Life in a sling

[skyring]

If Kerri's right on this, there's at least a month to go. "Bones don't knit in a week, Pete," she says.

Likely scenario is that I'll go back on Tuesday, get re-x-rayed, have an orthopaedic surgeon from over the pix, and then get my forearm encased in a full plaster until the middle of June.

That's going to stuff up my taxidriving career no end!

It's also going to put a serious dent in my income stream, just when I'm needing money to top up my credit cards and build up reserves for the Edinburgh trip.

Mind you, the time off isn't hard to take. It's been a long while since I had several days in a row to do nothing much.

The flip side of that is that it's bloody inconvenient to have my left arm in a sling. Not half as inconvenient as it would be to have my right arm out of action, but still...

Simple tasks, such as opening a jar or splashing aftershave on my face, become simple or impossible. Having a shower is interesting. I have to keep the plaster dry, so I wrap the cast in a plastic bag, slap a rubber band over and hold the arm high out of the way. Can't squirt shampoo into one hand with the other, so I apply it directly. And, of course, it's almost impossible to soap up my right arm!

Drying gets patchy, once I step out of the shower. And I have to wear my watch on my right wrist now.

Sleeping can be patchy as well with this great unbending lump clunking around. There's only a few positions where I'm remotely comfortable.

I can't drive, so if I can't walk someplace, I have to depend on others.

But, all in all, the discomfort and inconvenience is nothing compared to what some folk in the community go through. It's giving me more of an insight into the problems of others, and I trust I'll be more patient and understanding with them in future. As a taxidriver, meeting the very real needs of others is a big part of the job.

Comments

[wombles.livejournal.com]

You need some of Harry Potters Skelegro!

You will be able to drive your own car after a week or 2 won't you, just not the cab?

[skyring.livejournal.com]

Not sure how much mobility I'll have. There's only a certain amount of strength in my grip and ability to twist my wrist, so I'll wait and see. Possibly I can drive with a full cast on, but I don't want to take too much chance of incurring a permanent injury.

[wombles.livejournal.com]

Didn't think of that, yes definately don't want to risk any permanent injury, you're not a 9 year old who fell out of a tree anymore!

[holmesfan.livejournal.com]

Surely the worst feature is how the sling cramps your hugging style!!!
Once you add patience and understanding to your current taxi-driver role of courteous, kind, friendly and cheerful you will be WONDERFUL. Go Pete - when you can.
Meanwhile, sympathetic *hugs*

[skyring.livejournal.com]

Jan, you've totally made my day!

But how can I possibly live up to the legend you're creating?

[greedyreader.livejournal.com]

(((hugs)))

[islandmomma.livejournal.com]

So sorry to read this! I am sure there is a fascinating story as to how this came about, so I must scroll back and catch up. Meantime, vibes for a swift recovery.

[fancyhorse.livejournal.com]

I understand how frustrating it is. Your description reminds me of how I felt in a neck brace for three months, October, 2007 - January, 2008. I slept in the recliner, would you be able to do that?

[aka-phoenix.livejournal.com]

Ah, the enlightenment injuries can bring. Everything you took for granted, and all those simple things that because impossible hurdles overnight. Makes you appreciative of a lot more :)

Still hoping for a good and swift recovery!!