Half jokingly we call December 22 Humerus Day. It's a day to remember the accident and be grateful for the successful recovery, and a day to appreciate our health.
I have since the accident three years ago encountered friends and friends of friends who also fractured their bones, and in a few cases even their humerus. Sometimes the break was far from as severe as mine, but the recovery took more time nevertheless. It seems to be almost impossible to predict how the healing will go based on the initial x-ray. Nerves can get damaged and so can tendons and the blood circulation.
I have no recurring nightmares about falling, but last summer I fell during running at deep decline and rolled around on the asphalt a couple of turns. The pain was quite severe and my first thought was to check the mobility of my arms. The injuries were mere scratches and healed in a couple of weeks. But the incident reminded me again how quickly things can change.
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132 comments:
thanks so much for your blog! I broke my humerus in 4 places in early November and I appreciate reading about your experiences.
Thank you for the update! i broke my humerus 11/15/11 mid shaft. it's been a difficult six weeks but your blog has helped immensely in knowing what to expect, especially those first few weeks. Thank you. Ana
I would also like to thank you for your blog. Even though we all heal differently, it has been a source of great information and approximate timeline for the healing process. I broke my humerus midshaft on October 29th and searched the internet high and low for information. Your blog was the page I bookmarked! Glad to hear you are all healed up and have had no further problems! You have been a great inspiration!
Hello, i broke my humerus about on friday the 16th of december this year and i haven't had any servere pain from it since apart from my little brother jumped on it, but after 13 days which it has been i am able to lift my broken arm from standing up to about 45 degrees from my body. All i was given was a cuff and collar type sling which honestly is terrible, its basically a sling which holds around your wrist. I have my first appointment tomorrow with the person who helps gain your muscle strength back. I sometimes lay on my arm and hear and feel a popping noise in that arm but it does not hurt, i'm not sure why, my break was literally horizontal so i didn't need a cast or anything really. Anyway, i enjoyed reading your blog a lot as i haven't found one like tihs yet.
Thanks
Jack Age:16
:)
Your blog was just what i needed. Broke my humorous December 3/11. The pain was unbelievable tripped at work. Juswt started physio today. Very keen and motivated after reading your diaqry.
I broke my humerus Dec. 11, 2011. The doctor performed surgery 2 days later to put a plate in it. Your blog was so helpful especially during the first 2 weeks. Thank you!
I broke my humerus at the top in 3 places on 16/12/2011 whilst on the dancefloor on a Xmas night out I was happily dancing and caught my heel in a girls boot! It fell to the floor and caused major damage to my shoulder:(
Was advised to have an op to insert plate and pins but did not feel up to it. I have now decided to see how it heals without one although I know it is going to take a minimum of 3 months to recover! Not a great start to 2012!
I broke my rt humerus Feb 2011 (spiral fracture). Mine is very slow to heal and was considered a delayed, possibly non-union. I got hooked up with an ankle doctor for the 1st five months who refused to operate. Three second opinions confirm that I should have had surgery. My new doctor said he would have operated if I had seen him at the start. He thought it would eventually heal without surgery. I am on my 2nd exogen electrical stimulation device and it is now approx 80% healed after 11 months. I have been using the exogen for 6 months. It appears to be doing something. In addition to the delayed union I had frozen shoulder for the first 4 months. This has been a real test on a person's sanity.
i broke my humeras midshaft in 3 places on dec 3 2011. after 2 weeks and a new doctor i had surgery dec 16 and the dr put in a 10inch plate and 13 screws. very painful and the dr just released me to start physical therapy and im scared to death. wondering if anyone has heard of water therapy for injuryies like this.
I broke my left humerus ( spiral midshaft) on Nov. 27, 2011. At the emergency room I was told that they needed to operate. Then they decided to release me and told me to see the doctor the next day. He wanted to see if it would heal on it's own but hasn't. Now 7 weeks out they want me to have a plate & screws in. I was wondering how the surgery is and the recovery afterwards.
I love coming back to this blog to see what to expect next in my healing! I wanted to quick give my story to anyone who may read this in the future in desperation for some information related to their humerus break, as this was what I did after breaking mine. I broke mine mid-shaft on left arm on October 29, 2011. It wasn't compound (out of the skin) but was totally snapped and going in the opposite direction of how an arm should go! Freaked me out laying there waiting for the ambulance. Anyway, the er doc set it and placed me in a temporary cast (the old fashioned big heavy ones) for a few days just to stabilize it. Three days later the ortho doc took that off and put me in a clam-shell brace thing. That experience was like breaking it all over again under no pain meds. I think in the few weeks that followed, I hit my low. I wasn't feeling sorry for myself, but was just depressed and missing my daily workouts. Sleep deprivation was huge these first few weeks, as the recliner was my bed for a very long time--7 weeks. I was so tired, but just couldn't get into a comfortable position. If you are reading this and didn't have surgery, you probably know what I mean about feeling the bones rolling around in there. Hope to never feel that again! In searching the internet during this time for a quick "cure" for my broken arm, the one thing that I found over and over was to eat healthy. So, along with my regular vitamin regimin, I added several supplements like aloe vera juice (tastes like water) and goji juice, green machine juice, tons of apples, fruits, vegis. I kind of went all out and decided to eat only whole grains, mostly whole foods, nothing processed, no white flour products, no artificial colors or flavors, or sweetners. I also tried to eat organic as much as I could find and afford in North Dakota during the winter. I figured I would gain tons of weight doing this, but if it made the bone grow back together any quicker, then it was worth it. Well, to my surprise, I lost 7 lbs sitting in my chair! I know, some of it could be muscle loss, but during this whole journey, I never quit weight lifting with my right arm. I also, did standing ab work and a gentle leg work out, so I don't think too much of it was muscle loss. At about the 3-4 week point, they told me to let the arm hang out of the sling straight down. After the initial fear and first time, I found this to be a great addition to my list of comfortable positions. The only downside was the swelling in the hand that it brought. They assured me that this was normal and just due to all the fluid the body rushes to the site of the injury. Ice helped the swelling feel better. It took probably until 8-9 weeks before that swelling was finally gone. The ice skater guy explains this well in his blog if you need more info. I am running out of characters, so I will finish this on the next blog entry...
Continued from previous blog…
I started therapy 2 days a week at the 8 week point. For me, this hasn't been painful, so far. It always felt so good when they would do range of motion on it and each session I could see improvement. In the meantime, I resumed workouts on my elliptical trainer and light jogging/walking on the treadmill. This week (11.5 weeks out) I completed my first kickboxing workout. I don't punch and snap my broken arm like I do my other arm, but in due time! When I completed my workout today (high intensity interval training) I thought to myself, I never thought I would be this far along after thinking of how terrible the first few weeks were. I figured I would be laid up well into the spring. I don't know if my experience is normal for the type of break I had. I don't know if the extra vitamins and supplements helped, as I have nothing to compare it to, but I would like to think that my recovery was quick compared to others who have posted on this site. It might have made a difference that I was in good shape when I broke the arm. As of now, I am down to therapy 1 day a week, and that may be ending soon. I have lots of exercises to do at home, though I have not actually lifted weights yet in therapy. However, doesn't lifting a laundry basket count as weight lifting?!! My bones on x-ray don't line up. They look just like the ice skater's x-rays. I have a hard lump that just looks like a well defined bicep, tho it is actually the bone and the new bone growth. It doesn't hurt, and I am told this will grow to be the strongest point in my skeleton when it is done healing. I feel for those of you who are not healing up right away. I am not a doctor, but feel that it is worth it to try and let it heal up on its own, if you can. Though I realize some of those breaks were a lot worse than mine and do require pins and plates. My final comments to anyone who reads this soon after breaking a humerus is that it will get better. Somehow you have to make it through the first few weeks, and then day by day you will see progress. Hang in there, and it never hurts to pray!
hi im 3 months into my recovery, and cannot fully open or extend my arm....cannot really put any weight on it still...was this normal for u 2 this far along?
Not sure how others are doing at 3 months, but I have been able to straighten for a long time. Maybe they got me out of the sling early enough that I didn't lose too much movement. Sorry to hear this for you. Are you doing therapy? I would for sure let them know this concerns you...What does the doc say? You may have a different break in a different spot than myself, so I guess it is hard to compare. Keep working at it! Best of luck to you.
Hi there, have found this blog really helpful. I came of my motorbike at the beginning of September 2011 it was a displaced fracture at the neck of the humerous, the most painful thing i've ever experienced! several doctors looked at the xrays and finally decided not to operate and allow it to heal as it was. I'm now glad they did as the bone did finally realign and heal properly. It did take a bit longer than expected, took 12 weeks before I was allowed to start any resistance work. when the doctors say to you it's going to be a long painful recovery they weren't joking. i'm coming up to 6 months post injury and still attending physio twice a week. Been diagnosed with post traumatic capsulitis. living in hope the physio can stretch the capsule to get the full range of motion back but may need manual manipulation under anaesthetic but sticking with the physio for now! That said, pain is manageable now and I can do most things I need to be able to. Have only just got round to considering getting back on a bike, got to get back at it! Lorna
Hi
I had a humerus fracture-mid shaft just like yours 5 months ago. Still I can't reach between my shoulder blades with my left arm (broken arm). Also I have a problem with the behined the back "police move". Can you please till me when you gained these two movements. Many thanks
Anon, I can't remember how long it took me to be able to reach between my shoulder blades, but it was a LONG time. I thought I'd never be able to do up my bra behind me again (no problem now, it's easy). I got depressed thinking my arm would never be as good as it had been.
I reckon full recovery takes well over a year. I'm two years on, and have about 95% range of movement back - for everyday purposes, it's normal. It's possible it's still gradually improving, even now. I feel fine :o)
Full recovery takes approx. 1 year in a best case scenerio. Mine will take longer. Next week will be 1 year for me. My spiral fracture is approx. 80% healed. I had frozen shoulder for 6 months. I cannot fully straighten my arm or reach between my shoulder blades. I am still going to physio. I had a delayed, possibly non-union. I have nearly used up my 2nd exogen electrical stimulation machine. My strength is no where near normal and have been lifting some light weights and using the elastic tubing. I am a long way away from being able to do a pushup. I don't want to push it too hard until we are sure the bone is fully healed. It's a long process and no 2 people heal the same.
Many thanks Lexi and Jasper . I guess this is comforting to me. I am still going to the physio three days a week. Best wishes to all
did anyone have painful muscle spasms. im 2.5 wks out and any fast or wrong movement brings them on...from armpit to over shoulder to pecs. just want them to stop. i have to walk and move so slow.
That happened to me in the er right after the accident, but not after they set it and braced it. Sorry to hear this. Hope the docs can help you or get you come good meds. They told me it was the muscle trying to attach to something that wasn't there??? Good luck. I feel your pain:-(
hi there,
early December 2010, i had an accident and i broke my humerus in 3 pieces, 2 pieces fitted together like a puzzle but the after it was 2 and it fitted together exactly like it did on your post on the week 18 2nd picture looks 100% exactly like my x-ray for me, i had 2 months then recovery then removed sling then after i had physio to help extended my arm as i was not able to fully extend it. but i always thought that for the first year it was ok because when i look at my arm it looks fine just a little bulky near the fractured area but otherwise it is good it is now 1 year and 2 months for me.
hi, i fractured my proximal humerus 3 weeks ago, body surfing in india, first day spent in absolute agony without pain relief, then taken for surgery to have it plated, with ten pins.flew back to uk three days later, hell of a trip, then was driven by husband to our home in greece, five days, very stiff.
wrist drop was immediate at the time of the accident, some slight improvement after 3 weeks, following gentle regime from physio, 'pendulum aem swings', moving all hand, finger and wrist joints manually to keep them not too stiff. having to sleep sitting up, sucks. had a lot, a lot, a lot of pain, especially in the hand, nerve pain across the back of the hand, cramping/muxcle spasm on palm/fingers/wrist. on pregabalin and naproxen, not sure how good they are. any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. great blog.
I don't think I could have coped without this blog and all the information,I refer to it every day, I am 10 weeks into my fracture exactly the same as yours but mine was done from a horse fall from Australia. I had xrays for 6 weeks and then they told me to come back in six weeks, I'm in my 10th week and a booked a physio at six weeks because of this blog, thank god I still have shoulder movement but not much, but i refer to this blog every day to give me encouragement and not feel hopeless, so i just wanted to say thankyou.
HI.i broke my humerus upper shaft on 22 Dec 2010.[there is something about this date,lol ]
your blog really helped and motivated me a lot.i keep coming back and read ur updates.i always wanted to thank you and share my experience with u. today i got the chance. THANK YOU :))..
i did'nt go for the surgery and went for the conservative treatment by using the brace. the bone healed but not straight.no regrets.
i have been into heavy workouts before my injury. dec 2011 i started the gym and by feb 2012 i was lifting heavy in consultation with my physio.didnt face any problem .3 days back i started swimming.i always thot that swimming will make my arm more flexible ,but after 2 days of swimming the fracture site has started paining,it feels as if the bone is rubbing with the tissues or tendons..i would like to know from you that when u started swimming during the healing process did it hurt that way??
will be consulting my ortho and physio..i think time to go for another Xray...I am happy for you.and thank u again..i wish good luck and speedy recovery for All the people who follow this blog.
"what doesn't kill us makes us staronger"
Really glad you wrote this post, I broke my humerus bone last fall and it's been a really rough period.
Your blog is inspirational and informative give me some hope.
I am on a brace from day three post fracture. Today is start of fifth week, last couple of days were painful and swelling come back but I feel some connection between the joints. Is anybody could relate this in their recovery and explain.
How long it will take before you drive your car? Good luck with every bodys recovery.
Thank you.
My 86 year old dad broke his humerus bone up close to the shoulder. It has been very painful for him. I am concerned about his elbow too. His elbow is very swollen (double it's size) and I'm wondering if that was the case with any of you as well? I'm just concerned that there might be a break in it that they missed.
I came across your blog today after breaking my humerus 3 days ago. I can't sleep due to the pain and having to sleep upright. I broke it doing a handstand pushup, an exercise in Crossfit. I am very active and this is killing me!!! I, too, am afraid of weight gain. So far I have had no appetite though. I am also left handed, the arm I broke, so I'm feeling really off. It's nice to read about someone else's experience. Right now I'm in the temp cast that the ER put on. I go into a Sarmiento brace a week from tomorrow. I get X-rays on 8/29. I'm hoping to heal quickly. Not sure if you still read this but thanks for sharing.
I broke my humerus, midshaft, on June 23, 2012 on a slip-and-slide. It was horrible. Having never broken a bone before, I didn't know at first that anything serious had happened. However, looking at the looks of terror on the faces of the people around me, I knew something bad had happened. At the ER, I was given morphine, and once that kicked in, it helped with the pain, for a few hours. Sleeping the first night wasn't rough, I slept horizontally, with a pillow supporting my arm. The second night, that wasn't possible for me. Like everyone else, I had to resort to vertical sleeping. This was bad for the first few weeks. I stopped taking the pain medication after four days, for fear of addiction. It wasn't impossible to handle. Like everyone else, I was put in a temporary cast, then three days later, the brace. By July 10, I was able to sleep horizontally again. The hardest part through all of this was showering. If you can, get yourself a mesh sling once the doctor gives you permission to remove the brace for showers. Best decision I ever made. By the 5th week or so, I was finally able to move my fingers/wrist again, even if it was minimally. Stress ball helped with that. I took my brace off permanently 8/16, so a little less than 8 weeks from the accident. Now, I only do PT once a week, and I've been using only weights (2 lbs for arm raises/wrist exercises, 5 lbs for bicep/tricep). Things WILL get better. It won't be easy by any means, but they WILL get better!
Thanks so much for this blog! I broke my humerus bone while on a snowboarding vacation. It was broken in two places, spiral fracture. It was painful and recovery took a while, however everything was back to normal after about 4 months, then I just had to work on getting the strength back in my arm. Thanks for this blog and letting me know what to expect!
I am 70 years old and broke my humerus in two places, 11/16/12. Fell into a plate glassdoor and it was the worst pain I ever felt. Doc put me in a sling and prescribed pain pills which I discontinued 3 weeks out because I didn't like the side affects. Like everyone else, I slept sitting up. The first weeks were so difficult. Taking a shower and dressing was a days work and I needed help with everything. Finally smartened up and got a recliner - still in it.
Now at almost 8 weeks and doing pt 3x week - helping alot. Range of motion improving and it is encouraging to realize the little things I can do again, every day, like getting a fork to my mouth. Very hard is the emotional end that goes with the total disruption of life as you know it - and there are tearful and fearful moments. This blog helped so much - reading others experiencing the same things and knowing they have healed. Getting a realistic handle on how long it takes...Hang in folks.
I am 50 year old Mom and broke my left humerus 1 week ago at home in our garage when the car rolled backwards and took my arm with it. The first specialist wanted to put in a pin, the 2nd wants to put on a plaster cast and do surgery because I have radial palsy and a limp wrist . He says he would NEVER suggest a pin. The emergency doctor said put it in a brace, have a check up with specialist and you will be fine in 6 weeks to start physio.
Help please, who do I listen to?I have no idea what route to take.
57 year old male, good overall health. on 4/13/13 broke humerus...sprial fracture 3 places. the er put a temp immobialization cast on the upper arm. saw ortho dr on monday 4/15. dr thought talk of surgery was premature. dr provided a clam shell immobialization device.
went for follow up x-ray on 4/22. x-ray and dr indicated that bone alignment was good and continued immobialization of the humerus was needed.
one mistake i made was not accepting the prescription for pain meds 9from the er). the first night and day after were pure hell.
my wife is an angel, she and my kids have taken good care of me.however i try do do as much as i can to lessen the burden.
the ortho dr indicated that it will take approx 8 weeks before therapy will start.
stay positive, use the pain meds and get well.
visited dr on 5/9/13, into the 4th week after my accident/fracture. had two x-rays taken. dr confirmed that the healing process was taking place. bone alignment was good. the dr reviewed the x-rays with my wife and me. everything looked good. the dr asked if i was keeping the arm clamp snug...of course yes. i was concerned about loss of muscle tone and getting into rehab mode. the dr gave me a sponge ball to squeeze and advised to stick with that for now. my next appointment is in four weeks.
i felt good that this week's visit was short and uneventful. i thing the dr i am seeing is a good one.
i am thankful that the visit didn't last long, and that the dr he went over the x-rays, answered my questions, and advised that my next visit would be in four weeks. i took these as good indicators that i AM on the mend. i am using my arm as much as possible to do things i did before the break. although i still have some pain, its tolerable. also, i no longer have to sleep in a sitting position.
i asked the dr why i still can't raise my injured arm (under its own power) very much. the dr indicated that during my accident (falling because i stepped on our cat and he screamed an ungodly screen) i damaged muscle tissue, and it still must heal. "this was normal". i felt relieved.
so, in 27 days i'll go back of more x-rays. hopfully it will be time to begin organized rehab.
for the record, i started contributing to this blog on april 23, 2013 under "anonymous". my subsequent post in above under tom s.
Saturday, June 8th will be 8 weeks since my accident. Visited the Dr. today for an X-ray. The last X-rays taken was 4 weeks ago (5/9/13). The Dr. indicated that the fracture was healing well, and I should continue with the brace for another 4 weeks. I was a little disappointed that to learn it would be another 4 weeks with the brace. Perhaps the Dr. is being very conservative. To be safe, I will follow his advice and continue to use the brace. On the bright side, my ROM has really improved and I am doing as much as I can with the arm. Right now the feeling I have in my injured arm reminds me of when I played sports as a kid....it feels as though I've overused the muscles. I take Advil for the pain and it works for me.
I've read, on this blog, all of the comments from others. Although I am by no means "out of the woods" I consider myself VERY lucky that my injury has taken the course it did. Unfortunately, many have fared much worst. I continue to hope for the best for everyone's fast, and complete recovery.
I have just come across your brilliant blog. My healing experience has been completely different due to different steps undertaken by the doctors.
I broke my right humerus mid-shaft on a bmx and spent a week in the trauma ward. At first, the doctors were trying to avoid surgery at all costs so they started realigning the bones. Unfortunately, that was a mistake on their part: after the 3rd realigning attempt, the radial nerve got so beaten up that it led to complete palsy. So after my surgeon uncle's intervention I ended up at the operating table and had a titanium plate fitted with 8 screws. It has been so much easier for me from that point on. I then had to undertake an intense 3 month rehabilitation done privately in Poland, including an Alzheimer drug therapy to promote nerve regrowth.
2 years have passed. I can write, play the piano and do sport again. Miracle.
I want to thank all of you for the useful comments. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Its been 13 weeks of hell as I broke it 3 parts and it is a complicated proximal humerus fracture. It is minimally displaced. I had the sling 8 weeks. I started physio in week 9.I decided not to go for the operation as I was scared. The accident ha changed my life and I have been traumatised. I am wondering am I going to be able to go back to normal daily routine later on in my life. Thanks a lot for your time.
Had dr visit yesterday, 7/1/13. It has been 11 weeks and 2 days since my accident. New X-rays were taken. Dr says the bone is filling in properly. Dr ok'ed discontinued use of the arm brace, and recommended that I start PT.
My arm mobility has steadily improved, however I am a ways off from 100%. Also arm strength has improved, but also a ways off from 100%. I continue to be hopeful for a full recovery. I push myself as much as reasonably possible to shorten the timeframe.
Craig
50 year old male right mid shaft fracture. Only ten days into sling since injury(Trip and fall 7 stair height to landing)but already so much less painful. I go to x-rays and specialist on October 30 then they decide how healing is going and what brace, cast or surgery is appropriate
Wiil update
Craig 50 year old male
Well it has been four weeks.
The doc has put me in a humerus fracture brace and seems satisfied with the new x-rays although to my eyes still looks pretty broken. unfortunately i had full rotator cuff surgery on the same arm 18 months ago and things may become complicated once the real healing begins and the shoulder needs to move...hope it does not mean another surgery.
Craig 50 year old male
Well it has been seven weeks. The bone is not really very lined up but it is acceptable. It still looks very broken but you can see a milky clear cloud around the break so all is going to plan according to the Doc. I am now out of my sling and will be starting ROM P.T. next week. No strength for a few weeks I imagine. I see the Doc again in six weeks. Doc also said it would be 6 to 9 months before x-ray would look like normal solid bone. I must say that after my first full day and night without sling my arm feels pretty worn out and sore but I am sure with time and Physio that will get better.
Craig 50 year old male
Well it has been almost two months.
I went to my first ROM(Range of Motion) P.T. session and it looks like I have a fare amount of work to do. Both Elbow and Wrist do not have full extension and are puffy and sore. I am in day two of doing the exercises and already I can see and feel improvement. The good news is I have been playing some guitar the last couple of weeks and everyday I can play a little longer. P.T. says no drums yet but I am optimistic that it will happen sooner than later. The other good news is two days ago the swelling finally has gone down enough that I can actually see the veins in my hand:-) I still have a long road to travel on re-hab but the final good news to share is that one day at a time it gets better. I will post again maybe in a few weeks after my next visit.
Craig 50 year old male
Well it has been three months and healing is coming along well. I am now out of the brace and freewheeling. I start Strength training with the PT this week so onward and upward. I plan to start swimming next week to accelerate the muscle build. On a even better note there is a good chance I may get my yearly spring ski trip to the Rockies in:-)
I will not post again until March 2014 when I have my next check-up
24Craig 51 year old male
Well it has been four and a half months and the healing has come along fine. I saw the Doctor today and he is happy with the bone growth. I no longer have to go for the follow-up xrays and visits with him. I have been given the green light for a spring ski trip so all is good. It still aches sometimes at the break site but I am sure it will for a long time to come. Not sure if anyone is reading this but I left my comments here to continue sharing the information with other victims of such a painfull break. I will not be posting anymore and will leave it to the next poor soul that suffers through this process to share their journey......
Thank you - I also broke my left humerus (our x-rays look very similar) . Having little sleep for the first week, I searched for information about the injury and more importantly, the recovery. I'm in Week 5 and can't tell you how much I appreciate knowing the good and the bad. For me, the unknown was the scariest part and you took that fear away. Thank you so very much.
hi I broke humerus bone( ball )10 days ago .my arm is in a sling,i cant sleep at all every movement hurts,i wonder why this gotten worse than better.i did not had this pain in the first 3 days.anynbody had the same experience...is it pinched nerves.and also what kind of meds. helped ...any suggestions will help thank you
I broke my humerus on July 6,2014 while Visiting friends. I just tripped and fell breaking the ball and the space just below it . I was blessed in that the hospital was actually located right behind the hotel I was staying at. The pain was severe and I was thankful that I got morphene so quickly. Sleeping in a sitting position now but able to sleep. I'm 16 days since the accident still taking pain killers twice a day not four times like a first. I have been able to move my wrist and fingers since day one but arm still hangs like a dead arm . The first week was the hardest. Have missed two weeks of work so far. Tried going back this morning which caused a lot of swelling but to tell the truth I was sick of being in the house:) . Also thankful for no surgery. Best thing I have learned so far is to get dressed by putting injured arm in shirt first and take off shirt the opposite way with good arm off first. Hang in there. I do feel so much better even though the road ahead is still long. At least there is a light at the end of the tunnel
To the person in the post ahead of me. They gave me oxicodene for the pain helps a great deal. I take it at night to help with sleep . Also taking an anti inflammatory twice a day. Ice packs help so much with the pain still . Seems our injuries were just days apart. Hanging in there
Worked at the office today. Up walking quite a bit. Big mistake. No sleep tonight. My arm is so swollen and killing me. I can't get comfortable no matter what . I own a real estate company so some days I have to go in . Day 17 I think since the accident. I thought I felt better but I think it's just the pain killers masking the situation going to see if resting tomorrow helps
22 days since the break still swelling fingers ,elbow, you name it. Whole arm. Bruised and swollen. Saw the doctor on Friday he said the good news was it was still in place the bad news was the ex rays didn't show a lot of development but cartiledge doesn't show on ex rays and before it turns to bone it is cartiledge still taking the pain killers as needed at night or early in the morning just to get through the day no driving he said. Still in the sling going back in two weeks . It hurts. I mean to the point I get sick of it getting dressed is always a challenge . Pain is more like an ache. I guess that's better than the first week. You will get better. I am amazed at even though it hurts it's a lot better than week 1. I hope this helps you by writing it down. This blog helped me just knowing we can get through this
Day 25. Woke up in so much pain can't sleep . This is getting so old. Some nights even sitting up sleeping is painful . I've gotten to where I only take the pain meds at night and early morning. I don't think that will stop for at least another week from how I feel now. Swelling in three fingers and whole arm still. I can lift my arm from the elbow if I hold the upper arm close to my body . Very happy about that
Four weeks one day since the break. My arm is so stiff in the morning .They have switched me to hydrocodone . It doesn't work as well for me as the oxicodene did but it's better than nothing to help me sleep . I still can't lift my arm very well . As in not at all if lying flat on the bed. I can move my arm from the elbow now if standing hard but able to do. I go back to the doctor in three days. Not happy about this stiffness and pain
Thanks so much for writing about your experience! I broke my left humerus about 2 1/2 weeks ago in a fall. The most awful thing is that floating feeling when I press down on something with my left hand - like the surface I'm touching is moving - really freaky. Next worst is seeing the x-ray - bone ends separated. Doc says it's not that bad and after seeing your x-rays I feel a bit better. No cast or brace just an arm-immobilizing sling. Also no PT yet.
I took Ibuprofin for a while but stopped when I read, and doc confirmed, that it can impede healing. I do take one Hydrocodone at bedtime which sends me right off to sleep. Am sleeping in a recliner which is great - actually sleeping better than I normally did in bed.
Very reassuring to read that actual healing is 2 weeks ahead of the x-ray!
Only pain is a sharp stinging sensation when I move a certain way, but fear that I'm re-injuring it when that happens is great.
I try not to move it at all which is probably not good. I can do hand clenches without pain so will increase those.
Thanks again for sharing your experience.
I am 4 weeks nd 2 days after a fall where I broke my humerus into 3 pieces, and have had some heling on X-ray. My situation has been complicated by the discovery of a dvt, blood clot, in my brachial vein. I am taking xarelto. No side effects noted t this time. I had rotator cuff repair exactly a year ago with a great result, and assuming I heal from the humeral break, I am so worried I may have damaged my cuff repair. Interestingly, I had a blood clot In the same arm 38 years , ago, when, as a new nurse, I donated several tubes of blood while also smoking and on birth control pills. The scarring from that clot is still visible and predisposed me to developing this clot. Reading this blog gives me hope. I love to work and play tennis. I would love to hear if anyone has returned to sport.i play left-handed old lady tennis, and the injury is on my right.
I lifted my arm 8 inches off the couch today!! I'm so happy. It's been six weeks since the break. I saw the doctor on Thursday of last week he put me in PT. Three days a week I go. First day I cried all the way through it. But I did it yes I did. Swelling has gone down but still present I did ask for more pain killers which I now take before the PT . Happy to be able to drive a short distance It's difficult getting dressed but we all somehow make it my thoughts are with those just starting out on this journey
Hi so glad you started on this blog. You've inspired me to track my own progress as well. I can see our break is very similar except that mine is on my dominant right hand side. I'm really worried that I'm gonna have problems in the future. Also my healing is way slower than yours. Follow me at:
http://rollercoasterri.blogspot.co.nz
I broke my left humerous on Dec 28.. I am a 70 year old wonan and this was the most painful injry I have ever had. I slipped on a wet spot on my tile floor, and down I went.
I saw my Ortho yesterday and he looked at my new Xrays and said the bone was healing, almost filled in. Thank heavens for that.
This is so difficult and painful. The first two weeks were the worst, pain has eased, a bit easier to sleep, but I tire very easily. My husband had to help me dress, he had to do everything. I am very grateful he was so kind and gentile. This is going to be a very long process.u
I have just recently broken my right humerous from bad car accident it's been a couple of months now it still hurts I can't sleep its hard for me to do anything with it since my surgery I'm still in pain no doctor just recently moved to another state rain makes it hurt cold weather any bad weather improves also diabetic with hbp pancreatitis gastroperesis insulin dependent so I doubt it will heal as quickly as most can anyone give me tips on getting through this storm thanks in advance
Another Marcia, 56 years old: Fell straight onto humerus, broke it right through, where bone extends out from ball in shoulder. The bones stayed in position, and I was told I was very lucky not to need surgery for this severe a break. Fell on my dominant side, darn it! The first 2 weeks I was in a tunnel of pain, felt like my shoulder was continuously being yanked from it's socket. It's been 5 and a half weeks, just had 3rd set of x-rays and knitting well. Alot of swelling's gone down in my arm and fingers, so hand is usable again with limits, must keep arm close in to body, and hold NOTHING heavy. Can't lift arm up much at all yet. My orthopedic Doc of few words asked if I'd been taking in alot of vitamin C, odd because since I broke it have been untypically CRAVING oranges! Frustratingly I can't peel them with one arm and an injured thumb on that side, so my hubby peels me 2 a day; I'm so grateful to have him helping me through all this, my heart goes out to anyone trying to get through this without support! Before he heads off to work I also need him to take any bottles and break the seal or open any cans I'll need that day, so I have to plan ahead. Anyways, you may want to consider taking extra vitamin C to help you heal. Yesterday started taking sling off but can't leave it off long yet,elbow won't straighten yet. 2 biggest dangers right now, physio and ortho docs told me: Loosing balance and falling on it again,and Shoulder freezing up. Sitting upright out in my living room recliner trying to sleep, drifting in and out and try I to direct my thoughts and feel this is an adventure, like camping or a cheap railway journey, where you have to sleep sitting up! Hopefully this gives me better dreams! I've just discovered this blog; wish I'd found it 5 weeks ago! Thanks everyone, your sharing really helps.
It has been twenty long long weeks since my upper arm humerus fracture - like so may others have had before me within the hallowed e pages of this blog!
I'm still off 'sick' and not quite fully recovered but another few weeks and hopefully I will be there, the wheels tend to turn ever so much slower here in the UK compared to the US if reading these posts is anything to go by!
The best way to describe the break itself IMO, especially the first few weeks is 'hell' Strong words I know but as a fairly fit and active forty eight year old male, having to get assistance for such things as dressing and bathing is not my idea of fun, nor having your meals cuts into manageable pieces because cutting food yourself is out of the question! Unbearable pain at times, much disturbed sleep and pain killers galore at times too!
I have personally endured similar experiences to what other have blogged and now my movement is good, not 100% but I'd guess 75% of where I was pre break. The physio I see about every 3 - 4 weeks and the exercises start gently but gradually build up, nothing I must add like the original author of the blog endured but still surprisingly effective. I'm hoping to be discharged from my consultant at hospital on my next scheduled visit on 1st September so fingers crossed!
So, the reason I write is this - never ever give up hope of recovery! Easy words I know and must confess I nearly did myself a few times but persistance does pay off, even on the darkest most lonely of days trust me!
Guess the guy who started all this blogging post is now fit and well I and suppose we will never meet face to face but I would just like to say this to him, if he ever reads up on this stuff or maybe gets sentimental on his 'Humerus Day' as he so aptly calls it - thank you! Thank you a million times over in fact as your trials and tribulations gave me so much inspiration over the last few months of despair and gloom. As for everyone else, chin up and push on, oh and please keep this blog alive too as today someone 'out there' has had one of these terrible injuries and maybe, just maybe they too will stumble across these pages and gain the same inspiration just as I have done!
Hi , this blog gives me some hope. I'm 5 weeks into the healing process. I can't do much movement , have muscle spasms now and then due to muscles stiffening up. PT one of the most painfull things, I remain positive though. Wish you all a speedy recovery.
Hi , this blog gives me some hope. I'm 5 weeks into the healing process. I can't do much movement , have muscle spasms now and then due to muscles stiffening up. PT one of the most painfull things, I remain positive though. Wish you all a speedy recovery.
10 weeks since I broke my left humerus and like most people cannot sleep right through the night, and stay downstairs for a couple of hours and it is wearing me out. Went swimming today for the first time and did very well but now suffering, cannot face doing the exercise today.. Off to physio on Friday and hope for the best. Hospital says that if things do not improve by November will have to have some bone trimmed off. So will practice again in the morning and keep on with it. Very painful still but hope this gets better.
Help! In agony broke humerous bone three places four days ago. Pain horrendous when will it ease a little.
Had my accident nearly 7 weeks ago. Fractured proximal humerus in 3 places as well. Conservative treatment with arm in sling. Told at Fracture clinic that pain would most likely ease off by 3 weeks. This was reassuring as pain quite severe. My advice is to take painkillers regularly throughout day and keep one dose for bedtime. It will gradually improve and you will be able to ease off medication. Good luck.
I broke my right humerus about 11 weeks ago. It was a proximal to mid shaft oblique humeral fracture. At the time I was also 24 weeks pregnant. We opted for no surgical treatment due to high likelihood it would heal and possible radial nerve injury with surgery and I am also a surgeon (and right handed!). The first week was miserable. I took pain pills at night to help sleep but only took Tylenol during the day because I was trying to limit narcotics since I'm pregnant.
I felt the bone stop moving around at the end of week 3, beginning week 4. My follow up X-ray at week 2 showed alignment and X-ray at week 5 showed good alignment but not much callus formation so brace stays on and follow up with Ortho at week 11. It has been an emotional roller coaster.....the length of time it takes to heal and wondering about nonunion in the back of your head.
So much uncertainty.
By week 4 I would let my arm hang down without the sling...it was painful and felt like a huge weight.
By week 5 I could fully extend my elbow without problems. I began showering withouty brace.
At week 6 I felt I was able to move my arm with flexion and extension (like bicep curls without weights) on my own. For the first weeks it was like my forearm was lose and flimsy And I had no control over it.
My doctor didn't send me to physical therapy yet but I did do codmans pendulum exercises at week 4-5.
By week 7 I could touch my nose and forehead
By week 8 I ditched the cuff and at because it became annoying to wear.
By week 9 i could put my hair in a poneytail and comfortable eat with my right hand.
By week 10 I wouldn't wear my brace at home unless doing chores. I started driving at week 10 because I could hold the steering wheel. I could also fully raise my arm over
My head and out to the side.
I still have pain with any rotational movements or putting weight with my arms outstretched. If I do too much and use my arm a lot I have achiness.
I feel the hard bone in my arm that is a knot.
I'm Anxious and nervous to go to the orthopedic tomorrow for my 11 week X-ray. I pray there is callus, that it's healing and the achiness I am feeling is normal.
I'm 34 weeks pregnant now and I'm sure I'm slower to heal because of my baby stealing all the nutrients. I take my prenatal vitamin, iron and calcium supplements, and drink 1-2
Glasses a milk a day. I know I'm only at the 11 week point tomorrow but it will still be a long road ahead In terms of muscle recovery. I feel my range of motion is fine. Worried about the achiness I still have (and hoping it's not nonunion) and the muscle atrophy. I have no bicep left!!
I will update posts when I get my report from the Ortho.
This blog has been amazing to read because the uncertainty is the hardest part. Especially when it reads online "6-8" weeks for humerus fracture to heal.....which is misleading. That's the average so some people go longer and its NORMAL...as long as there is progress! It was reassuring to read everyone's stories and timeframes which helps to give comfort during the time of uncertainty.
The first 6 weeks are bad but as you start to regain motion and the ability to do things, it becomes more reassuring. Hang in there everyone!'
I'm sure it will be 6 months at the least before I feel Normal again. I tore my acl 5 years ago and had surgery and rehab and a fractured humerus is like 20 times worse,
Especially being 8.5 months pregnant!!
I broke my right dominant humerus 2 weeks ago and found this blog extremely useful.
I started my own blog to document my journey and things I learn along the way
Please read at fractureddistalhumerus.blogspot.ca
i fell in on to a tile floor in my home on Sept. 3rd. Was taken to local hospital ER, with a totally broken left humerus. Surgery, two blood transfusion and a 5 day stay in the hospital. I have drop wrist. Plate and pins and a 10 inch scar.... Physical therapy started last week. Sleep apnea and incredibly sharp muscle spasms. I live alone with my two cats. Everything is in super-slow motion.. Taking percosets and was hoping I would be done with them bit past 3 days have been miserable. The more I move it the more spasms I have, and sometimes without moving it.. Any suggestions regarding the spasms, and medications would be appreciated.
Broke my humerus seven weeks ago with surgery 5 weeks ago. Still struggling pain wakes me when I sleep. Break is not healing yet. Spiral fracture . Am finding thins so hard. Doctor wants physio but fracture in not stable despite surgery. Spend lots of time in tears the pain knocks me down all the time. Can't see an end to this any advice or help would be so much appreciated.
Dear Anonymous;
I sustained a severe proximal oblique humerus fracture August 23, 15. (7 weeks and 5 days ago) Ortho wanted to do open internal reduction surgery. I declined.
What caught my eye was you're fracture isn't stabilizing or not healing and that's why I am responding to you.
About 3 1/2 weeks after I fractured my humerus I studied supplements that will increase bone healing, repair muscles, tendons and ease pain.
Please email me at milesphoenix@icloud.com if you'd llke a list of what I am taking. My exray's show increased healing than normal. I didn't wear the brace nor sling as my Ortho suggested. I listened to my arm, meaning my body. Our bodies can guide us if we're not in a state of fear. My arm has almost complete range of motion without PT which I begin next week. I did PT on my own. I listen to guided meditations on mind and body healing. I envisioning the bone healed. I believe the mind can help heal our body.
The most important thing is to discard fear, negativity, or pain. The body naturally wants to heal. Our bones our miraculous and I know you will heal.
"Yes" there is an end yet the most important thing is to stay in the present. by doing this ,the end takes care of itself.
To your recovery---
Sincerely, Miles Phoenix
PS
I didn't respond to drop wrist. Many cases state that it will improve or even fully recover. STAY IN A STATE OF POSITIVITY. Even though we think this is 'bad or whatever' what we're going through it could have been worse!
I am a 66 year old female. I slipped on wet moss on October 14. I broke my humerus. The urgent care put me in a sling and told me to see the doctor on October 22. The pain is excrutiating. I have to stay in the recliner in one position. I am taking hydrocodone which is not helping much. Any movement causes me to scream. Please tell me this gets better. My husband is having to do everything for me. How long can I expect to be this way? I cannot get out of the recliner without assistane. When can I expect the pain to get better?
My birthday is December 22nd...
My injury from Sept. 3 is still not completely healed. Taking massive amounts of Calcium, Vitamin B complex and D's. New orthopedic physician. Using a $4000 ultrasound bone stimulator, twice a day. Physical therapy on humerus bone 3x a week. Being fitted for hand brace with rubber bands. Taking tramadal for pain. Seeing neurologist on 12/30 for best of radial nerve palsy.
I can tie my sneakers. My arm will not raise above my forehead. A shot of cortisone did not improve it. My dishes get washed but they definitely could be cleaner.. Mornings and evenings are the worst. I just keep moving arm and hand as much as possible. I drive local as it is my left arm, for short distances day time only, no rush hour traffic.
Trying to be positive....
broke head of humerus 4 1/2 weeks ago... slept like a baby on couch sitting up until started pt..tramadol put me out and helped the pain...since startin pt i wake every 2 hours to do pendulum and get another icepack, then try to sleep again..since starting pt and passive mobilization, i sleep less, have more pain,tramadol doesnt really touch it, but makes me sleepy, unable to read without eyes closing ,bone and muscle ache and cramps,,, more rom, and best is pt came up with method for me to finally sleep in bed! put thin pillow under the sling against chest, under arm..dont sleep with head on too many pillows.wake stiff but sleeping in bed after 4 wks is lovely. the pain however is wearing me out. pt told me this is hardest time in process, can move more, but not initiate, still cant drive, can almost get my hair in ponytail if i lean way over, and prop elbow on vanity, and look in mirror seems to help. got heat rash from swelling, compression, sling and swathe, the best remedy seems to be fresh aloe from my garden.this new round of pain from pt is confusing. also clunking sensation, that i fear is break separating, but most likely very tight sticky muscles rubbing against each other. this is a marathon!`did i mention its my dominant right arm and my car is stick shift? that i am massage therapist? patience, discipline, perseverance....have i left anything out? people have really stepped up to help, but lately i have heard "does it still hurt? really?" arent you better yet? and some acquaintances make a point of poking my arm, or squeezing it, like this is all made up???which freaks me out! people never cease to surprise...so, i am doing more for myself, but focusing is tough.... i think this all affects mind in ways i am unclear on.....appreciate everyones sharings....now how to i get thru this pt pain?????
Broke humerus head 9 weeks ago. 53 year old female. It hurt so bad! Just a sling. Thank god for the pain meds. I went back to work after 2 weeks. It was feeling better until last night. I don't know what happened but I moved it a way I shouldn't and the pain brought tears to my eyes. I took Advil, Tylenol, put heat on it. Finally end of day took a pain pill. Is this normal? I start pt in 2 days. My bicep feels hard as a rock and is visibility swollen.
I found this blog very helpful. On Dec. 24th I decided to arm wrestle my cousin, which lead to a broken humerus left arm. Felt the break right away. Went to the hospital and was told I had a spiral fracture towards the elbow. First doctor said a hanging cast would help the bone for a union. And I would not need surgery. 5 days later I went to an orthopedic which was 50/50 on surgery and natural healing. I decided to let it heal naturally. I am a 30 year old male, very much healthy and in shape. Hardest thing for me was not being able to go to the gym. That day I was re casted to something much more heavier. Feels like I been carrying around 15lbs. 3 weeks later I was fit for a compression cast. This is were I stand now. Hoping to be on track to what the dr said for 6 weeks. I have been sleeping better. And I can hold my arm up without the brace around my neck. Moving my shoulders around and arm.
So grateful for this blog-fell on an ice ball of slush and went down fast on my left shoulder--had to figure out a way to get in the house with no help--I live alone--my doggy stayed right next to me--then I sat up and realized since the driveway was pure ice I could slide on my tush pulling with both legs and pushing with my right arm until I got to the garage cement floor--then I stood up and screamed-- noone around-- so I went in the house and called my ex who took me to the hospital-got hurt on 1-17-16--non dominant arm--I swim in the open ocean--will be 61 on 2-28---very active--very strong upper body--so my right arm is able to bear bodyweight--lots and lots of pain--have 8 hairline transverse fractures-tiny piece of bone is floating near the top of the humerus--very grateful this is non-dom side of body--healing great so far--shoulder aches--3 wks tomorrow--can move lower arm if elbow is near body--thanks for all the input-- anyone know of water pt for recovery???-thanks again=I am an rph--will answer drug questions-be happy too!--vit c 1000mg twice daily is great-and ca/mg/zinc supplement--and B vits for nerve pain--take care all of you--
On January 31, I was walking my dogs in the snow in the woods and fell on ice fracturing my humorous and surgical head. It was 4:30am and no one was around. Luckily I had my cell phone and after about 30 minutes my husband found me. It's been a nightmare. I am very active and having to sit most of the day alone and in pain has been horribly depressing. I cannot take any of the opiates due to severe reactions and I cannot take ibuprofen because of history of stomach ulcers. So, Tylenol is it and it doesn't really help. The doc put me in a brace yesterday and the pain is the worst it has been. It is really hard not to get horribly depressed. But I hate this feeling of helplessness. Did anyone have problems with the plastic brace? Did the pain ever get better? How do people cope.
dear Pj2112... hang in there, it gets better, but not yet. Slept well last nite, no waking from pain for first time last nite, its been 10 weeks. Recovery is not linear, its a roller coaster, and unpredictable. Everyone has different timeline, depends on break, how severe the trauma,swelling, your age, all the rest. Tramadol put a paper bag over pain so I could fall asleep, but waking hourly for ice and doing the pendulums is normal. Slept sitting up on couch for a month or more. Taking hot shower my only painfree time of day. Its exhausting and wore me out. Living alone I had to do as much as I could without help, which I think is a good thing, so didnt feel so helpless. As soon as I could, would walk my street, as far as I could, just to change my view, see the sky. had swath and sling for 3 wks then sling only 3 wks...6 wks total. no brace so dunno about that. how to cope???? I would consider folks with amputations and be happy I had one arm to use, even though non dominant, and wonder how they managed??? its challenging and painfull and lonesome.... and there are alot of us! send questions will answer or someone will!!!
Well i am still having treatment for what was 1st diagnosed as a trapped nerve. My Dr prescribed me cream to dull the pain that was over 4 years ago !!!!! The pain got worse went back tl my Drs who sent me for an xray came back as trapped nerve anyway about 2 weeks later i get a call and it was tge the local hospital saying i should come in as they had looked at my xray again and that my arm was broken ( my humerus ) so i went in the put arm in a cast time went by was still in terrible pain but put up with it. To cut a long story short an infection had set into my undiagnosed break and ate most of my humerus away. The infection rise to the surface of my skin and burst through the skin and gushed out of the cast. By this time i was delirious and very un well i phoned for an ambulance thry came i couldn't get to the door well eventually i managed to open the door. Was taken to hospital then transferred to Kings College Hospital in London where i have had 3 metal frames 2 bone transfers the 1st transfer tgey took my fibula from my left leg and placed it into my left arm after some ups and downs it settled then recently the bone transfer hss snapped so im now in a brace to try and re align the bone the brace feels like a straight jacket but is doing the job so i mustn't grumble but i can honestly say thst having broken my lower arm when i was younger the break of my humerus nearly killed me so i would say round of applause to the orthopeadic consultants and Dr's at King's for piecing my left arm together but im still not there yet fingers crossed it behaves itself but i wouldn't wish a break of the humerus on anybody its the worst pain ever and recovery is extremely slow
How long did it take to heal as i broke mine last week need surgery need to return to work by first of july.
Im still waiting for mine to heal fully. over 4 years now. But then yours has been diagnosed and you haven't had an infection. What kind of surgery are you having ???? How old are you ? Do you suffer with Osteoporosis ?? Are you having a frame fitted ? or a bone transfer ? or pins ? or are they re alining the bone ? The humerus is extremely difficult to heal, if its just a simple procedure then yes you should be able to be back at work for July. If its difficult surgery. Limb reconstruction, then i would forget July. Your looking at 6 months to a year, Or more depending, again if all goes well. Then physio etc But with a posistive attitude and do absolutely everything your consultant says and it will pass by quite quickly. You will be fine. All the best. Let me know how you get on if you get a chance.
Kate
I am now on Morphine Patches and 30mg of Co Codamols 4 times a day so that just shows how extremely painful a humerus break can be. I also have Zopliclone and 40 mg of Amitriptyline to help me sleep ( i still wake up) and 5mg used to knock me out. I have been referred to the Occupational Therapy team, where they accessed me. I now have a bed raiser like a hospital bed that i press a button and it brings me upright. I have been told i will never have full movement but have recently had another xray and it is amazing i have grown bone yayyy didn't know that was possible. Still a bit futher to go but its do able and i can now see a light in what has been a very long tunnel. STAY POSITIVE is the advice i would pass on. And have a can do attitude. I have in a frame "She believed she could, So she did " it works. If anyone says that staying positive is easy is wrong, but work at it It does work eventually and of course there will be dark down in the dumps days but they get less Chin up
My break was rather nasty and not clean and happened 3 days after my 41st bday er put me in a soft cast for about a week now i am in a plastic type cast after two xrays dr thinks its possible it may heal without surgery. i have another follow up next week to see how it is healing dr seems to think it is possible i would be able to to go back to work end of June first of July.
I think you most definitely will not be able to go back to work by the end of June. You say it was a nasty break and not clean. That has set alarm bells ringing in my ears So the initial treatment was a soft cast ???? What's that a sock bandage or a partial cast where they plaster the underneath of your arm and then pull Velcro straps around it to keep it in place ? I would ask for a blood test to check for signs of infection. I just think that the humerus is extremely difficult to heal. And it needs to be in a full cast . If not a supported brace that straps around your humerus and then goes over your shoulder then around your chest and pulled tight to keep arm in position. This was in my opinion the best as it really worked. I wouldn't push to get back to work as I have been told by my consultant at Kings College Hospital UK that humerus bones are quite complex and tricky they don't normally break. So healing can be a long proccess. Don't rush it. Fingers crossed that the X-ray next week shows improvement. If not don't rush it. 4 years I've been in treatment. But mine was completely different to yours so don't panic. All the best.
Kate Douglas
I'm also starting physio tomorrow. This is scaring me slightly. But my arms put me through so much I can handle this. I hope !!!
The e.r first put like a soft cast on both sides of my arm then ace bandaged it for about a week that set bone back in place then a week or so later i was put in a plastic cast that has Velcro straps on it it goes around bicep and over the shoulder my last visit it was off again a little but dr said not by much. I just keep arm in the sling to keep arm still. Dr said last visit it would be close but as long as all goes well i should be able to return to work in time but will know more next wed. I am sure you will do fine.
I see yes i had that the soft cast and that was the strap i was trying to explain I totally preferred the cast that straps around bicep then around the body. It most definately did the trick with my arm when the bone transfer snapped. and it seems yours its great as its so strapped up it doesnt move. I felt so much more at ease with that on. Yes the sling is ok but rather warm i find in this weather. But fingers crossed for you. All i would advise is as i said b4 don't rush, and end up with worse problems. I'd be interested to hear what your Dr says on wednesday. Are you on Butran Patches for the pain ???
Yes i like the plastic strap also as it keeps it in place it can be annoying at times but it is what it is i guess. Well Dr visit went well its healing nicely Dr said not fast enough for me but at the least ill avoid surgery. For the pain first they gave me norco and valum but thankfully i only take them very rarely. It sucks sill being in this dang sling.
Hi
Yes you know where you are with the strap/brace . and i defo felt safer. yayyyyyy no surgery its not healing as fast as he would like !!!! Dr's tut tut They mean well but the body sets its own pace and humerus breaks/fractures are extremely difficult to set. I have never heard of those pain killers and ive been through my share of painkillers Are you in the UK ??? but yes thats best take them when and if you need them. I don't know about you but my neck is tender too with the sling on constantly. So how long till he wants to see you again ??? And have you been offered Physio ???
Hello thankfully last few days i have been able to remove sling and move my arm more then before last few months i been taking calcium,vit d magnesium high protein drink,l-lysine plus regular vitamins plus trying to stay active as possible. I am in the states Maine i go back the 31st for more xrays i am still holding out hope i will be able to go back to work again as i work in a fishery during summer months in alaska i have not been offered any therapy yet.
Hi Thats great news especially in this heat. Ive just taken mine off lool Oh so your calcium and vit d are in drink form i have the tablets AdCal but not with magnesium Very nice good old U S of A you work in Alaska wow theres a program on Sky called Edge of Alaska about dredgers its a beautiful place lucky you.. Fingers crossed your ok for the summer. Good Luck
Hello had dr visit yesterday bone is reattached i have motion in the arm so he took me out of the plastic cast and sling mostly the dr said exercise arm just not to lift anything with it yet i have another visit with xrays the 16th and as long as all goes well im on the big white bird to Alaska end of month. I really think the supplements have been helping with the healing processes. Any way hope all goes well with you.
http://humerusjourney.blogspot.ca/
Stay positive. Well, at least try to.
Well made it to work in alaska about a week after having sling and plastic cast off but cant get arm over my head and still sharp short pains even now almost 5 months after it happened.
I had a mid shaft spiral fracture which was a clean break. I was left in a collar and cuff and like everyone else was in pain, couldn't sleep and was on morphine. I moved my wrist and fingers everyday. From week 4 I would let my arm hang and started pendulum exercises. The wider the circles the better. My arm was bruised and a funny shape. At 8 weeks it looked like mine was maybe a non union. At this point I started to take calcium tablets, iron, zink, and drink whey protein drinks everyday as well as taking in a lot of calories. It then miraculously started to unite. I couldn't straighten it at the elbow for a good 6 months. I couldn't drive for a good 4-5 months as could change gear with that arm.
I couldn't lift it shoulder height for 4 months or head height for 5 months. I could feel a hard lump at the fracture site for a good 6 months. When I started physio at 5 months my shoulder was very stiff. Use the bands as opposed to the shoulder pulley which encourages cheating. I am now 11 months on and have full extension and full rotation of my arm and it's like it never happened. The bone had remodelled and my arm looks the same as it did before without a lump. I was very slow to repair but people mend at different rates. Be patient, good luck Claire
Further to the above it happened in January 2016 and I am a healthy and fit 41 year old female. The worst was not being able to wash my own hair, fasten a back fastening bra or walk my own dog for 4/5 months ��
I broke my humerus in late October, and this blog and the related comments have been so reassuring in my journey to healing. Wish this knowledge was better communicated by the medical professionals! For example, many have stated the worry about the unnerving feeling of the bone rattling around at first, the intense muscle spasms, the inability to sleep flat for several weeks, the pinching pain on exertion that makes you question if you have non-union or caused a breach, the complete exhaustion. It is physical but also emotional and spiritual. Once you know that is normal and temporary and everyone recovers on their own timeline, it is more manageable. I am at 5 weeks and while I finally see small gains, reading the blog and comments gives me hope about a full recovery and I look forward to getting to 8 weeks, 4 months and one year and to forget the fear and anxiety that I may never get back to normal. Best of luck to everyone on this path. Cristina
Its a tough spot to be in that is for sure after i got back from alaska i did p.t and now i have full use of my arm although still working on the strength issue i wish everyone the best.
I have been reading this blog and I'm thinking " Boy! We are a sad sore bunch of folks !" I am 62 years old, I drive a school bus, well not lately. I broke my Left humerus on 1/11/17. when I tripped while my hands were full on cement walkway. I was calling for my husband, I even called for my dog to no avail, I pushed myself up a bit with my right arm, I was looking for my phone, when my husband came running out of the house, when I said NO! don't grab me , finally we both got me up and went in the house. I sat up in pain all night, at 3:30 I texted a message to my boss, God bless her I didn't mean to wake her.
Finally at 4:30 my husbands alarm went off, and I told him I can't walk this one off, So we had to wait till about 9:30 to get approval from primary to go to the er.
Without it , we would've had to pay 150 dollars at the ER, Which how stupid is that? They gave me 2 day scrip for vicotin and a sling I did not see an exray till I went for a follow up 8 days later.
At the visit with the Orthopedic doctor I was shown the exrays and then I was scared, 2 breaks in upper humerus close to rotator. He said the bone was being held together by muscles . So the sling is my treatment and I go back to him on 2/17/17.
I am hopeing that all of this pain was taking me to the right direction.
This blog has helped me reading of others events, I know that tonite I am sleeping in my husbands recliner in the living room, as others are doing . Wish me luck next week , Thx for your stories speedy recovery for all!
Hi,. Can anyone tell me how long swelling should last from humerus fracture? I am at 11 weeks and swelling in upper arm and fingers badly. PT is painful, can extend arm sideways nor outward unless good arm supports it. PT stretches causes pain next day that takes me up to 3 days to calm down, still not working. Still alot of pain. Doctor stern on doing stretches, exercises help.
Hello, The swelling will last a while try putting ice on your hand for short periods at a time swelling may go down some at least and keep it elevated as much as possible.It will take time for you to get strength back into the arm i broke mine april 15 2016 and still have some issues from time to time.
It depends how you heal. But agree with John Wight ELEVATE your arm. Have you got a partial cast on ? One that the fracture clinic makes. It's basically a cast without the top. That stays on with Velcro straps. Keeping it still is a must. Even when you sit down prop your arm on a load of cushions, pillows. Wet a small towel and loosely wrap it or lay it over your humorous. The position is tricky as it's upright. But I was told not to move. That gives it a fighting chance. But move your fingers. Get a soft stress ball. You just need to keep the blood circulation going. I've got an orthopaedic v shaped pillow that I use in bed It's soooooo good. Really comfy. I've used it since I had the frames then after the various bone transfers and now That's over 4 years. But mine was the worse case scenario. You will be fine. ELEVATE. As much as poss. Stress ball. All the best.
Fell at work on Nov. 2 and sustained a 3-part fracture of my left proximal humerus as well as nerve damage in my entire arm and numbness in hand. Had surgery with plate and screws. Just like others, slept sitting up a lot and I. Just overall misery. It was a hellish month before I even began to have the pain under control. Many pain and nerve meds tried ended up causing side effects so I wound up on Oxycodone but in the past month have tapered down to three 5mg per day. Have been undergoing physical therapy twice a week since surgery but do not have full mobility, Doctor says probably due to scar tissue. To alleviate that will require another (arthroscopic) surgery. Hard to face that, although I am told recuperation will be nowhere near the initial surgery. Had an EMG nerve conduction study mid-February that showed a lot of damage that thankfully seems to be regrowing, slowly. This injury really is the worst; no one who hasn't experienced it could know. Kate Douglas! - kudos to you for being able to endure the extremely difficult road you've been down and remain so positive. Makes my experience seem nothing, tho it was all I could manage. I don't think I will ever quite be the same. A question for anyone who's had the same injury as mine: how long before the pain was gone? At 3 1\2 months from surgery, I still have level 2-3 pain relieved by oxy and Motrin. And has anyone had arthroscopic surgery to deal with scar tissue? How long to recuperate after, and how bad is the pain? This blog is such a help. Thanks to everyone for sharing.
I slipped down wet steps and broke my left humerus at top of the shoulder. Am at six weeks now. The ortho says it's a pretty "good", uncomplicated break. Seeing what others here have experienced, I am thankful to hear this. I wore a sling for the first two weeks, and have been without it since. Was able to sleep in bed with my arm supported by a small cushion from the first night. Have been sleeping without the cushion for a week now (at five weeks). My arm was able to hang down from the day I stopped wearing the sling, though it pulled on the ligament and I have had to keep moving it up from the elbow, holding across my waist to relieve the pressure. Most of the pain subsided after the first two to three weeks and I came off the pain meds. What remains now is a constant ache in the left side - from neck, shoulder, along arm to elbow, shoulder blade and tenderness on left side of chest, where the arm is still resting on it. Had four x-rays so far and they showed good bone alignment, and doctor was pleased and has continued to say there is no necessity for surgery. I will see a PT for the first time at seven weeks. Finances will limit my ability to maintain that.
I started (upon ortho's advice), to do the pendulum movements after two weeks. Now at six weeks there's an encouraging larger range of circular movement. At four weeks I started lifting my arm forward and upward with the assistance of the right arm. Probably am reaching 65-70 degrees now. Also am pushing it away from my side using a stick. Probably reaching 60 degrees. Some days I am unable to manage these exercises more than once or twice, though my aim is to do them three to four times per day. My inability happened on those days when I went out walking for 1/2 to 1 hour, or when I spent a couple hours on cooking or housework. Showering is still terrifying, but at least I can manage. The fear comes more from the fear of slipping in the bathtub. So I am up to only two showers a week, and washing my hair once a week, compared with the daily showers before the fall. I am trying this week to do normal stuff around the house, vacuum a bit. I wash the dishes, though it's probably not the cleanest wash! Cannot raise my arms high enough for a pony tail, but I can clip my hair up awkwardly. I manage personal hygiene better now, at six weeks. I am unable to drive and cannot imagine turning a steering wheel within the next couple weeks/months. Winter conditions have limited my ability to walk outside much. The coat drags on my shoulder where the fracture starts, and it turns quite painful. Have a fear of people bumping into me.
What I wonder about most these days, is why the left arm cannot move up on its own. It hangs at my side, though I do have a couple inches of movement this week. Is it nerve or muscle damage, or loss of muscle (of which I seem to have lost most of)? Or is it because the tissue and bone have a long way to go, to heal? So how long does it take to be able to move the arm up to ninety degrees, and then to lift it above the head? Also when were you able to drive again?
Can anyone with similar fractures share their timelines?
Thanks!
Oh, and by the way, the little details in my post above are for those like me who a couple weeks into the fracture, feel lost and clueless about how the healing progresses. The ortho doesn't tell you all these fine details about what to expect. I would think the PT would be more hands on.
It's great that eight years after this blog started, that people are still reading and learning from previous posts. This blog is such a relief, to get an idea what to expect.
Thanks all!
great blog thanks to everyone, I am at week 9 of distal spiral humerus break, cannot believe the healing time is so lengthy. I have never had a broken bone before. I was wondering if anyone has a comment on the swelling and bruising I still have at this stage? I don't have another appointment to see the doctor for another month and would like to know if this is normal.. I also cannot bend the arm straight or get my fingers to completely tighten in to a fist. any comments would be welcome. thanks!
also still sleeping in a recliner chair at 9 weeks, how are other doing?
It's now over 3 months, they are doing MRI this Friday. The swelling got so bad and felt like a rubber band under arm. Went to ER, doctor agree something more going on. PT was making it worse. Any movement, arm swells. I still can't raise arm all the way up unless it's supported, same going sideways. Tendons or muscle I'm thinking got damage.
It's now over 3 months, they are doing MRI this Friday. The swelling got so bad and felt like a rubber band under arm. Went to ER, doctor agree something more going on. PT was making it worse. Any movement, arm swells. I still can't raise arm all the way up unless it's supported, same going sideways. Tendons or muscle I'm thinking got damage.
Had first appointment with the physiotherapist yesterday. I learned so much! Seems that after seven weeks, I still need to allow gravity to do the major work in the pendulum exercise. This is because I have lost all the muscle in my shoulder, chest and shoulder blade surrounding the broken area. Seems that using the arm to do the motions is bad for me as there's no muscle to support the movements. Trying to lift etc from a standing position was pulling on the wrong muscles and this would have resulted in the continuous pain I've had in the neck, shoulder and scapula. I've learned to do some exercises from a lying position, squeezing the shoulder blades together at the same time to help strengthen muscle, and use a cold pack on affected areas after exercises to reduce swelling and inflammation. One day after all this, there is certainly some pain reduction.
I fell on my outstretched arm, my dominant arm, and have a proximal fracture. Injury occurred 24th March 2017. We are sailors and in Tahiti so we've been in a Air B and B since the injury, and think if all is well at my follow up on the 27th this month will return to the boat. It's hard to get on and off the dinghy currently! No surgery, just a sling. It was super painful at first and I was using Tramadol, but hated feeling dizzy and tired. No real pain for the last week, just an ache and I take an occasional 1000g Paracetamol. I don't use the sling when in the house. Can sleep on my left side and on my back with a small pillow to support my arm. I can shower, eat left handed and dress apart from my bra...Hubby has been super helpful. I can do pendulum movements and figures of 8 , lift my arm forward straight out at 90degrees with the help of me left arm, lift my arm with elbow bent to shoulder height, put my right arm across my body to touch my left arm and touch my upper thigh on the right side...Just. I'm hoping all is well with the healing process,but it feels pretty comfortable. I am 59 years old, female and reasonably fit. I'm Keen to get better and hope others recover well. I won't be doing any boat stuff for 3 months with no lifting, but hopefully building up after that. The orthopaedic consultant we are seeing is also a sailor and understands our situation. At least Tahiti is a great place to spend a long time! Hopefully my recovery will continue smoothly. It's ironic after 7 years at sea and thousands of miles I've not hurt myself and then I fall in a hotel when we went to see a show....You just never know what is going to happen. Good luck everyone with your recovery x
i broke my left humeral bone at the mid shaft,menh it was a dream to remember ,but i thank GOD for his healing to be able to remove d cast on the 13th week .....i started little stretching got good range in abt 5 days in d arm.....menh will always help does in similar problem...
I fell while walking on June 6, 2017 and the result was a proximal humerus fracture. I am now in week 6 of my recovery. Immediately after the fracture I went to the ER. They put me in a sling and told me physio would begin at the 6 week mark. Two weeks after the fracture xray showed no sign of healing. Four weeks after fracture healing showed on xrays. Six weeks xrays showed new bone growth. The othopedic surgeon said my healing was very positive. They were right abut physio at 6 weeks. Although my bone is 50% healed i have been cleared for physio to start. I had my first physio session this week. My range of motion is 50% right now. I've been doing pendelum exercises for the past 2 weeks. I think doing them has helped. Physio right now consists of bench pressing a cane 10 times, 5 times a day and using my good arm to push my injured arm away from my body. It is difficult. But in the few days I've been doing these I can see progress. I'm using my right arm for everything I can without pain. I'm on the long road to recovery. Physiotherapist thinks it will take 3 to 6 months to get reasonable motion. I go back to the orthopedic surgeon in 4 weeks. Until then I'm out of the sling while at home or while sitting at work. For everyone who reads this because you fractured your humerus there is hope. It does get easier. Hang in there and best wishes for a quick recovery.
For me here it is just over a yr later after i broke mine and i still have issues. However some of it is cause i did not do some things correctly. Wish we could post pics here.
Hi
It's been a while. I'm still having treatment with left arm. Now the metal rod that's supporting the bone transfer is still on a wander and is now just under the skin at my elbow. Of what was my elbow. It's still at a right angle. I'm still in pain. And to top it all off my consultant has said he doesn't really have anything more surgical he can perform. So I'm in no mans land yet again. I may sound a bit down but after years and years of pain and up and down on an emotional roller coaster it is hard to stay positive. I will though because being negative uses so much more energy than I being positive. So sorry for the moan. Ok got that off my chest. I really hope that everyone is in an ok spot with there ailments Sending positive energy to all. Good luck on the journey that is a humorous fracture/ break etc
I also broke my proximal numerous beginning of June. I fell on way to doctors I was rushing as I had a beauty appointment and was off to Spain on holiday in 2 days. The doctor thought I hadnt broken it but sent me to hospital for x-ray where they found I had and put it in sling. I was back next day to fracture clinic and told to come back in 4 weeks and wear sling but do pendulum exercises after week or so when swelling down a bit. Bruising & swelling really bad right to hand & fingers. I went to Spain on ferry from UK to Bilbao which wad fun especially as rough crossing!! Had trouble sleeping and slept on chaise setter. It is 9 weeks now and at Physio and progress is slow. Tried to drive today but couldn't really change gear so just limped down road in 2nd gear. Very frustrating really want to feel normal. It is interesting to read other comments and to not feel alone. I know it will get better but it will take time. I must do my exercises now so bye
I will say this just do what dr says and do not push it too much i did and i pay for it everyday.
Good to know i am not alone too This whole situation has me going crazy for weeks. I just hope i recover fast and my sister too. We recently got into Car accident July 1st,2017. Its been nearly 6 weeks from the traumatize accident. My sister went through more i feel really bad she had 5 surgeries i thank god she is alive or else i would have been Dead too. I pray every Night for us to recover fast and be like we used to physically and mentally.
As a result, i fracture my upper arm (Proximal) its painful but its Getting better. My wound from surgery got disrupted at 4 weeks after the removal of the surgery. I Followed Up an appointment with surgeon he has given me care wound instructions due to the open wound i fear the start of Physical Therapy wich i Will start at week 7. I am Scare they Will have me doing too much for the first time. I am struggling to sleep at Night due to my arm feeling like an open cut still that it is. My arm feels heavy i cant lift it up is it normal?? I dont move my arm just have my sling on is it bad? What can someone recomend me to do? Also i think i have Medial nerve injury it Night be due to the surgery or trauma fue to the car accident i dont know? It start with A radial nerve injury because my thumb feels numb and a burning sensation although i can move my thumb fingers and wrist. Is it something good? But i feel the burning and numbness since day 1 after surgery.
I would like to know if it Will go away because i did little research it states it Will go away within 3 months or so. I hope so. I esas b6 and b12 vitamin Will help with any nerve injury like carpal tunnel syndrome. I Will try it.
Can someone please tell me what to expect after recovery i was a Certied nurse assistant before the accident Will i be able to function like before. Will i be able to lift patients lime before over 100 lbs?? Any one please help. Im unemployed now the surgeon give me 6 months. Will 6 months be emough to heal and return as a CNA?¿?
Fortunately, I didn't have any nerve damage when I fractured my humerus, so I can not advice here. However, as for strength, you should be ok eventually. It is much easier to return strength than range of motion. So, focus on range of motion first and don't build muscle mass on improper shoulder mechanics. Once you range of motion is mostly back you can focus more on strength. Your time frame depends on your age. But six months for 100lb weight seem to be too optimistic.
On November 21 I went up onto my roof to do my Christmas Lights. Second step off my ladder I felt myself go and I fell backwards about 12-13’, landing on my deck. Right humerus mid shaft spiral fracture. They put a hanging cast on me, but the bone didn’t set, and I think that was mainly because the pain had me so protective/defensive. On day 13 the surgeon said to wait two more weeks before he’d operate, and in the meantime prescribed a Sarmiento brace, hoping the bone will join. If it isn’t staring to repair, he’s going in on the 16th to put a plate and screws. He talked of rotator cuff involvement, leading to possible uneven arm length, and arm not straightening. I’m not to thrilled about the idea of hardware in there anyway, not wanting to have it ache on damp cold days etc. So basically I’m just hoping the bone takes to itself in the next week. Anyone have any input?
HI, I NEED SOME ADVICE I FRACTURED MY UPPER HUMERUS ARM NEAR MY SHOULDER AND IT STILL HURTS A LOT I CAN BARELY MOVE MY ARM, I'M STILL NOT SLEEPING GREAT, AND I CANNOT HOLD MORE THEN A CUP OF COOFFEE, IT'S MY LEFT ARM PLUS I'M HAVING PAIN FROM MY NECK TO MY WRIST AND SOMETIMES TO THE PALM OF MY HAND I'M ALSO ALMOST 60 THE DR. AT THE ORTHOPEDIAC OFFICE SAID 8 WEEKS IT'S BEEN OVER 9. I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO DO ANY ADVICE? THANK YOU, ELLIOTT
Hi What did the Orthopaedics put your arm in ? A cast ?, a metal frame, or a arm and body brace ? I have had all of the above including a few bone transfers. You 1st need to go back to the hospital ASAP and double check its not just fractured. Ask them to check for any sign of infection, I sympathize with you the pain is excruciating. Your nerves will be very sensitive so please don't try to move it. I think the pain in your neck and shoulder will again be the added strain. Pain relief i'm on are 20mg Butran( Morphine patches) weekly plus 30mg Co Codamols and for sleeping i take 50 mg Amitriptyline and sometimes Zopiclone 3.5mg or 7.5mg this is prescribed short term as its very strong and addictive. Dont try to do anything with that arm GO BACK TO YOUR ORTHOPAEDIC DR the infection i had nearly killed me and i'm not exaggerating i'm not trying to frighten you but your still in a tremendous amount of pain something isnt right. Let me know how you get on, All the best
Broke my humorous bone on Dec 28 2017.Its going on 7 weeks.Dr took me out of sling in 3 weeks.I am doing pt now twice a week .Still have bruise and arm is still swollen.Have pain in upper arm all the time more like an ache and sometimes like a throb.Still cant lift it very high and can not reach my back or shoulder blades at all.Still have to sit up to sleep but don't sleep very well because of ache.Dr won't give me meds.take aspirin but doesn't really help.anybody else experience this
I tripped on a downward slope on Oct 24 2017. Could not move and 2 lovely young people stayed with me till ambulance came after 30 minutes. I'm 73, female and live alone and fractured neck of the humerus in 3 places, my right arm and am right handed. Was in hospital for 4 days, had damage to my face also. The psychological trauma was as bad as the injury, not being able to do any of my normal activities. Luckily I live in Australia so treatment is free. I was discharged from orthopaedic clinic on Feb 1st as fracture has closed up but have to continue with physio exercises. I was given oxycodone and could not have managed without it. The hardest thing is that other people don't realise what a long term injury this is. I'm getting help with housework as still can't do that, except the very light things. Can just about reach to brush the back of my hair but with pain, and recently worked out how to get clothes on and off over my head. I can now lift my arm out to my side at 90 degrees but no higher. I have osteopaenia, the precursor to osteoporosis so my bones are not strong. Even after this time, I cannot reach backwards very much at all so that is going to take a long, long time. Last week I went for a very gentle swim which I enjoyed, but my shoulder ached for 24 hours afterwards. As someone else said, this injury will take at least a year to recover, and the surgeon said I will probably never get back full movement of the arm. I feel so sorry for Anonymous because you really need strong pain killers to be able to sleep sitting up. I still find it difficult to sleep as I always used to sleep on my right side, impossible now. I had to sleep sitting up for 7 or 8 weeks. Thanks to everyone for their comments, and my heart goes out to anyone else who is dealing with this alone, as I am.
It can be a tricky injury to heal from,i speak from experience. I have said it before follow doctors orders. I did not and still paying for it no real strength in left arm and it get's tired very easy.
I have just started a support group called Humerus Fracture Support for anyone who would like to join. It’s on Facebook, and can be found by searching for ‘Humerus Fracture Support’ or at this link: https://m.facebook.com/groups/186814168505481?ref=bookmarks
Please join us and help us support each other and anyone who suffers from this injury in future :)
Hi Steph! I just added the group. Please add me. I've recently suffered a distal humeres and have had to be operated on. This is day 1 from my discharge at the hospital. I have 2 titanium plates, 2 long screws, 10 small screws, and a pin inside my elbow. They closed my skin with about 22 staples since the doctor said the healing would be better that way. Accident from roller blading btw.
Hi Steph, I just found your page and would like to be added. I was rear ended my an ambulance driver that just came off a 24 hr shift and told the police that he was really tired. Think he may have nodded off.. This happened October 4,2017 and just yesterday after 4 months of PT a bone stimulator for 137 treatments the proximal humerus is still nonunion. Now to decide about surgery
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