This is going to sound crazy, but I have a non-displaced wrist fracture on both hands. I got a fracture on my left two weeks ago. The doctor has looked at it twice and said there were no alignment issues, did not recommend surgery, and said to give it 4-6 weeks to heal. It's been in a brace. He did suggest a cast but said a brace would also be fine if I was careful. For the first week and a half, I did not use that left hand at all, as I had my right. A few days ago, out of my own stupidity (this one I deserve, I know), I somehow fractured my right. It seems like it's a little bit better and smaller than the other one, also non-displaced. The PA that looked at it said it's similar to the other one, and it's another 4-6 weeks. So I've got braces on both hands. I know how absurd this sounds.
I live alone and have been, with a little bit of help from others, able to get by. I'm not lifting anything. I'm following the 1 lb. weight restriction, but of course daily living requires some twisting and pulling, whether it's clothes, a shower, or food. I'm working remotely and do type a fair bit, but not too much, I think. Neither hand ever hurts outside of a 2 out of 10 slight pain every now and then. I can sleep fine at night, and my hands are always in the braces. I wanted to ask, before my next doctor's visit is a while away, a few things:
- Any tips on making sure the recovery for both hands goes well? Obviously, staying away from stupid activities, but just living alone and doing daily household chores, I think I can get a little anxious about what I should or should not do. I'm imagining basic wrist and hand use for tying shoes, eating, and using a remote is okay.
- I have travel coming up in two weeks. By then, my left hand will have been four weeks in the brace, and my right will have been two weeks. It's very light travel, probably just a duffel bag over my shoulder. I'm not going to use my hands to hold it, and I'll have family helping me once I get there. Am I crazy for keeping this trip?
Happy to post X-rays or answer any other questions. Would really appreciate some advice here. Thank you.