In Retrospect

I recently had what should be the last X-ray of my broken arm. Just for reference, here’s my arm right before surgery (6 weeks after it broke):

xray Jan 29

Here’s what it looks like now:

IM-0001-1001

Although it appears that the surgeon wasn’t too handy with his hammer, the bone is now aligned and healing well. I already have full range of shoulder motion and my strength is slowly improving.

Through it all, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on the experience. Yes, it hurt (more than childbirth, I think), I’m still a little loopy from all the pain pills and anesthesia, and I don’t think I’ll ever feel comfortable wearing a sleeveless top again. But there have been a lot of positives, too:

  1. The pain meds were fantastic (in fact, I sort of miss them)
  2. I got to stay in bed and sleep for days
  3. I didn’t have to make dinner, do laundry, or go to the grocery store
  4. Many, many friends showered me with sympathy, meals, flowers, and even gifts
  5. My hairdresser and massage therapist made house calls
  6. The sling offered a handy place to keep essentials
  7. My slept through the night for about three months
  8. I’ve slowed down and have become more patient
  9. I lost 10 pounds and have high hopes that I won’t find them
  10. I’ve come up some new and exciting ideas for AnnBuddKnits — stay posted!

14 thoughts on “In Retrospect”

  1. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. You most definitely came through this with much Grace! How intriguing your last comment is……..I can’t wait to hear what exciting things you have in store for all of us knitters!

  2. I don’t know if I would be that thankful. Keep on healing and don’t push it.

  3. You certainly have been through quite an ordeal, Ann. Thank you for sharing the Xrays and (especially) your positive thoughts. I’m eager to see the result of positive thought #10!

  4. Thanks for the update, Ann, You’ve been in my Thoughts and am still sending Positive Energies.
    Your thoughts are on such a positive side of the entire situation that it gives hope that there are folks such as yourself that do see a positive side to past experiences.
    That said, Ann, we’d just as soon have you not have such an adventure again, :^)
    Keep on healing’
    hugs ‘n smiles,
    Gerry

  5. you go right ahead and wear a sleeveless top, ann. you went through a lot and you came out with rainbows of positives 🙂

  6. I’m with Jen, wear those sleeveless tops with pride for navigating a difficult time with grace and coming through it all well. And having new ideas to boot. Inspiring you are.

  7. Barbara Keil RN

    I am glad you do not need the pain meds anymore. I remember that Yucky x-ray. I am glad that you made it through the war. Sometimes these things make us slow down and think. You make your plans and life happens. If I had been closer, I would have brought my knitting over to sit with you.

  8. I found your ten pounds. Seriously, you can have them back anytime. LOL. Take care. Roxanne.

  9. Ok, so are you saying we should all go out and break our arms? Bet not, but, I for one, am thankful for your full recovery, and I love how you find the silver lining in this cloud!

  10. You may not agree, but I think the x-ray of your healed arm is a thing of beauty! Glad this adventure is in your rear view mirror now. Anxiously awaiting your new knitting inspirations!

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