Horsekeeping, Not

Awareness of the outside world. Hello. World!

~~~

Today is a week out from ORIF (Open Reduction & Internal Fixation) surgery on my right wrist. Apparently the repair is common enough to have its own abbreviation. Docs went in and screwed a metal plate to the distal (wrist) end of the radius.

Things I Couldn’t Do Before Surgery

In a cast, I was looking at no weight for 6 weeks.

Things I Can Do Now, Activities of Daily Living

This was my first major surgery. I was amazed at the immediate improvement. I felt better. I could do more. At my 2-day post-surgical appointment, I was cleared to lift 1-2 pounds with my right hand. The difference between non-weightbearing and 1-2 pounds is huge. Toothbrush. Pen. Handcrafts. Typing. Putting up my own hair. Anything that involves just moving the fingers is okay.

I am sore and tired, but feeling way more functional.

This is my first typing in a week. Fingers are fine. Am having someone not on pain meds double check the content for coherence.

Things I Can’t Do Now, Barn Chores

Few things in a barn weigh one pound. Using my non-injured hand, I can open a stall door, take off a blanket, or put on a grooming halter if the horse cooperates. Everything else, not so much.

The biggest issue in the barn is the temptation to do too much. It would be way too easy to lift too much, pull too hard, or get my hand yanked. I realized this when I was standing in front of a full bucket of water, thinking, ‘Yeah, I can find a way to move this to refill that.’ No. Step way from the bucket.

So much I can’t do. Feed. Move hay. Put on blankets. Other barn minion is doing a stellar job. I still hate being barn decor.

Coda

Heal with steel!

Previous Posts
[Taking A Break Before The Fireworks]
[Wrist Wreport, Short Version]
[Cursewords!]

Onwards!
Katherine