A Purple Cast and Other Torture

Here is the broken finger update:

When I went to see the hand specialist two weeks ago...the Dr. had x-rays retaken and determined that the bones in my hand had NOT moved (big sigh of relief), but that there was still a chance they still could. If the bones did move...I would need surgery to place a pin in my finger because the bone movement would cause problems with my joint. So..it was important that I immobilize my hand for at least 2 weeks. The doctor gave me a couple options...primarily discussing a 4 finger splint (with my fingers in an ackward salute position) or a cast. Among the factors to be considered...my 3 small and active children, my high activity level and difficulty slowing down, and a slight tendency to try too much...plus, I was leaving in a couple days for a trip full of kids, waterparks, weddings and roller coasters.

So...I opted for a hard splint that day. I actually went to a fellow occupational therapist who specializes in hand therapy and she designed this particular torture device. Very interesting to be on the other side of this process. Will definitely give me some more empathy if I go back into practice.

After about two days of this splint...I realized this would not work so well on a 10 day trip to Minnesota with 3 kids who are relatively oblivious to the whole thing. Particularly with my strong willed, strong bodied and unpredictable two-and-a-half year old. So... two hours before we left on our 14 hour road trip...I went in and was fitted with a purple, waterproof cast. It immobilized 4 fingers and my wrist. LT affectionately referred to it as my "club". All that to say...it was a very good choice. I was able to swim, do some mild tube waterslides, roller coasters, and generally have a good time while still being "good" and not stressing my hand too much. But, I was about as excited about it as I look in this picture.

On Tuesday (2 weeks later), I went back in, got the cast off, x-rays redone, and was released to "buddy" taping my finger and starting hand therapy to regain my movement. Ugh! Who would know breaking one little finger would be such a pain. Yet, all-in-all, it has gone really well; three weeks out I am starting rehab and hopefully will be back to near normal in another 3-6 weeks.