 A new pulling formation |
It's been a year since I dislocated my elbow, and I'm still playing Ultimate?!?
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On February 4, 2001, I dislocated my right elbow while playing Ultimate Frisbee at the Los Palmas Park in Sunnyvale. It's been one year, and I returned to the playing field, now at Columbia Park in Sunnyvale. The group has changed since I was last playing at the beginning of the 2001-2002 football season. Apparently, the original group has merged with another one.
Nothing against the old veterans of Los Palmas, but these new guys and girls are faster and more competitive! Fortunately, they are all nice -- no egos here! Because there were so many people, we had two games running (7 on 7 and 4 on 4).
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After having not played for a long time, I've become slow and sluggish. There were a few nice sliding catches that I made, but those were few and far between. I knew that I had lost a step when I couldn't catch up to this one pass that Pascal threw to me (with Brian covering). Six months ago, I would have caught that pass in stride. Hopefully a few more weeks of Ultimate will get me back into fighting trim!
My elbow held up well, and there weren't any scary situations like the one where I dislocated my elbow (when a group converged on the disc). Although it's been a year, I don't think that I've quite gotten used to the changes in my arm. It still creaks a bit when I fully extend it and gets tired easier, especially when I'm carrying something heavy (like a camera and a long lens). Fortunately, I have lost any degrees in extension or flexion.
I brought the 1D to Columbia Park to do some sports shooting. After all, it's SuperBowl Sunday, so I had to get into the swing of things! I heard from Jim Rose at the COBA meeting last week that the 1D was used extensively during the NFL Playoffs, including the snowstorm game between the Patriots and the Raiders two weeks ago. What a game that was, even if it was a fumble! The weather was just a little bit more sunny and warm than in New England, but the 1D held up just as well.
THe 1D is ideally suited for sports photographers; its great focusing abilities and 8fps (frames per second) shooting rate make it sooo much better than the D30 (or even the Nikon D1/D1x/D1h). I shot around 140 images, and I knew immediately from the images that I'm not much of a sports shooter, at least not yet.
At any rate, here are some of the better pictures from the game.
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My Rams lost today in the Super Bowl. They made too many mistakes and the Patriots capitalized. I'm bummed...
-adam
-- posted by Adam Tow @ Sunday, February 3 2002, 09:51 pm
Don't worry, Adam, it'll be okay!
Rae
-- posted by Rae @ Sunday, February 3 2002, 10:15 pm
Was a darn tootin' good game though as far as Super Bowls were concerned. Even if the Rams did shoot off their own foot.
-- posted by Ben @ Monday, February 4 2002, 02:56 pm
Did someone say Ultimate??? Adam, when do they normally play in Sunnyvale? I'm interested in joining a good group to play with on a regular basis ... though I've lost more than one step since my peak days.
-- posted by Hoon @ Monday, February 4 2002, 05:54 pm
The pictures are great! We want more! Thanks so much!
-- posted by Lou @ Tuesday, February 5 2002, 11:38 am
I am also typing this with my left hand as well... I love your webpage, it has really brought a smile and a warm fuzzy feeling to my unfortunate situation. Too bad I didn't dislocate my elbow at something more interesting such as Ultmate (avid player here ; ) ... I tripped over a log while camping!!! I thought it was novel as well to experiece what I was going through wth my elbow and your comment of "my new toy" is way hilarious... My friends now call me Lefty or Train Wreck... anyhow, wish me luck you guys!!!!
-- posted by Adoris @ Sunday, July 21 2002, 2:41 am EDT
My 10 year old daughter dislocated both of her elbows doing a back tuck in Gymnastics 3 weeks ago. She was quite a site with both of her arms in casts and she got tons of attention!!! She got her casts off 3 days ago and she is doing well. We are concerned about her recovery and wonder how long it will take to get back to normal. Your site was interesting for me to review. I can get a better sense of what she went through. Thanks for your detailed chronicle.
--posted by Kathleen @ Saturday, February 22 2003, 14:02 pm EST
Hammertime!!! You survived your elbow trauma...Ultimate RULES....come play with us!!!
--posted by Heywood @ Wednesday, March 26 2003, 9:44 am EST
I DISLOCATED MY ELBOW LAST WEEK. I FELL OFF A CHAIR WHILE HANGING CURTAINS. I WAS LOOKING FOR INFORMATION AND CAME ACROSS YOUR ARTICLE. I ENJOYED READING IT AND WAS INCOURAGED THAT YOU ARE DOING BETTER.OF COURSE, YOU ARE MUCH YOUNGER THAN ME. I AM A GRANDMOM. I TOO HAD A VERY SEVERE DISLOCATION BUT I WAS SURPRISED THAT THEY REMOVED MY CAST IN TWO DAYS. I AM WEARING A SLING. I WAS REALLY HAPPY TO GET RID OF THE CAST BUT I THINK I AM DOING TOO MUCH. AS A MOTHER OF SIX I AM NOT USE TO OTHERS DOING FOR ME. I AM ANXIOUS TO GET BACK TO WORK. HOW LONG WAS IT BEFORE YOU COULD WRITE OR USE YOUR RIGHT ARM TO TYPE? THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING
--posted by TERRY @ Friday, April 18 2003, 11:15 am EDT
YEA I REALLY SERIOUSLLY broke both arms and dislocated my right elbow 6 days ago. what can i expect the next few weeks or months? please i am scared i might not be ok ever.
--posted by Biz @ Monday, June 9 2003, 0:38 am EDT
Adam man i am enthousiastic to get back to playing soccer like you were to ultimate. these are freak accidents and i agree with everything you say about appreciating your other arm! right now i'm just playing the wating game and working out my legs and trying to stay in shape. Are you able to lift weights at all with your arm?
--posted by Fab @ Wednesday, June 18 2003, 13:34 pm EDT
Fab:
At first, I couldn't do much of anything with my right arm following the dislocation and reduction. After undergoing physical therapy, I started using a small 3-pound weight to help straighten the arm out. Over time, strength and flexibility returned to the arm. No, two years after the fact, the arm is as strong as it was before the injury.
-adam
--posted by Adam @ Wednesday, June 18 2003, 13:59 pm EDT
I dislocated my elbow about a year ago, in JKD (Kung Fu) practice.
I have not recovered my full range of motion, despite about six months of rehab and a couple months of accupuncture, both of which were very painfull each visit. I have full rotation at the wrist; this was never a problem.
Each doctor visit, it seemed he was more interested in just taking useless xrays and nothing else. Probably adding to the injury. After the 6th or 8th visit, I stopped going.
I had minor surgery to remove scar tissue a few months after the removal of the cast. The doctor kept saying that I had full range of motion, and was very discouraged that I had not recovered my full range of motion; always letting on that that was fully expected.
The phys-theropy people kept saything that, at some point, the scar tissue would give under pressure and I would experience full flexion; which never happened. After an excruciating visit, where the main person at the P-T office was reallying pushing, with nearly all of his weight on my arm, he stopped, later saying that any more pressure would break the arm. I stopped going.
My final visit to anyone "professional" in this particular injury was another doctor, in a different hospital, healthsouth, or something. the first thing out of his mouth was, "how much more range of motion do you want?". He then told me that what I had was about it (I can uncomfortably hold a phone to my ear, I don't have much more range than that.) and that only major surgery, including removal of muscle tissue, was the only way to get more range. At that, the best outcome was about a 30% increase over what I already have.
The main preventor, in my making more improvement, is my ulnar is always "there". I feel it even as I type. No pain, mind you, but kind of like you still feel it after a minute of smacking your funny bone (which is your ulnar, the nerve that runs right over your elbow joint.). When I press for flexion, it flares up pretty quickly.
Anyway, I just wanted to throw my shoe in here. I've not returned to practice, I've gained all the weight I lost (about 20 pounds) because they kept telling me not to do anything that might hurt the elbow further, like falling from rollerskating. I keep mildly working it daily. I'll probably start class. Perhaps I should've gotten back on the horse much earlier.
Gordie--posted by Gordie @ Friday, August 1 2003, 15:55 pm EDT
Well okay, you see my sister (not gonna say...) dislocated her
elbow playing with a friend on a slide. So she fell off and dislocated her elbow
TATA
for now!@!!!@!@!@#$%@#%$%^%*^&(--posted by noyb @ Wednesday, October 22 2003, 23:41 pm EDT
noyb:
I dislocatated my elbow from a fall off a slide
as well - in June 1997. I was playing with a friend
too - during lunch hour in the school playground, so
your sister isn't the only one.--posted by Louise @ Wednesday, October 22 2003, 23:47 pm EDT
I am 42 and dislocated my elbow while helping my son learn to ride his bike. He jumped off and I tripped over the bike. That was 4 months ago. I have not got back full range of motion and am developing shoulder and hand problems. This is not good for a high school math teacher. I keep going to a physical therapist twice a week. I just wonder how long I will have to continue this. Your website was highly enjoyable. As misery like company, it is nice to know there are others out there who have shared my expererience. My husband and son still call me lefty, but they are very helpful.
--posted by Lora @ Saturday, January 24 2004, 9:56 am EST
Lora:
Some people never regain full motion after dislocating their elbows. With some people, it takes more time to regain their lost motion. Have you spoken with your therapist or doctor about your progress?
-adam
--posted by Adam @ Monday, January 26 2004, 14:51 pm EST
WHILE SURFING I CAME ACROSS YOUR ELBOW MUSINGS. GREAT STUFF. I TOO DISLOCATED, AND FRACTURED MY RIGHT ELBOW, ACTUALLY 4 DAYS AGO ON ST PATRICK\'S DAY. I WAS OUT ON MY MORNING HIKE AND SLIPPED ON SOME ICE. A PAINFUL EXPERIENCE TO SAY THE LEAST, AS I WAS OUT BY MYSELF, A MILE AWAY FROM HOME. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO POP THE ELBOW BACK, THEN CLUTCHED IT CLOSE AND HIKED HOME, THEN OFF TO THE HOSPITAL. I HAVE A CAST ON NOW, AND OTHER THAN SOME MINOR FRACTURING AM OKAY. I FOUND IT INTERESTING ABOUT THE PAIN YOU EXPERIENCED, AS I ALSO HAD A SIMILAR REACTION. THE POPPING BACK IN WAS AN EXPERIENCE CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO LAY THERE FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES IN A COLD SWEAT, AND THEN AGAIN AT THE HOSPITAL WHEN THE DOCTORS WERE MUCKING AROUND WITH IT. I ALSO DIDN\'T WANT ANY PAIN KILLERS, NOT BECAUSE I\'M A MASOCHIST, BUT I FEEL THE BODY AND MIND SHOULD BE IN TUNE SO THE HEALING PROCESS CAN BEGIN. THE BIGGEST PAIN NOW IS HAVING TO LEARN HOW TO BE A LEFTY, WITH VIRTUALLY NO HELP FROM THE STRONGER RIGHT. ONE FINGER TYPING IS ALSO A NUISANCE. I FOUND YOUR STORY, PHOTOS ETC. INTERESTING.
--posted by richard @ Sunday, March 21 2004, 11:47 am EST
I fell 1 week ago & dislocated my left arm. I am a lefty. It sure is hard. I drove for the 1st time today with 1 arm. I am a musician & painter. Your comments helped alot, although I didn\'t opt for no pain killers. I am a sax player in a 70 piece band.
They say I might never get full use of it again. I hope they are wrong. Thanks, Patty
--posted by Patty @ Thursday, April 8 2004, 0:59 am EDT
All your comments have made me feel so much better! I got my foot caught in a vine and fell while walking my dogs in the woods, and dislocated my left elbow 5 days ago. I was never given a splint, only a sling, and told to start to gently extend it after a day. The swelling is still incredible. How soon did you all start PT after the dislocation?
--posted by Lynn @ Thursday, June 24 2004, 9:28 am PDT
Lynn:
My PT started about a month after the injury. I think I had to wait until the swelling subsided before scheduling my appointment. That said, I would start your own PT on the elbow as soon as possible. Like you said, gently start to extend it every day. Treat it like brushing your teeth... keep at it throughout the day.
In about 8 weeks, you should be as good as new!
-adam
--posted by Adam @ Thursday, June 24 2004, 10:40 am PDT
Great to have a camera at the right place at the right time. I dislocated my left elbow about 6 weeks ago rollerblading (well, falling back while standing on rollerblades). I didn't experience a lot of pain initially either. Like you, I thought it was a rather interesting feeling, much less painful then childbirth. I was able to call 911 while my husband looked on, grossed out by the appearance. I'd have loved to have a camera. Tried to get the X-rays, but they wouldn't release them to me.
Now the pain came during physio, after 4 weeks of wearing a sling. With two weeks of physio, I've moved from about 45 of 160 degrees, to maybe 100 degrees with my own strength. Using my right hand, I can pull my arm up and push it down further, but still not the full range. I'm hoping for a full recovery, but therepists are suggesting that I may not.--posted by Kathy @ Thursday, October 28 2004, 16:50 pm PDT
I dislocated my elbow and fractured the humerus and broke the head off the radius about six months ago. I was discharged from therapy a week ago. I can strech my arm the full range of motion but it tightens back up somewhat overnight. The therapist told me that it cold take anywhere from six to eightteen months before I would retain the motion by myself. So for anyone discouraged dont give up, dont listen to the doctors or therapist if they tell you that you may not get back the full use of range of motion, just keep stretching and exercising your arm. Shear will power and determination has brought people farther than some doctors or therapists could ever imagine. God bless.
--posted by katlin mitchell @ Wednesday, February 23 2005, 23:18 pm PST
Yes I dislocated my elbow two... I fell off the bars in gymnastics... stupid me... lol took FOREVER to heal... It was "fun" to read about your injury!
--posted by Lori @ Friday, September 23 2005, 0:57 am PDT
Great that this journal has kept up so long, good luck and speedy recoveries to everyone who has to go through this kind of injury! I dislocated my dominant elbow whilst dancing, also smashing the end of the radius. It didn't hurt too bad during the time due to the alcohol etc. they gave me gas and air which spinned me out completley. I had a pin which decided it wanted to remove itself after 3 weeks total in 2 different casts. I had the pin sticking out about 5cm which looked a bit strange. The doctor just pulled it out and took the cast off. Its now the 4th day since the cast removal, its still pretty swollen and grates a lot, but im not using the sling anymore. Unfortunately i suffer from psoriasis (like excema) and this has been very bad on my elbow and whole arm just to make matters worse, but i'm treating this and the large amount of scar is being reduced. Movement is pretty restricted, i'm slowly working on getting it better and its a bit of a struggle, but the strength is regaining in the surrounding muscles...i can now type with my right hand and do things like stir a cup of tea but nothing to strenuous. Rotation is about 1/2 what is used to be. I play keyboards and develop computer games professionally so i'll be happy as long as i can master the keyboards again, but i expect with time it will improve...i hope! hope to see a few more updates here from people's previous experiences.
--posted by ian.t @ Saturday, November 19 2005, 4:00 am PST
Hey! awesome story! I dislocated my right elbow too... with my incredible snowboarding skills. I totally agree with you- not that rediculously painful. But I did scream like a kid throwing a tantrum. A guy cut me off, and trying to stop I fell and dislocated my arm. I calmly said "I think I broke my arm." and he laughed and kept going. Thus, the screaming... I wanted him to think I was dying- unfortunatly the next skiiers that came along did think so. After an hour on the snow with the ski patrol dude asking me useless questions, they finally got me to an ambulance after a bumpy sled ride. (I guess that's not such a bad thing since my elbow was on ice!!) Then ANOTHER hour to get to the hospital! (Never get hurt in a remote area in Montana!) Sorry, not as macho as you- I asked for the pain medication, until I realized they were gonna do it via IV. I would have preferred being knocked out with a skillet! It's been a month since my injury, although I couldnt afford physical therapy and a check up, I think it's gonna be ok! Thanks for the cool story! I don't feel so bad now.
--posted by Stacy @ Sunday, May 14 2006, 17:24 pm PDT
I was so interested in reading Adam's story and comments of others suffering this same injury. It has been almost 2 weeks since I backed into a concrete planter in our yard and went into an amazing backward flip, dislocating the left elbow. I am now in a brace of metal, foam and velcroe. The swelling in my hand, forearm and elbow prevent much motion, especially trying to bring my hand up to the sholder. I hope I get more mobile when I start rehab.
--posted by Mary Ann @ Friday, April 6 2007, 22:23 pm PDT
I was so interested in reading Adam's story and comments of others suffering this same injury. It has been almost 2 weeks since I backed into a concrete planter in our yard and went into an amazing backward flip, dislocating the left elbow. I am now in a brace of metal, foam and velcroe. The swelling in my hand, forearm and elbow prevent much motion, especially trying to bring my hand up to the sholder. I hope I get more mobile when I start rehab.
--Posted by Mary Ann @ April 6, 2007
--posted by Mary Ann @ Friday, April 6 2007, 22:27 pm PDT
Nice to see this site.
I am a grandmother of eight, who was biking in the Copper Canyon in Mexico. I fell and broke the end of my radial bone, and dislocated the elbow. My left arm, thankfully. I was able to have it reduced there in Mexico, but returned to the states for surgery. I now have a Katalyst implant that replaces the end of the radial bone.
I, too, did not experience very much pain even though it was several days until I could get to the surgeon. The accident was Feb 7, surgery the 13th. Started therapy about three weeks later, because I had to wear the splint and sling that long. I have regained almost full range. I work on it about 4 to 5 hours a day. My shoulder and wrist need therapy also, so it takes a big part of my day. Am able to play the piano and guitar again....something I felt I may not be able to do.
The therapist told me it will be about a year long process...but the first several weeks are the most important. I am constantly "working" on some part of my arm....I want to have full recovery! (for example: pushing up on my arm while working here on the computer..using the putty in my hand while riding in the car..."twisting" my arm while sitting watching a movie, as well as doing all the exercises the therapist has set up for me to do at home.)
Would welcome any questions or comments from others on their experience. This has certainly been a learning experience.
Diane
--posted by Diane @ Saturday, May 5 2007, 14:47 pm PDT
Firstly, thank you for the great website and forum.
It's been 3 weeks since I "crushed" my left elbow and broke my wrist in a car accident. Luckily I am right-handed. I haven't seen the xrays myself yet, but I know I have a plate in my wrist and one on my upper arm above the elbow with about 30 screws holding everything together. Amazingly my arm looks pretty normal now and I have pretty good movement in my fingers (typing this not too slowly)...not so much in my elbow.
I spent a week in the hospital and began PT within about a week of my release. The doctors told me the first 3 weeks are the most important, but so far I can't straighten my arm and I can barely touch my nose with my fingertips. There is still tightness and swelling around the back of my elbow. I'm beginning to worry that my range is going to be severely limited... Diane, in particular, I was curious how quickly you were able to achieve results? Or from anyone else who has some experience to share... how hard should I push at this point or what can realistically be expected? Please tell me about your struggles and how you were able to overcome them..
To all on this board... thank you and get well! I too thought myself invincible... 35 yrs old and walked away from accidents worse than this... amazing how life can smack you in the face so quickly, and something that is so taken for granted it is never even given a thought can be taken away in an instant... I am a self-employed graphic/web designer and have a family to support... I don't want to think about what I would do had I broken my right arm. This has taught me to slow down and enjoy every moment of life, for each day is a blessing and there are no guarantees.
Ryan
--posted by Ryan @ Sunday, June 24 2007, 12:11 pm PDT
Ryan,
I have not looked at this site for a couple weeks...just read your comments.
My surgery was Feb 13th, and it was about April 1st before I could touch my ear...and then only by standing in a hot shower and really working on bending the elbow. Once I was able to get my elbow past the 90% angle it started to move slowly. I can now put all my fingertips on my shoulder when I am "stretched" out...which take a few seconds to do. I consider it "stretching" OVER the elbow even though it is really flexing. I have what they consider more than "functional flexing" now...but I would like to get the left arm the same as the right. Each time I hit a goal....it takes a shorter period of time to touch that spot again the next time. I do these stretches several times a day. I am about 1 or 2 degrees short of full extension. Hopefully it will come. I am still in therapy 3 times/week. (My accidental travel insurance will pay for therapy for a year) My therapist thinks the extension is the most important so you don't reach out with a shortened arm and throw off the body mechanics...I agree.
My elbow was so sore for so long...that it was harder to do some of the therapy....but it is easier now that it is not as sore. I have therapy on my wrist also...as the whole arm is involved with the elbow...all the tendons and muscles have to be worked with. I also ended up with a frozen shoulder from the 3 weeks of being in the sling....that is ABOUT normal now...but has taken 2 1/2 months to deal with through therapy and lots of home exercises.
My wrist has been involved too. You will have several areas to work on too. Lots of exercises for each separate area.
My orthopedic surgeon told me it would take about a year.... so don't give up. I know they say the first few weeks are the most important...but I am still having improvement each week. Especially with the strength issue of the whole arm....and the flexing and extension. The sideways movement is almost normal...how is yours?
It seems like this has been going on forever....but looking back it has only been five months since the break....and four months since therapy started. However, I have to admit I am looking forward to the days when I don't have the even THINK about the arm...
Good luck to you....
Diane--posted by Diane @ Friday, July 6 2007, 18:19 pm PDT
I dislocated my right elbow 7 weeks ago. I was casted for 5 days and then put in an arm brace for 5 weeks. I am in physical therapy and my extension has improved, but my arm/elbow does not bend toward me. It feels like I have a block of wood there instead...and the pain I go through in PT...does not help so far. They push me to the point of tears and the next morning...I'm back stiff as a board. I'm right handed so this is so frustrating for me. I cannot eat, drink, smoke, put a phone to my ear, button a blouse, make the sign of the cross, say the pledge of allegiance...this elbow will not bend!
I see the Doc in 2 days so we'll see what he says. I pay $20.00 a visit to PT..3 times a week and I see no improvement so far. I want to try and remain positive. But I do get discourated. I don't want to live this way. I need my right arm back! At least enough to reach my face and hair. I'm so happy I found this website. I know now I'm not alone now.
I look forward to any comments you may have. Thank you.
--posted by Heather @ Sunday, July 15 2007, 22:44 pm PDT
I just wanted to give an update since my last blog on 7/15. (such a short time ago)
I was given the "JAS Brace" yesterday. It has to be used 3x a day for 30 minutes. My PT's told me this would really help, but I have to see it to believe it.
Well I used it once last nite and 3x today and I can touch the top of my head with the tips of my fingers. I finally got my first glimpse of hope! I have only used it 4 times so far and see a sign of improvement. I feel better inside and less discouraged thats for sure. I finally feel that the mobility in my arm will come back. And you have no idea what a great feeling that is!!!
If PT isn't working for you...get the JAS brace!
For those of you who do not know of this contraption, ask about and get it. I will probably use this thing for a month or two..who knows. But in 4 uses I finally see I have moved a few degrees.
Heather--posted by Heather @ Wednesday, July 18 2007, 19:21 pm PDT
I too am typing this with one hand, my right, but I am left handed. I used to think the right side of my body was just there for balance, but now it is used so much more. I dislocated my elbow and broke my radius so I had to have surgery. The pain for me was unbearable. I was home alone and slipped in the tub, if you can believe that one, looked at my elbow and new I had to make it to a phone to call for help.
I'm in my second week of recovery and it is getting easier. I wake up in the middle of the night in pain, which is just really annoying. Movement is very slow. Haven't started PT yet, but was given a few excercises to do on my own. I just pray that when all is said and done, I have full range of motion. Dare to dream!
My hand is still swollen, and my fingers and wrist motion are not the greatest either.
I am very lucky to have the support behind me, cause I don't think I could've stayed positive otherwise. Although it is just the beginning of a long slow road, I do see the light at the end.
Thanks for the 'play by play' story. It was enlightening.
Christine--posted by Christine @ Sunday, September 16 2007, 3:56 am PDT
To anybody out there, I just want to say there is hope for recovery...I'm in my 4th week of recovery and everything looking better and better and I can do more and more everyday...there is HOPE!
--posted by Christine @ Thursday, September 27 2007, 13:06 pm PDT
I dislocated my elbow about 2 weeks ago playing baseball. I play first base and the baserunner ran into my outstretched arm and pop- my elbow came out. I'm out of the cast now, and I feel like everyday I gain a bit more mobility back. It is pretty stiff in the mornings though but as the day goes on, I can move it more. Your documentation was really helpful when I initially got injured because it gave me hope that I can get my strength and mobility back to the level I am used to.
--posted by Jose @ Wednesday, October 10 2007, 13:56 pm PDT
I wish I could say I was perforforming some impressive athletic feat but the truth is I just stumbled and fell down and dislocated my right elbow. My husband was with me and ,because of the grotesque appearance of my arm,he knew he needed to call for help immediately. I was taken by ambulance to the ER and 2 Drs. were able to pop the elbow back in place. My elbow seems to be doing well as far as range of motion is concerned but my thumb and next 2 fingers are completely numb and also cause me much discomfort, tingling,burning and stabbing pains.The Dr. says that is caused by the nerves which need to heal.It has been about 8 weeks now and the pain is still bad and the fact that I have very limited use of my right hand is very discouraging to me. I have made several visits to the chiropractor but,so far, notice no improvement.
In all the entries I have read,no one mentions a similar problem.Has any one experienced these symptoms as a result of a dislocated elbow?--posted by Alice Deming @ Sunday, October 14 2007, 14:36 pm PDT
I just got a JAS brace about 3 weeks ago. I've been using it once a day for 45 minutes on weekdays, twice on Saturday and Sunday. It's hard to visually see a difference, but I can feel the difference. I can gain at least 1 degree of extension a week (I have full flexion and full rotation, just need extension!) and my arm isn't sore like in physio. JAS braces give the arm a more passive stretch without inflaming the scar tissue( aka like in physio "owwwww that hurts! stop that!"), so it allows the scar tissue to stretch more freely and with little to no pain. I hope I can get a full recovery and return to martial arts. I'm also going to try some acupuncture and acupressure (Hooray for Chinese medicine and other mysteries of the orient!)
Oh and by the way, to answer your question, Alice, the problem you might have is that as they placed it back in, a nerve may have gotten caught between the joints...when i dislocated my left elbow, they came in to check me after i woke up (they put me under when they put it back) and make sure that my fingers were still moving or responding to touch. I'm not a doctor, but maybe you could have an MRI done just so you could learn more about the state of your nerves...don't give up hope! An MRI can show things that an Xray can't--posted by Nicky @ Friday, October 26 2007, 19:35 pm PDT
If any of you are on facebook and looking for others with dislocated and broken elbows, check out my facebook group! (search in groups for broken and dislocated elbows...you'll see an x-ray of an elbow, that's my group!) It's a great place to swap stories and get advice from those who have been through it! Feel free to join my group, share your stories and even post pictures of your injury and/or x-rays and check out the posts and pictures from the other members of the group!
Elbow breakers unite! :)--posted by Michelle Mester @ Friday, November 9 2007, 8:17 am PST
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