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Post by formerlyme on Mar 26, 2017 18:26:03 GMT -5
I have a 'displace fracture' of the 4th metacarpal bone in my left hand. That's the bone below the knuckle (in my left palm) of the finger next to my baby finger. The 'displace' means the bones aren't lined up properly. If I fully straighten that finger and then fold it shut again, I can feel the two edges of the fractured bone 'clicking' against each other. I have to use two hands to lift heavier things like a jug of water, to avoid pain in my palm. This pretty much sucks because I'm left-handed. I think I did this injury while trying to force open a tight jar lid. I'm not sure what can be done about it, but I'll seek medical help if it doesn't improve soon.
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Post by Drifter on Mar 26, 2017 18:44:06 GMT -5
Ouch formerlyme ! I'm sorry you are going through this. #huggy I can only imagine the pain you must be feeling. Please don't wait too long to have it looked into. Might have to splint it?
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Post by TheSource on Mar 26, 2017 18:53:01 GMT -5
I have a 'displace fracture' of the 4th metacarpal bone in my left hand. That's the bone below the knuckle (in my left palm) of the finger next to my baby finger. The 'displace' means the bones aren't lined up properly. If I fully straighten that finger and then fold it shut again, I can feel the two edges of the fractured bone 'clicking' against each other. I have to use two hands to lift heavier things like a jug of water, to avoid pain in my palm. This pretty much sucks because I'm left-handed. I think I did this injury while trying to force open a tight jar lid. I'm not sure what can be done about it, but I'll seek medical help if it doesn't improve soon. Oh dear! That's not good. I'm sorry to hear this!
Go to your doc right away if you suspect a fracture. An x-ray will determine the severity of the injury as to whether or not it is fractured or just dislocated.
Do you own a jar opener?
Dr. Source recommends that if the pain persists, massive doses of chocolate chip cookies (eaten with the other hand, of course) are what is needed for a full and complete recovery.
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Post by formerlyme on Mar 26, 2017 19:09:29 GMT -5
Ouch formerlyme ! I'm sorry you are going through this. #huggy I can only imagine the pain you must be feeling. Please don't wait too long to have it looked into. Might have to splint it? Thanks Drifter! #huggy I'm not sure if it could be splinted because the break is about 1/3 of the way down into the palm . It's not painful when the hand is still, but uncomfortable when using it for things like lifting, grasping, typing, etc.
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Post by formerlyme on Mar 26, 2017 19:16:38 GMT -5
I have a 'displace fracture' of the 4th metacarpal bone in my left hand. That's the bone below the knuckle (in my left palm) of the finger next to my baby finger. The 'displace' means the bones aren't lined up properly. If I fully straighten that finger and then fold it shut again, I can feel the two edges of the fractured bone 'clicking' against each other. I have to use two hands to lift heavier things like a jug of water, to avoid pain in my palm. This pretty much sucks because I'm left-handed. I think I did this injury while trying to force open a tight jar lid. I'm not sure what can be done about it, but I'll seek medical help if it doesn't improve soon. Oh dear! That's not good. I'm sorry to hear this!
Go to your doc right away if you suspect a fracture. An x-ray will determine the severity of the injury as to whether or not it is fractured or just dislocated.
Do you own a jar opener?
Dr. Source recommends that if the pain persists, massive doses of chocolate chip cookies (eaten with the other hand, of course) are what is needed for a full and complete recovery. I don't have a jar opener, but I need to buy one - good advice TheSource. 8-) My arthritic hands and wrists don't have the strength they once had, and I need to make some accommodations.
One question Doctor Source...shouldn't you be prescribing oatmeal-raisin cookies for my condition? Huh?
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Post by TheSource on Mar 26, 2017 19:28:03 GMT -5
Oh dear! That's not good. I'm sorry to hear this!
Go to your doc right away if you suspect a fracture. An x-ray will determine the severity of the injury as to whether or not it is fractured or just dislocated.
Do you own a jar opener?
Dr. Source recommends that if the pain persists, massive doses of chocolate chip cookies (eaten with the other hand, of course) are what is needed for a full and complete recovery. I don't have a jar opener, but I need to buy one - good advice TheSource . 8-) My arthritic hands and wrists don't have the strength they once had, and I need to make some accommodations.
One question Doctor Source...shouldn't you be prescribing oatmeal-raisin cookies for my condition? Huh?
There are many jar openers on the market to choose from. Find one that is easy to use and offers a lot of torque with little effort.
Oatmeal raisin cookies do not possess as strong an antioxidant quality as chocolate chip cookies do. This is an "alternative medical fact"!
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Post by smitty45 on Mar 26, 2017 22:09:17 GMT -5
I'm sorry to hear of your Metacarpal Mishap. I really do hope it can be taken care of quick and heals quickly. My suggestion,,,, next time you go to the store, get a " rubber husband " yes, that is what it is called. It is a rubber disc to aid in opening lids on jars. My mom has the ultimate,,, no idae what it;s called but she;s had it since I can remember,,, it;s a metal frame with a twist handle and on the other side of handle are two jaws,, turning the handle, the jaws grab the lid rim, and with little effort in turning the handle, jar opens... Like I said though,, she's had that one since I can remember,,, and I remember seeing it when I knee high to a grasshopper.
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Post by highlandannie on Mar 27, 2017 1:57:25 GMT -5
Ouch, formerlyme. Hope it heals quickly. I use a plastic gripper to open jars. My sister has trouble with arthritis and bought an electric jar opener.
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Post by TheSource on Mar 27, 2017 10:04:19 GMT -5
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Post by formerlyme on Mar 27, 2017 11:27:52 GMT -5
About the same TheSource...thanks for asking! #huggy Gripping things, and making a fist, are the most uncomfortable. I do some 'pressing or pushing' actions with the 'heel' of my left palm instead of the centre, and I can pick up light things with just my left thumb & forefinger. For heavy or large items I use both hands, and have switched to the right hand for things like opening/closing doors. These strategies avoid discomfort, and it's surprising how quickly one adapts.
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Post by TheSource on Mar 27, 2017 15:37:25 GMT -5
About the same TheSource ...thanks for asking! #huggy Gripping things, and making a fist, are the most uncomfortable. I do some 'pressing or pushing' actions with the 'heel' of my left palm instead of the centre, and I can pick up light things with just my left thumb & forefinger. For heavy or large items I use both hands, and have switched to the right hand for things like opening/closing doors. These strategies avoid discomfort, and it's surprising how quickly one adapts. I'm glad to hear these things, but the thing that worries me the most is that it may not alleviate on its own. Are you going to see you doctor about it?
More often than not, at some point, you will use that hand unconsciously for something or other and further risk more injury to it maybe. Hopefully not to the point where it's non repairable. Hopefully this will never happen but it is better to err on the side of caution and seek some doctorly advice.
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Post by rebecca2013 on Mar 27, 2017 15:58:13 GMT -5
I am so so sorry formerlyme... I would consult with a good Orthopedic surgeon... There are treatments for this, and on it's own... It won't heal correctly
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Post by formerlyme on Mar 27, 2017 16:52:59 GMT -5
I know you are both right TheSource and rebecca2013, and I appreciate the sound advice.
It takes several weeks to get an appointment with my family doctor, and I'm already pre-booked to see her May 1st, so will wait until then. Even so, she'll just refer me to a specialist, which could take ages in our system unless it's a matter of life and death. Wait times are a major problem in Canada; for example, people can sometimes wait years for a hip or knee replacement. A disadvantage of getting it all free!
Today I can do a lot with my left thumb and the two fingers next to it, without pain or affecting the adjacent finger and palm. I'm certain there's a small fracture in the palm area of of the 4th metacarpal bone. I'm tough, though...it is bearable, I'll 'protect' the problem area from undue aggravation, and hope for the best until I see my doctor.
Aging and some of the things that go along with it are SUCH fun....NOT.
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Post by TheSource on Mar 27, 2017 17:01:07 GMT -5
I know you are both right TheSource and rebecca2013 , and I appreciate the sound advice.
It takes several weeks to get an appointment with my family doctor, and I'm already pre-booked to see her May 1st, so will wait until then. Even so, she'll just refer me to a specialist, which could take ages in our system unless it's a matter of life and death. Wait times are a major problem in Canada; for example, people can sometimes wait years for a hip or knee replacement. A disadvantage of getting it all free!
Today I can do a lot with my left thumb and the two fingers next to it, without pain or affecting the adjacent finger and palm. I'm certain there's a small fracture in the palm area of of the 4th metacarpal bone. I'm tough, though...it is bearable, I'll 'protect' the problem area from undue aggravation, and hope for the best until I see my doctor.
Aging and some of the things that go along with it are SUCH fun....NOT. May 1st. is such a long time away.
If I may ask, is your hand black and blue?
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Post by formerlyme on Mar 27, 2017 17:22:05 GMT -5
To TheSource, there's no bruising, swelling, and no nerve damage. If any combination of those were so, or if the pain was excruciating and I couldn't use the hand at all, I'd go to Emergency. I'll just be careful while awaiting May 1st. I do appreciate your concern, my friend.
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