Slowly Getting Back to Blogging

Two Surgeries Down, One to Go

It’s been 52 days since my horrible fall and when I subsequently wrote my last post announcing my temporary break from blogging while I healed.   At that time, I had no idea what was in store for me.

I’ve had two surgeries since then and tomorrow will have my third (and hopefully final) one.

My first surgery was far worse than we expected.  We learned that I didn’t just break my wrist, I shattered it!  I ended up with an external fixator rod.   I had never heard of such a device and couldn’t believe that my surgeon could actually screw an external rod directly into my arm!  It took me weeks before I could look at it without the bandages!  I will spare you the graphic photos but trust me, it took “OMG” to a new level!

Yes, those are wine corks covering the pins that stuck out on my rod, thanks to my creative husband.

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way

In between my two surgeries I was blessed to be able to attend my stepdaughter’s wedding. It meant delaying my second surgery for an additional week but I wasn’t going to miss her big day.

Since I had no use of my right hand and a sprained left hand, it took a village to get me ready for both events.  I was spoiled with mani-pedis, make up artists, hair dresser, etc.  It was a glimpse into the life of the Downton Abby characters with their personal valets and dressing maids.

Off to the Rehearsal Dinner

I had to hire a tailor to alter my dress so that I could get my arm into it.  It was a beautiful Kay Unger lace and sequins dress that now has one sleeve on, one off and a shoulder seam with snaps!  I glammed up my arm by using my cream silk shawl as my sling.

My mom (recovering from broken ankle), my sis and me

Ice became my sprained hand’s friend.  If you sprain something, remember to ice ice ice!  It really helped my left hand to heal quicker and I didn’t have to attend the wedding with a splint on each hand.

On the Mend

My second surgery wasn’t as severe as the first, although I ended up with 7 screws, plates and pins on my other bone.

My life has been consumed with going to physical therapy three times a week and doing it daily at home 4 to 5 times a day. I have gone from lifting weights at the gym to bench pressing padded hangers laying on my bed!  I needed something to be able to grip that was also light weight and that was the best I could find in my house.

OMG Friends and Family

As bad as this break has been for me without being able to work or blog (and do I miss blogging!), so much good has come out of this!  Family, friends and neighbors have been amazing!

I have been blessed with delicious home cooked meals delivered to our home, have been chauffeured to appointments and taken to lunch.  My hairdresser has visited on her days off to style my hair,  my trainer from the gym has come over to visit and to stretch my neck and shoulders.  I’m overwhelmed with emotion and appreciation for the support, love and help I have received.

Anxious to Get Back to Blogging

As I prepare for my final surgery tomorrow, I am elated to get this external fixator removed. I am excited to be able to wear my clothes again.  I have been so limited on what I could fit over my arm and had to do some emergency online shopping.

I am so anxious to get back to blogging! It will be quite some time before I can type with two hands but once the rod is removed I am hopeful I can at least sit comfortably at my desk and begin to blog again.

Lastly, thank you for your get well wishes and support.  I am looking forward to connecting with you again.

xo

Elaine