im going to be in a cast for ages please help im really upset :-(?

Question

im sorry to keep asking questions but:

doc's diagnosis was everybone in my arm from top to bottom was very badly broken because i fell from quite a height and its was a minimum of 2-3 months in a long arm cast but he probably said it will be more like 9-10 months in a long arm cast then somthing like 7-8 months in another cast and about another 6-8 months in a support and i will still have to use a sling for another 10-12 months after that.and even after that i will have to use bandages and slings and supports for like 11-12 months after that
PLEASE HELP BECAUSE IM REALLY UPSET AT THE MOMENT BECUASE WELL YOU CAN SEE HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO RECOVER AND ALL THOSE DATES ARE MINIMUM :-(

its cos i broke all the bones in my arm it'll take a long time to completly heal

i fell about 7 foot and landed on a hard stone floor

and i still have an arm to type with and my friend typed this for me actually

any advice on using slings/casts for that amount of time?

Answer 1

First, I am not a doctor, BUT.

Unless you have some sort of medical condition that keeps your bones from healing properly, I have NEVER heard of someone having to be in a cast for 3 years. Usually you hear 6-8 weeks.

Maybe you should get a second opinion.

Answer 2

I can certainly understand why you're upset.

First, are you sure you're understanding what the doctor said? Could he have said 'or' a few times, not all of these things?

Second, the worst will be over in a few months, since each of the other things is much more comfy and less restrictive.

It might be only 3 or so months in the worst cast, and you'll be amazed how much you get used to it -- doesn't seem possible at first, but you'll adapt.

And after that, it gets better and better.

But all those years don't sound right -- I suspect the doctor was saying something more like "and depending on how well it's going, you might need a [something] for x months, OR a [different thing] for y months ...".

When you're calmer, try getting the whole process explained again.

Answer 3

I'm not sure of your age, but you need to look at this for what it is: no matter how much this sucks, and no matter how you feel about it, you WILL be in the cast or brace for as long as it takes. Complaining about it, or being upset, will not change that reality.

Go to a local prosthetics shop, ask them to let hang around for a while, and get a look at the people in your community who have lost limbs.

I'm sorry you are in the shape that you are in. Now get on with having the best life you can have in the circumstances that you have. If you need therapy, work hard at it. If the doctor gives you advice, follow it.

And, one other thing: pay attention to how people treat you when you wear that cast. Are they shy to ask you about it? do they give you a bad time? are they curious? As you watch this happen, you will gain an understanding about people with disabilities. This understanding can become an important tool for you throughout your life.

Good luck!

Answer 4

You can hope that the DR is giving you a worst case scenario. If not, then you are certainly going to have to relearn how to do some things. It will be a long process, but you need to keep a positive attitude and continue to do what you can. You are actually mourning the loss of your arm for so long. This is normal and so is the anger, fear, and why me's? You'll feel better once you've stopped dwelling on the long term and live your life day to day even though it will be hard at times. Good Luck and --(''")-("")-- hang in there.

Answer 5

It's very hard to believe you will have to be in a cast for that long. Sorry but that isn't usual. Who was the doctor? Was it the ER doc who told you that? Were you referred to an orthopedic surgeon? If it were me, I'd get a second opinion.

That being said, no matter what, you're going to have a long recovery. So you need to get yourself into the best shape you can. Be sure and eat plenty of protein so your body will heal. Get enough calcium and enough Vitamin C, which will also promote healing. Go online and find out which foods contain those vitamins and include them in your daily diet.
Get the rest of your body in shape. It won't be easy, but you can do it.
After you get over the shock of what is ahead of you, try to get a positive attitude. No matter how unhappy you are about the circumstances, they are what they are. You will learn to readjust; it will take time. If you're having a hard time functioning, ask your physician to get you an Occupational Therapy consult so they can help you figure out how to make your life easier. They will have tricks and ideas for how to best use your arms, or substitutions you'll need to make. Be pro-active about your situation, make the best of it. Good luck!

Answer 6

It sounds really horrible to be in a cast that long. However, I would just be happy that the doctor is able to put my arm back together so that I will be able to eventually use it again. If you think it is excessive then you should get a second opinion. It seems as though they should be able to use pins and steal plates to help put everything back to place quicker.

Answer 7

...but the alternative to not following your MD's instructions can be to have a LIFELONG deficit to your arm. I wish I could tell you otherwise. Time will pass, whether you co-operate with MD's or not. Consult your physician about your anxiety, perhaps they can help with that. I'm so sorry that happened to you. Suppose it had been your neck, or back instead? You will make it through this, and be a stronger person for it. Hey man, I know....that's easy for me to say. You can and you will do this....one day it will be but a memory.

Answer 8

Wow - in my life as a PT I've never seen something at extensive. Must have been quite a fall. Just hang in there - there are worse things. Sorry I can't expand on this more - there wasn't a question asked. Good luck!!

Answer 9

Well your typing really well if your arm is shattered.
You just have to deal with it, doctors give estimates but that doesn't mean you will be in the cast that long. They always give you the worse possible scenario so when it doesn't happen your relieved. :)

Answer 10

oooh i'm sorry bout that.
i broke my leg a few years back and i had a cast for what seemed like forever. well i sorta got used to it.
anyway..if i were you i wouldn't look at it like that...i'd try to think like..oke i've got 1 month behind me...cool.
just try to think positiv.:D
good luck and remember...maybe it won't be that long.