A Quick Fix Is Never A Good Idea

Two weeks ago I fractured my wrist and heard the words I dreaded hearing – you are getting a cast.  After the cast was put on I decided I needed a quirky mantra to use when I was introducing myself during speaking events.  I work hard and I play hard so it just made sense to use the mantra ‘Work hard, play hard – get a cast!’

But this is not what my story is about…

I knew my cast was going to prevent me from performing some of my activities of daily living.  I quickly realized I would not be able to perform physical exams, would have more difficulty getting ready in the morning and would not be able to enjoy a number of winter sporting activities.  It was going to be a challenging time for me but I was up for the challenge.

The orthopaedic surgeon (orthopod) came in to speak with me and informed me he wanted to see me in two weeks time – today.  On the back of the card ‘cast removed’ and ‘x-ray’ was checked off.  Yes!  I will only need to have the cast on for two weeks.  I can do this!

I went for my appointment this morning and my cast was removed.  It was like I experienced freedom for the first time.  My hand looked good.  No more swelling and no pain.  Of course you are not going to experience pain when you are not moving your wrist…

I had my x-ray done and met again with the orthopod.  The x-ray did not show a fracture however when the technician was positioning my hand I started to experience pain and knew this was not a good sign.  The orthopod began examining my wrist and was asking if I felt pain in any of the areas he was examining.  When he was asking the question I was questioning how I should answer.  If I answer yes there may be consequences to my actions and if I answer no there may be consequences to my actions.

Saying no would mean walking away ‘cast free’ and figuring out how to deal with the pain but maybe getting my quality of life back.  Saying yes could mean another cast.  I decided to say yes and I am back in a cast and going for a CT scan on Monday.

Why did I say yes?  Because I knew I was not completely healed and even though being in a cast is inconvenient (get a grip Shelley and count your blessings!) I could do more damage by not allowing my body to heal.  So you can say I took the Naturopathic approach to healing – slow and steady.  Quick fixes will only get you into trouble down the road – poor healing, arthritis and maybe even surgery…

Wishing you good health!

Shelley