at risk for staying under anesthesia longer. (This is why surgeons doing abdominal surgery sometimes go ahead and remove a healthy appendix. It is a vestigial organ that isn’t needed and could become infected and require future surgery. That isn’t done as often now that laparascopic surgery is used whenever possible, but that was the first example that came to mind.)***I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.*****DEBBIE, if you see this, how are you?
KIM,All I knew about dry needling was that it was related to acupuncture, so I did a little research. They must be using a regular hypodermic needle on you, dry b/c it doesn’t contain a drug. Regular needles are much larger than acupuncture needles.
Acupuncture doesn’t hurt. As soon as the needle starts going in, the pain eases. I can’t imagine a dog or cat being silent during dry needling like what you’re getting, and I have seen them getting acupuncture and staying so relaxed, looking half asleep, as though they are getting a massage at the spa.***Hi to HELENA, SYBIL, SHARON, PAT, and everyone else. Margaret
HI MARGARET!
It’s almost like old times to be hearing from everyone again. It’s good to hear so many success stories. It seemed like it would never end.
We’ve all come out on the other side pretty much OK, which is amazing considering how really awful this injury is.
All the best to everyone, especially to Pat, for keeping this going for everyone who needs it.
Hello everyone and thanks so much for thinking of me Margaret.
I’m coming up on my 4 month mark since ORIIF proximal humerus and closed manipulation of fractured L radius on the 18th of April.
My pain at this point is directly related to how much I use my arm and wrist.
I can say at rest that my pain level is 0.
I sleep well at night and can actually sleep comfortably on my left shoulder as well.
Pain kicks up with any movement but I am controlling that with motrin or aleve and tylenol. I get pretty uncomfortable if I do a lot but I think that’s normal.
My range of motion is excellent for where I’m at.
I can almost hold my left arm almost as straight as right and can lift it fully overhead in touchdown position. I still have very limited movement behind my back and have trouble reaching back for seat belt,etc.
I’ve noticed if I don’t keep moving my muscles stiffen up and ROM suffers in relatively short period of time.
I’m finding out that “use it or lose it” is so true.
All in all I think I’m doing excellent for where I’m at.
My wrist actually causes me more pain at times than my shoulder.
I must have a good surgeon and I have been faithful with my physical therapy exercises.
After reading so many stories from others with prolonged severe pain and other complications I feel very fortunate.
Hope, hugs and health to everyone
Debbie
Dear L, I am not going to go into any details until I know that this will get to you. Pat when you started this blog I think I was the 3rd or 4th person..now it has grown substantially and it sounds like many messages are going into oblivion. It must be a huge time constraint to manage. Just a thought what about creating a private group members only on a face book page? I do want to Thank Pat for all the hard work she has done in keeping the group informed and supported during their healing process! L, I had a Fx in May 2012, was told it was stable would heal on its’ own. Fellow colleagues of the Ortho disagreed had surgery 4 weeks later. Had to re-break the humerus for hardware insertion. Pain constant. December 2014 pain increased new Ortho suspected a torn rotator cuff. Had a sonogram (No MRI due to artifact from hardware) Sonograms can accurately detect rotator cuff damage. New Ortho, who understood that I had always wanted the hardware removed, decided it best to scope first check to see if would be safe to remove the hardware and then open up to remove and repair the cuff. It was horrible from the surgery Feb 2015 until September 2015. Had intensive PT for 8 months. I have great insurance. The pain I had mid humeral shaft and elbow has improved a great deal. Still have the stabbing pain occasionally humeral head. No restrictions but pay the price the next day. I have no regrets undergoing a second surgery…I wish the results were better. However the truth being it is hard to fully recover from this type of trauma. My opinion only. If I were to be opened up again I would want everything to be fixed at once. If you get this I would be happy to elaborate further. In the meantime you will get incredibly good advice and support from this forum. Best wishes!!!
The people who need this blog the most are those who are newly injured. If Pat switched to a private FB group, new people–the ones who need the information the most– would NEVER be able to find it. Most people stumble onto the blog by searching “broken shoulder + blog” or “fractured humerus blog” or something similar on Google or another public search engine.*****.
Learning about the experiences and recoveries of other people (even if they are not currently active–b/c they have recovered and gone on with their lives) is of great value to someone who is in the first few weeks or months post fracture. All Pat has to do now is to periodically check to see if anyone (new or old) has posted a message for her to okay so it can be read by everyone else. The old threads are just there. Pat doesn’t have to spend any time managing them.
Soo true! I am one of those who stumbled upon it and was profoundly grateful!
Dry needling is meant to get a reaction to the muscle. I do believe it helped but was not for the faint of heart at times. It helped turn “off” my bicep and try to turn “on” my triceps which I has been a problem I guess.
Each day is better. I have to always look back and see how far I have actually come.
Just checking in with everyone. 4 years since my original injury and 2 years since my total shoulder replacement. I still work as a nurse but will never have full function in that right shoulder. But I am zen about it these days. How is everyone else?
Hi everyone – like Sheila I am coming up to 4 years end October for a 4 part fracture of proximal humerous fix in Essex UK. I have a plate with 12 pins & am so grateful to the surgeon, if it hadn’t been for his expertise (apparently one of the best in the field – it was my lucky day that the nursing staff went out of their way to put me in his direction/care) I did all physio & excercises can raise my arm about 75 degrees it will never have full movement but I too am chilled with it – no pain & full use otherwise – it could have been so different – a big thank you NHS. I was so pleased to have found this forum following my accident it really helped getting encouragement from others that had been through similar experiences. To all who are currently in that very dark place that I recall so well – keep doing the excercises & chin up there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I’m a month shy of four years out. The plate and ten screws were removed at 4 months. And I’ve had an excellent recovery. I just turned 69, and other than some recurring pain right at the incision line, life is pretty good. I try to remember to keep up the shoulders-back exercises to keep it from getting too tight in front. God has been good to me.
I just had my hardware removed yesterday, 22 months post-ORIF. I had a 5″ plate & 11 screws that caused a dull ache all the time & a dull roar when I used the arm. They scoped the shoulder & found NO TEARS! I am excited & hopeful that my pain will go away. I could make my arm do anything, but it hurt. Certain motions like pulling a shirt over my head were downright painful. Really looking forward to a new me. I also had them fix a trigger finger on the other side & I’m bandaged up pretty well. I look like a car wreck but feel well enough to not take pain pills.
HI Everyone,
Who here have their hardware removed and how have you been doing since?
I am considering taking them out when my bones are healed?
Appreciate any kind inputs! Thanks!
Rgds,
Bernard
Me again! My recovery has been remarkable. I have virtually no pain in my shoulder now. The hardware caught on something inside me all along. It never would have gotten better on its own & I probably would have developed scar tissue at some point. Now that the hardware is gone so is my pain. I needed zero pain meds post surgery. Range of motion came back almost immediately. My bone was actually 95% strong post surgery, according to my doctor, and I had very little down time. I’m keeping Scar Away patches on the scar & hope it’ll be a thin white line by this time next year. Removing the hardware was one of the smartest decisions I made. If you’re going to do this, I recommend doing it early in the year when doctors are less busy & you’ll have more time to use up your PT benefits, (if you have them). No question about it, this was a smart move for me. Also, I had a trigger finger on the opposite side that was fixed during the same surgery. Because hardware removal is relatively simple, you may be able to fix other things you’d like to take care of at the same time. Good luck & please keep us posted!
Hi Lucy,
Glad to hear that you have recovered well. How was your range of motion before and after the removal?
Rgds,
Bernard
Hi Bernard, My ROM was excellent before I had the hardware removed, but I had pain. For instance, when I walked my arm up a wall to fully extend it over my head there was a point where I felt something jump over a sticking point and it hurt a LOT. Once I was over the hump my arm moved freely. This was a problem every time I pulled a shirt over my head. It was a problem when I did PT lying on my back & bringing a weight from my hip over my head. Also, when I held my arm straight out to the side like a cross, and rotated my palm from the front to the back other people could feel the grinding & bumping in my shoulder. I began to avoid certain movements. I took shirts off differently & did arm exercises differently. So, I could make my arm do anything, but it hurt. Clothes shopping wasn’t a joy & I’d give up easily (maybe that was a good thing). Now my arm moves freely in all directions & I have no pain. I can spend a day trying on tight tops if that strikes my fancy. I’m told that I’m more flexible than some. I can reach behind my back, tip my head back & touch my head with my good arm & I’m pretty close with my bad arm. I have to work a little harder to fully extend my bad arm straight over my head to make it as long as my good arm. I can screw in a ceiling bulb that’s a little out of reach with my bad arm again. I can also reach under a sofa at an odd angle, fully extend the arm & grab whatever is under there with the tips of my fingers. Pain really prevented me from doing these things when the hardware was in. I really like having full use of my arm again. I know that hardware removal sounds like a big deal, but I didn’t think it was & I am very happy I did it.
Bernard,
Long story short, I had a proximal humerus fracture in April of 2012. I had hardware put in to fix it(ORIF). Overall I was doing ok. I would have some pretty moderate aches and pain a few times a week but nothing Ibuprofen couldn’t handle. However, I had about 3 episodes when my shoulder would hurt so bad it was difficult to move it in certain directions. And then in October of 2015 I had an episode that was so painful, besides bending at the elbow, I was unable to move my arm at all for 6 days. Horrendous pain. This was completely random and out of the blue. The pain went away on its own and I was back to my normal. But after missing 4 shifts of work, I knew it was time to get the plate out. I went to 5 different surgeons over the next 4 months. And this was its own not so fun experience. I got everything from nothing is wrong but lets just take the plate out for fun basically to I had a slew of things going on which were directly because of the plate. So in May of last year, I had it taken out and a “shoulder clean-up” which included a bicep tendonesus. Missed 4 months of work but the threapy was nothing compared to the original surgery. Nothing even close. Little to no pain!!! I was even able to participate in a very physical fire academy which began in mid August. And there was absolutely no way I could’ve completed this type of academy with that plate in my shoulder. I completed the academy in November and have had NO pain at all. I couldn’t be happier. If you are having pain, you have to explore the option of taking it out. But go to multiple surgeons. Some have absolutely no clue what is going on. I wish I would’ve taken mine out sooner. I have not had one minute of pain since it’s been out. Please let me know if you have any questions. I would love to help.
Hi Michael,
Great to hear that you have no pain after the hardware are out! Any improvement to ROM after the plates are out?Do you know when is the best time to take it out? I am actually quite freaked out about the no. of holes left after it is taken out and whether the bones have healed enuff for the hardware to be out.
Rgds,
BErnard
Wondering if the removal of hardware also reduce in the tightness and stiffness around the arm.
And one more note about tightness & stiffness. I never had stiffness in my arm but I do have tightness. Stretch, stretch stretch! If I don’t stretch I feel everything get tighter. I don’t know if this improved after the plate & screws came out. I just don’t remember.
I had my hardware removed when I had my total shoulder replacement 2 years after my original ORIF. I had had a plate and 12 screws, now a ball and joint. Gotta say it doesn’t ache on the outer aspect of my arm like it did with the plate.
I had my original ORIF in October 2012 and the hardware moved February 2013. Best decision ever. I had to be careful because it was early and the X-rays looked like Swiss cheese from the screw holes, but half the screws needed to come out and I said “take it all’. Recovery was easy from the security no surgery and ended up in the 99th percentile of ROM. I was 64. Go for it.
Hi Sheila,
Hope you are doing fine with your replacement.
Hi Sharon,
What was your severity of your fractures and reason for taking the hardware out So early? It was a brave move as the initial fractures may not have healed properly and most doc will only take them out at least after 1 year. I can’t imagine if I were you. How did you even sleep without sometimes accidentally leaning on injured arm. Are you taking any supplement?
Bernard, my humeral head was smashed. They call it a four part ORIF, but there were pieces that didn’t make back into the mix! I have an irregular top outside edge that I can still feel, but that doesn’t cause any problems. I had a screw that was impinging into the joint, and another that went too far through the humerus and was sticking out the other side. This is apparently in part due to things going back where they belong as you heal and exercise. Those two HAD to come out, as my PT was suddenly going backwards. Since I could also feel things ‘catching’ on the edges of the plate, I requested full removal. There was healing already very evident, and I was taking vitamin D in large doses and a calcium-magnesium supplement. I used a bone stimulator (ultrasound) appliance after the second surgery. The holes were filled in almost completely in three months, and the removal of the plate allowed me a full recovery of function. It was an easy surgery because the incision was the only really trauma, unlike the first round.i do have a significant scar, but I did before.
They actually used my surgeries and recovery for a case study for a PhD dissertation!. They took X-rays every week, then every two weeks, until I was turned loose.
If you do this, good luck with it.
Sharon H
You know, the original topic of this blog post was about physical therapy & how much people do or did. I broke my arm in mid November, 2014 & tried as hard as I could to use my 40 allowed visits before the year ended. I didn’t quite accomplish that. Since I was out of work I made PT my job. I went several times a week & did my exercises up to five times a day. Many were just stretches to improve range of motion. Weights, when I was cleared for them, were very light. My strength grew from holding a tuna can to holding an 8 ounce water bottle, until I advanced to a one pound free weight, and up from there. That took 3-5 months from the original injury. At some point during those first six weeks I realized that physical therapy was not done TO me, but something that I had to do to myself. The physical therapist was merely a coach & cheerleader. What a disappointing realization that was! In 2015 my insurance only allowed 20 visits & I stretched those out over 12 months but continued my daily exercise program. I tapered down to once a day though. 2016 was the year I had my plate removed & my thumb fixed & since I knew the drill by then, I only used about six visits. I still do my PT nearly every day. I have 14 exercises of 30 reps each that I made a little chart for. I’ll do a few at a time & check them off as I go, always attempting to finish all 14. I’m less than four months out from my hardware removal, and one of the exercises, where I bring my arms up from the side to form a cross, I still only hold 2 pound weights for. Thirty of those is tiring! My biggest accomplishment though is pushups. I’m 60 years old, I weigh 114 pounds & I had never done a pushup in my life. Now I can do 10-15 at a time. Real ones, like the Marines do! Well, not quite that well. I only drop down a few inches, but this is huge for me & I continue to get better at it. My doctor agrees that keeping the exercises going contributed to my very fast recovery from the plate removal. And a new added benefit is that I have nicely toned arms that I’m proud to show off.
I am have weekly PT at the moment. However, I do not want to push too hard especially when it comes to forward elevation. I feel some impingement between the plates , rotator cuff tendons, and the shoulder when doing front elevation from 40 to 90 degrees.
Bernard, one more note – I was told that the holes left by the screws do not significantly weaken the bone. I was very concerned about this & my doctor seemed sure about this. He said my bone was about 95% strong immediately after the removal. I had 11 screws & a few of them went through both sides of the bone.
Hi Lucy,
The screw holes were not filled up with any bone filler but left hollow? Are you taking any supplements for the bone to promote healing?
I am 1 month post orif. I feel so tired from the severe lack of sleep as I can only manage 2 session of sleep each lasting about 2 hrs.
Wonder if it will be like this forever. Was sleeping better for you after the removal?
No, no bone filler. I have osteoporosis too. Do your research before considering a filler. Some people react badly to it. It’s a foreign body that your body may not like. It took a long time until I could sleep on my bad shoulder but I was sleeping well long before the plate was removed. This should improve for you. I take Fosamax & calcium with vitamin D. That’s for general bone strength, not just for my injured arm.
How did you all manage to sleep at night? I am having interrupted sleep even with pain killers and sleeping pill. Has been sleeping about 3-4 hours everyday only.
And I get so tired in the day. How am I going back to work like this?
Rgds,
Bernard
Hi Bernard, Sleep got easier & easier. I’d get comfortable with pillows & then not move around much. It was a year before I could sleep on my bad shoulder & then only for short periods. Even now I favor my good shoulder. The bad shoulder tires more easily. I you aren’t already, try walking for exercise to help tire you out. I found that walking was its own passive arm exercise too. I’d swing the arm until it tired & then rest it by tucking my hand in a coat pocket. Sometimes at the beginning I held it in my protective position with my fist up by my shoulder when I tired. I live in snow country & a week or so post-ORIF I walked on a treadmill with the emergency cord clipped to my shirt & held the railing with my good arm. When I felt brave I put cleats on my shoes & walked outside.
I am 6 weeks post orif surgery. Shoulder especially where the plates are getting tighter and discomfort. Frontal ROM still at 45 degrees. With some struggling can go up to about 80 degrees but takes great effort to maintain at that position. I think my progress is very poor at 6 weeks. I wonder if anyone progress is worse than mine.
Rgds,
Bernard
6 weeks, so long ago in my memory banks of where I was. I had ORIF, 11 pins. At the six week mark I believe I was just allowed to start ROM. Prior to that I was kept at no more than 20% abduction. I had my surgery in Sept and stayed in PT until March. I am now 2-1/2 years out and my ROM is about 95%. Still have that tightness where the plate is sadly but it could be worse. Lots of stretching, lots of movement. In the pool was the best therapy for me to work on the ROM. Are you working with a therapist? What do they think of your progress? I think for 6 weeks you are doing great with your ROM
Yes. I am working with a PT. Initally making some progress but seems a bit stagnat now. I can’t maintain position after 40 degrees. There seems to have a mass of muscles between the humerus and acromial which restrict my movement when moving beyond 40 degrees.
Bernard
Hi Bernard
How is your recovery going on?
I continue to improve. I’m up to a total of 30-50 pushups a day, 10 or 15 at a time. I still work a little harder to fully extend my bad shoulder. It doesn’t hurt, but it’s tighter & requires more effort. Stretch, stretch, stretch. It’s almost as comfortable to sleep on the bad shoulder as the good one. Maybe it’s habit, but I prefer the good one. The good shoulder is also my dominant one. I still do 30 reps of 14 PT exercises every day. I intend to do these forever. It takes about a half hour. I’m not into increasing the weights any more or interested in body building. I’m grateful that I have my arm back.
Hi Gael from Sydney… what a godsend this blog has been – so thank you GeorgiaPat and for still being there. I can’t tell you how many nights I poured over people’s stories and so helped me on this horrible journey. I’m 15 weeks out of what my surgeon describes as a horrific injury – proximal humerus egg shell break with orif surgery 1 week after accident. I only went for a check up yesterday to find out I have a screw impinging in the joint that needs to be removed. However, from what I have learnt from this blog is that it’s good to get the whole thing out so I’m going to try and push for this. Devasted about another surgery but over the impingement pain and restriction of movement. Please keep posting and much appreciated
Welcome, Gael! I am glad you found us. My accident was in Oct 2010, and I’m getting along OK. Still limited range of motion in the left arm, but with osteopenia and at the age of 66, I do not plan any additional surgeries. The most annoying symptom is the intolerance of cold. Even in the summer, I keep a sweater with me at all times.
Pat Sabin (“GeorgiaPat”)
Hi Pat – thanks again and for your thoughts. Lucy and others thanks so much for your posts re getting hardware out. Lucy is the scar worse and hope you are still getting along well? – regards Gael
I’m nearly five months post hardware removal. So far, the scar looks great. I had a nice, soft, thin white line when they cut me open to remove the hardware. From what I see now, it looks as if the second doctor cut a little left or a little right of the original incision, and in some places was right on the old line. It looks fine to me. It’s still red, but it’s getting lighter. It takes at least a year for scars to heal. I had internal stitches both times, so no zipper marks. I’m a believer in Scar Away patches. They’re like long Band Aids with a silicone backing that’s supposed to help minimize scarring. I wore them for a year after my first surgery & am doing that again now.
One of these days I’ll post photos & show off my Rambo-like muscular arms. These on a 115 lb grandmother who lifted the first weight of her life two months post ORIF! 🙂
Oh you are amazing – thanks so much for the feedback and I’ll look into the scar away patches. Look forward to the photos also kind regards Gael
Just had an ultrasound last week and found out that I had rototar cuff injuries to all the tendons in which the supraspinatus has a near a full thickness tear. My AC joint also have a partial tear. All along, I had difficulty raising my arm thru’ 75degress as I felt there is some impingement where the plate is.
Arrogrant Dr ignore my concerns and told me to force myself thru PT or have a frozen shoulder.
I did what was told and perhaps tore my supraspinatus tendon and ac joint.
The AC joint is partially torn and protruded abit during certain movement.
I was able to raise my arm till 90 degrees now but I felt I was not using the correct combination of muscle to lift my arm. Ultrasound report states positive subcromial impingement yet Dr insisted that the plate is not the cause,
I am just 3 months post Ops and the shoulder is in a mess.
What should I do next?
For those out there who has their plate removed, did you feel lesser discomfort and better ROM? Till now , I am still not getting used to the injured arm. It always feel stiff, tight, heavy and discomfort.
What’s worst was that now at the age of 39, I am also suffering from an arthritis of the knee due to a torn ACL at younger days. Dr predicted I need a knee replacement in another 5 yrs but told that I m still too young for that.
Feeling so miserable about the journey. Hope guys here could give some advices on the shoulder.
Rgds,
Bernard
Oh Bernard, I am so SO sorry to hear this. My heart really goes ou to you. Recovery from soft tissue repair is significantly more difficult than recovery from a broken bone. As far as I know, the gold standard test is an MRI. Avoid CAT scans if possible because of the large dose of radiation with CATs. In my case they didn’t do an MRI because the metal in the plate would have distorted it. I had no xrays or anything before they removed my plate because I’m paranoid about radiation. They “scoped” me instead when they removed the plate. I did not have any tears, thankfully, and yes, removing the plate was a miracle for me. All the pain went away right away. But you have something different going on then I had. The recovery from soft tissue repair is brutal & my doctor agreed to not repair tears if he found any. I felt that I would need to plan my life around a tissue repair and last September was not a good time for me to start the process. You’re looking at a good year to two for full recovery. That’s the bad news. The good news is there are different ways to approach the surgery, some less paonful than others. You have time for research before you jump into anything. Are you in the US? Do you have good insurance or can you get it? I’d recommend looking at sports medicine surgeons. It sounds this if you have a big injury and you need a big repair with a very knowledgeable surgeon. Like, destination surgery for a Top Doc. If it were me, I would want somebody who treats professional athletes working on my shoulder. They see this all the time and they can get you the best results possible. As opposed to “good enough.” Again, I am very very sorry to hear about this devastating news.
Just went to my Ortho doctor yesterday. X-rays revealed an excellent healing with no arthritis and good regrowth of the entire area. It has been 4 years since my surgery. I was 63 when my 2 part humeral break occurred and resulted in a plate and 10 screws inserted. I have osteoporosis and it took a long time to heal and improve. I am now lifting light weights and on no medication. This blog helped me immensely in the beginning since it was such a horrific fall and recovery period. It helped to read every post in this blog looking for something that might relate to the way I felt. My hardware is remaining in. I have slight aches once in a while after lifting but nothing that at 68 I cannot handle. Just wanted to report a good doctor’s report and for those who are in the beginning of their recovery, it will happen.
Hi Lucy,
How did they scope your tears? Is it accurate?
The problem is that there is no point repairing the rotator cuff now as I would have re-tear it if the impingement issue is not solved.
I think I might have to wait for another 9 more months till the bones are fully healed
to remove the plate and do some clean up in the hope to rectify the impingement issue before fixing the rotator cuff. Not sure whether it can be done in one single surgery.
I have stop PT now because I am afraid to cause further damage to the rotator cuffs but I am risking a frozen shoulder. I dun dare even to move my arms a lot now.
I am from Singapore. I have an insurance but it only allow me to go to public hospital where I believe good surgeons are limited. My insurance does allow me to go to private hospitals where there are more better doctors but I will have to pay a third of the bill. However, I don’t really know which Doctor is Good even if I were to go to private. I wish I were in US as it seems the Drs here are not that knowledgeable and professional on fixing a proximal humerus fractures. Their job is done after they show you that the fractures is nicely reduced on the X-ray.
Rgds,
Bernard
Hi Bernard, you sound really down & defeated, but this may not be as hopeless as you fear.
If I understand this correctly, the impingement you describe is from something catching on your plate or screws. Almost any surgeon can remove the plate & screws. It requires more technique to put it in.
The plate is only in there to hold the bones in place while they heal. Human bones healed before the invention of ORIF, and many people today still heal broken bones without ORIF. Once there is enough healing in your bones to hold them in place you can probably have the plate removed & use a sling or brace or even a cast to protect the arm while it completes healing. You may want to ask about having the plate removed on the early end because it’s causing you significant problems.
Not using the arm can’t be good for it. If you have the rotator cuff repaired your arm will be immobilized for a while, and then very slowly stretched & exercised over the next 6-9 months. So, now could be a good a time to have everything done. The bone can finish healing while the rotator cuff is immobilized, & the bone & soft tissue could be brought back into use at the same time.
The important thing, I think, is that you not give up & that you keep looking for answers.
Maybe this idea can help – Do you have professional sports teams in Singapore? An Olympic training center? Competitive college programs? Think of sports that use arms a lot such as Fencing, Rowing, Baseball, Tennis, Judo, etc. & look for their doctors & surgeons. You may be able to call those teams & ask for the name of the team doctor. Contact that doctor, ask who they use for shoulder injuries & go from there. In the US the surgeons who operate on sports celebrities do the majority of their work on people like you & me, so don’t be afraid to call.
Scoping my shoulder was done at the same time as my plate & screws were removed. I have a long incision from where the plate was, then a one inch incision on the back of my shoulder and a “punch hole” at the top of my shoulder. The doctor inserted an endoscope, (I think) or some sort of camera device, and I’m not sure why the other incision is there. Maybe they blew air in there, or it was for a light, or another instrument? My doctor said that actually looking at the tissue would better show tears or soft tissue damage than an MRI would. Scoping is a better exam, but not generally done on shoulders because it’s so invasive. Since I was going to be under anesthesia anyway for the plate removal he suggested scoping my shoulder at the same time. I wanted to know if I needed to plan for a rotator cuff repair in my future. My decision was to plan for another surgery in the future, if I had tears. He was only to determine how bad any tears were. As it turned out, I did not have any tears. Removing the plate, and the impingement it caused, was all I needed.
Please let us know how you do.
Lucy
I agree that finding a sports medicine surgeon is better for the repairing of rotator cuffs. But I am not sure if they are good at resolving the impingement issues and taking out the plates.
Rgds,
Bernard
Hi Lucy,
Thanks for replying. It makes me feel less lonely in this journey.
Yah, I am rather depressed with all the shoulder, knee, work and financial stresses.
The impingement I felt is like a mass of flesh/tendons or bursa caught in between the plate and acromion as I try to lift up my arm. My reasoning is that I forced it through and injured my rotator cuff tendons and tear my AC joint in the process of trying to slide it under the acromion.
I thought of repairing my rotator cuff first but worried of re-tearing it if the impingement issue has not been resolved. Another worry is that if I delay the repair of a torn tendon, the tendon may not heal.
Are you suggesting to have the rotator cuff fixed now and then take out the plate later? My Dr had said before he won’t consider taking it out until a year later but I will ask him again on this.
I know the top sports doctor here are all in private practice. In Singapore, private dr means no subsides. I have an insurance which I will need to pay a third of the total bill. If I choose public Drs, I need not fork out a single cent as my insurance fully covers for that. Too bad, I can’t afford private.
Rgds,
BErnard
I’m suggesting you have the plate removed now AND the rotator cuff repaired now, in the same surgery, as soon a possible.
The plate is causing problems and needs to come out at some point. It’s only in there to hold the bone in place while it heals. If you have even minimal bone healing now, the bone fragments will stay in place PROVIDED you don’t bang the arm, move it wildly, fall on it, etc. That’s a tall order and most people can’t or won’t comply, so they leave those plates in until the bones fully heal. However, they can remove the plate now & your bone will still heal if you baby it.
How to comply with limited movement for several months so the bone will heal? Rotator cuff surgery. You will be forced to comply.
I’m assuming that right now you can do certain activities with the bad arm such as hold a coffee cup, a book, tie your shoes, open a door or manage the steering wheel on your car. During the first month or two after rotator cuff surgery you probably won’t be able to do those things. You might be able to hold a pencil, but don’t count on it. You’ll be in a sling, every movement will hurt, and you just won’t want to move that arm. Meanwhile, the bone continues to heal. The bone may actually heal faster than the repaired rotator cuff.
The doctor can put you in a brace & sling to protect the bone & healing rotator cuff. They heal together.
They call medicine the Medical Arts because it is an art. Every case is unique and doctors are not Gods. They are supposed to figure things out, not wave magic wands. If a doctor dismisses you with a statement about not considering removing the plate for a year, I think he isn’t trying to figure out what your unique problem is. It’s an uphill battle, but I think it’s worth trying to convince him that you are motivated to fix this, (as opposed to impatient & blaming him).
Also, if your doctor refuses to budge, do you have the option of seeing a different State doctor? You need one who can repair the rotator cuff. Removing the plate is pretty easy. Most general surgeons can do that, (but if it were me, I’d want someone who works on a lot of arms to remove the plate). The rotator cuff surgeon is the big one.
Stay in touch.
Lucy
Bernard, I may not have answered one of your questions very clearly. Regarding plate/screw removal and rotator cuff surgery – the surgeon who repairs the rotator cuff should absolutely be able to remove the plate & screws. Both procedures happen on the same day in the same surgery by the same doctor.
What was your original injury?
Lucy,
MY original injury was communited 3 part fractures of the left proximal humerus. The Doc. Who operated on me comment that rotator cuff repair is not in his area and would need to discuss with his colleague. I am not sure the rotator cuff was damaged before or after the operation though.
Rgds,
Bernard
For people who started that journey long time ago, it would be nice to know your progress over time, e.g. what could you do at 6 week post op mark, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, a year. Range of motion, physical strength, daily activities, sleeping, etc. This info would be really helpful who is taking this challenge now. Everyone is welcome to comment even if you are still in early stages.
Sergey, My accident was October 2010, just before my 60th birthday. My insurance company paid for two useless physical therapy sessions in the hospital (while I was still in screaming, hellish pain). I got some physical therapy afterward, but insurance wouldn’t pay. I am satisfied with my recovery, although I have some limitations. I cannot raise my left arm above my head, but I make a point of using it to carry bags of groceries, and to retrieve something from an upper shelf. Yard work, or any repetitive motion, including driving or working at the computer, seems to bother my arm and shoulder the most, so I take breaks.
I do toss and turn at night, looking for the best position for the arm, and changing positions during the night. I never was a good sleeper, anyway. After all this time, it’s just mild pain/discomfort. I am accustomed to it. After surgery, when the oxycodone expired, I did not refill it. I do not take anything for pain…not even Tylenol. For several reasons, it was the darkest time of my life, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Patricia (“Georgia Pat”)
Sergey, I’m sorry your posts got buried. I have to approve each new member to cut down on spam. I have been battling a cough and cold since Christmas, and am just catching up. Pat
Hi Sergei I had a three part proximal humorous break back in October 2016 – described as an egg shell – so really shattered the ball. After a week from initial injury I had ORIG surgery. I have now found out I have a screw impinging which is limiting certain movements – take off tops in a weird way. I wake with a stiff arm but by midday it’s sore and still needing to take pain medications usually Panadol osteo and nurfren plus (Ibuprofen and Codein). I’m also suffering from a very sore neck as think those muscles are being stressed from overcompensing when using my arm and doing rehab. I still get swelling and my fingers are lighter in colour – am now looking at getting surgery to get the plate out but will get more news on that when I visit surgeon this week. I’m 18 weeks out so think early days yet. Regards Gael
I can do breast stroke – I’m a swimmer but only really able to do a lap or two – sleeping ok surrounded by pillows (got that tip on here), doing well with raising arm up and out but again using neck muscles – ouch. Just back from Hawaii and managed to get into a spa most days to exercise arm – another great tip from this blog 👍
Gael,
I have the same break as you, a 3 part proximal humerus fractures but that was a month later in late Nov 16.
I think you are recovering extremely well as compared to me. I never dream that I would be able lift my hands in future, let alone swimming.
How is your sleep by the way? I only managed to have 3-4hrs of interrupted sleep every night. Sometimes, I wonder it is because of the injury or depression which cause this sleeping problem.
Because of this sleeping problem and injury, I have not been able to return to work.
Does anyone here have rotator cuff tears along with this fracture?
I am so worried now that further rotator cuff tears will lead to instability of the joint, arthritis and ultimately a shoulder replacement. This shoulder of mine is so problematic.
Rgds,
Bernard
Hi Bernard – there would not be many on this blog that haven’t suffered emotionally with this injury. I know myself that I certainly suffered depression and occasionally really have to pull myself up and not let it get me down – recovery is exceptionally painfully slow. The lack of sleep you are suffering is so hard for you and not helping things at all – you poor guy. I have my mother who is now 83 with shocking osteo arthritis who said to me “you have to manage your pain”. I think you need to not feel guilty about going to a doctor and asking about medication to help you with the pain and sleep. What actually helped me, when I ran out of Endone (strong narcotic prescribed straight after operation) was when I visited a pharmacy and was told to try an over the counter medication called ‘Dozile” (for temporary relief of insomnia and sleeplessness) after my describing how I couldn’t sleep with my pain. It worked perfectly and don’t know how I would have managed otherwise! I live in Australia and have just checked the packet – you can get it without a doctors script here – it has 25 mg of Doxylamine Succinate – so maybe try and get that. I took that also with painkillers and managed to get sleep. Please let me know how you go – no sleep is too hard!
Hi Gael
As I know neck muscles can’t move shoulder. Probably, you shrug the injured shoulder when you lift the arm but it is due to limited range of motion caused by a stiff capsule that needs to be stretched, stretched and stretched.
I fractured and dislocated shoulder on Dec 04, 2016 and had ORIF on Dec 20. Got a plate and six screws. It was three part fracture, but third peace was too small that it was just removed. So, today is my 10th week in the recovery club. Started limited PT in a few days after surgery and full scale PT at six week mark.
My shoulder is functional for everyday use now. I can drive my manual transmission car, can dress, lift something with the arm. With the pain, but I can put my arm behind the back. It took me three weeks of painful stretching twice a day to get this movement. I am also a keen swimmer and successfully returned to pool. I can do 10+ laps now. I started with breast stroke, and later added freestyle and back stroke. My technique is still way off but I am pretty satisfied for now.
However, it is still long road ahead. I cannot fully raise my hand, a lot of movements cause pain or at least discomfort. It is good that I can do them but I force myself through. I cannot do anything significant overhead. I can grab a cup from a shelf above but this is basically it. My sleep is a huge problem. I can reliably sleep only if I take the meds otherwise my arm wakes me every time I slightly move. The meds have unpleasant side effects, so every night I have a choice deal with consequences later and sleep now or have basically sleepless night.
Hi Sergey – thanks for your feedback and I think you are right re my neck. One exercise I was doing was to pull my shoulder blades together to strengthen my back muscles – I do tend to overdo things so yes think I am stressing my neck muscles. Can you read my feedback to Bernard re the Dozile tablets and sleep? I took one then cut down to half and eventually quarter a tablet each night now don’t need it at all. You have to sleep for both mental and physical reasons – so important with this injury. Hey you are a swimmer 👍. Very impressed with your ability at ten weeks – I’m just back from 2 weeks in Hawaii and both places I stayed at had a spa. Bliss!!!! I’m sure exercising in the hot water then doing a few laps in the pool helped! Speaking of which did 4 laps today – mostly breaststroke. Because of protruding screw think it is limiting certain movements (that or frozen shoulder) so my freestyle is certainly “not stylish!”. I can do it though! Now back in Sydney I’m back at my sea water pool (Icebergs – google it if you get a chance). I usually swim all year through winter but not sure how I’m going to go and may swop to an indoor heated pool in the winter? icebergs has a spa and found this helped today prior to stretching. I just love the water – it’s healing. Good luck – I go to my surgeon tomorrow to find out more about protruding screw 😣. Btw I went back to work three days after my injury – think I was in shock…. didn’t start physio until about 6 weeks but from the start would have long hot showers and walk my arm up as much as I could the wall – think this is why I can lift it well. Negative is that I sat at my desk for over two weeks using injured arm to move a mouse and think I caused part of bone to not join properly (outside ball)… got bursitis etc etc etc … thank god for this blog to vent!
My problem is not to fall asleep but not to wake up because of the arm. I tried a lot over counter drugs, nothing really helps. Only prescription meds.
P.S. Really nice pool, btw
To all the people here who has this injury, I Would like to ask a simple question/survey!
1. Your length of injury and injury description.
2. Do you having sleeping issue, trying to stay asleep?
3. Average hrs of sleep a night.
4. Do you think the sleeping issue is due to physical pain or Depression or others?
5. Your remedy to have a restful night or to help you sleep better and longer?
(Eg. Medicine, Chinese herbs, Icing, extra pillows etc)
Newbies like me who have sleeping issues would like to hear from as many as you who have this injury your comment. Thank you very much!
I will start from myself,
1. 3 months / communited 3 part fractures of proximal humerus
2. Yes. Have sleeping issue trying to stay asleep.
3. Average 3-4 hrs of interrupted sleep
4. Physical pain when body switch sleeping position. Partly depression.
5. Taking muscle relaxant(orphendol) and cough mixture (Dhasedyl) along with Panadol. Other sleeping aid , 5 HTP.
Bernard
Yes. I had a greater tuberoscity fracture and didn’t sleep on my left shoulder for 8 mos. when I finally did try I had tons of pain in shoulder and neck. I now toss and turn trying to stay off that side and it’s been over 2 years since I had injury other then that my shoulder has healed fine hope this helps. I take melatonin at bedtime which helps me alot
My four part proximal humerus fracture was in October 2012, with ORIF, plate and 10 screws. Four years ago last week the hardware was removed. I have 99%ROM and lingering stiffness but other than the scar, not much pain.
I don’t think I slept much for the better part of six months, and because of ulcers I can’t take NSAIDs, so I took Percocet in decreasing doses over that time, at night only after about two months, and for about two weeks after the second surgery. Two screws were going where they shouldn’t, one had passed through the bone, the other was sticking into the joint. Those were very painful. There’s no question that the depression is severe, it’s an unbelievable amount of pain. I think it’s was part of the body’s self-defense system. It was almost two years before I could sleep on my left side for any period of time. That can still be an issue, but I think I’ve learned to move less now when I sleep. I was 65 when the break happened, I’m 69 now and I even still have the horse that ran over me. Mucking out can strain my shoulder, but it did before the accident.
Good luck with it, it seems like it will never end, but slowly it does. Do your physical therapy, use ice packs to help with the pain.
This is the best peer group ever to help you through the worst of it. 👍
Sharon
I was 64 when I broke my shoulder on 8/3/13 and surgery 8/16/13 with a plate and 10 pins for the displaced humeral two part fracture. I had a terrible time sleeping for years but it finally improved. The first few months after surgery I could only sleep about 2 hours since my shoulder would ache. I did take a heavier sleep aid for about 3 weeks but decided to stop that and just move to Ibuprofin. Finally, I found lifting a light 7 pound weight for 15 reps X 3 exercises then some time in the Jacuzzi right before bedtime works best. It took 3 years to sleep on my injured shoulder. It still is not perfect but so much better. Just had a check with my ortho two weeks ago and I am doing great. Hardware stayed in. I am 68 years old and have 95% ROM. I have never dealt with depression until this incident. I was terribly depressed with the whole situation for the first year. I have relived getting up in the night, not turning the light on and falling over my dog a hundred times. But life is not like that. It happened and it has changed my life and I had to get over it. But this blog was so helpful. It does get better. I still do the weights nearly every night and definitely the Jacuzzi. Heat helps. I am back to doing all my activities and even flyfishing. My sleep at night will never be the same as before the surgery. But it has improved and most of the time I sleep very well. Good luck.
I suffered a spiral fracture in my humerus, Oct 2013. I experienced the worst pain in my life with the initial break. Had an operation and plate and pins inserted by a fantastic surgeon, though I wasn’t too happy with the 8 inch scar. Take the pain relief med’s, they will help, and small doses of vitamin D and calcium. The most important thing is physiotherapy but It’s no good unless the physiotherapist is hands on, Pay private if you have to. I experienced that the National Health Service physios generally provide you with home exercises to do but this is mild treatment and ok at first during first 4 to 6 weeks from operation. I went 1 to 2 times a week to the physio and had Emmett Techniques used (trigger points) stretching out the tendons and muscles around the injury and in the shoulder as they need to be kept supple. At home do door stretches for the shoulders look up on Google for instructions how to do these every night. Stops you hunching over and opens up rib cage. If you don’t do the physio after you will become very stiff and might not get full use of your arm back. Swimming is a great exercise too.
Spiral humerus fracture 2-1/2 years ago. Plate and 11 pins
Sleep – it gets better. I was on the couch or chair for many months. Not only due to pain but also due to doctor not wanting me to put pressure on the arm. Restrictions lifted around the 6 month mark. Sleep is still an issue, I agree with the discomfort part more than pain. I still sleep with at least two pillows and like 3.
Average about 5 hours of decent sleep before I toss and turn.
I did not use prescription meds very much. When I feel like I need a good night sleep, I take half a benadryl and that helps knock me out.
Pool was great therapy, not only for helping with ROM but also just the activity helped me sleep better at night.
Some amendments.
For 4. It is actually more of a discomfort due to a stiff and tight shoulder rather than physical pain
Mine was in November, 2014. I had a two part fracture at the surgical neck with significant displacement & there were small fragments. I had ORIF the same day with a plate & 11 screws. I did not have a lot of trouble sleeping. I’d prop my arm up on pillows or do whatever it took to make the arm comfortable, then arrange the rest of me around it. I was always able to sleep 6-8 hours. Sometimes I’d wake up & rearrange. When I woke up it was usually due to pain. I slept on my back & good side, which I didn’t enjoy because I am a stomach sleeper. It was 6-8 months before I could lie on my stomach for even short amounts of time. It was difficult to reach my alarm clock on the night stand. At first I had to get out of bed to turn it off, then I could reach it with pain, then less pain, and now I can reach it painlessly. 2 years, 4 months out & I still prefer my good shoulder for sleeping. I try to use my bad shoulder as much as possible for everyday tasks such as putting dishes away on a shelf & reaching for things. It’s a little tighter & stiffer than the good one, but is fully functional & 99% painless. If I don’t use it feels as if it tightens up, as if it shrinks, if that makes sense. I think I will always have to stretch & pamper & pay attention to this shoulder.
This is so encouraging to hear that a lot of people got almost their shoulders back. At what point of time you felt that it is mostly recovered? Was it steady recovery or you reached a plateau for some time or even set backs?
Oh Lucy so over the pain – I hope that I get the same success as you if they allow me to get the plate and screws out… exposed screw on X-ray – don’t find out for a couple of weeks as need another CT scan in case there is no union – this will determine a shoulder replacement? 😣
Sad News for me. I heard a crackling sound as I was doing my PT. Went for an X-ray and confirmed that the fixation has collapsed and the bones has cracked. Call hospital to bring forward my appointment but was told that my Dr will only be back 2″weeks later. Went to another hospital emergency ward. They took some X-Ray and sent me back home and tell me that they will make an appointment for me to see the orthopedic next week.
Slightest movement now will result in the grinding of screws and bones causing further damage. Part of the ball joint was cracked into tiny fragments.
It’s seems that a reverse shoulder replacement is the next route to take. 😔
At 39 years of age, am I too young for a replacement?
That was a route that is going to be so much harder to take. Being in a small country, where proximal humerus fractures is seldom heard of. Shoulder replacement surgery is extremely rare and there aren’t many surgeons who are experienced enuff to do this surgery. We all know that an experience doc is so crucial in this type of surgery for good results. Heard of many terrible experience of shoulder replacement with many complications in other forum. It is so frightening, I may land up in the hands of inexperience dr for such an operation.
Are there any people here in this forum undergo shoulder replacement due to various reasons?
Having orif was already a life-changing event to me, let alone a shoulder replacement. Already off from work for 3 months plus, this means that I am definitely going to lose my job. I am still not mentally prepared that this has happened to me. I am just not mentally strong enuff to face all these. I also have knee problem and the dr expect I need a replacement for my knee in another 5 years time.
I am really depressed right now. How life has changed in a matter of months.
I really envy some of you here given a 2nd chance to live life again with good recovery. Life will never be the same for me again and I fear for the future.
I wish everyone here have a good recovery.!
Depression Sux
I’m so sorry to hear your news, Bernard. This sounds like a devastating setback. The wait to see a doctor must seem like forever. If it turns out they recommend shoulder replacement, that may not be the worst option. The little bit of reading I did on the procedure said that 95% of patients enjoy pain free motion within a year of replacement surgery. Do a little research & see what you think. It might not be as awful as you expect. I think we all tend to forget how very serious a proximal humerus fracture is, and that we might have died or been permanently disabled from our injuries only one or two generations ago. I’m glad there are options for you, and sorry that you have to pick from them. Breaking one’s shoulder is indeed a life altering event.
The wait is getting me crazy, I am trying very hard not to think of it too much. Being in a small country, shoulder replacement is something seldom heard of. At my age, I don’t know if I would be offered one. What I read of is quite negative, even my Dr friend advice against it. I dare not think of being pain free for such a surgery. There might be some pain free cases, but there is More who complain of worse pain after the Ops.
Currently, I don’t have much pain mainly because I m trying not to move my arms much till I see the doc. Only a bit swollen and tightness. I really detest the idea of having a replacement but the feeling of having a deformed and shrink ball joint freaks me out. I feel so terrible and insecure. I feel so sad and the road ahead of me looks gloomy. The fear is always with me, that’s a terrible feeling to have and I guess i am having a mental breakdown. The ball joint is getting smaller and smaller and my fear is getting bigger and bigger.
I fear of the many surgeries to come, the long rehab, job loss, so many things.
I really like to hear from anyone of you guys who have a shoulder replacement before, especially younger patient like me. But I dun think I will have a reply on this.
Bernard, I am really sorry what happened to you. What exercise did you do that caused all of this? I am really puzzled. People with shoulder fractures are not particularly strong to break metallic plate. After four months bone is usually healed enough not to refracture due to normal usage.
I brought this upon myself. I was doing some abduction exercise while pressing against a protruding part of the ball joint. I must have applied too much pressure to pop it and cause the fractures and plate to shift. The metal plate did not break.
Seen a dr in another hospital today and he dismiss that there were no fractures according to the x Ray taken. I hoped he was right but I was certain that it had popped. I wouldn’t want to scare myself if I wasn’t sure. I am so angry with myself for getting into this mess.
My 12 week update. Went to my ortho doc for check up. Everything is healing well inspite of some degenerative change in glenohumeral joint. My arm is functional for everyday use. I can grab 25lb weight with the injured arm and also hold my whole body weight on a bar for a few seconds. However, I was advised not to do much strengthening before I get full ROM. I have 70 degrees of external rotation and 80 degrees of internal rotation allowing me to put a hand behind my back. My forward elevation is about 150 degrees. So I still have a lot of work for my ROM. There are certain directions where my arm feels stiff, for example I can barely touch another shoulder or when my arm is bent I can not raise the elbow above shoulder level.
I continue my PT twice a week, stretching hurts like hell but I try to be an uncomplaining patient. Do my home exercises once everyday except on days of PT. Additionally, one day during weekend is completely exercise free. It seems my arm like a little break once in a while.
Tried a therapeutic massage twice. The shoulder feels great after that. However, I am not sure how it contributes to healing. As for sleeping, still take pills. Aleve pm is my current choice.
Hi. Just stumbled upon this site. I broke my humerus at the surgical neck on March 3. I had ORIF surgery on March 13. I am now heading off for my first PT appointment. I can empathize with all those who are having difficulty sleeping. That’s really been tough for me. And my job requires long hours in front of a laptop. That, too, is very challenging. I hope I made the right decision in having the surgery. The ER doctor indicated I did not need surgery. The orthopedist, however, convinced me if I wanted a very good ROM, then surgery was the answer. I’ll be back on the site as it’s really helpful to me reading all these postings.
Please do update! The first six weeks are brutal. You will find a lot of good advice here. Pat S.
Linda, don’t hesitate. Surgery is the right choice unless there is a CLEAR indication that you don’t need it. Surgery has several advantages:
1) It reduces immobilization time what means faster recovery.
2) It eliminates non-union, malunion cases. A lot of people opt out of surgery, had complications later and eventually got surgery. However, time is critical for this injury.
Of course, there are some cons of surgery like, scar tissue, possible hardware failure but it is the nature of the procedure and complications are rare comparing to 2).
It has been 5 months since I had the proximal humerus fractures. Everything was going fine until at the 3rd mth point which I believe I had a refracture while doing PT.
Went to several docs for checking. Had several X-rays and a CT scan shows no fractures whatsoever. DR said my bones has healed and wanted to remove the plate and repair my rotator cuffs.
The operation is scheduled this Thursday (27th April).
Removal of hardware is something that I had hoped for ever since I had this fracture.
However, I am 100% certain that there were refractures and the bones had not healed. I know I couldn’t be wrong but there was no proof of fractures.
I asked the dr what if I really had a refracture when he open me up but he won’t answer me and insisted the bone has healed.
I am so stressed out now as I don’t know if I should go ahead with the surgery.
The fixation is unstable and the bones definitely won’t healed even if I had waited for another few months. I was hoping the dr could do a last attempt to remedy the damage but they couldn’t find any fractures on diagnosis.
If the plate was removed without any inspection, I am certain that the bones will crumple.
If you were me, what will you do?
Bernard,
When I had my first surgery, to ‘fix’ the fracture with the plate, I was told I would be having a replacement instead of the plate. They opened it up, and found that while the bone was smashed, the tendons and blood vessels were all in place, so they changed the plan and put in the plate. At four months they removed the plate because of the many problems I was having. The bone WAS healed enough. I needed to be very careful, but recovery from the surgery AND the shoulder injury went quickly from there. My point here is, let them look at it. The recovery is nothing compare to the original procedure, and it’s the only way to verify what is happening.
You seem very worried, and for your peace of mind they should look.
I hope it goes well.
Sharon
Bernard, even if you had minor refracture (minor, because nothing is visible on x-ray), it would have been at least stable by now. Remember, most of fractures heal within 6 week time, shoulder is not an exception, it is just so much stuff around it which heals longer. But if we speak about bones, I am pretty sure are safe to do the procedure. Recently I saw a new patient in my PT with a shoulder fracture. The fracture is stable and he was told even not a wear a sling in a week! As i know, after rotation cuff repair you will be in a sling anyway, therefore you are safe to go, imho.
Thanks for replying.
Yes. I am definitely worried about it as I was having crackling and popping sound after the 3rd month till now almost on a daily basis. Initially, I could feel the fractures in the front part of the joint and just last week it has extended to the neck of the humerus. The plate is moving. The fractures was somehow being string and held on by the plate and screws and I could put them back in place. I know it sounds strange but this is what happened to me. The rotator cuff tendons are definitely in a very bad condition but I am more worried about the blood supply because with all the refractures and movement of the plate, the area should be very swollen but it was not. I know some may think that I am just being paranoid but I am not.
As there was no signs of fractures on all the X-rays and ct scan, the only way is by opening up an see.
I was thinking it would be better to leave it for some more time or having the surgery now.
Bernard,
It’s very possible that what you are perceiving no as fractures are tendons and ligaments being displaced and then returning where they belong from interference from the plate. That certainly went through my mind from about two and a half months out…the plate was removed just before four months because of these issues (and screws going places they shouldn’t) but I could definitely feel things snapping back and forth over the plate. That went with the plate 😊 And things got better very fast.
Good luck whatever you do.
Sharon
Did anyone one here lose slight fingertip Sensation after the plate was inserted on humerus?
Samantha, I did have a loss of feeling in my hand, but it returned gradually over about a week. I was certainly concerned, because I did, of course, read all the dire predictions on the internet! From day one they had me doing exercises specifically with my wrist and fingers, when I wasn’t allowed to do anything else.
It’s a journey, for sure.
The same thing happened with my plate & screws as with Sharon’s. I could hear my arm popping and feel it jump over the plate & screws, often accompanied by a great deal of sharp pain. Sometimes my arm got stuck & wouldn’t “jump.” That went away when the plate & screws were removed. If you have tears in your rotator cuff and the opportunity to fix them I’d do that as soon as possible. It takes longer to recover from soft tissue repair than for a bone to heal. The sooner you start the process the sooner you’ll be better. Good luck!
I had the implant removed and rotator cuff repairs. They had to leave a screw which was embedded in the head of humerus. The rotator cuff was massive than expected according to the dr. 2 surgeons performed on me, 1 remove the plate and the other did the repair of the cuffs. Both mentioned that the fractures has healed although I still have doubt. Nevertheless, I told myself no use thinking about it anymore since the implant has been out. What I need to do is take good care of it and hope for the best now. The nerve block started to wear off this morning and I am having a great deal of pain now.
Bernard,
It’s great to hear that there were no breaks. It’s too bad there’s still a screw in there! When you see X-rays, you will see the holes from the screws gradually fill and disappear. The rotator cuff recovery will probably be the biggie from here out..my husband and my brothers all had that one, and it’s no picnic either. All the best for a great recovery!
Sharon
How exciting to hear that your plate is out and that your rotator cuff is mended. I didn’t have tears myself but have known others with rotator cuff surgeries. It’s a very painful surgery & recovery, as you know. I’ve heard that it takes two years for full recovery, and the greatest improvement happens in the first six to nine months. The first two to six weeks sound be hellish, so hang in there! The best news is that you really, truly are on the road to recovery now. Lots of ice, Bernard. Be patient, it WILL heal. Let us know how it goes and when you can start PT.
Thanks Sharon & Lucy!
How long does it take to fill the holes ? Dr said to be on arm sling for 6 weeks and totally no PT for me during this 6 weeks except for some elbow and hand and neck exercise. Anyone here have a rotator cuff repair? I found that my neck muscles are tighter at the side affected.
It’s scary to know having 11 holes to be filled.
Bernard,
My X-rays showed new bone growth at three weeks. I was only in a sling for 3 days because the removal was the only thing going on, and the incision healed very quickly and I was in PT again at 2 weeks. I suspect your rotator cuff recovery will be your major limitation, not the plate and bone growth, and it will keep you from overdoing it with your humerus.
The holes went from looking like Swiss cheese to not visible in four months, and I was 64 at the time, so this wasn’t young bone healing! I wish you the best with your recovery. My husband had the rotator cuff surgery and had a longer recovery than I did. Because I kept improving, I was authorized PT for almost a year. I went once a week and did all of the exercises religiously at home!
Keep the faith…if you read through Pat’s blog, you’ll see that pretty much everyone goes through major shock and depression over the length of recovery, but eventually has come out on the other side feeling pretty positive about their result.
I found that the articles on the internet are very scary, in part because many of them are about identifying failures.
Smile…
Sharon
Hi Bernard, Everyone is different but I don’t think it takes long for the holes to fill in; maybe a couple of months. It turns out these holes aren’t a big deal. I was very concerned about the eleven holes, (actually more because several screws went through the other side), in my arm too. My doctor assured me that even with the holes my bone was about 95% strong immediately after surgery. I was told to ditch the sling when the nerve block wore off, use the arm as I tolerated pain, & to start PT a week or so later if I wanted. You could ask your doctor, but I don’t think they worry about screw holes. The reason your arm is immobilized and you cannot do PT is because of your soft tissue (rotator cuff) repair. You have to baby your arm now or you could re-tear the tissue. Pain is a very good measure of what “too much” activity is, so I encourage you to take as few pain meds as you can tolerate. Follow the PT schedule your doctor sets up for you and let the tissue heal. You will get there!
Lucy and Sharon – you are both a blessing… I’m also here reading your positive comments as I too await hardwear removal. Apprehensive but your comments help – thanks so much. Just wondering if either if you had impingement which is what I think I’m also suffering from. The outer top
aspect of the ball absolutely aches by the end of the day and I can hardly raise my arm. Get that giants claw feeling in my shoulder (no other way to describe it) and pain under arm where I suspect screws protrude. Thanks for any help 😊
Hi Gael, We did not know for sure if my pain was caused by impingement, soft tissue damage, or a combination of the two. My doctor thought there was a good chance that impingement caused my pain, but he couldn’t be certain prior to my surgery. He felt that an MRI would be distorted by the metal in my arm, so we didn’t do one. We decided to remove the hardware and at the same time “scope” my shoulder to look for tears and other damage. Scoping meant he used an instrument to physically look at the tissue. It’s supposed to be the preferred way to diagnose tissue damage, but it’s a surgical procedure, so it isn’t done unless you’re having surgery anyway. In addition to the long scar from my plate & screws, I have a punch hole-like scar and another half inch scar from the scoping instruments. Our agreement was that he would only look for, not repair, soft tissue damage. As Bernard knows, recovery from soft tissue repair is long & slow & I felt that my pain was not bad enough to go through one to two years of recovery at that point in my life. I’d schedule rotator cuff surgery for the future if I needed it. As it turned out I had no soft tissue damage and removing the plate & screws fixed everything.
You might discuss scoping with your doctor, and your time line to recovery if they find and fix soft tissue damage. There is a strong argument to remove the plate and fix everything in one surgery and get it over with. There is also the argument to go for likely improvement by removing the plate & screws, and delay a big rotator cuff repair until you can fit it into your life. I went for the latter choice when I had my plate & screws removed, and fortunately did not need to think about future rotator cuff surgery.
People have mentioned screws poking out the other side of their bones as if they’re not supposed to. I was told they’re designed that way. They won’t hold if they only go through one side of the bone. This is not true of all of the screws, but a few of them are designed that way. The problem, (in my humble opinion), is that tissue can catch on the ends of those screws and the sides of the plate & cause pain.
My impingement was presumed to be, because of the locus of the pain and the ‘snap’, from the edge of the hardware and from the screw that was working its way into the joint. The outer top quarter of the ball is missing from my healed fracture because it was not all reclaimable. I still occasionally find myself rubbing the rough edges because it does ache. I use either Voltarin (an NSAID gel) or a penetrating cream with MSM and either will relieve the ache. The screw that went directly into the joint caused much more pain!
Good luck – when do you have your surgery?
Sharon
Hi Sharon and Lucy… thanks so much for your responses and words of wisdom. I’m supposed to get the plate out sometime in June. I can’t wait to have it behind me. I will ask about scoping the joint Lucy and thanks for theTip Sharon re the Voltarin Gel – very much appreciated… wonder who is reading these comments in those deep dark first stages??? Lucky to have the World Wide Web 👍
2 more sleeps until I get the hardware out… I’ll post after to give an update for those who may be facing the same. Nervous 😣
Gael,
I had my hardware removed in Feb of 2015. It was the best thing I did. Once it was remove with therapy I am able to move my arm with no pain. I am somewhat limited but no pain. Best of luck it really was a piece of cake.
Joyce
Oh thanks so much Joyce – I’m up and it’s 1am – got to be at the hospital at 6.30am… loved your message 😌 Thanks again
Omg – talk about “you don’t know what you’ve got till its gone!!!”. Can’t believe how good getting the hardware out has been and I’m only 2 days out!! No painkiller all day today, no swelling, just slight tenderness where the incision is. Joyce you were right – it’s been a piece of cake! I also didn’t get a nerve block but instead opted for extra painkiller to be administered at end of operation. Only wore a sling home but other than tiredness from operation am operating pretty much as norm (even emptied dishwasher yesterday!!). Only problem I need to remind myself to slow down and take care. I will need a replacement in the future… but not thinking of that now… hopefully some time off. For now upwards on onwards – thanks to all those on this site for taking the time to alleviate fears and to offer reassurance. There really is a lot of good people out there ❤️.
Gael,
I am so glad the removal went well. FYI remember you have holes in the bone that need to fill in so follow the doctor instructs to the tee. Following the physical therapy regent and massage by the physical therapist was a help to keep scare tissue broken up. February will be 2 years since removal of hardware and I go every 4-6 weeks to get a deep tissue massage. You are correct it is on to better things and better life.
Hi have been reading this blog since 2013 when I broke my humerus in 5 places. It is a large plate that was put in my arm and I would like it removed. I live in the UK and they don’t remove the metal they tell me it’s fitted for life. Infection and complications are reasons to back this up. Question 1. Have I had the metal on too long to get it removed 4 years now. Question 2 is there a size limitation for removal. Question 3 can the removal wreck the use of your tendons as they have been stretched over the metal? Thanks
Samantha
Hi Samantha,
I can only pass along what I was told by my doc. He say it would never be too late to remove the hardware, but it would,depend on how well bone had grown back. I was lucky enough that no tendons or ligaments were out of place originally, so there was less rick for me. The bone looking like Swiss cheese in the x ray was the cautionary tale. The recovery from the removal was minimal and quick.
Good luck with yours.
Sharon
Hi Samantha
I’m afraid I can’t help on the hardware removal questions but I was just interested in your reason for wanting the plate out. I too broke my humerus in 2013 (how time flies) and have a plate and 8 screws and live in the UK.
Good to see the blog is still going strong and giving great support
Rusty
Hi Samantha, I am certainly not a doctor so take what I think with a grain of salt. I don’t think there is any time limit on when a person can have their hardware removed. As far as infection goes, I think you are more likely to have one with the plate in then without one. However, there is always risk of infection when you have surgery. My doctor said he hoped and expected that my plate would stay in forever. I had problems though and went to a different doctor to have it removed. The original doctor probably would’ve removed it too, but I had different insurance then. I don’t think there is risk Yo your tendons. I have my hardware, the hardware that was removed from my arm. The plate is very thin. It’s maybe 1/8 of an inch thick. There is always risk of your tendons being damaged during surgery, but I don’t think removing the hardware is a problem for tendons. With five breaks in your bone your doctor may be concerned about whether your bone healed enough to remove the hardware. Like, is the bone strong enough without additional hardware? You might try a different surgeon if your doctor does not want to remove your hardware. It’s your arm after all!
Such an interesting read, I had my fall last year June 18th heading out for our wedding anniversary meal. I was admitted straight away and the plate fitted during surgery the next day. My plate is long and has 10 screws. My recovery was the same as most of you – really horrendous, and 5 months after surgery I needed to go back for MUA where they forced the arm to move under anaesthesia.
I was in physio 3 times a week for 7 months and was in constant pain. After a nasty bout of flu where I couldn’t attend physio I found the pain had almost disappeared and my PT said that each session was causing inflammation, so I stopped.
I can do almost everything I need to now and am swimming daily. I have good internal rotation but bring the arm back to normal position still causes some pain, external rotation isn’t perfect but it’s not stopping me do anything.
My surgery was not good when I woke up I had no idea where I was and personally I hated the nerve block. My surgeon is now asking if I would like the plate removed as it has been a year. At this stage after everything I have been through I am not going to get it removed as even after a year it’s all still to fresh in my memory.
Have any of you kept the plate successfully?
Hi Natalie,
I assume you’re in the U.K.?
Here in the US they don’t remove the plates unless there is a problem, from what I’ve read on this blog.
I am 4 plus years out from my surgery, I think I have 8 screws, and I have pretty good range of motion. Admittedly, my shoulder still causes some discomfort, but I can live with it.
I can actually sleep on that side for a few hours hours.
Good luck. The worst of it is over!!!
Hi Michelle,
I’m from the UK but was away in Spain when I had my fall so had surgery in Spain. In Spain & the UK the plate only comes out if there is a problem, although my surgeon said if I wanted it out then he would remove it.
I think after a year I’m at virtually the same stage as you, I can sleep on the arm, have 95% mobility back and can lead my life almost normally. Very occasionally I do something and think ouch.
On a day to day basis I really do not even think about the injury anymore, my scar is keloid and looks nasty but is quite small.
In myself I feel 100% but I know that there are still a couple of things I cannot do as my shoulder won’t rotate if I have my arms out at the sides but again doesn’t stop me doing anything in my day to day life.
It is a really awful journey and I think we are over the worst of it so I guess we are the lucky ones.
Came across this site by accident while doing some research into post ORIF outcomes. Sometimes it’s useful to find out how things turn out in the long term. I had a fracture of anatomical neck of humerus plus fracture of collarbone Dec 2011. Painful for about 2 years – so much so that I thought I was going to have to live with a chronic pain condition. Every person I talked to seemed to have a surgeon with their own ideas about when to start physio. I didn’t do anything except pendulum exercises for 6 weeks whereas an older friend was already on rope and pulley by that time. (However her shoulder did not heal properly in the end)., I was afraid I was going to end up with a stiff shoulder. Pain slowly faded but I did not feel like really using the shoulder because of painful catching/tearing sensations. Also forward elevation was not very good – lying on back on bed I could not get more than 120 degrees and then it just locked. Plus I had a shoulder hiking problem and general muscle wasting. (I am now in my early 60’s and in very good general health). Finally plucked up courage to go back to the same surgeon who put in the metalware to get it removed. That was about 21/2 years ago. Everything had well healed. Noticed an immediate improvement in everything. My ROM is now normal in forward elevation. A bit of limitation in external rotation. I think this is because my subscapularis is tight, probably because of scar tissue. (The tubercle where this muscle attached onto the humerus broke off.) I still see a physio every 2 months to make sure I keep doing rotator cuff stretching, and strengthening using a theraband, and to make sure I am doing weights and other exercises in a safe way. I think things are still improving re strength and function. I have no problems sleeping on that side. The shoulder feels quite strong and stable. A little pain which feels like soft tissue pain but it doesn’t bother me. I have never taken anything stronger than paracetomol, and certainly nothing on a regular basis. Overall, considering the nature of the original injury, the outcome has been excellent, but you really have to keep going with stretching and strengthening indefinitely. Having the metalware removed after waiting 4 years was the best thing I did.
I’d love to hear more from you about hardware removal. I have two orthopedic doctors and one orthopedic oncologist. (My orif is the result of bone cancer and tumor removal). The oncologist says she would fill the screw holes with allograft and I would have to be careful for 6 months. The other two orthopedics are extra concerned about my arm breaking. I struggle every day and limits that are annoying, plus pain.
Maybe bone cancer changes how well your bones heal after metal is removed and that’s why your doc suggests filling the holes. I had a plate & 11 screws removed, several of which went completely through my bone to the other side & created two holes. I was concerned about how weak my bone would be once the hardware was removed. My ortho said I would have 90-95% of bone strength immediately after surgery. He put no restrictions on me at all, although he cautioned me to be reasonable. I could launch right back into everyday life as soon as I felt like it. That included lifting a mattress to make a bed, carrying & running a vacuum cleaner and using light weights & resistance work. You may heal differently because of bone cancer, but if you’re not in treatment maybe you’ll heal like everyone else? I still do my PT exercises four years after I broke my arm & I have nice shapely arms to show for it. Read up on allograft before you agree to it. I’ve heard about people whose bodies reject it. Can it create auto immune problems, chronic inflammation & pain? I’d still encourage you to remove the hardware. I was very happy once mine was removed. The pain in my arm went away. Whether my plate & screws rubbed against something & caused pain, or whether the pain was caused by my body rejecting those foreign objects, the result was the same – relief! The area where my bone broke will always be weak & compromised to some degree. I ache there first when I’m tired & achy, have a fever, etc., but I can live comfortably this way.
Mine is truly the same story! And as I have posted before, it was done at four months. It was such as relief to have that internal iimpingement gone, and it healed so fast. It’s really only the incision that had to heal, so there was so much less trauma than round one! It’s the same scar. Eventually the swiss cheese filled in completely. I was 64 when I had the break and both surgeries. I’m 70 now, and I get occasional stiffness and twinges, but I recovered to the 99th percentile in ROM.
The PT was so much easier because again, the internal trauma had healed already.
Plate and ten screws.
I wish you great success if you decide to do this. I’m happy to answer any questions.
Best,
Sharon
I forgot to mention that in spite of my concerns, the holes weren’t filled. But I still had healing going on, so he thought it wasn’t necessary. I was careful for a while. He asked me to stay off my horse, and I did. There might be a lot more trauma with the filling? Good luck, whichever way you go!
S
I’ve had three big surgeries on this arm and shoulder. After the cancer surgery, I had a severely frozen surgery which required open surgery. After that healing, I had a torn labrum repaired, decompression, and biceps tendon reattached under my plate. I just cannot decide what to do.
Some extra things which various comments have brought to mind.
The reason I delayed so long in having metalware removed was that my original accident was serious and I had a number of fractures, all fixed with ORIF. I was in hospital for weeks and then in “the system” for a year. When I was finally “free,” the last thing I wanted to do was voluntarily go back in again. However, when I found out my original surgeon was available and willing to take everything out, I had it done in 3 lots allowing a good 6 months between surgeries – because I dont do particularly well with general anaesthetic. The last metalware was removed from a tibia 5 years from the accident, and the surgeon commented at the time he may not be able to remove all screws because of various chemical reactions in the bone. In which case he would still remove as much as he could and leave any really embedded screws still in. Fortunately he managed to get everything out.
After I had the locking plate removed from my upper humerus, I was given all the titanium pieces. This was really interesting because I found out the cause of my soft tissue tearing sensations. Some of the screws are angled so they fan out into the head of the humerus. However, the heads of the screws do not lie flat with the surface of the plate, and even when screwed in tight, half the screw head protrudes at an angle from the surface of the locking plate. In addition, the protruding area of screw head has screwthreads which are sharp and rough. (I have not seen other models of plates to compare).
Regarding screw holes. I had a lot of screws in my collarbone and after they were out, it felt like swiss cheese. Some of the screws went right through, and I could feel all the holes. I was warned to be super careful for 6 weeks. eg do not fall over, and to be vigilant for another 5 months. The surgeon warned me he did not want to see me back with a fresh fracture! The collarbone has now completely remodelled itself back to its normal shape and I cant even feel any depressions where the holes were. This has taken years to achieve and I was careful not to carry heavy weights etc for a year. However, although my full rehab was delayed to start with and my muscles really withered away, and I didn’t do as much physio in the early stages as I was meant to, in the end that didn’t matter. I still made all the gains in the end. So, even though physios make you go hard in the early stages – for me personally I just did what was comfortable for me and I ended up OK. My reasoning was that I would rather have less arm function but be basically painfree than to force through scar tissue for a bigger ROM. Obviously that is a personal decision you need to work out with a sympathetic physio./gp.
One last thing, don’t neglect diet. I had extra protein supplements plus collagen/vit c and a good quality general vitamin/mineral supplement recommended by my holistic gp. I am still really careful with my diet.
Hi everyone, I had my plate and screws in my shoulder due to motorcycle accident april 2017 . I’m schedule for removal this December. Hoping for some comment and advised.