Allie Update: Broken Arm
Well, hello there, everyone, from the snowy Washington, DC, region! I'm heading into my third week with my broken arm. Last week, I was approved for six weeks of short-term disability. Today, I was supposed to go to the orthopedicist for my checkup, but with the ice and snow we got last night and today, the office called this morning to reschedule for a later date.
I am SO glad I’m off painkillers! As soon as I mention my broken arm, I get jokes about getting “good meds.” Well, while Vicodin and Percocet helped me sleep and be more comfortable physically, they were awful mentally. I was a whiny boo-boo kitty, had difficulty forming coherent thoughts, couldn’t handle loud noises or lots of activity, and always felt a bit ready to throw up.
I’ve been reading The Goldfinch for a while and decided to finish it while out of work (Kindle FTW, perfection for one-handed reading!). I don’t want to ruin it for you, but there are characters in the book who abuse prescription drugs, one mainly using Vicodin, and the combination of the awful feeling and the book made me stop the drugs last Monday. After a couple of days, I was able to sleep up to six hours without waking and feel so much more alive and positive!
And have to give the biggest of props to my husband, who has been an utter rockstar through all of this. I made sure I took my meds, took me to appointments, did all the dishes and laundry and cleaning, put our daughter to bed and bathed her, bathed ME, fed us, and was so zen through the crazy.
My sister has also been so fantastic, helping me and my daughter and giving my husband a break. My mom has also been so helpful, offering to watch our daughter during appointments and coming over to help.
And the wonderful people I have met through blogging have also been wonderful. It has made me tear up to see how brands I started partnering with a year or so ago are now friends, reaching out, sending well wishes, and offering help.
I’ve received so many sweet comments and emails from you all, I wish I could type better so I can let you know how much your messages mean and how glad I have connected with you. And my virtual friends, be you IRL friends who are also bloggers or have moved far away, readers who have become friends, or fellow bloggers I have gotten to know well, you have been so great during this time.
Speaking of those friends, I reached out to them and asked if they could help while I heal. So, occasionally, I will have them guest post here on Wardrobe Oxygen. I have reached out to those who I think can provide content that you would enjoy and that will complement the content I provide and the conversations we have here in the comments and on Twitter and Facebook.
While having my arm broken sucks big time, it has been so great to have this time to spend with my family. I type this with my daughter cuddled up on the couch next to me watching Pokemon 4Ever (I’ve seen this movie eight times since Friday, but it means eight times I have snuggled with E without having to rush off to work or a blog thing), my husband in the kitchen making breakfast, soon coming to join us.
I realize how busy I have been, rarely at home and when here, usually attached to a phone or laptop. This downtime has been a great exercise in reassessing priorities and a great time to connect with my family on a deeper level. I miss writing desperately, but I feel blessed that it was only my arm and I am recuperating surrounded by such love.
Much love to all of you, miss you!
– Alison
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Glad you’re healing well! Hang in there!
I’m really, really happy to hear that things are getting better. I’m hopeful that you’ll continue to recover on time and that the surgery has done its job. Keep us posted, dear!
I’m just catching up on your situation – I am so sorry to hear this! Hope you get better and better. I was also wondering if you have tried any voice apps for drafting your posts. I’m not even sure what is out there for this, but might be interesting to try?
Yep there is and they have made me realize how differently my brain works writing versus speaking. My “voice” is completely different, it’s hard to get into the zone on this topic, I feel myself sounding more like work Alison, something I will have to practice since there’s going to be PT after the cast. But my left-handed typing is improving!
Feel better, Allie. I’m thinking of you and hoping your recovery goes by quickly without issue.
I’m a bit behind in my reading, so I’ve just learned about your arm. I’m so sorry– I hope you heal quickly! Enjoy your down time with your family!
Cheers! It sounds like your healing process is well underway!
Glad you’re on the mend!
Glad to hear that you’re on the mend, Allie. All the best.
Glad you are doing as ok as you can be under the circumstances. Hope your arm is on the mend soon. X
My book club is reading that book next.
I know what you mean about Vicodin. I had a surgery and took it and found that I’d wake up when it wore off. At my follow-up the Doc suggested a higher than usual dosage of Advil. That didn’t wear off so suddenly and I was so much happier. I hope you’re mending and won’t have trouble regaining use of your arm.
I just finished it. A bit late since our meeting was Sunday. But the last 20 pages are the hardest to read in the book. It’s a very good book, but lots of emotional triggers with death and addictions.
Agree with you, wish someone had given me a trigger warning think it may have colored my overall view of the book
I agree about the painkillers – they do the job but make you so out-of-sorts. Hope the process goes smoothly and you enjoy your wonderful family. xox
Hope the healing process goes smooth and easy. I know I cherish the times I spend snuggling with my kids no matter what the circumstance.
I do have one fashionista story for you that I think you will appreciate. I haven’t been to a mall to shop for myself in a long time. I started reading your blog a couple of weeks ago. That inspired me to go through my closet, clean out and get some shopping done! I took my 11 yo with me to the mall. We got dressed up (as you suggested). We had such a good time. I scored at Macy’s and Ann Taylor (which I have never had the guts to go into due to money, body shape, weight, etc. But I did after your encouragement and it was SO worth it.). My DD went into American Eagle and the non-dress girl picked up a cute as can be dress. So I think my daughter and I have a new hobby to bond with. 😉
Get well soon!!
Sending get well soon wishes over from Germany, Alison! I am glad to hear you are off painkillers but I understand the healing process will keep you out of business for a while. Good to have such a supportive family. It felt so blessed when I was able to rely on my family and close friends when I went through hard times…
All the best for you!
Annette | Lady of Style