Jaine Richards Needs a Helping Hand

The Story (as told by Jaine)
On Dec 21, after attending a potluck with friends, I fell down hard on the on the concrete, landing on my left
forearm. I don't actually know what caused me to fall but I was able to get up. The pain was so excruciating; I
was screaming expletives as I stomped around in circles, waiting for the pain to subside, but it never did. My
friend immediately took me to Urgent Care.
I broke both bones in my left forearm; ulna and radius. Additionally, it was a compound fracture (one bone
pushed through the skin). Next thing I know I’m scheduled for emergency surgery at 8:30 that same night.
Permanent, titanium plates and screws were put in my arm to keep the bones in place. The surgery lasted 3.5
hours and we arrived home at 4 am.
For the first two weeks, I was taking pain medication and completely dependent on others (my hubby and then
when he went back to work, my sister, for 3 weeks. And she’s a physical therapist and a great cook. Lucky me.
After 2 weeks, I was given a wrist brace. No cast, which allowed me to immediately start going to weekly OT
appointments. Have been vigilant about doing my exercises at home as this is crucial in getting my arm fully
functional and back to work. One of my exercises is to interpret to Podcasts. I love my OT!
I got some cool kitchen gadgets, which gave me more independence in the kitchen. Everything I do takes a lot
longer but I am now mostly independent. I am still not driving.
Friends have been taking me to appointments, meetings, coffee dates, visiting, shopping and taking walks with
me. Since buying ultra-lite walking sticks, I can confidently walk without fear of falling.
.
Little by little, life is getting back to normal. I am manifesting one more month of exercising and healing. Then
back to work! It’s been an amazing process and my attitude has been positive. I attribute that to all the support
and love!
Thank you for caring!
Warm gratitude,
Jaine