What makes a disability worse?
An injury alongside it.
PSA - winter footwear isn't just about warmth. Don't let being in a rush make you forgo some things that make things a bit safer. Going a short distance between 2 places with icy sidewalks? Paying for the transport is likely worth it. Get the walking exercise in on a day when a slip is less likely.
Feel free to join in on my broken wrist pity party 🦴
@AffyAvo
Oh my goodness! I just went through this, though my fracture was in May, but I was on ice so there was that. Radial distal comminuted fracture non-dominant hand, set with closed reduction which hurt like the dickens. Took me 7 months to get close to quote normal end quote then two days ago took a slip on a plastic that was covering cardboard that was covering an extension cable. Slam. Finger jammed, nothing re-broken but the finger is like a balloon. Sorry if too much detail but I feel your pain— takes long to heal, exercising the fingers helps if you’re casted, with nerve/ligament healing. There are tons of in-cast exercises on you tube— look up key words virtual hand care. On top of dealing with other disAbility or health issues, it’s a nightmare. I joined a group on social media to cope. They had loads of tricks and hacks to get through. Also, they are a great cheering squad. The main counsel was: elevate, use piles of soft pillows for elevating the arm while sleeping, use ice on fingers and in armpit to cool the blood flow and reduce swelling, complain to your medical team if the cast is too tight. Each person’s physiology is different as far as how much we swell up, etc. (I had my cast replaced twice due to it being too tight around the thumb.) I had to be assertive. 🐝 assertive.
I watched tons of Net flix and had food delivered (not the whole time, but surely more than usual), because prepping food was challenging/impossible with one hand. Opening a jar? I would wedge the jar between my body and a corner of the counter to open it. Also, once I opened a lid, I never closed it fully (I don’t have small children around) just let it loosely on top to keep dust out, especially medications which pretty much child proofed and made impossible to open.
Showering? With a plastic newspaper bag or garbage bag or they make special sleeves to cover the cast. Be extra careful not to slip in the shower. Everything takes longer.
The mental part was devastating. I felt isolated and was so thankful to my broken wrist group. They are from all over the world and so vastly varying health experiences and journeys, but very sobering as far as how long it takes for recovery. Every small victory was celebrated. Did you braid your hair? Victory. Did you open a jar? Victory. Did you tie your shoelaces? Victory. Did you wash under the armpit? Victory. Did you type something today? Victory.
Any of the tips there, please pass through your doc if they seem suspect, not meant to supersede medical advice.
I hope your recovery goes well, AffyAvo. I really do.
Here’s a rose of appreciation to cheer you up.
Hit my chat if you want to vent/complain to someone who understands. Here for ya, broken limb warrior you!
@CalmRosebud Oh wow, that is a lot to cope with! Good tips too,
@CalmRosebud Thanks! This is so helpful as it sounds like the same injury. I added to it by not getting it xrayed for a few days as I thought I had only sprained it. I was initially told I would need surgery. My husband watched the ortho do the reduction, it was difficult but he got it done. Ortho was very pleased when he saw the xrays as he wasn't sure it was enough, despite the displacement being minor to start with. Hoping future xrays still look good!
Sorry you dealt with the same injury.
@AffyAvo sending you lots of healing hugs 🤗 everyone falls sometimes and you are so right about the winter and the right foot wear - and of course- getting any injury checked out to make sure its ok.
@MistyMagic Bleh yes. With a FOOSH injury best to get an xray even if pain isn't all that bad. If moving it around is enough to suspect a sprain, get the xray.
@AffyAvo please no I do not mean to being insensitive to this post when I say this but for me as a quadriplegic since birth is when people make it out to be like this horrible thing that needs to change. And when other persons with disabilities who do you have more mobility see you as less because you ask for help with more things especially advocacy wise. That's just me though
@Sittingservant2024
Hi, I’m glad you’re here and participating on this thread. I think you bring up an important insight. I think asking for help is an important skill and advocacy for getting those needs met through actual policy work, not to mention environmental things like curb cuts, and paying helpers better so more of them stick around longer, are a super important skill. It’s the reason I don’t use the word disability. I use disAbility, since it is the environment and social structures that make it difficult, it’s not your worth as a person, which is huge.
@Sittingservant2024 I was definitely focused on my situation when I made the thread, but yes, negative attitudes of others definitely make living disabled way more difficult!
@AffyAvo
Yikes, do I need to wrap you in bubblewrap?
@Remina Maybe, would have been less concerned to fall properly - ie. Side roll instead of catching myself with my hand!
@AffyAvo
Definitely. Bubblewrap here we go!! 
@Remina Plus it looks almost as warm as this. It's gotten cold here!
@AffyAvo
Oh how cold?
Then put the bubblewrap on, it will keep you safe and warm
@Remina -20s. I don't think it's reached -30 yet this season but it's been quite close. I slipped on flip-flops to grab a package from the porch yesterday. It was light but still large enough to be a little unwieldy one-handed and my toes were so cold for quite a while after!
@AffyAvo
Oh jeez. That is teeth chattering temps! Keep them little piglets (toes) warm and cozy. 