If you're reading this, you've probably broken your humerus bone.
Being in my 2nd week I've learned a lot.
I'm recovering well and even though everyone is different, you'll probably find this useful.
1) Sleeping - as much as you might want to sleep in bed or even if that's your only option. Sleep in a chair. You can get a lawn chair or equivalent for cheap and it'll be your best investment. I tried sleeping in bed a few nights upright; propped up by pillows. This doesn't work as you'll slip down the bed during the night. Getting in and out of bed will be painful, because of the soft cushioning, every move you make you'll sink a bit.
2) Odour - I broke my right humerus. Which means the brace they put on extends up to the armpit. If you're wearing a brace, you probably have a cloth sleeve under it. Cut away the extra material that extends to under the armpit. Reason being is this extra material will collect all your sweat. Causing some bad body odour. What I do is clean my armpits twice a day with some Irish spring deodorant soapy water. And then fold a bounty paper towel up and put a little deodorant on it and stick it under my affected arm. My armpit odour is under control now.
3) Learn your arm sling - For almost 1.5 weeks I was wearing my arm sling wrong. Causing a lot of blood to collect in my hand causing massive swelling. I got instructions from the nurse how to wear it properly and I've never been more comfortable.
4) Baby powder - Having baby powder to put in the cast under the arm sleeve will not only help with moisture build up, but will fight odour and itchiness.
5) Practice squats or lunges - This will help immensely with independence as you'll be able to pick up things or do things with your good arm. You'll be in a good mood if you can do stuff yourself.
6) Communication - Good communication with the person taking care of you is key. You have to be able to tell them how to help so they don't accidentally hurt you.
7) Keep your mind active - If you can work remote, do it. This will keep your mind active and you will still be able to work when you are feeling good. I started to remote work after 1 week. And now after 2 weeks I try to venture into the office.
8) If you can, let your arm breathe - Once I could without pain I took my sling off to let my arm breathe. The first couple days I had a horrible heat rash from the sling which was because the sling was right up against my body all the time causing friction and heat.
9) Avoid the heat - Not only will you sweat more, but because your body is in a state of healing, you are more sucseptible to heat stroke and dehydration. I learned the hard way.
I'll post more tips as I come across, but for now this is it.
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