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
So glad your back Elaine. I have missed your OMG Blogs!
Thanks Sherry!
I miss seeing you at the gym but know that you will come back stronger than ever! Your blog is great and I am looking forward to more soon.
Thanks Sue. I’m so anxious to get back to the gym but it will still be awhile. I am glad you like the blog! I’m thrilled to be getting back into it. Hope to see you soon
Fondly,
Elaine
So glad to hear that you are mending and finding your way back to the blog. I know you still some time before you are 100% and I’m wishing you a speedy recovery.
All the best,
Shelly
Thanks so much Shelly for your well wishes! Feeling better every day and working towards a full recovery.
Hope you are well!
Best,
Elaine
Eileen, I am so glad you are getting closer to “back to normal.” Good luck with your surgery. Pam
Thanks Pam! I appreciate your kind words!
Best,
Elaine
Welcome back, Sis! Missed you and your blog! Hope you get stronger every day! Xoxo
Thanks Carolyn!
xo
E
I am so glad you are back, corks and all!
What a terrible injury, and what a great attitude, i love
your quote about bench pressing padded hangers.
Hmm. may I should add that to my daily workouts.
You do look gorgeous, so I have therefore decided that you should add this little coterie to your daily ensem…
Not get your bone density checked and watch some Downton Abbey!
XX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com/
Thanks Elle! I always love hearing from you. I’m on the mend and need to revisit your blog for fashion ideas now that I am not so limited with my arm and choice of clothes! Hope you are well!
My best,
Elaine
Hi Elaine,
I had no idea your injury was that bad. How did your latest surgery go? You look great, as if nothing ever happened (except for your arm, of course).
Congrats on your stepdaughter’s wedding.
How’s your Mom doing, I hope better?
Best of luck for the upcoming golf tournament; I know it’s always a big success!
Take care and best wishes,
Linda
Elaine,
I am just checking in to see how you are healing.. it is quite a process!
My hubby just had a knee procedure, nothing at all like what you went through, and it was pretty tough,
anyway, sending healing thoughts and a reminder to NOT overdo!
XX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com/
Elle, it’s always so nice to hear from you. I way over estimated how quickly I could get back to blogging. Much of my day is spent in splints for stretching my wrists or at physical therapy. I am getting better, slowly but surely. I hope your husband has healed well and is able to enjoy summer. Thanks for your healing thoughts!
Best,
Elaine
It seems that you broke your wrist very bad.Has your wrist tottaly healed?Hope you feel better and dont have any pain.
How nice Alex. Thank you for your kind words. I am doing so much better and love being back to blogging! Thanks for visiting!