My 2nd visit to the orthopedic surgeon

I saw the orthopedic specialist this morning for the second time. It was a combination of good and indifferent news about the break in my arm. The good news is that he was very impressed with my range of movement now, as I can straighten it comfortably, swing it natutrally when walking, reach up above my head and across my body. However, he saw that I had no improvement to the flexion of the wrist and fingers. He tested for nerve repair (Tinel's test) but there was no noticeable difference from when he tested it 6 weeks ago. He took 2 x rays and could not see any evidence of the bone repairing. He assured me that none of these observations were surprising - it's still early days. He explained again how the radial nerve can get damaged easily if the blood supply to it during surgery is compromised, or if it is squeezed when the retractors are used and that it repairs only very slowly. We chatted generally and he said that whilst breaks to the humerous bone are common, breaking it in three places as I did is well documented but seldom seen - maybe around 2 a year in his experience. We discussed the option of having further tests to determine the extent of the damage of the radial nerve we decided to wait a while to see if control of the hand begins to naturally. He also said that the numbness or 'pins and needles' that I have all the time in the thumb will be the last thing to go away. I am to see him again in 6 weeks.

arm at 7 weeks

I've added a picture of my scar at 7 weeks - and it's below. I wanted to put it next to the 5 week photo for reference. Healing !

Tent !

Call it a mid life crisis...but I've just bought a TENT!

At the weekend my husband and I were shopping for garden sheds. We happened upon a garden centre which had a display of tents. The last time I saw a tent was when I was in the Girl Guides some 4o years ago! I spent one miserable week in one and cried the whole time. But these tents looked great...all zipped compartments, shiny polyester, windows..the lot! I liked the big ones on display that slept six or so but they were around £250. As someone who likes luxurious hotels when I go on holiday, my husband was dumbfounded that I was interested in tents and camping! But when I got to think about it, I figured it might be fun. After all, Britain has some gorgeous areas. The campsites are cheap...we could take the dog....no air ports or lost luggage problems...no having to dress up for dinner...yeah...I could see it could have it's advantages.

So today I found one just like the one on sale in the on an auction site. I put a bid on it....and I won it for£50!!!! Brand new! Here's the picture.....

What d'ya think? Let's hope we get some nice warm sunny summer weather this year!

Home book pages are finished!

All the chunky home book pages are finished today!
view them here...

http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/ap/viewHoo.do?type=photoPile&size=LS&logoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Faolpictures.aol.co.uk&aimName=ladycherie1&aolAlbumId=1uXYxRKKm4RP4Gp2T%2BjMuxb5CewveADPG0Y%2FLZFxCCg%3D&noLogo=true&bgcolor=000000

eBay UK Shop - Cherry Pie Art Stamps: All UNMOUNTED stamps, SCENIC images, PEOPLE Women mainly

I FOUND THIS GREAT RANGE OF RUBBER STAMPS ON E BAY

Just look what I made my poor husband wear!

I needed a model for some genuine Tyrolean bib n brace lederhosen I wanted to put on ebay this week. My husband and I were laughing so much when I took these photos of him, it's a wonder I could hold the camera still!

One more chunky book page I made yesterday

100 mount board mounts for £8

If anyone wants to purchase atc sized (2.5 x 3.5) mount (matt) boards, pre cut, here are the details of someone I use. Here is the ad...

"100 cards for £8 with £2.10 p and p if direct through www.downderryframes.co.uk using a paypal account or even cheques made payable to Downderry Frames sent to Downderry House, Balcombe Road, Horley, Surrey, UK. RH6 9SJ."

Bargain,I reckon! And this heavy weight is much nicer to work on than card stock.

That will save you all that cutting to size yourself!

ARM AT NEARLY 5 WEEKS

5 weeks

More for my own future reference than for anyone else who might be interested, here is a pic of my left arm now at neary 5 weeks after having a pin and plate operation to repair 3 fractures to the humerus bone. Still have partial paralysis to the hand but hey,I did manage to drive and change gears today for the first time!!! I feel I am improving a little every day now.

7 weeks

UPDATE - AT 7 WEEKS PICTURE above. Two days ago I felt there was a real turning point. Without wearing a splint, I walked around town carrying a bunch of keys in my left hand. I think the weight of them and the swinging helped to straighten my arm. By the evening I felt able to do a gentle exercise class at the gym - my first in 8 weeks! Although still feeling very stiff and sore and there is no improvement in wrist or knuckle control ( extension), the hypersensitivity has decreased. Thumb is still numb. I can drive ( with pain) without a splint short distances. Last Saturday I had my second appointment with the physio who stressed patience and gave me exercises to do. I am impressed with the Bio Oil I am using to reduce scarring see above.

10 weeks



Here's the arm at nearly 10 weeks. Still improving slowly. Everything is much the same as the last report except the muscles are strenghtening and developing (see it doesn't look as skinny as last time!). The tan help the appearance too! The best thing for rehab I have found is quite extensive weight training - nothing too heavy but just pushing the boundaries each time, every day if possible. It's very painful to do - like working with cramp, but worth it at the end - I can really feel the difference! I can drive as far as London now. Most days I still wear the brace, to make life easier and excercise it almost subconciously all the time. Massaging the arm every day with bio oil is good. I still have pain but it's not usually bad enough for painkillers. Still typing with one hand. Aiming to return to work 4th June with brace. Not sure how I'll manage but I have to try.

12 weeks

I'm not sure I have made much improvement in the last two weeks, to be honest. I'm a bit depressed about this. I see no real improvement in the wrist extension - it's still just floppy without a brace, and the same goes for the fingers and thumb. The knuckles look a bit swollen. I am pleased that the pain has subsided to just a discomfort most of the time. I see the surgeon soon and he may suggest some electrodiagnositc tests to determine the extent of the radial nerve damage and repair. I understand that nerve grafts can be done if damage is permanent, or tendon transfer. But this is all worst case scenario and who knows, he might think I am doing really well! I've missed a few gym classes due to the bank holiday, having a flat tyre and because I don't always feel like facing the world at the moment.

Car boot sale season

I adore car boot sales.In fact I have written a top rated guide to buying and selling stuff there for e bay. If you want to see it just go here...

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/CAR-BOOT-SALES-DO-apos-S-amp-DONT-apos-S-Clear-trash-to-make-CASH_W0QQugidZ10000000001466553

Please give it a YES vote at the bottom of the page to boost my rating!

Anyway,today I was thrilled to find one of those scrapbookers organiser trolly holdall things at a car boot sale for ten quid. It holds lots of papersand stuff, you can wheel it around and it keeps everything tidy....

This is funny...

When I went to the doctor's surgery today, I got chatting to another patient in the waiting room who complained to me that the nurse he see's there is very abrupt. Apparently this guy was a diabetic and the nurse in question last time asked this guy if he had informed the DVLA (the UK motor authorities) of his condition. "Well..er,no" he replied. "Well I think this highly irresponsible of you" she continued. "It is most importent they should know immediatly. Is there a reason why you haven't told them?" she asked. The man answered quietly "Well, I don't have a driving license and I don't own a car!" I reckon that put her in her place!

Gothic Arches Altered Cabinet Photos

CHUNKY CDV BOOK PAGES

Thanks to Mary!

My blog-pal Mary has sent me a happiness package...

Holy sh*t

Idon't wanna bang-on about this, but My dear, (much respected) ex, called round tonight. He's a veterinarian, who knows about all things medical. When I proudly displayed my 8" arm scar his words were 'Holy Sh*t!!'. I thought that was quite funny, and just wanted his reaction to go on the blog. It's usually quite hard to impress a medical ex husband!

iT'S LIKE IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY!!

The postman just called with a box from USA - it was from one of the ladies from the art card group...and it was full of the most fabulous crafty bits and gifts - WOW!! It's like it was my birthday!!!

I have photographed the goodies, and 3 the shabby chic distressed metal stands - just right for displaying cabinet cards.

I won't embarrass the lady - I have thanked her by e mail. I just can't believe how kind everyone has been. My pal Heather sent me some wonderful fossils and rose quartz plus a handmade card. If nothing else my accident has taught me humility - ladies - thank you all so much for being so generous and selfless. Your kindness has made this ordeal a whole lot easier to live with x x