I figure it’s due time to provide an update. I am typing this largely one handed as I’m still cast bound on my left arm, and typing with both is still an awkward strain due to inability to rotate forearm to degrees.
After I slipped on ice back in December, and landed full weight on my left wrist, it was deemed that surgery was highly recommended, to move a bone, that slipped forward to my fingers, back into place and pin it there to allow for torn ligaments to heal and everything.
The surgery was on the 2nd of January and first post-op checkup was the 17th. At that point, we moved me out of the original elastic wrapping and I got to see the incision marks for the first time, which was definitely interesting.
Starting from the 17th, for the next 8 weeks, is bi-monthly check-ins, but also hard casts to help keep things in place arm-wise and limit wrist rotation/movement. I have been having a bit of fun with the casts as I can draw on them with markers. At work I even started selling “I’ll write or doodle whatever you want” for tacos which is a reward system we use.
At the time of this post, I’m through week 3 of 8. First cast was purple, second one was red. Thinking next week I may do the dark teal I recall from their options. Unsure on the 4th color.
To say I’m looking forward to being post-casts is an understatement. Most everyone in the situation would agree. At that point, it’s my understanding that I’ll move back to wearable brace when out and about, but also begin the physical therapy to get motion returned to the wrist. Will also be nice to be able to play video games again on weekends to fill some time. The cast limits ease of holding the remotes so I just don’t bother.
I very thankfully have been able to maintain a largely regular work schedule even if one handed. I feel like Thing from the Addams Family when typing and do wonder if at times I’m adding new strain to my right hand. Despite some “delay” in communication, and way more typos, I’m fortunate, especially with looming medical bills for what United may not cover. They’ve had an interesting few months themselves. If/hopefully when I get a promotion at work, that’ll be very helpful. We’ll see in the next few months.
Gym…that hasn’t really been a thing for me since before I slipped, which coincided with me being ill the day before. I have permission to do gym days, they just can’t involve my left wrist. I’ve largely taken it easy and just done nothing, except for one leg day on the 30th of January, and potentially one on the 13th of February. Thus far I’m keeping it to the night before I’m due to get a cast off so i’m not spending days in it extra sweaty. Two to three leg days a week is just not appealing, though I should really consider walking pace cardio too.
Leaving this on one extra note in that Dr Helsper, who’s been my Physician through this all, said I very likely had arthritis for a while. Thinking back to how my wrists in general have felt over the past few years, I have to agree. Oh older age.
Not how I wanted to start 2025, but here we are. Best I can do is keep powering through, heal, and get back to my long term goals.
