Thanks for all the good wishes for a speedy recovery. Tomorrow I get another x-ray to see if the bone is properly aligned and is “knitting” back together. I love that they refer to bones as “knitting” and I’ve assumed that my case should be exceptionally quick, given the amount of knitting I’ve done throughout my life.
But, in terms of knitting with yarn, things aren’t going so well for me. A few days after I got the compression brace, I cast on some stitches to give it a go. I didn’t have much trouble casting on, but when it came to actually knitting those stitches, each one took serious effort–my left hand just didn’t want to cooperate with tensioning the yarn. I took a photo after knitting a couple of stitches, then took some pain meds and went to bed.
I’m sure that part of the problem is that my left hand has been so swollen. I think you need knuckles to knit. Fortunately, the swelling has gone down a bit.
After four weeks, I’ve managed several rows of garter stitch, followed by a couple of inches of stockinette. I then joined the stitches to see if I could knit in rounds. I can do it, but it’s slow and arduous. I even tried a few rows tensioning the yarn in my right hand (throwing, English style), without any better luck.
I have great compassion for new knitters!
Awww your knitting looks great! You are very brave! 🙂
I have tremendous sympathy. After my immersion blender accident, the first digit of my left hand was in bad shape, and I throw with my left hand. I read a lot. But gradually, I was able to knit again. I did a lot of garter stitch for a cardigan and knitting in the round for hats. Gradually, my finger healed, my knitting got better, and even improved from where it had been. Granted, my finger will never been the same, but you WILL heal and you WILL be better, and a better person for it, if that’s possible. You have contributed so much to the knitting world. Your fans are all knitting with you and thinking of you every time we pick up a needle or pick up one of your books. How about a book on knitting after injuries? Patterns for injured knitters? I’m going on too much. Best wishes and keep on trying. Your positive attitude will contribute greatly to your recovery.
Stella
Keep going Ann! You can do it! Hugs and prayers coming your way!
Oh, you poor gal. 🙁
Miserible not being able to do the craft that holds us together.
More Positive Energies to your Speedy Recovery.
Hugs ‘n Smiles,
Gerry
The swelling will go down eventually. Hang in there. I will knit for you in spirit.
I am sorry this injury prevents you from knitting; you must be very frustrated. Patience is a virtue and I am sure you are practicing it daily. I pray that healing continues and soon this will be a memory.
Nana Knits
continued best wishes for a complete recovery! another knitting friend broke her arm a few weeks ago … she found she can crochet… {hugs}
Please don’t try to knit too hard. The twist of fingers, hand, and wrist may strain the fracture site and slow your recovery. And, that poor hand needs to be raised, on a pillow support, above heart level for some time each day. Your are such an inspiration to we knitters that I hate to see your healing impaired. Okay, enough from this crotchety old nurse. Take care and I hop you feel better soon.
I hope that you have a speedy recovery! I had my thumb joint replaced last February and to get back to knitting I just slowly knit a long garter stitch variegated rectangle. I sewed it into a cowl. Then I knit another one! Gradually things sped up and got better. Now I can do cables and lace! Bulky-weight yarn still gives me some trouble, but I am getting there. You are so clever, I am sure that you will be doing all sorts of fancy knitting again soon. You will figure out some way to do it!
I so agree with Ann M. I broke my right wrist last May. The doctor said the best thing I could do for it was rest it but most importantly keep it elevated (above your heart). And mine wasn’t near as swollen as yours is. So please keep it elevated and don’t worry about anything else but healing.
Time for a right carry? Sound like a good time to perfect two handed knitting ability. Let the left hand rest and just hold on while the right does its fair share of working hard. What with a little “toss” of the hand or wiggle of finger, you have finished that cast on and be ready to cast on…
Hang in there and don’t get discouraged. I know it would be hard not to be able to knit for while, but it will come back in due time. I’m sure you are still knitting in your mind and designing new patterns.
Ouch! You’re a brave woman to be knitting with that “paw”. I’m sure it will be easier when the swelling subsides. Hugs!
Someone from the FB group outlander pattern central pointed me in your direction. I broke my left wrist into about 20+ pieces last week. So sad that this happened to you – especially during the holidays. I’ll follow your progress – as I’m afraid that I will not get the dexterity to knit/crochet again. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery!