Some of you know and some of you don't but I broke my hand. And sadly, it quite possibly might be one of the most painful and infuriating things I have ever done. So while I really have been trying to make the best of it, I must rant for a moment... I have two fractures, one near my thumb which is like a large splinter tracing up my first metacarpal (my thumb - a little doctor jargon thrown in to keep you on your toes!) and another near my second metacarpal (index finger) that looks like a "y" that is shorter in length but larger in width. The good news, neither broke completely through the bone. The bad news, the thumb fracture is heightened by the fact that there is apparently only one artery providing blood flow to the limb and if it does not properly set, then well "they fear I may lose feeling and use of my thumb." (Don't even get me started on my Dr. and his ability to basically imply that my hand is going to fall off every time I see him...) The second fracture leaves me with a quarter size bump on the top of my hand where apparently all of the fluid in my hand likes to go gather to party. Both of these things are NOT FUN!! I might need surgery and I might need another cast for my index finger once my thumb properly sets. On top of that, I will have to limit my strenuous activity for up to 14 weeks post-healing. FOURTEEN WEEKS!! Hello, it's my first winter in Colorado, do you know how much there is to do without using your hand? Pretty much NOTHING!!!
Being as I haven't really broken any real bones in my life, just a sprain or two over the years, I never really knew how bad they hurt. Granted I am told by my doctor that breaks in your hands, legs, or other overly used bones hurt more than usual, I still can't believe how uncomfortable I am all of the time. When there was a little "fluid party" near my index finger the immense amount of pressure would leave me in tears and turn my stomach if some movement just barely touched the hand. When he had to remove the fluid, I sat there trembling like a little kid because I knew the type of pain I was in for. The general overall discomfort is something of a bother as well, my poor little hand always just aches. Not intense shooting pain (well, actually that's not true, if you even touch my arm or hand, I usually turn green as the throbbing kicks into high gear) but just a dull discomfort that never leaves. I am sorry to complain but it's really getting old.
So now I am left here one-handed and with a whole new appreciation for my limbs. So excuse me for a few seconds as I get a few things off my chest and share with you the lessons learned from this whole debacle.
1. Never underestimate how hard it is to get dressed one-handed. Just simple things like trying to get a shirt over my head without knocking my hand is enough but add in trying to pull up and button pants and you have one frustrating (yet I am sure amusing to watch...) process. Ladies, think of those little hooks on the back of your delicates. Now think of trying to hook and unhook with one set of fingers. Try it, I dare you, just try it - I'll wait. SEE!! It's not too easy. I got excited yesterday because it only took me 5 minutes to get fully dressed compared to my usual 10.
2. Ok so clothes matter, but hair, now that is something that everyone notices. I can hide my wrinkled ensemble behind my desk but my hair not so much. The whole washing process has gotten better, I have finally figured out the best way to lean against the shower wall with the bottle to squeeze just the right amount of shampoo into my functioning palm, same with styling products. The real struggle comes with bobby pins and ponytails and no matter how hard I try, I always need a little help. Let me just say, I feel bad for our future little girls because while DPS is talented at many things, styling hair is not one of them. :)
3. You know how when you were a kid your mom or dad always had to cut your food into bite-size pieces because you weren't allowed to use a knife yet? I used to think that was awesome, getting all the work done for you and then you just get to eat and enjoy. Now, not so much. I am sure DPS hates it just as much as I do, but having someone else cut up your food makes you feel like you're two again. Not to mention DPS is a big boy who likes big bites and my little mouth just isn't up to par. And if I bring something that needs cutting to lunch, forget about eating because I am pretty sure my coworkers would not like to see me gnawing away on my food like a dog.
4. Speak of food, one of my favorite things to both prepare and eat, I have been totally banished from the kitchen!!!!! So now poor DPS has been put on meal-duty and I must say he has been a super trooper. While he would love to just order Chinese every night, he always slaves away for an hour or so not only cooking whatever meal I have planned out for him but also doing all of the dishes too! (Ok, I am not going to say I miss doing dishes because hello, who would? I will say that while the broken hand pro/con list usually has the cons in the lead, the absence from dish duty is a pretty strong pro.)
5. Finally, typing. Better yet, one-handed typing. This one might be the most depressing because well if you know me well, you know that I type ridiculously fast. People in college used to ask me to type papers when they were fighting last-minute deadlines and now my boss loves my ability to respond to any email at record speed. Now I am slower than a 75 year-old Grandma and all of my coworkers can't seem to stopping staring as I plunk away key-by-key. (Don't even ask how long it took for this post...)
So as I sit here and glance down to my broken little stinky (eww, don't even get me started on wearing something on your arm for six weeks straight...) hand and while I usually get a little sad, I just repeat to myself - It could be worse.
This little incident has given me a new found respect for my Dad, who's in no way close to what I am experiencing, and reminds me to be thankful for being able to use your feet to walk around or use your fingers to type an email. It's also makes me appreciate my amazing boyfriend just so much more because not only has he been beyond patient with my recovery but he always tries to lift my spirits too! No matter how many bottles I have him open or things I have him carry, he somehow always does it with a smile and very little complaining. (No matter how hard I try, I can't get him to appreciate grocery shopping the way I do. He'll always drag his feet as he pushes around my cart...) It also has me reminding myself how important it is to take care of your body. Every day when I use my hand just a little too much and my hand AND body just ache and ache, I remind myself to slow down! Not because I don't want to be in pain but because I shouldn't be putting unnecessary stress on my already healing bones AND because my body is telling me, "Hey hold on, we need a break!" If I want my hand to heal I need to let it rest and treat it well.
And because I hate being a negative Nancy, in exchange for my five complaints I am supplying you with five things I am thankful for.
1. I am thankful it wasn't my right hand.... (kidding, kidding. but only kinda? ;) )
1. I am thankful to have the money and health insurance to be able to go to the doctor and have my hand fixed.
2. I am thankful for the food I can't cut up, the brand new computer I can barely type on and the clothes I struggle to put on.
3. I am thankful for DPS and my lovely coworker, Cybelle, who have always jumped to help me with whatever little thing I may need help with and for both always trying to make me smile along the way.
4. I am thankful for all of the family and friends who have called me to give me well wishes, every little thought is so very appreciated.
5. I am thankful for an understanding and nice boss who always asks how my hand is and doesn't care when I sneak out to appointments. Furthermore, I am thankful for a job, period. :)
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