Broken Wrist Needs Pep Talk

[Isculpt]

I have been out of my studio for 6 months due to life issues and a major studio remodel that took waaay longer than expected. With advice from the good folks on this forum, I splurged on a Bailey 30" direct drive slab roller that I can't wait to try out. A week before the completion & christening of the new studio, I tripped and fell, saving myself from a broken nose by breaking the fall with, yes, my wrist. I should've sacrificed the nose, because 4 hours later I was informed that I'd broken 5 bones in my wrist and that I'd be having surgery the next day to put in a plate to hold the ulna bone together. It's been almost 4 weeks, the pain is incapacitating, and I'm told that the cast will come off & physical therapy will start in another week, and I'll be on pain meds for another month.

 

I am very grateful that it was not my dominant hand and that I have health insurance (the tab is at $18,000 and growing). And I'm fortunate that I sculpt and hand-build rather than throw, because I don't think this wrist is going to recover enough for me to take those throwing classes I planned on. I'm trying to keep a positive thought, but some days it's a challenge! What I could really use right about now is some words of encouragement from anyone who has been through this or knows someone who has. Any advice about rehabilitation would be really welcome, too.

 

Thanks, Jayne

[justanassembler]

Take it slow, one day at a time, LISTEN to your PT--they can be LIFESAVERS.... Watch the pain pills if they're opiate based, seriously bad news.

[Mark C.]

Jayne

 

I can make you feel ok with this injury. The important thing is doing what your surgeon says. The next part will be doing everything plusmore on the PT end of this. Strive to be the best patient in your Physical Therapists office that means lots of extra homework. It will be painful but worth it in the long run.

 

How do I know this?

 

I had 3 bones removed January 3^rd in my rightwrist it called a PRC-I’m a full time functional potter with a dominant rightwrist and I’m the most motivated patient my PT person has now-its been 7 months now and my PT is almost over-not the homework or PT just the office visits the rehab is 1-2 years-grip returns to 85% in 1 year. Mobility will be a huge loss of 35 %

 

My best advice is work thru the pain and keep focused on the rehab.

 

I am very familiar with your injury and would trade with you in a heartbeat. I wish a plate had helped me. But the bones had to go.

 

You will come out fine on the other side after rehab andtime.

 

I bought all the rehab tools so I can do it all the time at homeas well as at the PTs office. I also went every day to use the machines for many months

 

Do not let this get to you and remember to think about the other side of healing up. Keep it positive and keep a vision of being well again as that will happen-

 

I will not let this keep me down-yes it did kick my butt but they said it would.

 

I will never be the same so I choose to be better for it and work with what I have now. I as you had no choice in this only on how we act with it and I’m back to being a potter slowly now with a good attitude as that’s a key element for successful recovery.I'm sitting here with hot parifin on my paw now as I do every night to heat up the muscles before stretching the wrist backward for an hour till I cannot stand it.

 

Good luck and keep up with the PT

 

See you should feel better already

 

Mark

[DallasGypsy]

I feel your pain & frustration having broken my right wrist about 15 years ago. This was long before I ever thought of doing pottery.

 

It was a bad fracture and during surgery the doctor had pull my hand straight and insert two pins to hold things in place until they healed. Initial cast went from fingertips to my underarm. When the casts came off and the pins came out, PT helped me regain strength and range of motion.

 

But the wrist is set at slightly the wrong angle ... meaning that I can't throw a ball straight and am awkward with other tasks. Not a big deal because I'm mainly left-handed. But, it's a little frustrating throwing a pot because my pots tend to be a little wonky unless I make a concerted effort to hold my hand in the proper position.

 

So, I'm focusing more on hand building, extruding and sculpting.

 

The main lesson is to be patient with yourself and enjoy what you're doing even if it's not quite what you'd like to be doing.

[Marcia Selsor]

Physical Therapy is amazingly sophisticated and advancing all the time. Follows your therapist's directions faithfully.

I am sorry for your pain.

I have survived injuries over the years and some broken bones will always ache after 50 years of mending. But you will be functional again.

Marcia

[Isculpt]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and your hard earned wisdom. Justanassembler, I'm not crazy about the opiates either, but I don't see alot of choice at the moment. I have managed to cut the dosage in half in the last week or so even though the pain register doesn't seem to be decreasing much. Mark, I'm so sorry about your injury. I was my PT's best patient when I had bursitis/frozen shoulder 20 years ago, so I know about doing the homework through the tears. I have to say, Mark, you sound incredibly determined, and I hope I can be as strong. Marcia, I guess injury and pain is a common thread among potters or craft workers in general, hm? Dallas Gypsy, you make a good point about adapting to limitations; I'll strive to remembeer to find a path around the obstacles that I can't go through.

 

I think the timing on the injury has hurt almost as much as the injury itself! I've been totally focused on the new studio for over a year, having worked out of a no-longer-available spare room for 3 years. I've been so focused on the studio construction & completion that my clay desire & creativity almost seemed to dry up and die - a very scary place to find yourself, especially after investing lots of time and money in a studio. Only recently with my beautiful studio nearly finished, did all that clay joy & enthusiasm & inspiration come roaring back --

 

And now I'm all revved up and stuck in "Park"!

[Marcia Selsor]

Keep sketching so when you are ready, you will have projects lined up and ready to go.

Marcia

[Arnold Howard]

I have been out of my studio for 6 months due to life issues and a major studio remodel that took waaay longer than expected. With advice from the good folks on this forum, I splurged on a Bailey 30" direct drive slab roller that I can't wait to try out. A week before the completion & christening of the new studio, I tripped and fell, saving myself from a broken nose by breaking the fall with, yes, my wrist. I should've sacrificed the nose, because 4 hours later I was informed that I'd broken 5 bones in my wrist and that I'd be having surgery the next day to put in a plate to hold the ulna bone together. It's been almost 4 weeks, the pain is incapacitating, and I'm told that the cast will come off & physical therapy will start in another week, and I'll be on pain meds for another month.

 

 

Jayne, I'm glad you didn't sacrifice your nose. That could have been much worse than the wrist injury.

 

Take some time off and use this recuperation period as an opportunity to read. Check out books, watch movies--even if only for a few days. Give yourself a rest. I believe laughter can accelerate healing, too.

 

Sincerely,

 

Arnold Howard

Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA

ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com

[Isculpt]

Keep sketching so when you are ready, you will have projects lined up and ready to go.

Marcia

 

 

 

That's an even better idea than you know! I never sketch my ideas, I just jump in with both feet. This may be an opportunity to learn how to sketch my ideas so that they won't get away from me when I'm in the middle of making something else...That is, WHEN I'm able to get into the middle of making something else again!

[Arnold Howard]

About 12 months ago my sister Emma fell and shattered her kneecap. (Her doctor used the word "shattered.") Now she walks without crutches or even a limp. She walks sometimes miles a day, even in the Texas heat. So, the healing capacity of the human body is quite remarkable. Don't get impatient.

 

Sincerely,

 

Arnold Howard

Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA

ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com

[Denice]

Jayne you'll find that putting your ideas down in a sketch book saves you a lot of time. I wasn't very good at doing that at first, I thought it stifled my creativity but as I went through school and had to do it I found it really helpful. I would work out of the design problems a head of time and had very few pieces that I had to start over again because of design issues. I finished my last tile project last week and decided to do some handbuilding for a while, the first thing I did was set down with my sketch book. Good luck with your wrist. Denice

[Isculpt]

Denice, I'm planning a sketch-book-buying-trip tomorrow! We'll see how it goes. I often think that I work in 3 dimension BECAUSE I can't draw, so this project is going to be interesting. And Howard hit the nail on the head with his advice to be patient. I keep reminding myself that I've waited a year for this studio so another couple of months won't kill me, but having to cancel the only show I'd scheduled for this fall is frustrating. Patience has never been one of my leading character traits, but maybe I should make learning how to draw and learning how to be patient my summer projects!

[Christine]

I have been out of my studio for 6 months due to life issues and a major studio remodel that took waaay longer than expected. With advice from the good folks on this forum, I splurged on a Bailey 30" direct drive slab roller that I can't wait to try out. A week before the completion & christening of the new studio, I tripped and fell, saving myself from a broken nose by breaking the fall with, yes, my wrist. I should've sacrificed the nose, because 4 hours later I was informed that I'd broken 5 bones in my wrist and that I'd be having surgery the next day to put in a plate to hold the ulna bone together. It's been almost 4 weeks, the pain is incapacitating, and I'm told that the cast will come off & physical therapy will start in another week, and I'll be on pain meds for another month.

 

I am very grateful that it was not my dominant hand and that I have health insurance (the tab is at $18,000 and growing). And I'm fortunate that I sculpt and hand-build rather than throw, because I don't think this wrist is going to recover enough for me to take those throwing classes I planned on. I'm trying to keep a positive thought, but some days it's a challenge! What I could really use right about now is some words of encouragement from anyone who has been through this or knows someone who has. Any advice about rehabilitation would be really welcome, too.

 

Thanks, Jayne

 

 

 

I just wanted to add my very best wishes for a speedy recovery to all the other comments you've had - and to endorse the recommendations to work with your physical therapist .... they really do know what's best. My lovely daughter-in-law is a PT in San Francisco and I would have complete faith in her judgement and advice.

 

I'd also suggest the sketching/reasearch route for the moment - whenever I can't get into my studio, I read and read and read..... there are so many inspirational ceramic/sculpture books around and we are very lucky here to have an excellent local library so it needn't cost much

 

I do hope you recover soon

 

Christine

[Isculpt]

I have been out of my studio for 6 months due to life issues and a major studio remodel that took waaay longer than expected. With advice from the good folks on this forum, I splurged on a Bailey 30" direct drive slab roller that I can't wait to try out. A week before the completion & christening of the new studio, I tripped and fell, saving myself from a broken nose by breaking the fall with, yes, my wrist. I should've sacrificed the nose, because 4 hours later I was informed that I'd broken 5 bones in my wrist and that I'd be having surgery the next day to put in a plate to hold the ulna bone together. It's been almost 4 weeks, the pain is incapacitating, and I'm told that the cast will come off & physical therapy will start in another week, and I'll be on pain meds for another month.

 

I am very grateful that it was not my dominant hand and that I have health insurance (the tab is at $18,000 and growing). And I'm fortunate that I sculpt and hand-build rather than throw, because I don't think this wrist is going to recover enough for me to take those throwing classes I planned on. I'm trying to keep a positive thought, but some days it's a challenge! What I could really use right about now is some words of encouragement from anyone who has been through this or knows someone who has. Any advice about rehabilitation would be really welcome, too.

 

Thanks, Jayne

 

 

 

I just wanted to add my very best wishes for a speedy recovery to all the other comments you've had - and to endorse the recommendations to work with your physical therapist .... they really do know what's best. My lovely daughter-in-law is a PT in San Francisco and I would have complete faith in her judgement and advice.

 

I'd also suggest the sketching/reasearch route for the moment - whenever I can't get into my studio, I read and read and read..... there are so many inspirational ceramic/sculpture books around and we are very lucky here to have an excellent local library so it needn't cost much

 

I do hope you recover soon

 

Christine

 

 

Thanks for the kind thoughts, Christine. I've pretty much exhausted the local library's offerings, but a friend graciously bestowed great wealth on me in the form of 20-year old Ceramics Monthly magazines, which I have been instructed to clip to my heart's content. So I'm spending lots of time reading, clipping and filing while I provide my cat with a (rare) stationary human lap on which to sleep!

[lynny]

Hi Isculpt

I'm a daily reader here and havnt commented in a post for 6 mths.

This story stirs me to write- 6 yrs ago I survived a spinal injury that the specialists say I now should be wheelchair bound from- long story, so I wont detail- with my PT and all other specialists I too became a perfect student! I wanted my life back- after being an art teacher for 22 years I had to retire because of the injury and sadly quickly sunk into depression. My counsellor suggested I create a hobby I could manage in my limits to keep my brain busy and active and to use as a meditative pain relief..some one showed me clay

I quickly became addicted, purchased lots of cheap 2nd hand gear and started to play. An hour a day was my limit in the mud, but reading books, watching youtube clips, joining here etc all filled my day with interesting and challenging thoughts that kept my mind off pain (to a point) and gave me something to be passionate about.

Over 4 yrs I studied slowly part time and graduated last year with BVA (major ceramics).

Its very easy to focus on what we have lost! Work hard at the physical therapies but work harder on a positive attitude and the knowledge that life will go on, it will just be different.

The idea for a sketchbook is a valuable one- you will approach your practise differently and learn new skills that will be valuable.

We are moving house in 8 days all because of my injury ( a down size to manage better on one wage) and I am watching my studio being packed up, knowing the new home doesnt have one.

I too will need to be patient, to wait until a space is made for me- so back to books and movies about clay for me for a while too.

Trust, have faith, be grateful, be positive and only think of healing now. I wish you the very best in your healing.

[Isculpt]

Hi Isculpt

I'm a daily reader here and havnt commented in a post for 6 mths.

This story stirs me to write- 6 yrs ago I survived a spinal injury that the specialists say I now should be wheelchair bound from- long story, so I wont detail- with my PT and all other specialists I too became a perfect student! I wanted my life back- after being an art teacher for 22 years I had to retire because of the injury and sadly quickly sunk into depression. My counsellor suggested I create a hobby I could manage in my limits to keep my brain busy and active and to use as a meditative pain relief..some one showed me clay

I quickly became addicted, purchased lots of cheap 2nd hand gear and started to play. An hour a day was my limit in the mud, but reading books, watching youtube clips, joining here etc all filled my day with interesting and challenging thoughts that kept my mind off pain (to a point) and gave me something to be passionate about.

Over 4 yrs I studied slowly part time and graduated last year with BVA (major ceramics).

Its very easy to focus on what we have lost! Work hard at the physical therapies but work harder on a positive attitude and the knowledge that life will go on, it will just be different.

The idea for a sketchbook is a valuable one- you will approach your practise differently and learn new skills that will be valuable.

We are moving house in 8 days all because of my injury ( a down size to manage better on one wage) and I am watching my studio being packed up, knowing the new home doesnt have one.

I too will need to be patient, to wait until a space is made for me- so back to books and movies about clay for me for a while too.

Trust, have faith, be grateful, be positive and only think of healing now. I wish you the very best in your healing.

 

 

Oh, Lynny, your story humbles me. I'm so sorry that you're having to pack up your studio. If you lived across town instead of halfway around the world, I'd welcome you to my almost-finished, already-loved studio. You inspire.

Jayne

[yedrow]

I've never broken my wrist, so I have no idea of the pain you are in. But as encouragement, just remember, clay takes time. It will always wait on you, and you will always wait on it. It's reliable that way

[Mark C.]

Watch the pain med and get off them as soon as the doctors say it time-

As to canceling a show _I had to even though the work was done I just could not drive then to set it up 2 states away, That was one of my best 3 show of the year-alsao would have been my 40th consecutive Tempe show. That really sucked-now I'm back about 80% and done a few shows and am working thru pain and trying to come on slow to strengthen.I never do anything slow so this is humbling.

Mark

[Hawk]

Wish you the best with your PT. And yes as has been said do more than your therapist says, it will be worth it. As strange as it sounds use this as a learning time. Sketch your projects and if something looks a little far-out in sketch form, try it anyway, you might find you like being "out of the box".

[Isculpt]

Watch the pain med and get off them as soon as the doctors say it time-

As to canceling a show _I had to even though the work was done I just could not drive then to set it up 2 states away, That was one of my best 3 show of the year-alsao would have been my 40th consecutive Tempe show. That really sucked-now I'm back about 80% and done a few shows and am working thru pain and trying to come on slow to strengthen.I never do anything slow so this is humbling.

Mark

 

 

Mark, I'm grateful that my doctor isn't stingy with pain meds, but he did assure me that if he saw any sign of dependency, he'd "cut me off in a minute". Consequently, I'm trying to take fewer tablets than prescribed in an effort to be sure that I have a few stashed away for the dreaded physical therapy pain. The constantly changing pain (and no, I don't mean constantly Diminishing Pain!) made me worry that I was somehow making the breaks worse, but I read on the internet - what you probably already know - that there are different pain fibers sendng different types of pain messages to the brain, so I guess everything's okay. Missing a show that you've done the work for is a major bummer, and I'm sorry! I know what you mean about adjusting to "slow" -- Remember that old commercial: "I'm Quick Carl, I do everything fast"? Well, that immediately became my nickname, but I think I'm in line for a new one now....

 

Jayne

[Isculpt]

I've never broken my wrist, so I have no idea of the pain you are in. But as encouragement, just remember, clay takes time. It will always wait on you, and you will always wait on it. It's reliable that way

 

 

Yedrw, I'm trying to change my charging bull mindset to one of peaceful acceptance, but it may take a few more broken bones to pull that off. Yeeeow, THAT is a horrid thought!

[Isculpt]

Wish you the best with your PT. And yes as has been said do more than your therapist says, it will be worth it. As strange as it sounds use this as a learning time. Sketch your projects and if something looks a little far-out in sketch form, try it anyway, you might find you like being "out of the box".

 

 

Thanks for driving home the point that I should use this as a learning time. It feels as if that thought, combined with the specifics of a sketchbook, just lodged itself firmly into the deepest, most stubborn part of my brain. I WILL give sketching my full attention next week between physical therapy sessions, and I may indeed come out of this a better artist.

[sawing]

A positive attitude is going to be your best friend. As for the timing, I know exactly what you mean. Two years ago I quit my job and enrolled as a full-time college student at the age of 43. Two weeks later, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Sometimes, you just gotta roll with it. God bless, and good luck with rehab!

[Idaho Potter]

Oh, Jayne, I've been wondering where you were. I'm so sorry this has happened just before your studio was finished. I know how you've longed for it. Even though this is a forced hiatus, I'm glad you'll be using the time to absorb ideas and are planning ahead for when your PT is over. Besides the sketch book, as your wrist gets better, you'll be able to make maquettes of some of your sketches. Time will slip by faster than you imagine right now, and you have a good group of supporters here on the forum. And, even if it is a hot summer, having a cat curled up on your lap will help you work through the pain. My best to you.

 

Shirley

[Isculpt]

A positive attitude is going to be your best friend. As for the timing, I know exactly what you mean. Two years ago I quit my job and enrolled as a full-time college student at the age of 43. Two weeks later, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Sometimes, you just gotta roll with it. God bless, and good luck with rehab!

 

 

Sawing, thanks for sharing and for the reminder that these obstacles are simply Life, even though the Timing Gods DO sometimes have a nasty sense of humor. If I look at the big picture, I really can't complain, though: My husband and I lost our health insurance when the economy crashed, and then last fall he got a new job with health insurance benefits. Two months later, he was diagnosed with early stage vocal cord cancer, the cost of which was greatly reduced by those benefits. Now I have this costly break and the insurance from his job as Chief of his Indian Nation once again picks up the tab. Yeah, I really have no reason to complain....