Shattered Elbow Caregivers Group 130806

PostOp Update 130806: All right, what just happened?!

I just woke up at 10:30 after going to sleep at midnight, waking at three for a hydrocodone. Weird. How is a person to get everything accomplished for the day when he sleeps the morning through? Oh, yeah, right, I am not supposed to be accomplishing anything. Uff da.

So, how did the doc appointment go? Well, the end result was spectacular, but the process was a tad bumpy at the clinic. My cousin Myra Johnson picked me up and drove me to the Bone And Joint Center Bismarck ND. I released her to run some of her errands.

So, at the clinic, first thing was to cut off the splint and remove the staples. The nurse said it looked like a normal scar, which disappointed me, so I had her take a pic so I could see. Cool. The pulling of the staples, yeah, not so cool.

Then came time for X-rays. We thought I could walk, holding my arm. Nope. Please get me a wheelchair. Good thing I have some limberness lingering from Gold's Gym Bismarck because we had to contort my body in many angles in order to get the proper shots of the elbow. Many repeat shots because either my right hand, or one of the attendants hands were in the shot blocking the elbow. Uff da.

After X-rays, met with my doc's Physician Assistant who also consulted with the additional surgeon on my case. What crazy X-rays. Wow. There are two plates surrounding the shattered base of the humerus with a bunch of pins keeping it all in place. There is a long rod going into one of the ulna, and I think a rod going up into the humerus as well. More than likely, it all will be permanent.

I am to take the full complete three weeks of immobility, no work, and performing only the primary care tasks and needs of my humanity. Excuse me? As far as weaning off the narcotics, yes on the Oxycontin as that is generally for the first week only. But as far as the hydrocodone, she said, "Kevin, you have been out of surgery just barely over a week. You are not getting hooked. Take them, and ibuprofen, as needed the next two weeks."

Next up was Physical Therapy. Thankfully it was just getting the arm and incision cleaned (which HURT), and getting fitted with a brace that locks my elbow at 90 degrees. She showed me a few exercises to keep my shoulder from atrophying, and how I am supposed to massage the scar tissue to keep it supple. I see physical therapy in one week, and the doc in two.

After all that, Myra took me to CVS for prescriptions. I took her out to lunch to introduce her to my favorite burger joint -- Reza's Pitch. Once home, I took a hydrocodone and napped until 5:30. Tom, Teresa and Taryn Chase brought a baked ziti supper over and served up an evening of warm fellowship.

And that was a Monday. Uff da maida.

Inspiration and Blessing 130806: Unless the LORD had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave. I cried out, "I am slipping!" but your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. — Psalm 94:17-18

Thank you to each of you who have been the Hand of God supporting me!

Request List 130806:
I have a stocked fridge that could use some organizing and/or help consuming leftovers;
My tub could use a scrub, but any one willing?;
My right arm and shoulder is growing weary of carrying the burden -- could I ask for help in the shower for shaving my head (yes, my ego/pride is gone);
A daily walk to the parking lot, or something to help me keep active...

Yester Musings --

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    Pics attached are of the incision, and of the new brace
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