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[Katejo]

I slipped and fell in the very wet weather yesterday and broke my wrist! It is a simple clean fracture of the radius so no complications. I would like to hear from anyone who has had a similar fracture. A few questions:

How long did you have to keep the plaster on? I have a temporary one now but have to go to the orthopaedic clinic next Friday to have it checked and the full plaster applied. Have been told 6-8 weeks.

Did you have to be signed off work? I really don't want to spend weeks stuck at home on my own. The doctor at the hospital didn't say anything about this and I didn't think to ask until i got home.

If you live alone, how did you manage? I can't move in with anyone

I am supposed to be flying to Italy in 6 weeks so am hoping to have the plaster off by then.

[CLKD]

The reason you have a 'back slab' plaster on is to avoid pressure should the fracture site swell.  I expect that the wrist will be X-rayed again on Friday to make sure that the alignment hasn't slipped.  Then a full plaster will be put on.  Make sure you keep the arm elevated and you MUST keep MOVING the fingers which reduces the chance of swelling.

How is the pain? 

6-8 weeks is 'usual' healing time.  Make a list to take to the Fracture Clinic particularly about flying - I seem to remember  that flying can increase the chance of swelling in the joint …….. you need to check your travel/health insurance Policy too!

Keep the limb dry.  Don't let the limb hang down.  You should be able to do most things and if showering/bathing, putting a plastic shopping bag over will keep the plaster dry.

[Katejo]

I have just been back to the hospital just to ask about whether I could try to go to work but was advised against and  to wait until my clinic appointment. Yesterday i was told that the current temporary plaster would be removed at the appt and a new full one added. The doctor who spoke to me today looked up my details and said that the temp plaster may be left on and not changed at all.
I was told yesterday that I only needed to keep it elevated for 48 hours. The sling which I was given is just an old rectangular bandage sling so very difficult to keep on.

re. flights. NHS guidelines say that there is only a swelling problem for about 48 hours after the event and flying after that isn't a problem. I will have to tell my insurer but the doctor advised me to wait until after my appointment.

It isn't that painful really.  I can move my fingers easily. Thumb movement causes discomfort.

re. plastic shopping bag in the shower. How do you seal it round the arm? I can't apply tape with 1 hand

Have just met someone at the hospital awaiting treatment. She had  tripped over the vacuum cleaner and has broken the wrist in  3 or 4 places whereas I was told that  mine was just a simple single clean break. On the x ray it looked to me just like a hairline break.

[CLKD]

Thanks for the update and glad you aren't having much pain!  Good idea to go back for advice too.

Plastic bag round arm : large, post office size elastic bands?  Get a large black rubbish sack and lay on a table: arm onto sack and pull up - do you have blue tack, if so are you able to stick the bag onto the plaster with BT? then pull up the other side of the sack and again, BT.  Then pull up elastic bands, one as far as the elbow level the other at the wrist? 

Or ask a niehgbour?  I'd help if I could reach  pity someone hasn't invented something!

[Jenna]

I see that you can buy ' blue plastic protective oversleeves' on that well-known auction site! Any use?

[CLKD]

Or ask at the Vets for those long internal gloves that they use for cows 

[Katejo]

I see that you can buy ' blue plastic protective oversleeves' on that well-known auction site! Any use?

Thanks for the suggestion. I didn't buy them from that site but it gave me the idea to ask in Boots. My local store had some old stock.

I am surprised and a bit puzzled that my symptoms are so mild in comparison to descriptions which I have read on other forums and NHS guidelines. I think my swelling has gone down because the temporary cast is slipping up and down my arm slightly. I can use my fingers to  turn a tap on or turn a key without any problem. Obviously I am generally avoiding lifting things but have cautiously tried lifting a plate or a full mug without any real discomfort. I can do a little keyboarding (2 finger). I haven't needed to take any painkillers.

I am cautiously optimistic but have to wait until Friday for my follow up appointment.

[CLKD]

That's good news!  Let us know how you get on after your Appt. on Friday.

[Katejo]

That's good news!  Let us know how you get on after your Appt. on Friday.

Will do. Feel bad about being off work. Did go in briefly yesterday just to do a couple of very small things as my manager is away but am staying off now until after the appointment. 
Came across another UK website forum  (Patient) in which users with more complex wrist fractures (several breaks or shattered bone) were saying that they had had plaster removed after 3-5 weeks rather than 6-8. They had also had considerably more pain than I am having and were taking continuous painkillers. 

[CLKD]

Unless someone heals rapidly 6 weeks+ is 'normal'.  Unless they then had another type of support put onto the limb to protect the site and that would also ease any effects of pain.  The fracture in an adult knits on either side of the break which increases strength at that particular site.

[Katejo]

Unless someone heals rapidly 6 weeks+ is 'normal'.  Unless they then had another type of support put onto the limb to protect the site and that would also ease any effects of pain.  The fracture in an adult knits on either side of the break which increases strength at that particular site.

They mentioned things like a splint or daytime wrist support.

[CLKD]

How R you managing with showering etc.?

[Katejo]

How R you managing with showering etc.?

Just about managing but have to kneel on the floor with shower extension in left hand to do my hair. However it should be a bit easier from tomorrow. My shower is an over the bath one with mixer taps. I have just had the mixer unit replaced this afternoon. The old one was very old and the washers had worn out so it was getting harder to turn the taps on/off. Now i have levers. A friend whose sons have both had broken wrists in the past has recommended an arm cover. Will probably order one once i have had my follow up appointment tomorrow and so have a better idea as to how long I will be in plaster.

I can do lots of things with the hand with only minor discomfort. That includes teeth cleaning, turning keys in the door, chopping veg and very light lifting. Not sure how much of this is due to the plaster support but i had expected it to be worse.

[CLKD]

You're doing well!  What time is your appt.?

[Katejo]

You're doing well!  What time is your appt.?

It's at 2.20pm tomorrow. I  will add an update afterwards.