Hi everyone,
So this weekend didn't go exactly as planned. Friday and Saturday were fun, but Sunday I fell off a brick wall in my garden and broke my elbow. One second I was picking cucumbers and the next I was falling straight back about 4 feet off the ground. I hit my left arm and elbow just right and I immediately knew something was wrong. I spent Sunday with Urgent Care and Monday with an orthopedic doctor.
I might be the only person ever to have a severe gardening injury.... I feel really silly.
This is me trying to put on a brave face while I'm freaking out inside.
The good news is it's a minor break, but it's on the radial head which is apparently pretty painful. It honestly hurts bad as I'm slowly one arm typing this. Anything other than keeping it still is cringe-worthy right now. Luckily my treatment plan involves first a fixed, large splint and then a sling... no cast or surgery. The doctor said I'm going to have trouble doing work stuff for at least a month because it will need to stay still and it will take 6-8 weeks to completely he heal. I'll also need PT. I'm a little unsure of how I'm going to cook, write and take all the photos for my blog. The Hubs has offered to help though, but he is also very busy.
The doctor also said no running for at least a month (maybe 6 weeks) because I'd jar it... not that I feel like running with the pain today anyway. I'm going to be trying to figure out what I can do once the initial shock wears off, because the thought of sitting around for around for a month or more makes me the maddest.
So basically this really stinks, but I'm trying to remember it could be worse... although today I'm feeling really blue.
I have some finished blog posts to schedule for the rest of the week (Including more from Switzerland, a new recipe and my 5th Blog Birthday giveaway- $250 value!) and hopefully after that the pain will be better and I'll have a plan on how I can do this stuff one handed. You don't realize how much you use your arm until you can't. Contacts and eyeliner are nearly impossible- just fyi. I'm open to any suggestions/ advice though.
For now though I'm going to take the rest of the day off. One handed typing is for the birds!
Love,
Julie
I'm linking up with Thinking Out Loud Thursday.
Esther says
Oh girl I'm SO SO sorry to hear this! That sounds so painful ;(
Lots of prayers and a gentle hug for ya!
When I broke my foot (in a super silly way) I focused on Pilates stuff once the pain was better. No real workouts for close to 2 years as it healed really terribly.
Try to get some rest the do the best you can!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
Oh, Julie, I'm so sorry! I bet everyone thought it happened when you were running. Maybe you can ride the stationary bike?
Sending healing vibes your way!
Runwright says
Oh man that sucks. I hope you can take the time to just focus on recovering and that the healing time is at the shorter, instead of the longer, end of the spectrum.
Colan says
Best wishes Julie. Take care of yourself and listen to what the Dr. tells you. With all the running around that you've been doing, you could use some rest. I know you are one that is always on the go, but for now you will have to slow it down. Get well soon.
Corry says
2 years ago I broke my wrist and did some tissue damage. My injury required me to be in a cast that covered my thumb and went most of the way up my fingers and up past my elbow. I basically had no use of that arm. Showering, washing hair, shaving armpit, putting on and taking off a bra, putting my hair in a ponytail were some of the hardest things I can think of. You'll also get out of doing a lot of chores, so that can be a good thing.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
Oh nooooo!!! You poor thing! Prayers for a speedy recovery!
Edye says
So sorry, my friend! Prayers for a smooth, painless recovery <3
Chris says
Oh no!! You're definitely not the only one however. My wife managed to break 4 ribs while pulling weeds from a flower bed (she fell right on a rock). Wishing you quick healing. Chris - the redbox guy
Teresia says
So sorry about your accident. Don't let the frustration get to you. We learn to do more than we think possible when we have no other choice. Sometimes the things that frustrate us the most also make us the most proud when we accomplish those tasks which seem impossible. You'll look back on this and think "I did better given my situation that I ever would have imagined." To quote a cliche "What doesn't kill us definitely makes us stronger" Hang in there you will amaze yourself, I promise....
Blane Sherer says
Oh Man ! So sorry for your injury. Hey, you can get hurt from a fall
doing most anything. Fortunately you didn't snap backwards and hit
your head. Glad you will be able to treat it with time and conservative
treatment followed by some rehab. Yeah, it's frustrating being knocked out
of what you normally do and how you normally do it. Hang in there !!
kimmythevegan says
Oh no! You poor thing. I'm so sorry this happened. It's ok to be blue, you have reason to be! It's good that you can see a bit of a silver lining (that it could be worse). Don't stress about blogging too much, just focus on rest and getting better.
*hugs* Thinking of you Julie.
Ken Plank says
Just get well, everyone can wait for you to get better, we are not in any hurry! Take care of your self first! Your in our prayers!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com says
Oh, Julie, I'm so sorry for your accident! I hope the pain improves very soon!! I know this is discouraging. I'm sending good wishes and prayers your way!
Joan says
I'm sorry too, Julie. I do know how it is to know you have much to do but for the time being you can't. But hang in there, this too will pass.
Rae says
SO sorry for your gardening accident. Be careful of those wild cucumbers in the future! I guess when you pick them... they push back! 😀 Sending get well wishes for comfort and a quick recovery!
Sally Riddle says
Ah, so sorry Julie, hope the pain gets better fast. Be sure and follow instructions, especially about keeping your wrist and fingers flexible, and getting up and walking around slowly and sedately,frequently, even if it's just to the door and back. I have to cheer my 93 yo dad on, he walks outside around the house 2 or 3 times a day. And enjoy sedentary activities awhile, and the time will go by fast,!! Say your prayers, you will gain insight,! Keep thinking positive, your many fans love your sweetness!
Harold Thibodeaux says
So sorry to hear of your misfortune Julie and we will keep you in our prayers. One suggestion is to follow your medical professional's advice to fully recovery. Second, as for keyboarding to achieve your blog is to consider using Siri or a voice recognition program to assist you during your recovery. Take care Julie.
Eileen says
Oh, I'm so sorry! Get better soon. I'm up for lunch anytime if you want to get out of the house.
Emily says
Oh Julie I'm so sorry. Praying for wisdom and rest and healing. <3
Lisa Ballantyne says
Here's wishing you the speediest possible recovery! Priority #1: Take care of YOU! Believe me, I know! I've always said that if there were an Olympic event called "Falling Down," I would win the gold, silver, bronze and a participation trophy!
Mary Beth Jackson says
Yikes! I am so sorry to hear about your fall! I hope it heals quickly and keep smiling!
Debbie says
Had the same thing happen to me a year ago. Fell on the sidewalk and had to have my husband help me up. It was so embarrassing. Just like you first they wrapped and sent me to the orthopedic doctor and then a sling. So happy no surgery. It took awhile to heal, but it feels great now. Hang in there it will pass quickly. I was over 60 when it happened and it healed nicely. Take care and rest and do what the doctor says.
Emily @ Pizza @ Pull-ups says
Ouch, I hope it heals quickly and the pain subsides fast.
Edith Bryson says
Julie, so sorry you had this accident! I hope you feel better soon but please take it easy so you can heal.
Bethany says
Oh no! I'm sorry Julie. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery!
Deborah @Confessions of a mother runner says
Oh no how awful! And your right arm too. What a bummer. I'm thinking indoor cycling easier to balance
Dan Steadman says
feel better
Jenn says
Very sorry for your accident. I hope you have a quick recovery but don't push yourself.
Linda Howell says
Take care of that elbow and give it time to heal. You have to look at it this way, it is part of your therapy.
And Becky is right WE WILL STIL BE HERE WHEN YOUR HEALED.
Prayers and good health to you.
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
Oh no honey! That is terrible. heal quickly and I hope the pain abates ASAP!
Mary Ellen Quimby says
OH, no, I am so sorry to hear this, take it easy so it will heal right, I will be praying for a speedy recovery, please don't over do it.
Shelley Marcy says
God has a plan Julie. Think of this as His way of slowing you down so that life doesn't pass you by. We can get so busy with vacations and visits, entertaining, etc. that we forget to simply enjoy all He has blessed us with. Our families, our homes, our young AND aging pets. All those simple things we tend to take for granted. So think of this set back as a gift from God. And as you heal, take that time to reflect and give thanks for all He has blessed you with.
Heather @Lunging Through life says
Ahh Julie I'm so so sorry!! I can't imagine the pain. Praying for you and hope the pain can let up at least soon!
Norma McNeely says
Hope you feel better real soon. Praying for a quick healing.
Beth Ann Chiles says
Oh my goodness. I am so sorry and am hopeful that you will heal up quickly. Another blogger friend of mine fell earlier this summer and broke her clavicle (I think) and has been in a sling for 7 weeks. She does photography so she has had to scale back on her blog as well. Take care of yourself and know we will all be right here when you are better!
Mary Jean Henson says
Oh my goodness! So sorry about your elbow. I know broken bones hurt. I broke my ankle last spring and it was painful for a long time. Try to keep it stationary. Prayers for a speedy recovery.
Becky says
So sorry to hear about your broken elbow. Take care and don't push yourself. We will all be here when you recover.
Gail Bell says
Take care of yourself
Your fans will still be here
Paula says
I certainly understand as I fell the end of Feb and broke my right wrist..... I still am stiff in the mornings, my hubbs had to help me shower & dry off... we ate alot of carry out.... only the last month have I been more back to normal... my wrist still cant take lifting... a little note when showering I used cattle & equine OB examining plastic disposable gloves, they come to the shoulder , can be purchased at Southern States or Amazon... Take it easy catch up on reading! Prayers for healing ?
Martha says
So very sorry you had an accident. I hope you have a speedy recovery and soon will be good as new. Certainly we understand and do not want you to over do or be concerned about taking a break from your blog. Please get well soon. All the best to you.