Messed up my wrist in a fall the other day

STR

STR

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I hesitated to announce this but may as well do it here now so I can just quell any rumors that I've quit working. Some folks have contacted me informing me that they know I've stopped taking work. Fact is its temporary if I have anything to say about it. I am taking 10 maybe 12 weeks off though at my health professional's recommendation.

I forgot to lock the shop one night and walked out back to do so. My shop door is about oh, 300 paces I guess from my house. It was dark and I lost my balance in a mole tunnel. Trying to break my fall I slipped off the sidewalk edge and messed up my hand. Didn't know it was broke till next day when I noticed it swelled up and my thumb and part of my palm was numb like it was asleep. Anyway, the good news is I'm gettin' good at peckin' on this key pad with one hand and cheating in a few pecks with my weak one. The bad news is all work here has reached a stand still here until I can squeeze and manipulate both hands normally again. All is stopped with the exception of low rider pocket clips I've pre-folded over that just need a few simple steps to complete while they last and pry bars also pre-made earlier while they last. Honestly I needed the break but it looks like I'm down for the winter or part of it at least.

Thanks and please don't let that stop you from askin' questions. I think I can still do that ok. ;) Some guys have recieved their projects back in the mail undone. If you have something you want or need to cancel its fine. I understand because its already been a good wait. I'll be on and off of here checking in from time to time as normal. Probably not posting as much though.

STR
 
Good luck to you on your recovery. Do all the exercises and therapy regimens they prescribe so you can make as full a recovery as possible.

About 5 years ago, I fell off the back of a pickup bumper (fixing a load shift) and onto the pavement. I put out my hands to stop my fall and broke both wrists. On in three places, one in two.

I though my career was over as I couldn't even start my truck to go to the job, much less put on my tool bags and do my remodeling work.

After the breaks healed, I was stunned at how much muscle atrophy there was. I could no longer swing my 22 ounce hammer, or use my circular saw all day. Not even close. And some days all I got was an hour before the pain was too intense. But the doc I had said the pain wasn't a bad thing as long as I didn't overload and strain the wrists with too much weight and twisting.

By doing the stretching and strengthening exercises faithfully and many more times than needed, my hands eventually got back up to about 95%. That's where they are now.

FWIW, the doctor told me that the exercises after the casts were finally off were almost as important as the bone healing. Full repair (or as good as it is now) took about 12 months. I was back in the job in about 5- 6 months with light work but I was careful to take it easy.

Have a speedy recovery!

Robert
 
It is really frustrating how much atrophy can set in when you stop an activity.

Anyway, heal up, it could have been much worse! and ... enjoy the vacation.
Find the time to do something different you wouldn't have thought of.
 
I hurt both but one worse. The doc told me basically the same thing about therapy. I don't think mine sounds like as bad a break as yours. Technically mine is fractured hair line in two places. No cast. Well, actually I refused it. She gave me a wrist wrap with a splint set up voicing her objection at the same time that I took instead to keep it from moving and allow me some better finger manipulation. I hate casts!

STR
 
Enjoy your break! Not your physical one of course, but it could be one of those blessings in disguise. One thing about injuries is that they can make you grateful about being healthy! Get well soon man, you're in our prayers :thumbup:
 
Take time to heal. I didn't over the years and it still haunts me.

Relax and it will all be fine.

Take Care,
 
Steve,
Get better soon. The hand/wrist can be very painful because it has so many nerves in it.
 
Steve , I would like to buy one of your mini titanium pry bars if you have any left . Let me know the colors available .
 
blitz all of them are bead blasted and unwrapped which means I can still color them any color and then have the wife wrap one.

Just tell me what one you'd like.
Thanks guys
Oh, I have a flashlight, just didn't have it that night.

STR
 
Well it sounds like you have a positive attitude towards it, keep your head up and 10 weeks will go by quickly, good luck :thumbup:
 
Steve , If you can make it multicolored (blue,green,rust brown,tourquoise,etc) fine . Otherwise make it a sky blue in color . Let me know how to pay you via paypal .
 
Pretty easy. STRsbackyardknifeworksatgmail.com but use the @ sign not at of course

Thanks oh and its $21.50 with the pay pal fee.

STR
 
I'll never forget the lady who ran the local country store yellin at her son just back from Korea minus a foot : "You stay off that stump or I'll take my black snake whip to ya!"
It ain't gonna heal unless you really give it a rest - just think of a formidable women with intention and a whip in her hand before you do anything with your hands for the next couple of months.
 
Ouch. Heal up Steve. Best wishes sent. I'm in no hurry as I believe I'm still waiting on GLWJ to cut my blade anyway.
 
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