This splint I put on and then I have a special tool to crank the splint straight. I was told to crank it until it hurts, or makes my face cringe (the orthopedist actually encouraged the face cringe), then release the splint a 1/2 crank. This will force my arm into a good stretch for 3-4 hours.
See I'm not bitching... I'm smiling I know it could be worse...far worse. This shot shows the metal hinge that helps to stabilize my arm in one position. And yes that was as straight as I could get me arm yesterday.
Here Dave took a picture of me while I am trying to remember how to get this splint on.
It's on and I have no idea what I am going to wear when I go out in public with this on. I can't wear a long shirt (Or sweatshirt) under either splint because they were molded to my arm size and are very tight. Plus the strap that goes from my shoulder to my wrist. I'm just thinking that Michigan isn't the most warm in January and I can't be cooped up in my house while I am wearing these. I'll think of something...if you have any ideas send them my way. Yes this splint goes over my shoulder and is as long on the back side as it is on the front. THIS IS THE ONE I CURRENTLY GET TO SLEEP IN!!!!!!Moving on..... You might think that this picture is about the quilt... it's not. It's about the light in the photo. In the first photo the light isn't on. You may recognize this quilt. It goes by numerous names.... the decade quilt or Ten year quilt (started it in 1997), some call it the tumor quilt (because 6-months after starting this quilt I got my first bone tumor), this is the quilt that sent me screaming at my sister to get up (she was working 3rd shift at the hospital in Coldwater)... she needed to take me to the hospital because I put a sewing machine needle through my finger.
I don't know what to do with this quilt... but I can't give it away. It's been through three surgeries and one year of monthly promidronate infusions at U of M. This quilt went into a box for years, I got it out and it's finished... but I am fixing some things I don't like about it. Well maybe this blog is about the quilt too!!!
This second photo the light is on my quilt. This is one of the OTT-Lites that are supposed to be more natural on the eyes and work better for quilting.
I'm not sure if the pictures show how the colors are more distinct. Dave isn't sure how this light is better then a regular light (except way more expensive), I've heard the main difference is that it helps with the hand stitching when quilting the layers together and helps better identify colors, and so that quilting doesn't strain the eyes so much. I got this light as part of my graduation present (from mom and dad). I felt that now that I am done with my masters, and I have no children, that I can spend more time quilting. I have two quilts that I need to finish before I can start any new quilts and I am trying... but now it will be difficult due to limitations with the splints.
3 comments:
That does not look like "soft" ware. It looks hard, molded (haha!) and annoying. I am so sorry that you are wearing it. I am glad you don't drive a stick anymore. That would be bad. It is like traction for your arm.
The light is sweet! I'll admit I was a bit skeptical about it when I first heard about it. However, that light is so bright that I think you could do surgery under it. Perhaps an idea you should file away for future use. We could all borrow it when we have "work" done and save a few bucks on the hospital bill. "NO, no I'll bring my own light thank you very much". Something like that. :)
And the quilt of course looks fabulous! It always does!
love you, Julianne
The quilt colors are beautiful - and the life stories that go with the quilt are so important. I hope you don't mind if I share the pictures of you and your splints with my rehab team! You are a trooper :) (They already gasped when they heard your bra was cut off!!) Denise
Robyn, You are a trooper! I wish I had some good ideas for clothing... Obviously you are good with a sewing machine, maybe you could cut the sleeve of a sweatshirt and add velcro so you can close it up around the splint... The quilt is beautiful & I can see where the light would help. I wish the girl waxing/plucking my eyebrows would invent in one... Love you! We are planning a trip to MI in July, so hopefully we will see you then!
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