When will it end

[Topcat56]

Broke my humerus 5weeks ago pain manageable but feel so weak and sickly no strength just sitting around how do I get over this lethargy is it normal any advice welcome x

[Kaarina]

If I was you I would give the NOS helpline a call on Monday and have a chat with a nurse. We do not know if you are or have been on any OP medication or what your DEXA scan T scores are. It is often easier to speak one to one than posting and on this occasion I really feel you would benefit from calling the helpline.

Tel: Call 0808 800 0035 - free from all UK landlines, mobiles. Lines open 9 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Do let us know how you go on.

[Topcat56 in reply to Kaarina]

Thank you x

[Kaarina in reply to Topcat56]

Hi Topcat, I have not used this facility but I have heard that those that have, have nothing but praise for this wonderful free facility. Go for it!

[Nanaedake in reply to Topcat56]

The nurses are really helpful, hope you feel better soon.

[Hidden]

I felt exactly the same when I broke my humerus. I just never wanted to leave the sofa and if I made an effort I would aimlessly wander round the house and then go back to sitting down again. I was shocked at how it made me feel as I am normally very active. It does improve as your body gets over the shock of the fracture I think. I have a friend (equally active) and she felt the same when she broke her wrist. Hope you feel better soon, we are all different in how we react but at least you know your reaction is quite normal and you do recover. Best wishes to you.

[Topcat56 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for that if you don't mind me asking how long till you could do things esp driving

[Hidden in reply to Topcat56]

It was a few months until I was able to drive as it was my left arm so changing gear was painful. I had a very good physio though and I think that helped, even though I thought physiotherapy sounded completely insane when I was in such pain! It worked though, and again when fractured my olecranon on the same arm 3 years later! I did struggle with getting a shower and washing hair etc and had to accept help with that for a while. It does get slightly better each day but it seems like a long time when you are going through it. I was also quite frightened when walking as I felt as though I would trip and fall again but that also got easier with each day. I know how hard it is but try to stay positive and think about how much better you will be in a few weeks. Take care.

[Topcat56 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much x

[Titian8 in reply to Hidden]

I had a Colles wrist fracture 8 months ago (slipped on black ice while pulling a wheelie bin down driveway). Due to nerve damage my hand feels tight, fingers numb and wrist completely stiff, like I'm in handcuffs, can't make a fist or bend wrist backwards.

Haven't driven in 8 months and everyday routine tasks take much longer.

I have had physio, done all the exercises recommended, soaked in magnesium sulphate etc etc. but progress is slow and still hand/wrist is extremely weak. Have been told it will never be the same again, which is awful, but hoping in the long term it will improve quite a bit more. I've found YouTube so helpful too.

I agree with you Rollem re walking cautiously as am way more careful nowadays and wish I wasn't quite so anxious about it.

[Hidden in reply to Titian8]

Since I sliced my elbow joint off my arm doesn't straighten out any more and it took a while to feel better. I too wish I wasn't so scared now. I used to run regularly but that resulted in my first fall, so I gave it up as I was just too frightened of falling again, and then I tripped over a low wall I didn't see for the second fracture. It isn't the pain of the fractures but the long haul recovery that is the hard part. I wish you good luck in your recovery Titian8.

[Titian8 in reply to Hidden]

Oh my word Rollem your injury sounds really awful and must have been so painful: agree when you state the long haul recovery is worse than the actual injury.

I too used to be a runner but nowadays i won't even rush to catch an oncoming bus, though I recently got an EL glider (cross trainer type) so can 'walk ' for miles while watching TV. Thought it would be good exercise, especially in winter, as sure won't risk walking on icy pavements etc again - hindsight is a wonderful thing!. All the best for future good health.

[Hidden in reply to Titian8]

I bought a treadmill and use that in the winter months but it must be better to be able to exercise while watching TV. I only walk on the treadmill though, I daren't run on it!! Let's not even think about icy pavements, enough to bring you out in a cold sweat! All the best to you too.

[Topcat56 in reply to Titian8]

Thanks for your reply ,I've been told I may not get full range back and to prepare mentally for this but they don't tell you how .I too am walking cautiously but pray as I heal my confidence will return .🙏🙏🙏

[Titian8 in reply to Topcat56]

It was just this week my GP said my wrist/hand would never be the same again, the damage was permanent. Felt quite depressed initially but then thought this is another challenge and if not quite the same then I'll get hand back to the best I can, and not giving up to let it remain this way. Am a very independent type and found ways to do most routine tasks, basically one handed. Still very weak and sometimes feel lethargic too like you say: I think this is normal so I give myself time off, catch up with DVDs or a good book - basically 'me ' time. So be good to yourself, it's only 5 weeks since your injury and I hope you feel you're progressing with every passing week, even though it's small steps.

I remember being ecstatic when I first cut a tomato in half, as before couldn't use a knife at all. I texted my daughter to tell her, but for some unknown reason she didn't find that just as exciting as me!!! Hope you feel lots better soon, after all you're a Topcat!

[Topcat56 in reply to Titian8]

Love your positivity and will do attitude hopefully we'll get there with time .god bless 🙏❤️