BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: gnu
Date: 19 Jan 08 - 01:05 PM

BG said... "However...I got into my bra entirely by myself today! (Tights, too.) Another major accomplishment!"

Boy, did I read that wrong the first time. Talk about implants setting off detectors.

Glad to hear the job from hell is gone to hell and it's heaven.

g

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Jan 08 - 12:46 PM

Mary, it's not a lamp. ;-)

Turned out last night at The Press Room that what I could have REALLY used (sorry, Jacqui -- people ignored the pink sling cover; of course, I don't actually USE a sling...) was a neon or glow in the dark sign saying "PLEASE Don't Hug This Arm!!!" My friends are well meaning people with short memories. Shannon was the only one who was unaware that the arm was broken when she snuck up and hugged me. Maybe I just shouldn't stay away so long!

Got some more advice on therapy and sleeping from a friend who is a nurse practitioner, too.

Hey, and since we got to Portsmouth early, I was able to walk 8 lengths of the Sawtelle Pier down at Prescott Park -- a feeble attempt to get back into walking and keep my body (knees in particular) from seizing up.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 Jan 08 - 10:30 AM

Linn, I've been thinking of you! Hang in there, my dear!

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Jan 08 - 04:42 PM

Mary? What are you responding to? ('If it's a pink...') Are the voices back?

I was going to go to the session tonight, but my head doesn't like the strange weather. We got snow, then rain, then the sun came out and my driveway is a lake which will later become a small skating rink. Hopefully, my head won't hurt tomorrow. (It probably won't work any better though.)

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jan 08 - 04:15 PM

If it's a pink feathered lamp with feet, I will break your other arm. I got you something you actually want.
M

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Jan 08 - 03:47 PM

Have fun and hang (no pun intended) in there, Linn. I forgot to tell you my doc recommended over the counter "melatonin" for help with sleep.

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jan 08 - 02:08 PM

Since I'll be heading out the door (and having to slog through rained on snow up the driveway to the car -- with the aid of YakTrax and hiking stick; Tom's ashed the icy bits) to head to the weekly Press Room session for the SECOND time since I broke the damned arm, I figured maybe I should update the story a bit.

Well, not only will I set off airport security alarms, but it looks like I also have limited weather prediction abilities -- rain, at least.

I missed last week's Press Room session because I was in major pain, despite the heavy duty pain pills, Thursday through mid-day Saturday. And we had a torrential thunderstorm on Friday. It rained this morning, too (no thunder), and, again, my shoulder is massively uncomfortable.

However...I got into my bra entirely by myself today! (Tights, too.) Another major accomplishment!

My primary problem for the past two weeks has been sleep -- not able to get enough of it. Every night has been different, either not being able to fall asleep (seldom), waking up at 3-ish and not being able to get back to sleep (til maybe nap after 6 a.m.), or just plain waking up too early, usually with a stiff shoulder. There are currently only two positions I can sleep in without hurting myself, and since they are both propped up on pillows (semi-seated) in bed, neither is optimally comfortable. I did discover a third variant and that helps a bit. I've just been using ibuprophen or aspirin and not been taking the pain pills, although I finally did the other morning about 4 a.m. out of desperation. Fell asleep without pain and slept for about 4 more (needed) hours. Then felt wiped out for the rest of the day.

Benedryl as a sleep aid has stopped working. Udvash (hot milk with honey, cinnamon and butter worked wonders one night -- had a lot of energy and accomplished a lot (including some job search things) the next day. But lately the magic hour seems to be 3 a.m. and, 5 or 6 hours sleep is not enough!

Well, I'll be off soon -- taking with me the lovely pink "sling" that Jacqui crocheted for me. Don't actually need a sling, but it's to use in case people need a reminder of a tender arm.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 07:11 PM

Guess I hurt too much earlier -- I forgot the good news --

Took a closer than usual look in the bathroom mirror this morning and realized that the bags under my eyes are a LOT smaller than they had been and they are a lovely shade of facial skin tone instead of dark grayish. I guess a month away from the job from hell IS doing something constructive!

Granted, I have a very complimentary bathroom mirror -- but its specialty is taking pounds off my face, not any other cosmetic improvements. (Always relentlessly shows me facial blotchiness, enlarged pores, zits, stray chin hairs needing to be tweezed, etc. -- but not a fat face, extra chins, or the fat -- ah, "goddess shaped" -- body below the neck.)

Hey, Sins! I've only been able to put my contacts in for the past two days, can't type for longer than an email or two, can't drive and can't even apply for unemployment because I I CAN'T work. (Yet.) I have been organizing my plan of attack, gathering information and organizing it, etcet etcet. (AND fending off a well meaning neighbor who really wants to get us involved in Prepaid Legal, which is waaaay too MLM for my taste.)

Oh, and I found your other Christmas present! How could I have forgotten -- it's SO you! (It's pink and NOT a nun; has feathers but is not a flamingo.) Heh, heh, heh...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 01:38 PM

Jaysus, Sins. Between you and I, she's gonna be of two minds!**bg**

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 01:20 PM

That's it, Lady! You have exactly two weeks to get your act together. Then no more sympathy!
You only need one hand to peruse the Want Ads...get to it!








But take baby steps like kat said.

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 01:04 PM

Linn, you've been using your right arm almost exclusively; it's bound to have some *issues* with that.**bg**

Take a deep breath...grab that light reading and listen to the part of you that says "it's ONLY been four weeks." I am still on supplemental O2 during the day because of the pneumonia that was diagnosed the end of Oct. I don't like it and I am taking baby steps to get off, i.e. improve lazy breathing. Our bods like us to be patient and take our time, or let them take their time, dang it anyway! (Not lecturing, just reinforcing the Wise You.:-)

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 12:58 PM

I guess after a few good days I shouldn't be surprised to have a less than good day. Not horrible, just sort of...coasting. Not losing ground, but certainly not making any headway. (Patience! Linn, patience!)

Part of me is saying "Hey! It's been four weeks, fer-pete's-sake, since the surgery -- how come I'm not healed yet?!?" And there's the little voice in my ear saying, "Hey, it's ONLY been four weeks -- you're only midway or at best 2/3 of the way recovered. Relax."

I've been having sleep problems, even with the revised meds which worked before. (Yeah, worked when I was taking more of them around the clock, not just at night.) I've been sleeping mostly on my back, horizontal, not propped up, occasionally on my right side with left arm propped on top of me. Lately the pain meds just don't seem to work, but in the morning when I sit up, the pain goes away almost immediately. So...last night I decided I might not need the pain med if I slept sitting up again, but that a benedryl to encourage sleep probably wouldn't hurt. Okay, up to a point. Never really had any pain (until, sigh, I woke up this morning and then it's been continuous), but woke up after 3 hours and had trouble falling back to sleep. No particular reason, just couldn't. Ended up taking an additional half a benedryl. Slept for a few more hours. Woke for a few minutes, rearranged myself and slept (with some really interesting dreams) for a few more hours.

Woke up very tired and with my left arm stiff and hurting -- Aspercreme, etc. not helping much. Doing some of the exercises to counteract the stiffness, but not pushing it. The day is not being wasted -- finished last month's Vanity Fair and I' m about to finish a Susan Allen Toth book on England. There, two more things checked off in my Germanic quantifying list making mind. Oh, and petted cats. (Even if Sabine insisted on stomping almost all over me, standing instead of curling up, and putting 3 or 4 times her normal weight onto her front paws which were on a tender part of my RIGHT (undamaged) arm (which also seems to have some aching issues of its own, probably in sympathy with its opposite number).

Guess I'm not going to do anymore preliminary job hunt organizational things here at the computer today. Maybe just lay back and read some entertaining light fiction (instead of the entertaining Ewan MacColl biography that I started last week or the entertaining and edifying "Woe Is I" on grammar).

Tomorrow is another day...

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 08:39 PM

Linn-

It sure gets better and better, but it's a bummer at the kick-off.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: PeadarOfPortsmouth
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 04:33 PM

Linn,

Great news on the recovery, as well as the return of your Muse.

You know, I've been the token male in so many offices, I thought I'd heard everything...but I never knew there was a difference between German-wire and French-wire earrings.

It figures, however, that the French wire would give up its position and try to run away.

(((hugs)))

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 03:53 PM

Excellent news, Linn. Like Maeve, I am esp. happy to hear about your creativity. When we lose it and sometimes our health, It happens so gradually, we hardly notice until it is just gone when we are involved in such stress as your previous job. It is a huge relief you are not longer working there, for oyur friends, as well as for you and Tom. Continue with taking good care and give yourself plenty of time. Rushing back into things may not bring desired results.:-)

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 02:59 PM

Good to hear, Linn.

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 02:48 PM

Yeeeaaahhhh

Well done Linn. Keep it all going dear.

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: maeve
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 12:35 PM

Oh, Linn, such a good update. I'm particularly delighted to read that your creativity is seeping back. It's taken me much longer. Very well done, the both of yez!

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 12:11 PM

And I wonder what I've gotten accomplished after being laid up a month...

Hopefully, before the laid-up period ends completely, you will have armed yourself with a set of goals and promises to yourself, in writing, so that you not only don't get into that burnout again, you reach your real dreams. And I bet I am not the only person around here who wants that for you-- for you to reach your real dreams.

Please, remember that multi-healing is as energy-consuming and worthy of celebration as the time investment multi-anniversarying represents, and set a date with yourself to revisit the anniversary of the injury to check those goals and promises, set fresh goals, etc.

Hot clue-- try to accomplish, "responsibility"-wise, only as much as you could accomplish while one-armed. What a woman could do with one arm tied behind her back-- because that other arm, the healing one, is going to need to wrap itself around the good-for-Linn-and-Tom department, not join the other arm in driving you into the ground.

Been there,

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 12:01 PM

Just wanted to let everone know of a few other milestones reached.

Put my contacts in for the first time since Dec. 11th!!! That's a biggie. Never occurred to me before that it takes two hands to get those little suckers into my eyes -- so now, finally! I can raise my left hand to eye level, at least. Got my earrings in, too, including the little rubber dealies that keep them from slipping out of where they belong. (Just a note - I got my ears pierced 40 years ago so I wouldn't lose earrings and, guess what -- discovered they're just as susceptible as clip ons and screw backs unless you spring for German wires or little rubber stoppers on the backs of French wires.)

So I didn't have to stumble about in glasses (with or without bifocal) while voting this morning in the NH primary.

I can ALMOST wash my hair without assistance. Now that I've gotten Tom broken in on the job (oops, maybe bad choice of phrase), I probably won't need his his help in that regard much longer. However, I still need help getting into a bra. Did try the front closure one -- that was actually worse than the standard issue. Tom had to help me get OUT of it (after about 10 minutes trying, I had given up on getting even one front hook hooked).

We postponed all the holidays, including our "Other Anniversary" (double anniversary on Dec. 15th of the night we met in 1980, and of the year later when, while celebrating knowing each other for a year, we decided to get married) -- and we're aiming for this Saturday for that. I can, at long last, DRINK the champagne instead of just admiring it, and we'll have some fancy munchies. No tree to trim, though, as we usually do. May even get around to celebrating Christmas one of these days. Again, no tree -- maybe I'll hang an ornament from the flowering maple. (Maybe not.)

I occasionally fear I'm not exercising the arm enough, but then at night tight muscles in the shoulder and in the neck reassure me I am -- even if the discomfort interferes with sleep. And I wonder what I've gotten accomplished after being laid up a month, but I guess I've not only been healing the arm, but healing my "burnt outedness" caused by three years of the job from hell. I'm starting to feel creative again -- I had been feeling as dull as the newsprint my publication was printed on.

I guess I'm feeling better!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 03:12 PM

Got a lovely 10 hours of decent sleep last night -- then took another short nap after Tom made me a breakfast sandwich.

Amazing what the right meds can do.

But just typed a longish email with both hands so need to get away from the keyboard, rest a bit, then maybe do some of the other exercises.

Later!
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Barry Finn
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 02:48 AM

"Didn't go to the Press Room session tonight...."

It's a good thing to Linn, cause I was there! I asked Tom if you were avoiding me. He said no but he didn't think the poke was funny either, sorry that should've read joke.

I found that unless you're used to taking drugs, hard drugs, that they tend to help with the pain but there's also a threshold where there's a tendency that they can sometimes keep you from sleeping too.
If any neighbors have some pot to spare you may give that a puff. Helped my dad through his death from cancer, didn't keep him alive though, course the pot helped him throughout his whole life too but he didn't die until in his 80's so who knows.

I have no backround in medicine so follow any advice given by me at your own risk, I hereby state that if you smoke pot that you are to give some 1st to Tom & see what it does to him. If he falls asleep then smoke what's left, if he doesn't lock the fridge up for the night & keep him away from the arm, he won't remember how to dress it & you could end up with your front snapping bra pasing for a pair of sunglasses.

Hope you were in the mood for a bit of off color humor.

Get some rest

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: maeve
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 09:52 PM

Ummm...That would be 200. I suffer from a keyboard deficiency. Really!

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: maeve
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 09:51 PM

Hurrah and sweet sleep to two wise women!



...and 100

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 06:48 PM

Didn't go to the Press Room session tonight....

Just as well. Me, I'm skipping a wedding tomrorrow. I almost never skip a wedding or a funeral in our parish, because it's these life events where it actually matters to people whether I'm there or not. I just can't sit with my knee cranked in a bad position for the several hours of wedding and post-wedding stuff to then, also, sit for an hour to play music. Pain can really narrow down the priorities until it gets handled one way or another: music commitment first.

I'm still learning which things will aggravate it and which may hurt but actually help it..... for today it seems the best use I could put it to, was to improve the floorspace around the house so I can at least walk around in it without impeding my own progress to the recliner or the kitchen /laundry chores.

So enjoy your stay-home evening as an investment in your higher priorities-- that's what I'm doing.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 05:53 PM

Called the surgeon's office today -- last week's prescription for pain meds just didn't seem to work -- or make me less uncomfortable. I've been having sleep problems all week since I started taking it. I only need something for pain to let me sleep -- I don't need it during the day, but by bedtime my exercises to increase mobility make me -- not "in pain", but uncomfortable.

Anyway, I wanted to know if there was something in the mix that over compensated for any tendency to make me sleepy. (Like so I could drive -- although I'm physically unable to drive.)

So...got a call back that he's written a prescription for a med I had both before the surgery and again afterwards (after aother intervening). But it can't be called n to the pharmacy & Tom didn't have time today to drive to Somersworth & back. But he can on Monday and I have enough left from the "old" prescription (being saved "just in case") to let me sleep tonight & this weekend.

I've come a long way (physically) this week, but still have a ways to go until I'm fully armed again -- lack of sleep, though, was making this week less than enjoyable. I only need it at night, so I'm certainly not abusing it.

Didn't go to the Press Room session tonight -- couldn't face getting dressed for a public appearance, braving the snow outside the door (& the cold), and the possibility of jostling at a crowded session just to sing a couple songs, drink seltzer (no booze) and go home exhausted.

Ah well. I've watched a movie & snuggled with the cats.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 05:02 PM

Linn or Tom,

So how did it go?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: gnu
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 04:48 AM

I went through nearly two months of sleeping "propped up" on the couch after my first parotidectomy (some of you know). Just when I realized the other side would need to be done, two things coincided. I needed a new chair and Lazyboy recliner-rockers were on sale. I have been sleeping in the Lazyboy since Dec 16. It beats the heck out of sleeping propped up with pillows.

Of course, if one had a broken right wing, it wouldn't fly. The gear shift on my Lazyboy is on the right side.

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 11:51 PM

I agree about the back-support pillow.

I normally sleep on my right side cuddling a square cushion (to support my wrists), with a normal bed pillow wedged down my back. My head rests on a latex or rubber pillow that is shaped to support my head & neck.

When my shoulder is too sore to sleep on (often - I have a long list of sore bits & when one goes out, another soon goes out in sympathy!) & I need to sleep on my back (naturally back does not like being slept on), I put the back pillow under my knees & the cushion under my right upper arm & elbow, and both hands on my thighs as wrists & arms hurt if flat on the bed.

However I go to sleep, while I sleep my body re-arranges itself, as had been said & I often wake up even sorer, especially if I wake up flat on my back with no knee & wrist supports.

good luck in finding a comfy spot!

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 09:27 PM

Linn, if you decide to sleep on your side, be sure your back, esp. your shoulders, are well supported by a solid body pillow, rolled up blankets, Tom's backside or whatever you can so that you don't get more muscle pain from a new position. Keep your wounded wing supported at all times, as you have done.

I think Susan has a good point about our bodies needing to move a bit as we sleep. If they cannot because of our arm or whatever, then we're going to wake up more often and more thoroughly than a quick roll over would require.

I've never, ever been a back sleeper, either, until the valve replacement. Then I slept much as you describe, kind of sitting up with a wedge pillow under my regular pillow and a good, fluffed up pillow under the outer part of each shoulder and arm. Sometimes it helped to also put a pillow under my knees and feet. Oh, and I had to wear a bra, even at night, which I hate, but it sure did help. I have been a terrible and picky sleeper!:-) Everyone who knows my sleeping habits says I was the princess in the Princess and the Pea.:-)

Be patient with yourself, darlin'. Hope this helps some.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 08:50 PM

Linn-

I do remember having to sleep on my back for at least a couple of weeks with my broken shoulder, but I had a much younger body then. It's certainly not my normal position unless I'm really exhausted and fall asleep reading a book. I don't remember exeriencing any pain after the first week but what I had were fractures, not breaks that had to be pinned back together again.

The above doesn't sound particularly helpful but good luck!

Charlie

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 08:41 PM

Chronic knee pain.

What works in daytime naps seldom works all night where we need to really let go. And as soon as we get really comfy, while still awake enough to move the pillows to the "aaaaah" spot, we fall asleep and then before we know it we need to shift a little bit. So as hard as you work while wake to get everything set just right, it can't work for very long anyway.

I'd caution the pain meds. They can really grab you when you're not looking. In my case it's anti-inflammatories: when I take enough to knock out the worst of the pain, so I can sleep, I get nosebleeds and THEY wake me up.

Grosspeak:
(BTW, isn't it FUN to get to the loo "in time" in this state of decrepitude, and manage to get onto the seat "in time"? Or even ALMOST "in time"? While asleep?!?!?)


Anyhoo, part of the problem is that we do actually move all night, even if we are sure we do not. Usually we are not aware of it, and it just happens automatically. But with a bum limb inhibiting that, you will tend to wake up more thoroughly than you'd like in order to maneuver the movement, and you will thus be awake enough to feel whatever pain there is to feel at that hour.

It would probably be better to just get up for 1/2 hour, walk about a little bit in the house, and then try to fall out again for a couple more hours because it may be that what you need is to stretch and move whatever has been cramped and not moving while you slept.

Before you know it you'll be back to good sleep. Just keep napping as you need to and it will all even out.


I've adjusted my own bed and pillows, in every way you can imagine, every night before turning in, for the last 5 weeks. I'll finally find what feels better in the AM when I get up, and a few nights later I'm adjusting something again. I KNOW that deep sleep will be needed to heal the knee, but I just think it will all even out when my body overcomes my too-brilliant mind.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 07:22 PM

I need some advice about sleeping with this wounded wing.

I've been sleeping on my back, almost sitting in bed, propped up on pillows & wiyh the arm resting on 2 pillows with a fluffy one on top of it in case cats decide to do the Cat Town Races in the wee hours. Last night I was able to eliminate the bolster but I'm still primarily on my back -- and I always used to say I couldn't sleepon my back.

Well. The body must be at the point of healery where the body is attempting to protest sleeping on the back. I CAN (for a little while at least) sleep sort of on my right side with my left arm cushioned (& stabilized) by a pillow on my top side.

Things went badly last night (waking up hourly & causing Tom some impatience) until I took another pain pill to overlap the first. It's okay to take 2 every 4 hours & that's how I intend to start off tonight rather than with just one.

Anybody else gone through this & have any suggestions?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 01:41 AM

Linn - we missed you at Mary' (Jacqui's) party.....so hope you are feeling much beter.

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: maeve
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 05:12 PM

Linn- I really think that's just another sign of healing. Your brain has been busy helping your body to heal. You're well enough now for it to start dealing with the mental and emotional backlog.

Hoppin' John tomorrow for certain sure!

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Sorcha
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 04:34 PM

Linn, you best be eatin' yer black eyed peas tomorrow if you want good luck next year! Hoppin' John and cornbread! Yummmy!

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 04:03 PM

Front closing bras are almost as problematic as the standard.

BTW, I just typed a short email 2-handed & am now back to 1-handedness. (I was commiserating with a young friend who was kicked by a horse & broke her ulna -- & her boss started losing patience with her after 3 weeks & couldn't understand why it took so long to get a horse saddled & bridled -- not to mention schlepping hay bales w/1 arm.

I'm SOOOOOO lucky to be able to rest (& work through my therapy exercises) & have Tom wait on me hand & foot.

Last night, for no discernable reason, I was entirely unable to fall asleep. That's only happened twice before in my life (usual trick is to fall asleep fine, then wake at 3 a.m. and not be able to get back to sleep) -- once in 1970 and once on a Saturday night sometime in the '90s. So I spent last night either lying there with my eyes closed, thoughts bouncing all over the place despite pain pill, or half benadryl, or reading with a cat on top of me. (They took turns.) Finally fell asleep at 5:30 for a couple hours.

Now if only it would stop snowing!!!

And now the incision hurts.

Happy New Year! (And may 2008 be better than this past crazy year -- healthier, too!)

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 10:42 PM

OK That's it, Linn. You have used up your allotment of sympathy. You can type, sing at the Press Room and deal with a Barry Finn to the shoulder - you are officially recovered.

Wonder if it time to invest in some front closing bras. Not many interviewers will be impressed (professionally speaking) by the braless look. Maybe duct tape?

Glad you are feeling better, lady.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 01:12 PM

Pink sling? (I think only Singapore Slings come in pink.)

Alas, my sling (which I don't really need except as a reminder to people to stay away from my left arm -- proximity makes me nervous!) is navy blue -- not a really visible color at places like The Press Room. I'd have preferred hot pink & electric lime green like Carol's purse or glow-in-the-dark, at least. (Hmmm...someplace I have glow-in-the-dark stick-on animal eyes. But prolly by the time I find them, my left arm will be back to normal.)

I'll manage.

Typing this with one hand, BTW -- still feeling fatigue from yesterday's two-handed binge. Left hand still feels about a half a beat behind my brain.

Dear Lord, give me patience -- and give it to RIGHT NOW!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:47 PM

Dispite pink sling at the session last night, Linn toughed out my absent minded poke on the shoulder & survived to graciously forgive my transgression,. though if Tom's carry a gun next time I see him I'm getting out of Dodge. Sorry, Linn, I'll probably be apologing till next Christmas. I did try to buy her a drink (before I poked her) but she didn't need that much arm exercise. You're a good sport Linn.

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 08:59 PM

Linn-

It does get better and better.

I actually managed to break three separate bones in a period of 3 years when I was an adolescent. Left arm, left shoulder, and right foot, neither of them was what I'd describe as a pleasant experience. My parents were beginning to wonder if I needed calcium supplements, but they were all stupid accidents.

Back in those days they put everything in a cast, which added another 4 to 6 weeks in dealing with atropied muscles. Medical practice is much better now, I understand, but I still watch where I'm going.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: maeve
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 06:34 PM

That's splendid progress, Linn. Thanks very much for bringing us up to date- Tom, thanks to you, as well.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 06:01 PM

Yeah, prolly overdid a little yesterday -- Tom's my chauffeur for the time being. But really good to put in an appearance & sing a couple songs at The Press Room.

But I can move my arm a lot more than I could before the staples were out -- and, GUESS WHAT! I'm typing with two hands!!! Probably won't be able to do much of that right this minute, but I think it'll count as therapy and should get better by the day. Had "Power Putty" even before the doc suggested it and had already started using it. Basically he showed me what to do and said go for "discomfort" and stop there -- don't exercise to the point of pain.

I forgot to ask him about driving, but it will probably be a couple weeks at least -- and I'm not taking much in the line of drugs at this point. (But better to have them and not need them, than need them and not have them.

Okay, I think I've done THAT long enough! (So far, so good.)

Discovered, though, that I still have to sleep on my back sitting somewhat upright & with my arm propped on pillows. That'll b another milestone -- being able to sleep on my right side (not on left arm, obviously). Actually got dressed (no bra) without help from Tom.

Left arm now officially at point of "discomfort" -- so that's all for now.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: curmudgeon
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 05:17 PM

Sillies! Of course Linn wasn't driving, with one arm.

Yesterday was too active. She's been taking it easy today. The Press room session was exceptionally insane. many attendees who hadn't been there for a year or more, family gatherings, lack of seats, anywhere, and general chaos.

Linn wil probably post while I'm cooking dinner. More anon - Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Sorcha
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 03:39 PM

She better not be! Esp if she is still on pain meds! I told you it wouldn't hurt to get them out. If it's only 6 weeks, you will be lucky. And yes, you probably WILL still need some PT to regain the strength in the arm the right way.

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 02:03 PM

Not staying too long???? Is Linn driving with her wounded wing?

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 01:42 PM

Slow and steady there, gyrl! Somebody sit on her if she gets to going too much, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 01:38 PM

Staples yanked painlessly!! Medicos took more pictures (x-rays -- this is the team that went out of their way not to hurt me while getting the x-rays when I first broke the arm -- unlike the first 2 x-ray bouts of that day) and the plate looks very neat & sturdy. Doctor said it'll be another 6 weeks before it's considered healed and he'll see me in a month.

Meanwhile, he showed me the kind of stretching I can both with & without Tom's help, some of which I've already started. So shouldn't need PT sessions.

Gotta go -- pick up my stuff, etc. at the Real Estate Guide and then head to the Press Room, though prolly not staying for the whole session.

Later!
Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: gnu
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 11:29 AM

That's right. It doesn't hurt. Especially if the nurse only "pinches" the staples and not you. There might be a tiny little "sting" or "burning sensation" for just a flash, but no "hurt." I had a dozen taken out and there wasn't even a whole drop of blood.

Subject: RE: BS: Bat Goddess's Broken Arm
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 11:22 AM

Staple removal doesn't hurt if you have healed. Honest.