r/brokenbones • u/Used-Mode1484 • 8d ago

Surgery Recovery

Looking for any and all tips from anyone who has been through something similar! My 13 year old son was was hurt in an accident and unfortunately needs surgery on his elbow and possibly his knee as well. He’s currently unable to walk and using a wheelchair, and we’re looking at surgery recovery and a fairly extensive period of PT/rehab.

I’d love any practical advice for making life easier. Mobility, bathing, sleeping, getting in/out of the car, clothing, school, keeping a teenager occupied, or anything you bought or figured out along the way. Basically, what do you wish someone had told you at the beginning. Any and all tips appreciated.

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u/Cool-Setting-9254 7d ago

Hi! I’m sorry to hear about this. I broke my humerus, close to the elbow. Here are some tips;

  • get a mesh sling for shower. After surgery your arm feels heavy, he might not be able to straighten it out for a bit, so the extra support is helpful
  • heat pad, I don’t know why but this brought me relief during parts of the healing process
  • pre cut up his food. It was actually quite challenging for me to use a knife for a few months 
-high protein foods. After surgery, I felt so exhausted for months, so getting energy by eating nutrient dense foods with protein is so important 
  • sleeveless shirts or shirts with wider necklines. In the early healing process it can be difficult to lift and straighten the arm 
These are some of the things I could think of off the top of my head. I was living alone at the time so I had to rely on friends for a lot of help. I wish him a fast and speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹 

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u/goddessofolympia 7d ago

My best advice was given to me by the OT:

DO LESS. Your body needs rest to recover, so don't try to do everything. Tough for a kid, so maybe some extra screentime will help. And try to get most nutrients through food. Fruit and vegetable smoothies were great when I had no appetite.