Below is my honest and personal experience of breaking my humerus (mid-shaft break). Every experience with this nasty injury will be different, and therefore the below reflects only my own journey.
How long does a fractured humerus take to heal? And what is the recovery time for a humerus fracture?
These were the first questions I plugged into Google after breaking my humerus, one Easter Sunday. After a day of sunshine and celebrations, I came downstairs and tripped over my baby’s stair gate – rewarding myself with a nasty comminuted, spiral fracture to my humerus.
It wasn’t a particularly dramatic fall, but I broke my landing with my hand, somehow twisting my arm as I went.
I didn’t feel any pain as I landed, just the strange sensation that the top of my arm was moving, despite the fact that my forearm was completely still. I think that was perhaps the moment I figured I’d broken my arm. Each time I tried to move it, it pivoted at the fracture site (a sensation I’m in no hurry to experience again).
Sitting up and holding my forearm to my chest, I was immediately dripping with sweat and incredibly nauseous. Trying my best to remain cheerful as my one year old stared on in horror, I called for my partner and requested a trip to A&E.
Fast forward a few hours and I was home again with a temporary cast on, instructions that I’d need surgery (more on this later) and a now very painful arm. With the dawning realisation that life was about to get pretty challenging, I took to the internet – seeking answers to my growing list of questions.
How long does it take to heal a broken humerus? How can you speed up healing a fractured bone? What supplements should I take to help fix a bone fracture? Could I shower with a broken humerus? How to sleep with a broken arm?
While I found a lot of information on a broken humerus, most of it seemed to deal with proximal fractures – those close to the shoulder. My midshaft humerus fracture, it seemed, was a little more niche – an injury saved for women of a certain age, or for those playing violent, close contact sports.
I was 35 and had tripped over a small gate.
To help fill this information void, I thought it might be helpful to therefore document my own personal recovery; detailing how long it took for my midshaft humeral fracture to heal. Given that my recovery was surprisingly fast (despite the severity of the fracture), I’ve included in this my tips for managing this injury; including the best supplements to take.
How is a Broken Humerus Treated?
The way a fractured humerus is treated depends on many different factors. These include the consultant you see, the nature and location of your break, how displaced the fracture is, and your own age and overall wellbeing.
Will I Need Surgery for a Humerus Fracture?
When I first went to A&E, the consultant that saw me was adamant that I’d need Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery. For most adults with fairly displaced fractures (e.g. those not particularly aligned, even once a cast or brace has been applied), this seems to be the chosen route.
As I had a midshaft fracture to my humerus, and given that the bone is one of the longest in the body, my own break was extremely unstable. In fact, I could feel the bones moving and hitting one another as I walked, or even sat down.
Added to this the nature of my break – comminuted (meaning the bone was broken in more than one place), spiral (meaning the fracture had spiralled up the bone) and butterfly (meaning my break included a large, triangle fracture fragment), it was perhaps inevitable that my consultant declared the fracture ‘horrible’ and in need of urgent surgery.
My consultant explained that the benefits of ORIF surgery (which would involve fixing a metal plate and screws to the broken bone), would be that the fracture would instantly be more stable and I’d get movement back faster (although strength would take a while to return).
Although a little overwhelmed by not only having a newly broken arm, but by the prospect of imminent surgery, I hastily agreed to the ORIF surgery – signing the consent papers before I left A&E.
The Non-Operative Route (Cast-and-Brace) – the UK’s HUSH Trial
After the worst night’s sleep of my life (and I’ve got a young baby), I got a call the next day from the hospital’s Fracture Clinic, asking that I go in to speak to one of the orthopaedic consultants.
After making it to the hospital, the consultant said that having discussed my broken humerus, it might be that I needn’t have ORIF surgery after all.
He explained that the NHS was running a trial – HUSH – to see whether this fairly invasive surgery really did improve outcomes for humerus fractures. Instead, would the conservative route (or natural healing) work just as well? Given that in the UK, most proximal humerus fractures are now treated with just a cast and brace approach, their feeling was that midshaft fractures would also heal just as nicely.
The benefits of natural healing were, of course, no surgery (also avoiding any risk of infection or damage to my radial nerve), no scar and no need for future surgery to remove the ‘hardwear’.
Of course, there was a risk that my bone may not ‘unite’ (a 1 in 5 chance, in fact), but given my age (I’m 35) and lifestyle (fairly fit and healthy, a non-smoker), he felt that I had a good chance of it healing naturally.
This left me with a number of choices: 1) I could either continue with my initial decision to get ORIF surgery 2) I could decide against surgery and instead opt for natural healing, or 3) I could join the HUSH UK trial and my treatment would be randomised (decided for me).
It was a bit of a daunting decision to make and despite me repeatedly asking what the consultant would do, he simply reiterated that I’d do well with ‘either option’.
Eventually, and after a lot of back and forth, I decided to opt for the natural healing route; leaving the hospital with everything crossed that my fractured humerus would recover on its own.
How Long Does a Fractured Humerus Take to Heal Naturally?
When talking to my consultant, I (obviously) asked which would lead to the fastest recovery – ORIF surgery or natural healing?
Both, he said, had a pretty similar trajectory – taking around 12 weeks to heal. While the fracture would feel stable faster with surgery, it would still take around 3 months to then settle and heal.
If opting for the natural route (initially wearing a cast, before moving to a special humerus brace), the fracture would begin to stabilise at around 4 weeks – with 80% of all healing taking place at the 12 week mark.
It would take a full year, with either route, for the humerus to entirely recover.
Given that it seemed that ORIF surgery didn’t necessarily speed up healing when it came to a fractured humerus, I was more persuaded than ever that the conservative healing route was the best path for me.
My Own Journey to Recovery
After deciding to let my humerus fracture heal naturally, I was then faced with the reality of living with a broken arm.
Given that I had a toddler to look after, and that I typed and photographed for a living, this reality was initially hard to accept. After the adrenaline had worn off following my fall, my arm was now also incredibly painful – making simple activities hard.
Over the next few weeks, my partner needed to take extended time off work to help with our baby, I had to cancel new client work I was due to start, and friends and family had to help with cleaning, cooking and driving. I also needed help with showering, dressing and brushing my hair; something I found incredibly depressing.
However, although those first couple of weeks seemed to last a life time, things quickly improved; something I’d emphasise to anyone at the start of their journey.
To demonstrate just how rapidly things returned to normal, below is a timeline of my recovery – a record that I hope provides you with a little comfort.
Week 1: Tears, Pain and a New Brace
After breaking my humerus on Easter Sunday, the first week was a blur of hospital appointments, restless nights and tears – many tears.
I was sent home from A&E with a heavy provisional cast, until I next saw a consultant. Thankfully, I only had to live with it for three days – something I’ll be forever grateful for. It was incredibly cumbersome and hard to sleep with, and I could feel my fracture clicking and rattling around inside it.
It seems some hospitals, dependent on where you are, will make you stay in a cast for longer. However, the consultants I saw seemed to think that it wasn’t the appropriate treatment for a midshaft fracture of the humerus, as it wouldn’t properly align the bone. My fracture was also just above my elbow, meaning the cast rubbed and bumped against it; displacing it further.
On the Tuesday, I therefore attended my first Fracture Clinic – where I was sent to the Plaster Room to be fitted with a humerus brace.
The brace fitted comfortably over just the top of my arm and felt immensely better than the cast. I’ll admit, swapping from a cast to a brace was painful – my arm was now swollen, bruised and incredibly tender – but the staff in the Plaster Room were incredible; taking it slowly and ensuring all was done as delicately as possible.
The brace had to be done up tightly to help keep my fracture aligned and I was given a sling – which when combined with the brace, made my fractured humerus feel pretty comfortable. I was then sent for another x-ray to ensure it was all straight, before being sent home.
The pain during this first week was miserable; however, not so bad that I needed to take the Co-Codamol I’d been prescribed. Instead, Paracetamol was enough to manage the pain. By day four, this felt like an intense dull ache up and around my shoulders.
The rest of the week was really spent trying to adapt to being able to do very little. I didn’t shower – just washed (with the help of my partner) in the sink. I also couldn’t wear anything with sleeves, so largely wore oversized shirts slung over my arm.
Combined with my greasy hair, lack-lustre appearance and not being able to pick up or care for my baby, I felt thoroughly depressed. I cried a lot – and struggled to see how we’d cope as a family for the next twelve weeks.
It was all very overwhelming.
Thankfully, someone recommended that I join this Facebook group; filled with people with fractures to their humeral shafts. It’s a fantastically supportive place and gave me a community to vent, gain advice and feel heard.
How To Sleep Comfortably with a Broken Humerus
One thing I should definitely mention about my first week with a fractured humerus was just how difficult sleeping was.
Whilst many in the US with the same injury seem to find some solace in sleeping in a reclining armchair, they don’t seem to be as prevalent here in the UK.
I therefore spent the first six weeks sleeping in the spare room, propped up by at least eight pillows (top tip: I found using my pregnancy pillow to really prop myself up an absolute god send. Buy one even if you aren’t pregnant!)
Despite this, for the first couple of weeks, sleep was still pretty much non-existent.
I’d slowly slip downwards as I drifted off – meaning my arm would hit the mattress and the pain of it would wake me up. I also felt like I was being perpetually strangled by both the sling and itchy humerus brace.
For the first two weeks, I also experienced muscle spasms in my arm as I relaxed, which were incredibly painful. It felt like my arm was being jolted upwards, which, with a broken humerus, was agony.
Thankfully, the spasms subsided after the first fortnight or so and by week 3, I was starting to sleep a little better.
Worst Part of Week 1: While physically I was certainly uncomfortable, the mental repercussions of breaking my humerus – and its consequences – hit me like a ton of bricks. I also found sleeping very difficult, which no doubt exacerbated things.
Tips for Week 1: Start gently moving your arm. I know, this might feel impossible – but each evening I’d delicately remove my arm from the sling and try to flex and straighten my elbow (elbow joints get very stiff, very quickly).
Although the movements were only small, it gave me something positive to focus on and a sense that I was helping my own recovery.
Week 2: Swelling and Supplements
Week 2 was fairly similar to week 1, but with more swelling.
Although my fracture was just above my elbow, my forearm and hand became very swollen; feeling tight and bruised. I rang the Fracture Clinic to check this was normal and they said the swelling would travel up and down the arm – pooling particularly at the elbow (thanks to the sling).
I was advised to keep moving my forearm and hand as much as I could, to prevent the soft tissue becoming stagnated.
Once the swelling subsided (although, it was up and down for a few weeks), my skin then seemed to peel off almost overnight – where presumably it had been stretched and broken. It was fairly unpleasant and yet another unexpected consequence of breaking my humerus.
Supplements to Help Heal a Broken Bone
After doing some research, Week 2 was when I started taking supplements to help heal my fractured humerus.
Alongside taking a general bone support supplement, I also decided to try Cissus Quadrangularis.
Used for centuries in African and Ayurvedic medicine, this vine is said to promote and accelerate bone healing. Initially, I was a little sceptical about this claim, however – it’s now been the subject of several studies seeking to verify its ‘osteogenic potential’ – and has delivered some outstanding results.
Indeed, in one study, those that took Cissus Quadrangularis had a healing time that was up to 2 – 3 weeks faster than the group that did not.
With nothing lose, I therefore bought my own capsules and began taking them straight away.
Worst Part of Week 2: The swelling was definitely uncomfortable and my forearm felt very ‘boggy’. It made moving it and doing any exercises difficult and with it came bruising, which streaked down my forearm. In fact, those spots are still tender now (week 10).
Tips for Week 2: Start taking supplements. Of course, I’m not a medical professional, but as you’ll see from my own recovery, I’m fairly certain that Cissus Qudrangularis helped to speed up the healing of my fractured humerus.
Week 3: Callous Formation
I’m pleased to report that by week 3, there were less tears and depressive episodes than there were during the first fortnight.
By now, although things were still difficult, we were beginning to adapt to life with my broken humerus and the pain had reduced significantly.
Week 3 X-Rays
This week I had my second visit to the Fracture Clinic and with it, an x-ray to see how my fractured humerus was doing.
When I went in to see the consultant, she initially thought I was at the 6 week mark and commented that although she could see callousing (the formation of new bone), there was perhaps not as much as she’d like there to be.
When I reminded her that I was only just entering week 3, she was very surprised; commenting that the amount of ‘soft’ bone present was much more than they would expect at this point.
I honestly put this down to the supplements that I was taking, which were encouraging callous to form.
Fracture Blisters
While my midshaft humerus fracture was healing nicely, my skin was now bearing the brunt of my accident.
Due to the swelling and trauma to my arm’s soft tissue, I unfortunately developed several fracture blisters.
These all sat under my brace and close to the bottom of it; rubbing painfully on it and weeping. They stung (a lot) and were generally a bit grim.
Due to the risk of infection from these blisters, the Fracture Clinic asked that I come in so they could be looked at and dressed. After the consultant checked that they looked fairly ‘in tact’, the staff in the Plaster Room then cleaned and dressed them; a truly heavenly experience.
They applied a cooling, protective gel to my skin and wrapped a dressing around them. I was also given ‘cream on a stick’, that I could essentially poke upwards, under my brace, to rub on my blisters when they hurt. Once the staff had worked their magic, my skin felt much more comfortable and my paranoia regarding getting an infection went.
Worst Part of Week 3: By this point, I was finding my sling incredibly irritating. It was a fairly thick, black affair – and really rubbed my neck (especially when I slept). In fact, I had to put plasters around my neck, where it was irritating moles on my skin. The fracture blisters were also really unpleasant.
Tip for Week 3: By week 3, I started to remove my brace to shower, using a pair of tights as a makeshift sling. I cannot tell you how incredible it felt to stand under a hot shower; and it did my mental health the world of good.
Week 4: Weaning Off the Sling
By week 4, my fractured humerus was feeling pretty stable.
It was no longer clicking or popping when I walked, and I could sit down and stand up without clutching my arm. I was also beginning to unconsciously use my arm a lot more – e.g. I could just about change nappies and use a knife.
This week, I had to return to the Fracture Clinic (I was a regular by this point), to have the blisters checked. While there, the consultant had a look at my arm and said I should begin weaning out of the sling (shock, horror).
While the sling is so important at the start of the healing journey – ensuring the arm stays at a 90 degree angle and aligned – by this point, it was also slowing things down. My elbow was getting very stiff and my shoulder was also incredibly sore, having remained passive for four weeks.
The consultant therefore asked that I begin to stop using the sling; instead letting my arm hang by my side.
Now, anyone with a fractured humerus will understand how terrifying this seemed. When I first broke my arm, I couldn’t physically let my arm hang like that – it felt like it was detaching from my upper arm. The idea that I had to therefore do this was scary and I was a bit reluctant to try.
After gently guiding my arm downwards and removing the sling, things initially felt very odd. My arm felt like it weighed a few stone and I found it hard to stand up straight. I walked around, stooped over – arm hanging – for quite a while, before summoning the courage to straighten up and use my upper back muscles.
Over the next few days, I did this on repeat, letting my arm hang for a few minutes until things felt more comfortable. Within just a few days, things felt much more normal and I was only wearing the sling for long walks; letting it hang freely the rest of the time, free of pain.
This felt like a huge achievement and a real milestone in recovering from my fractured humerus.
Worst Part of Week 4: By this point, I was itching to drive again and I began to find the isolation that comes with a broken humerus very frustrating. However, I needed to wait until the break was at least 50% healed until my consultant would let me drive again.
Tip for Week 4: Although I appreciate everyone’s journey to recovery is different, weaning out the sling earlier, rather than later, really can help expedite your recovery. You’ll be surprised at just how well your body manages once the sling has been removed – and how much you begin to use your arm (albeit unconsciously).
Week 5: Looking After My Baby (Solo)
Week 5 was a relatively unremarkable week, aside from one thing.
This week, my partner needed to return to work, which meant I was flying solo when looking after our baby.
Although he’s in childcare three days a week, I’d still have him two days that week.
When I first came home from A&E, looking after my baby seemed an impossibility. I couldn’t pick him up, lift him, change him or even feed him. However, by week 5, I was doing all this – albeit with some major adaptations.
I was now picking him up with just one arm and carrying him under my ‘good’ arm – like a rugby ball. It was definitely much harder work, but incredibly rewarding to know that things were beginning to return to normal.
By this point, the fracture was no longer painful. In fact, this pain had been replaced by stiff and tight muscles around my bicep – a sign that I needed to start stretching, flexing and using this arm more.
Worst Part of Week 5: By week 5, I definitely felt in a bit of a no man’s land when it came to my comminuted humerus fracture. While my fractured humerus felt so much better, it was still broken – and I had no strength in my arm. However, it also felt so much better that wearing the brace felt frustrating (and very hot).
Tip for Week 5: By week 5, I was starting to do a lot more with my arm and trying to understand its limitations. This meant I was using it to gently brush my teeth, apply mascara and do small, but determined, movements.
Week 6: More Improvement
Week 6 felt like a great milestone in the healing of my humerus fracture.
I’d always been told that it was at this point that most people would have some callousing and that things would start to steeply improve, which had given me something to look forward to.
As it was, I’d say that the steep improvement for me began after week 2 or 3 and it’s been exponential ever since. However, it was still really nice to finally get to this check point.
Week 7: Saying Goodbye to the Humerus Brace (65% Healed)
I was bizarrely excited for my visit to the Fracture Clinic this week.
My arm was feeling much better and I was keen to see if this would be corroborated by an x-ray. Thankfully, it was, and the consultant said he was thrilled by the amount of ‘fluffy bone’ he could see on the x-ray.
Although there were still areas of my fracture that hadn’t yet healed – I had a comminuted spiral fracture to my humerus, meaning that there were multiple fracture sites – it was around 65% healed. He estimated that I’d be around 90% recovered at the 12 week mark, with 100% healing taking up to a year (as is common with any bone fracture).
Rather than focusing on callous and bone healing, attention now moved to physiotherapy to help get the arm moving again. During my appointment, my consultant noticed that the majority of the pinching sensation I was feeling was not from the fracture site, but from tight bicep muscles around the bone, which needed stretching and using.
To achieve this, the consultant gave me the best news of my recovery so far: I could stop wearing my humerus brace.
I cannot tell you how happy I was to get that humerus brace off. Not only could I dress properly again, but I could drive again – something that was a game-changer in terms of my mental health.
Worst Part of Week 7: By this point, I was starting to get a frozen shoulder from not using it much. This meant I had a lot of pinching and popping sensations when using it, which was painful. I also noticed it was feeling stiff in the mornings.
Tip for Week 7: Be brave. I felt incredibly vulnerable without my brace on, but I underestimated just how quickly – and expertly – the body can heal. Relaxing into not wearing my brace meant I also began using my arm without even thinking; which no doubt helped my muscles and my range of movement improve.
Week 8: Physiotherapy Begins
Week 8 signalled the end of one journey and the start of another.
With all eyes previously on how well my fractured humerus was healing, we were now instead dealing with the fallout of the break. This meant a new focus on my stiff and torn shoulder muscles, and the overall loss of strength and range of motion in my arm.
Physiotherapy was therefore the next stage of my journey.
After assessing how well my arm was doing, the physiotherapist said I was able to straighten my arm approximately 70% (compared with my left arm) and that I’d lost a lot of strength in my biceps and triceps.
This loss of strength was something that even surprised me. When we did basic exercises together (e.g. squeezing outwards with my hand, against her hand) and I was stunned by just how weak my broken arm was.
I was reassured all this was normal and it’s likely I tore my rotator cuff muscles in my shoulder, hence the pain and stiffness. I therefore just needed to stay consistent with the exercises and be patient.
Worst Part of Week 8: the shock of realising that the fracture was only one part of my journey and the majority was actually rehabilitation. As they say when you fracture your humerus: recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
Tip for Week 8: buy yourself a few different resistance bands and start working on strength and flexibility as soon as you’re given the go ahead to. The earlier you begin, the better.
Week 9: Travelling Abroad with a Broken Humerus
Having already cancelled one holiday when I first sustained my fractured humerus, I was determined to not cancel another (not least because Ryanair do not give refunds – ever).
Although still stiff and weak, my arm felt in pretty good shape. I could brush my teeth with my arm, put my hair in a pony tail and reach above my head, if need be. The hardest part of travelling was actually using my camera – which I tend to hold in my right hand. Although not particularly heavy, my arm got tired very quickly and ached if I held it for too long.
I guess it served as a good reminder that I’m still healing and shouldn’t overdo things.
Worst Part of Week 9: I kept forgetting to do the exercises set by my physiotherapist. With a busy home life and a baby, it constantly slipped my mind.
Tip for Week 9: Set a daily alarm to remind yourself to do your exercises – they’re so important to your recovery that remembering them is a must.
Week 10: 80% Healed but Working on Strength and ROM
Although it initially seemed an age away when I first sustained the spiral and comminuted fracture to my humerus, somehow 10 weeks has come around incredibly fast.
My latest x-ray revealed I’m around 80% healed, with lots of ‘fluffy’ new bone forming, alongside some hardening of new bone. My arm feels stable, pain-free and almost normal; aside from when I try to do too much in terms of flexibility or strength work.
However, in terms of everyday activities, I can now do most things – something that felt unimaginable 10 weeks ago. I can look after my baby, pick him up, drive, dress, shower and prepare food. Yes, my arm absolutely needs to continue to heal – I need to build up strength again and improve ROM – but it’s no longer limiting my life.
Verdict: How Long Did it Take for my Fractured Humerus to Heal?
I’d say it took 10 weeks for my fractured humerus to heal.
Now, I’ll admit – even I’m surprised that it has healed as quickly as it did. Yet here I am, typing comfortably away on my laptop, having just bathed and put my baby to bed.
I’ll never really know if it’s luck or my own genetic make-up that’s helped me heal this fast. However, something tells me that there are a few other factors at play.
When I first broke my humerus, I was told in no uncertain terms that it was a nasty and complicated fracture. The A&E consultant was convinced that it wouldn’t heal without surgery – and natural healing would likely fail. Furthermore, I’d only recently had a baby and therefore my bones were likely a little brittle. I’d also suffered with anaemia for several months after the birth.
There was therefore nothing to really suggest that I would make a quick recovery; quite the contrary.
However, after a little research and having looked into the HUSH UK trial, I felt positive that my arm could heal naturally; something that could be aided by several other things.
I’m utterly convinced that Cissus Quadrangularis played a pivotal role in expediting my healing – and there are plenty of other reputable studies to support this hunch. I also stayed active throughout my healing journey; something which possibly helped in reducing swelling and maintaining some ROM.
Indeed, given that I knew I needed to start caring for my son fairly soon, I had to be ruthless when it came to ditching the sling and starting to move my arm (even though it was a little scary at the time).
Alongside this, I started moving my elbow just a few days after my accident (flexing it, with the help of my other arm) and started pendulum exercises at 4 weeks post break. This stopped any chronic stiffness setting in, which has no doubt helped things.
Fracturing your humerus is an incredibly challenging life event. It’s a horrible, painful and difficult injury – and one that certainly took its impact on my own mental health. Furthermore, with a number of different variables regarding the nature of your fracture to take into consideration, alongside your own age and wellbeing, it’s impossible to predict how your journey to recovery will go.
I’m very appreciative of the fact that mine has been a fairly ‘easy’ ride – even if I did spend the first fortnight in tears.
However, what I hope that this diary demonstrates is that with some positivity, determination and the right supplements – healing can, and will, happen. A fractured humerus will certainly test your mettle; but it’s something you can come back from, all the stronger for it (as long as you remember your physiotherapy exercises).
Healing a Fractured Humerus: April 2024 Update
Somehow, it has been two years since I first published this blog post: how long does a fractured humerus to heal?
Two more Easters have passed since that fateful day that I tried to jump over my son’s stair gate and – with it – fractured my humerus.
A lot has changed in that time. Firstly, we no longer have a stair gate (hurrah), my son is now 3 and – most importantly, this accident feels like a hazy memory, as does the injury.
When I first sustained this injury, it honestly felt world-ending. It was so painful, and so devastating in terms of how it limited my life, that I couldn’t imagine things ever feeling easier.
Having read others experiences of breaking their humerus (specifically mid-shaft fractures), it seemed that many were dogged with issues even after their bones had ostensibly healed: stiffness, pain and limited mobility.
These niggles were something I therefore fully anticipated.
However, within 12 weeks of my accident, my arm was genuinely 90% back to normal. I only had 3 physio appointments and was back to travelling, running, carrying my son around and usual life some 3.5 months later.
Today, the only indication that I did anything is a slightly stiff shoulder. Ironically, when I fractured my humerus, I also tore my rotator cuff and it’s that that still causes me a bit of pain.
My arm, however, is great.
I haven’t lost any strength in it and apart from perhaps a small bony bump you can feel, there’s no indication I ever broke it.
One thing I was a bit nervous about, as I didn’t have surgery for my fractured humerus, was that it might heal a little ‘wonky’. While a plate and pins would have kept it straight, letting it do its own thing meant that I didn’t have this guarantee.
I’d say that there is a slight bend to my arm, near the breakage site, but it’s only something that’s noticeable to me. It doesn’t veer off at a disturbing right angle and to anyone else, it looks entirely normal.
Ultimately, I am so relieved I didn’t undergo ORIF surgery.
Although I had initially been told I would certainly need it, my arm healed fantastically (and quickly) without it. If anything, I think surgery would have delayed my healing and made the process much worse, as I would have needed later surgery to remove the metal work.
I would also be living with a long and pretty ugly scar down my arm, which I am so glad I avoided.
Overall, and for anyone reading this, I would reiterate that although things are so incredibly tough at the start of this injury, things do improve – and very quickly. I think having a little child helped force my recovery as I had no choice but to keep moving – lugging a kid, shopping, bags and luggage around, and keeping my arm moving.
My advice would therefore be to resist the urge just to sit and wait for healing to come. Instead, keep moving, stay motivated and try doing little jobs with your arm, even if it is tender.
Your body will thank you in the long run.
70 comments
I enjoyed reading your journey, my humerus is broken further up closer to my shoulder. I too have a spiral break. I did it four weeks ago and had two x-rays so far. I have seen the consultant twice and will see her again. So I shall read your journal again as the weeks go on. The only thing I haven’t done is take the brace off to shower, I will wait until I see my doctor. Thank you again for writing this 😊
This article is just what I needed to see. I broke my humerus just above the elbow too on Easter Monday this year. I’m also a similar age – 36 and write for a living too, so I could really relate to the post.
I’m at week 3 currently of the process and can agree with feeling low and crying alot. Its great to hear of your positive story.
I just wondered, how did you sleep during this time? I’ve read that you should be propped up but I’m unsure. When the pillow slips It does get painful on my rm against thr mattress but after a while lying proppped up it causes neck and back pain.
At what point did you start going out again and doing things and going for walks etc? I only went out for the first time yesterday for a light stroll and for some food as previously there was too much pain in my arm when I walked.
Did you continue to carry on socialising etc throughout the time your arm was healing?
I also wondered, did you have any loss of feeling or movement in your hand? My wrist is quite floppy and I’m unable to spread my fingers out fully and lift my thumb up although I can move it.
Thank you thank you I did my break two weeks ago, it was so lovely to read your journey it has given me some hope, right now I feel I will never get there, but after reading this I feel so much better. once again Thank you xx
Hi Gerrie! How are you doing? I hope by now you’re feeling much better and it’s beginning to all feel like a (slightly horrible) distant memory?
Thank you for sharing your journey. I fractured my Humerus in 3 places October 1st 2023. I still have a dull ache pain and my brace on. I see my Orthopedic Dr Tuesday. I am hoping to get my brace off.
Sitting here just over 4 weeks into my mid shaft spiral break, reading your story has really helped me, so much more informative than anything we are told by the profesionals.
I am 66 but until this happened I was very fit and still working, it really is a devasting injury.
My bones still feel unstable and I have a lot of stiffness, but I am starting to leave the sling off most of the time, but unsure if I should start exersize if my bones are still moving.
Hi. Lovely to read your story, read a few times now 🙂 I broke my humerus 2 weeks ago, a spiral break, butterfly affect. Please could I ask how much Cissus Qudrangularis you took? I started off with 750g now up to 1500? Thank you
Hi Laurie. So sorry for the slow response. I took 1500 and it worked a treat!
Hi , did you ever experience spasms in various places on your upper arm . I felt really low today and tearful . I tripped and broke the humerus 3 weeks ago and 2 days before retiring at 66 😵💫 .
Yes – awful spasms at the start! They did fade after a month or so but were particularly bad at night. I really feel for you, but know things improve – and quickly.
Thank you for sharing your experience, it’s giving me some hope. Spiral fracture of my mid shaft 3 weeks ago and am in a brace. Was doing OK but pain quite painful now and have the prospect of Christmas and visiting people looming.
Hi Lynne. I’m so sorry you’ve also suffered this horrible injury. How are you doing now? I hope things are feeling a little easier.
Thank you
This is so reassuring
I am day 14 into my mid shaft humerus break. Had a very disappointing visit to the fracture clinic yesterday. Many tears yesterday and low mood today.
I’m reading your post for inspiration
Hi Jean. I’m so sorry to hear about your fall – I hope you’re feeling better now? It’s a long road to recovery, but all of a sudden you’re feeling better and it’s all a distant memory, I promise!
I’m an impatient patient I’m nearly 76 I fell doing diy and fractured my shoulder, I’m right handed so of course I broke my right shoulder. The pain now is more prevalent now than when I did it so much so I’m thinking of going back to A&E, sleeping causes more pain so I get little sleep, I think I’ve damaged my rotator cuff as I can hardly lift my arm, taking paracetamol I might as well be taking smarties I don’t want to be prescribed heavy duty painkillers as they cause their own problems. My mental state is I feel lower than a snakes belly convinced given my age I’m never going to get better, I know it’s only 25 days since I did it but it hurts more as I progress, is there light at the end of this tunnel as I lead an active life.
John, I’m so sorry – I’ve only just seen your message. Are you feeling any better? I hope by now you’re seeing some improvement and you’re feeling more optimistic? It’s so, so tough – I hope you’re doing well.
Good morning I broke my left hummus on August 29 after falling from roof. My arm is doing much better after surgery as my doctor advises me it was my best course of action. Being 29 years old does help as I was pretty active beforehand. I still have long way to go, however when taking off sling and taking shower it does wonders for the mental health. I am glad you are inspiring others and yes physical therapy is so crucial. Just keeping pushing yourself everyone it does get better each day, as I woke up feeling happy with my arm movement.
Thanks so much for taking the time comment on my post, Jacob! So glad to hear you’re doing better – the progress comes quickly and suddenly, even if the first part of the journey is super slow and agonising (in more ways than one!)
I am 70 years old and broke my upper humerus on Aug 27th. Absolutely the worst pain I have ever experienced. Lasted 2 weeks non stop. Then the sky started to clear slowly and here I am at week 6. Relatively pain free. It is one thing to read Clinical reports and articles on recovery but yet another altogether to read first hand experience. Thank you so very much for taking the time to document your recovery. It made me feel ‘normal’ in my recovery and have read it multiple times. I do my exercises daily but still painful when I push. It’s my shoulder I’m sure from inactivity. Physo starting in 2 weeks. Thanks again for sharing – it was truly so very helpful during a dark time.
Hi Sheila. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, I’m so glad my experiences helped a little. I’m now 6 months down the line and while I still have 2 fracture points that are unhealed, they’re getting there and I have full use of my arm again and no pain. It now feels a lifetime ago – when at the time it felt I would never feel better, ever again. Best of luck with the rest of your recovery!
Hi I broke my humerus 30 July horrible am still getting some pain my hand was very swollen and the swelling just started to come down I started physio couple of weeks ago painful when am doing the exercises but hopefully this gets better in time
Broke my Humerus on Sept 20th and your blog has been the most useful thing I’ve read so far Thank you!
Fracture clinic at week 3,and was informed there was signs of healing but not due back for another 4 weeks which is worrying me. Told to try taking it out the sling but no real advice or guidance regarding how much movement to expect or how far to push myself. Just feel like I’ve been left on my own so not quite sure how much or how little to do.
Surgery was Feb 6 I still can’t sleep I take a sleep don’t work
Split my humerus ball/collarbone July 29, 2022. Took a hard fall face down. First couple weeks awful, kept my arm tightly to my side in a sling. By week 4 started letting my arm out, trying to stretch and move it. Xrays showed new bone growth, so I was feeling better about the stiffness, pain and not being able to raise my arm. Started Pt for the last 6 weeks, to show me how to move my arm, and the therapist moved my arm gently. I still couldn’t raise my arm, I asked for Mri. After the Mri, it showed the rotator cuff had frayed tendons, muscle pulls, and the split was not fully healed at 10 weeks. I do not want surgery, it is week 11, I am hoping that I will still heal fully in time, will continue Pt. I can move my hand and arm good, just cannot raise pass my elbow at this time. Taking Vitamin C, and Calcium, Vit K, Vit. D and a few others for healing. putting warm moist heat on. Thank you for your story, it is tough to go through this, I am 68 years old, always thought even if I fell, would be fine. This has slowed me down, I hope and pray that the blood supply to the top of the humerus ball gets better, as the Mri said some of it showed no blood supply. If anyone knows anyway to get better faster, please let me know. Thank you.
Your story has given me hope. I broke my humerous mid shaft in 2 places two days ago. I slipped on my kitchen floor. I’ve broken each collar bone from cycling accidents…this is by far the most painful. I’ve opted to try the brace and sling…As I am an avid cyclist , swimmer and weight trainer with a 7 month old mini dachshund…It is upsetting. I am thankful for my dear husband of 36 years … he is incredibly helpful …but who is himself 5 months post back surgery. I have to focus on it could always be worse ….thanks again for your story….!
Ouch, Anita, that sounds so painful. I remember how long those first couple of weeks feel – but please be assured now 6 months down the line, I am back to exercising (even boxercise class!) and it’s all a very distant memory. Hang on in there, recovery is slow initially and then it’s super fast.
Hi,
Thank you so much for doing this blog post. There’s so little information out there when you break your humerus. Your speedy recovery gave me so much hope and I did end up following a similar trajectory.
I wasn’t, however, advised to move my arm at all for 8.5 weeks so when the brace came off the arm was stuck at 90 degrees. On to part two of this ‘journey’ and progress has been amazing in a few weeks of physio.
I’ll keep going until I get full ROM back (not that far away now) and my life back!
One important thing i took from your article was to question why surgery seemed to be the route they wanted to take. It was initially sold to me as the only route. Yet when I challenged them I was allowed to try natural healing and – touch wood – it’s worked. I’ve since been labelled as ‘too anxious for surgery’ which wasn’t what happened at all 🙄 I made an informed choice.
So thanks again. I really didn’t fancy a huge scar and the risks associated with major surgery. If I’d have really needed it fair enough. But you made me realise I could challenge as your break is very similar.
Samantha x
Hi Samantha. So pleased you’re also now well on your way to recovery! Yes, I think maybe the traditional route is to automatically say ‘surgery’ – in a&e, he just casually, like there was no other choice at all. Hopefully the study they’re doing will encourage them to let more people heal naturally, as it’s just as effective an option! I’ve just come back from a boxercise class – punching and press ups, and my arm is absolutely fine! 6 months later too, which has just flown. Thanks so much for your note.
Thank you for your blog. , and posts from others who have experienced this fracture.
I am 72 years old and broke my humerus after a fall in the garden. some ten weeks ago. I was in a cast for 2 1/2 weeks, then i was operated on to pin the fracture.
I went back to my Consultant after 7 weeks, x-ray the fracture had not healed at that time, my next appointment is in December. l was told to leave sling off and continue with my Physio.I am finding the shoulder is very painful, in fact over the last week my G.P has increased my Morphine tablets ,to try and combat the pain.. I expected a slow recovery, but i wonder if this level of pain at this stage , is normal. Physio therapist says , that l am making good progress , I would be grateful for any helpful comments.
Thank you
Margaret.
Thank you for being so generous in sharing your humerus journey… I did it myself about 7 weeks ago… it’s extremely long and tedious… and my head is melting. Reading your piece is very reassuring. Thanks
Thank you for your blog post!
I can relate as Im also 35 and broke mine sept 30!
5 weeks down and it feels like it’s been 3 months. I also opted for no surgery. Keep us updated on your progress!
Hi Sandra! Happy to report by 12 weeks I was pretty much back to normal – stiff and couldn’t do things like rugby, or box (not that I do anyway), but life was pretty much normal again! Now 6 months later and I’m back at the gym, boot camp – it’s a real distant memory.
Hi! Loved to hear your story, thanks so much for sharing. I broke my humerus 3 weeks ago and was really scared of surgery, seems llike it won’t be necessary tho. Still on a cast, gonna get it replaced for a brace in a couple weeks. I’m 27 and have always been healthy, if my recovery is even half as good as yours, I’ll be happy.
Thank you for sharing your experience I broke my humerus Halloween weekend I’m 60 yrs old and never broke anything before you said everything in detail which my doctor couldn’t do. I’m happy to hear your thoughts because iv been sad and depressed I live alone and have no one.
Gloria, I hope you are starting to feel better. I think you must have broken your arm pretty much the same day as me! Mine started to improve a lot the past week or two, hope yours is too.
Thinking of you x
I am just entering week 5 and reading your journey has given me new hope. I have been feeling so down and not seeing any light at the end of the tunnel, but your story has given me something to look forward to. I am in the fracture clinic this week and hoping to wean off the sling. Thanks for your encouragement 💕
Thanks for this. I’m grateful for any advice.
Broke mine 6 days ago, tripped over running. 61, first-time fracture. Could NOT believe the pain! Eased a bit now, I think most of the discomfort is from the unnatural position of the arm in a sling. Will be trying the Cissus Quadrangularis.
I cannot believe how similar your story is to mine and I wish I had found your journey story earlier!
I’m 41, broke my humerus midshaft, above the elbow, tripping in a hotel bathroom while traveling for work (due in court 3 hours later, clearly didn’t make that appearance!). Same type of break as you. Was also told it was 100% surgery material. They flew me home to see a consultat in my home city the next day who said they had done such a great job of reducing it, he didn’t want to operate.
I’m now at week 7. Your journey rung so true to me. I can’t wait to get to your week 10! Hanging out to be able to do everything normally again. Hoping my consultant might drop the brace at tomorrow’s appointment!
Just spent the morning in tears on day 3 post break (Boxing Day fall). The next 6-8 weeks seem an eternity – and I keep ‘seeing’ my fall in my fitful sleep. Feeling very sorry for self right now, but I’ve been given exercises to start straightaway by the NHS which is relieving stiffness a bit. Even a bit is a huge relief!!! Im taking arnica tablets – advised by my massage therapist but am ordering Cissus Qudrangularis right now. Thank you for the diary – really lifted my spirits.
Mid shaft humerus break here too – found the timeline and sharing of typical symptoms invaluable, thank you!
Also found the Cissus Quadrangularis to be effective, taking 2000mg a day from the second week and I’m out of the brace a whole weeks sooner than was predicted. Top notch recommendation.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
I was hit by a van as I crossed a zebra crossing in January 2021. I had two complete breaks; my arm was in 3 pieces, between the shoulder and elbow. Like you, in A&E I was told I’d have surgery, but the following morning I was told it might not be necessary. I decided I would go the route of no metalwork.
It was depressing and excruciating, with at one point a Dr having me remove the brace too early, resulting in what callus that was there cracking straight through. I went back into a brace for an extra 2 months. It took about 9 months for it to heal.
Just recently, so almost 2 years on, I have heard a cracking sound in one of the injury sites. It hurts and is hot sometimes, so I need to have it X-rayed. It was the same sound as the one inheard when the callus cracked before.
I wasn’t doing anything at the time, in fact I was lying down in bed reading a book. So I don’t know what has happened.
I’m posting this comment to urge you to continue with your supplements, if you think they helped the bone, as it seems that even 2 years down the line things can happen.
It was great to find your post and some of your comments cheered me up no end! Who knew your own arm could feel so heavy dangling by your side? My ‘twixtmas’ trip to A&E after tripping over my own feet coming down Kinder Scout has not been a great start to 2023. In the absence of a recliner chair or maternity pillow, I can highly recommend a bean bag instead of pillows. Very supportive in all the right places. I also agree about the immensely restorative powers (mentally) of a bath/shower after it took me 4 days to be brave enough to take the top off that I’d had the accident in. I’ve persuaded the teenagers to give some very gentle neck and shoulder massages too which they are marginally keener on than making dinner every night. Amazon order of Cissus arrived yesterday… making up for having to cancel 2 ski trips abroad. Good luck to everyone on their own healing journeys.
Hi, I wish I’d found your blog sooner. I am over 6 weeks since mid shaft spiral break. Those first few were excruciating. Fell while trying to ice skate. I’m 48 . I joined the Hush Trial and was initially randomised an operation but was called in twice to have operation and sent home at the end of each day because emergencies had come in. In those first few weeks the communication from the hospital was non existent. I had to keep ringing to try and get booked in for my second attempt at operation. I contacted PALS to complain ( no response for several weeks) . Contacted the Hush trial to complain. In the end had to go to the ortho fracture clinic without out an appointment and demand to be seen, bawling my eyes out with pain and exhaustion. 2 surgeons came to speak with me. They suggested healing naturally as alignment was good and they didn’t want to give an unnecessary operation. ( Could someone not say that at the beginning). At checkup yesterday, another x-ray and bone has moved. It’s very obvious and explains the pain I felt at fracture site. Been told it’s ok and shouldn’t be a problem. He didn’t even look at my brace to check it was on ok or if it needed tightening. Another 6 weeks in this thing. I didn’t ask enough questions and have come away feeling very unhappy and unsure what to do now. Will order the supplements you recommended. Any advice welcome please.
4 weeks in. Skating accident. What brought me here was a Google search for the clicking of the bones. Every time it happens I get so nervous but reading that it happened to you too makes me feel better.
I’m mostly pain free but that darn feeling Of the bones rubbing is not helping me feel any better. This mental game is so hard.
Thank you for sharing. I feel a little less alone now.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve read so much about humerus fractures and ORIF surgery since I fell 12/1/22 but this is the first personal information that I read and I t’s nice to know that I’m not unusual.
I had three proximal breaks and an entrapped tendon. Surgery took several hours and I think it was much more intensive than the doctor expected. I ended up with a plate and 10 screws.
My first postop visit was with a physicians assistant in two weeks and I didn’t see my surgeon until four weeks after that.
It’s reassuring to know that other people experience a lot of pain, swelling, and bruising.
I totally agree with how good the shower feels! 🙂 I tell my husband how much I appreciate it every time he helps me.
We don’t have a recliner and we have a regular tub at home so I’ve been staying at my mom’s handicap accessible house. I sleep in her living room recliner and use her large (“roll-in”) shower.
I had no idea why my arm skin was peeling – at first I thought my wound was leaking, then maybe that the liquid bandage was flaking off.
This was SO helpful!
I too have a spiral fracture of the humerus, done on 7/22/2022 so nearly 8 weeks, no surgery and hoping to have the brace removed this week, been having physio for 2 weeks which is definitely helping. I found your article so comforting, knowing that you can recover from this horrific injury, I’m a hairdresser and this has been a terrible injury for me, thank you so much again for your journal and all the tips
At six weeks started physio and out of collar and cuff, but finding the pain after movement difficult to take, and not sure how much pain to endure and how much to push on the physio exercises. Also typing normally but that seems to exacerbate the pain. Thank you for your blog.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I am in Round 3 of various falls and fractures over the past 6 months. End of August – 3 fractures in left foot after falling. Beginning of November – fractured clavicle from fall. February 9 – fractured humerus from fall. Seeing our bodies heal is both painful and amazing. Each time I thought, ‘how in the world will I get through this ,’ and each time I heard a soft whisper in reply, ‘you are not alone; you are loved.’ I so appreciate everyone sharing their stories. We can do this together!
My left mid-shaft humerus break was on Jan 21, 2023. Had ORIF surgery on Jan 30th. Unbelievable pain for the first week, especially 3 days following surgery and anesthesia finally wore off. Dr said that the break was the worst he had ever seen. I am starting week 3 today. I feel totally helpless with respect to getting fully dressed, putting make up on and especially needing my girlfriend to blow dry my hair and curl it. You just have to let some things go and be very thankful for any help you can get. I am waiting to get orders to start my physical therapy. My Dr said that this will be a 6-9 month recovery before being able to golf and bowl again. I am so very thankful to come upon this site to read the steps of what to expect for recovery and all the comments from everyone’s journey. It helps to know you are not alone.
I’ll keep reading and looking for any good advice anyone can offer.
I’m 64 and fell 2 nights ago after fainting on my way to the loo…surgeons decided no surgery just a sling for a few weeks hoping the humeral head will move easy back into place thru gravity (it has several shattered pcs but stayed in place and a stick further down). I’m still coming to terms with how to get thru the next few weeks. I have ordered the Cissus and taking Vit D3 & K2 just hope it all helps…It’s just so painful and hard to cope but reading your blog helped thankyou. Have another x-ray & fracture clinic visit a week tomorrow to see if any improvement.
Dear Twins, Thank you so much for sharing your journey. It’s good to hear that you were pretty much back to normal in 12 weeks. It was also helpful to read everyone’s comments; I agree with you that once recovery starts, one notices improvement fairly quickly. I fractured my humerus (proximal) five weeks ago. I’m 67 and slipped on the parquet bedroom floor (in the dark) on my way to the loo. It was so painful, we ended up calling an ambulance to get to the emergency room. The doctor gave me a choice regarding surgery. As I am an avid golfer, he mentioned that the quickest way back to getting on the course was surgery as my horizontal break was quite nasty and I had very little stabilization. After the surgery, the doctor said the break was worse than he originally thought so I had made the right decision regarding surgery. I spent four nights in hospital and started physio the following week. I was told by the doc to wear the soft cast for a month unless my PT said otherwise; I ended up dumping the soft cast (except for nighttime) and wearing the sling at three weeks. I have been going for physio twice a week which has helped tremendously. I baby my arm in the sense that I do my exercises religiously several times a day. I also apply lotion and massage the arm daily. For the past few days, I find it more comfortable (when I am at home) to let my arm hang freely which means I also end up using the arm more. Doc has said no driving for three months so seven more weeks to go. Fortunately, the public transportation is great where I live; it’s a real life saver!
Thanks so much for your blog and for everyone’s comments – its good to know we’re not alone in dealing with these fractures! I broke my humerus 3 days after my 70th birthday in January slipping on black ice! The first thing I said to my hubby (after screaming in pain) was ‘Don’t touch me’ after the poor man tried to help me up! I’m 7 weeks on now and the dreaded sling is just a memory. I’m doing my PT as instructed & also setting myself challenges like being able to put my earrings on with the broken arm, & shampooing my hair using both hands – it all seems impossible & too painful to start with but with perseverance you suddenly realise you’ve managed. My next huge challenge is doing my bra up at the back – I think that will be a few more weeks yet though – ouch!. My recovery was slightly put on hold by being blue lighted to hospital with blood clots in my lungs probably caused by the fracture, so if you ever have pain in your back and struggle to breath especially after a fracture, don’t wait, phone for an ambulance ( the paramedics were wonderful & only took 10 minutes to arrive).
Thank you all for sharing your journeys. I’m on week 5 of recovery from broken humerus in 3 places near the top. Sleeping and pain has been the worst thing, still sleeping in a chair and on strong painkillers
Hi there,
Thanks so much for this wonderful blog. I broke my humerus bone just above my shoulder on Easter Monday. I’m also 36 and do a writing job so could really relate to you and my journey so far has been similar to yours.
I’ve just bought the supplements so thank you for that recommendation. I also wondered at what point you started going out again for walks and doing things. Its been nearly 3 weeks now for me and only just started going out for a walk and a drink/food. I don’t want to over do it but also don’t want to be at home all the time because of my mental health.
What did you start doing at first in terms of getting back to normal life and after how long were you able to work again?
Hi Siobhan. Oh no! Easter break buddies, I’m so sorry. I have a young toddler, so was having to (drag) myself out on walks fairly early on. But it was very uncomfortable and painful at the start. I think if I could have, I’d have waited. I think – for your own mental health – now might be the time to start having little walks. I know it’s painful and scary, but the more you can start to get a bit of movement back, the better. I didn’t socialise for a month or so, mainly as it was painful and I looked a state! However, from week 6, things improved massively – and I was having time out of the sling, so you’re so close to things getting much better!
Hi. I broke my left humerus bone on May 1st bank holiday. Slipped playing cricket and went down hard on the arm. It’s a twisted break in 2 places but the cast is helping it align.
First fracture clinic appt was yesterday and they said they still don’t know about surgery so they’ll see me in another week. I really don’t want surgery so am hoping it’s not something I’ll need but lots of people telling me I should have it as it’ll make it stronger?? I’m not convinced and I’m terrified of being put under/it getting infected etc etc. so is going down the natural healing route definitely an option even on the NHS??
Also is it normal to not be able to move my left arm at all of its accord?? Barely 2 weeks in but I keep getting told I need physio already – is this true?
Thank you. I need hope that this will heal SS feeling pretty upset, lonely and worried as to the future.
Hello Everyone, this is my second posting and an update to my 1st post of 13 March. Yesterday was 13 weeks since my accident. I have had physio twice a week (which has helped tremendously) since the first week after my surgery. I had an x-ray at week 12 and the bone was pretty much healed; the doc said it would take one additional week to be completely healed. This week, I really noticed a major difference (for the good) when I am using my arm; I no longer feel pain when picking up light objects. I do have muscle pain but that is being dealt with by exercising. I’m a golfer so I started putt two weeks ago and will try chipping this week. For those of you who fractured your arm recently, be patient, things will get better.
I’m 60 . On 13 May I fell, breaking my humerus in several places at shoulder level and also through the entire length of my humerus. I had surgery on15 May and now have external fixation, which makes me look like robocop ! The pain was excruciating for the first week. I’m still on tramadol but cutting down now . Sleeping sitting up is so difficult and self care is pretty much impossible . Although the pain is nowhere near as bad as it was at the beginning, I’m still exhausted (today is the three week anniversary of the surgery) and in bed most of the time – not sleeping exactly, but reading and having the occasional doze. This is far from normal for me!! I would normally never go to bed during the day . When I do get up, I only last about 2 hours before I want to get back into bed . I have not yet left the house except to go to the fracture clinic appointments, but am going to try short walks this week. Is anyone else experiencing this level of exhaustion?
I appreciate you sharing your experience; after reading, I feel better. I fractured my humerus playing cricket four weeks ago, and I decided to get surgery (orif with a plate and screws). I had my cast removed today, but I’m still wearing a sling, and the doctor said to keep wearing it for three more weeks. I also took an x-ray, and it shows no signs of improvement neither displacement (I’ll probably have to wait another two weeks to find out if a callus has formed or not). My doctor also advised me to take the Cissus Quadrangularis tablets right from the day after surgery in the hopes of accelerating my recovery.
My experience with the fracture so far.
– I took the surgey on the day of my fracture itself(just went along with doctor advice).
– Post surgery had pain for 1 night, but once discharged no pain except when i try to move my arm.
– After 2 weeks, sutures are removed
– Up until today, I had been wearing a cast, which I must admit did not feel great. In addition, sleeping while lying flat on the back was difficult, and I would wake up in the middle of the night to ease my arm.I used pillows as a support from shoulder to elbow for the arm.(Recliners are best option if one can afford)
– I haven’t removed the sling at all thus far, largely because my doctor strongly urged against doing so. In addition, I sense clicking and fluid-like movement when i try to move the arm, and when I try to straighten up my arm, I feel pain, therefore I haven’t dared to do so yet.
– I’ll have to wait a couple of weeks before my next appointment and hope that my fracture improves.
UPDATE:
Post 7 weeks now I am completely out of my arm sling, however the doctor advised to use brace for time-being.
– Union is good and now there are less gaps compared to my 4th week.
– The day I am out of arm my sling, I couldn’t straighten my arm and immedialtey consulted physio therapist(PT) the same day and with little pressure was able to put down my elbow but not completely straight
– After 3 sessions of PT (with wax therapy), now I am able to extend my arm UP and down but still have few degrees left to get straighten
– I have a lot of swelling at my fracture site now. Probably because of the PT sessions flexion exercises.
– I could able to type pain free with little to no-pain but my elbow flexion is very bad, I could not able to get past 90 degrees while closing and the pain is lot worse while trying to do any flexion. The PT said since I went for a surgery it might take some days
Apart from the Elbow/Muscle stiffness, whenever I try to extend (move UP/Down) my arm I feel sensation like my arm is hanging. Not sure if any body has felt like this after coming out of arm sling
Hi Durga – I also feel movement inside my arm from time to time with clicking grinding sensations . Apparently this is the broken bones moving and it is normal – though it doesn’t sound nice . I am really looking forward to lying down to sleep . Currently I am sleeping sitting up using a large cushion and firm pillows . It’s not easy . I am finding the exhaustion horrible . I was at the fracture clinic this morning and was advised that this is normal following injuries like mine . It’s annoying to feel so tired all of the time but hopefully every day will bring slight improvement . I also find the length of time it takes to carry out activities of daily living very frustrating. Even brushing my teeth takes ages !!
Hello all, I dislocated the head of my humerus after fracturing it off the shaft of the rest of the humerus while playing tennis indoors Jan 30, 2023. I wish I found this blog during my journey. I am in the US, and in the trauma room of the ER I was ambulanced to the on call orthopedist reduced the dislocation under conscious sedation. They put me in a sling and sent me home before shift change having given me no food or water for 9 hours, and never relieved my excruciating pain. I was told to see a shoulder specialist within a week. I still had the clothes on which I had worn playing tennis for an hour. THey told me not to take the sling off. I was told that the bones were pretty well aligned, with some angulation. I was not offered surgery to actually align them perfectly, even after seeing the x rays which showed the shaft shoved partially inside the head, partially outside of it. I wondered if they were discriminating against me and not wanting to operate and put the bones back together exactly how they should be for proper functioning due to my age of 74. They left me alone in the exam room and never came back, and as I live alone and have no family within an hour of my home, I had to ask someone sitting at a desk to please help me get the clothes off which I fractured my shoulder in playing tennis 4 days prior and put on some clean clothes I brought with me. I saw the Dr and his Physician’s Assistant sitting in another room laughing with each other. I found another orthopedist who did speak to me answering questions for nearly an hour 5 days later. He also said I didn’t need surgery and thought I would have an excellent recovery and didn’t want to risk possible complications of infection and injuries to other structures. I never heard of Cissus Q. unfortunately but do take many supplements. I added Arginine and recently increased the Vitamine K2 I take. I did my rehab religiously starting at 2 1/2 weeks after my fracture, at first needing to elevate my arm on a pile of towels and pillows to get the swelling to drain. I finished my 30 visits with my physical therapist and had made great progress with functionality and finally the painful muscle spasms stopped and I was able to get my long hair into a scrunchy and put on some eyeliner. I had to overcome a severe mental issue of fearing ever going back to playing tennis as I didn’t know why I fell. After researching and discovering that the aging process could be the only reason (proprioception is the brain and small muscles which gives one balance, not the large muscles we strengthen in the fitness center) I worked on that and started hitting tennis balls against a backboard near me. I felt normal and in balance. Luck brought me to a new tennis club and I met women my age who play doubles 3 times per week and I have been playing with them for about a month now, chasing balls right and left. Today I had my next appointment with my orthopedist who took new Xrays. He told me the bone healing looked good, the calluses had grown, and he told me I had now graduated!!! I still have minor aches in my shoulder depending on what I have done with my arm, rehab exercises, playing tennis tossing the ball with the fractured shoulder to serve, or just sleeping a certain way. I tried sleeping on a recliner initially but preferred sleeping in my bed on my back with a small towel under my fractured arm at the elbow level, as instructed. I tried to sleep on my L side when it was allowed (only sleeping on the R or back) but it was not comfortably at all. I have now gone at least a week with no Tramadol at all; I was only taking .4 or .5 of a tab before rehab exercises, some with heavy weights, or playing tennis. So, it’s acetominophen alone, with an occasional Naproxen (not allowed for me to take continuously due to a colon disease). I hope this helps some people reading this who are beginning their journey. I am so blessed that I have regained so much function of my arm and am able to once again enjoy the sport I learned as a ten-year-old, giving me the benefit of good exercise for my body and mind and the company of like-minded women my age.
Hey everyone,
I’m in Dublin, Ireland.
10 weeks ago I tripped over in my garden & was taken to A&E, X-ray showed humerus fractured from top to bottom, sent home next day with pain meds, arm in a sling & appointment with orthopaedic consultant in a week.
At that appointment consultant suggested a brace & sling for 4 weeks & then another x-Ray to check progress…. That x-Ray showed it was healing from the lower end but not near the top.
Back in the brace & sling for another 4 weeks… said if it’s not healing then it’s surgery – that appointment is tomorrow (10th August, 2023)
Wish me luck.
I’m not too concerned about the swelling of my arm or hand but my hand is very red, skin flaking off & I can’t use it at all despite trying to keep doing exercises
After reading some of these amazing comments, thought I’d share mine. I’m a somewhat active 75 yr old woman, at week 8 of the healing process. I’ve never EVER broken anything, despite the fact I have low bone mass (“osteopenia”), and have tripped a few times in the past. So, this last summer, we made our yearly migration to our beloved Yosemite. Me, my husband and our adult son had just driven the 7hr+ trek to the Valley and had just checked in. I got on my bike to start unloading, but with a small backpack on and stuff in the basket, I couldn’t get enough momentum (going up slight incline) and felt myself rolling backwards. As I went down, I remember seeing the ground come up fast, with the bike falling on me. A little embarrassed, I started to get up and was shocked to discover my arm was spaghetti-I could wiggle fingers but no connectivity. Paramedics arrived, said the clinic had closed for the day and the nearest hospital was miles away. “The ambulance would take hours to get here-your best bet is your own transportation”, she said, apologetically. So my husband and son drove me all the way to Mariposa (1 1/2 painful hours on the dark mountainous road). After an Xray, shot of morphine and a confusing multi Velcro harness, I spent the night in the hallway on a gurney. Next morning saw us back on the road home. The bathroom break at the gas station was funny-my husband took me into the men’s side and helped me with the procedure. Coming out of the stall, we were met with another gentleman who nodded as if this was normal. So, got home late and saw my own ER in the morning. “Proximal humerus fracture, comminuted of left arm ”. Oh, did I mention I’m LEFT-handed?
I saw my Dr. at 2 weeks and he offered a choice: surgery or sling. He leaned towards sling, as I am older and surgery would subject me to the procedure twice: putting screws/plates in, then taking them out. But, he said, my displacement was minimal and the bone would naturally replace itself, filling in gaps with “fluffy” bone, creating callous, eventually bone remodeling. “It’ll be stronger than before “. And he surmised that at the end of the day (a year), the results would be about the same. Boom. Easy choice.
At 8 weeks out, I have one big tip for anyone in the initial stages: RENT A RECLINER. After a couple of weeks playing bed bingo, and not getting much shuteye due to pain and general creepy feeling (and the lack of sleep might hinder healing?) I contacted my local RAC and with $160, I had 1 month of solid sleep. Just sent it back last week, as I’m back in our bed, comfortably.
And keep a journal of your progress. It’ll remind you of how far you’ve come. And to fill in the boring gaps of idle time ( you can only watch so much Jeopardy, Law and Order and Star Trek), do something constructive: organize your phone’s photos, delete unnecessary content, make lists of questions you have for you next Dr. visit, write out things that need cleaning (if anyone says, “if you need anything”-hand them the list and say “pick one”), do your PT everyday. And if it’s your opposite hand that’s affected, practice your abc’s and cursive. As a portrait artist, I’ve practiced art with my right hand and was amazed that I could still draw. I’ve heard your brain makes many connections when using a non dominant hand. So you’ll be a better version of yourself when this is all over! Take heart, follow your doctor’s orders and God bless.
Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story, Donna!
This has been the most useful and inspiring blog I’ve read since falling and sustaining a right mid shaft humeral fracture four weeks ago. I’m a 77yr old woman who is normally very active and have partial care of a fairly independent son with Down syndrome so this has been a devastating event for me. During the first week after the accident I had various braces and casts put on the arm all of which were incredibly uncomfortable. The pain from the break was indescribable and X-rays showed the bone sections were quite displaced. Although dreading the continuing pain I agreed to go down the conservative non surgical route to recovery but after a week the displacement appeared greater so I opted for surgery. Although invasive and riskier on balance I think it was the right decision and I now have a plate screwed along the entire length of my right humerus. Two weeks later it is still very weak and mobility is limited. I have burning pains and some numbness under my upper arm which I’ve had all along. I also had phantom sensations of my arm moving in the first week which was quite unnerving. I have taken myself off pain killers as the usual ones have no effect and I don’t want to take strong ones. The most effective way to reduce pain is to keep my arm immobile, something my body seems to be telling me all the time. It’s a fine balance keeping the joints moving without putting too much strain on the arm. I’m hoping for more physio advice at my next fracture clinic appointment in 2 weeks’ time. I’ve been astonished at how exhausted I feel all the time and how badly I’ve been affected mentally. The constant pain and anxiety and the healing process really take their toll. I’m going to try the supplement mentioned above. I started applying a silicon strip to the scar this week which is supposed to aid recovery. Time will tell. I’ve been lucky to have family and friends bringing meals and shopping and doing chores. I ventured out on my own for the first time yesterday, terrified of falling, but pleased that I made the effort. It’s going to be a slow journey but I so hope I’ll get there in the end. Will I drive again? That’s the ultimate aim but just a pipe dream at the moment. My advice, watch your step and don’t trip up a curb!
I’m so sorry for your fall – nobody realises just how devastating a broken bone – especially an arm, can be. I also noticed doctors don’t mention the mental health side of things, which for me was far worse than the broken bone. Try the supplement, it’s proven to help. To put things in perspective, now 18 months on from my fall I never ever think about it. I am active, work out, lug a toddler around – it feels like time is moving so slowly initially, but it does pass. Hang on in there.
Thank you so much for your story I relate to you week by week, I’m at week 5 and starting to feel better physically and emotionally after being thoroughly miserable. Looking forward to driving although very apprehensive as in would my arm be strong enough but thank you again hope to continue to read your journey ❤️
As others have said, thank you so much for your honest and realistic post. I broke my humerus mid shift and with a spiral fracture to boot.
I’ve been very deflated having just come out the other side of cancer surgery and chemotherapy a few months ago. I had just started to get some normality back in my life when this happened on the 9 March 2024.
Your journal has made me feel better about the whole thing and that the next few weeks may not be as bad as I thought. I shall keep your article close by and refer to it regularly when I start to feel a bit down.
I hope your recovery continued to be good and that you are now fully recovered. ❤️
Hi Thankyou for the update. I’m 5 months into my mid shaft spiral humerus break. It’s been a challenge. Having physio and hydrotherapy. Iv still got a lot of stiffness and weakness. Can’t wait to start driving again and back to work as I work with children and autism. It seems everyone is different and as I’m not on Facebook it’s been good to read these posts. It is tough, but hopefully we come back stronger from it.