Things thumbs are useful for...

[CrabGirl]

I've fractured my left thumb and ruptured one of the ligaments. I'm having to wear a weird splinty thing which immobilises your thumb at a weird angle. Since I've had it on, I have realised that thumbs are very useful, because I keep finding things I just can't do. Like the following:-

• Carrying a cup of coffee in your right hand then realizing you cant turn the door handle to open the door. Thus rendering yourself trapped.
  
• Pulling your trousers up. It becomes a weird jiggle.
  
• Putting on a bra, I didn't even realise I used my thumbs for this.
  
• Opening a bottle of wine. Gahhh
  
• Eating with a knife and fork - had to get flatmate to cut up my dinner for me.
  
• Washing my hair. Ow Ow Ow.
  
• Getting anything out of my left pocket. The stupid hand wont fit in, and if it does, it doesn't grip.
  
• Zips. Go on, try a zip without using your thumb.

I'm getting the support swapped for one with a metal brace up the side, and have to wear it for two months or so, and no heavy lifting. Fabulous for a guitar playing, massage therapist, wine-drinking, bra wearing girl who is moving house next week.

[clocker]

Before Mulder does, allow me to volunteer for the "bra- putting on" part.
Might consider rooting around in your left pocket also.

[Alien5]

Oh noe, How did it happen?

[CrabGirl]

You'll laugh.

An 8 year old ran into it. Bent it back so the thumb touched my wrist the wrong way.

[Alien5]

were you drunk?

you dont notice how useful hands are.

[CrabGirl]

No. We were playing and he ran at me, I put my hand out to stop him running into me, end result, spac-thumb.

I'm drunk now though. Tis quite nice.

[Alien5]

Thats exactly how i imagined it happening.

[Skiz]

Yup. You never appreciate your health until you're injured or sick.

I remember when my ankle was really messed up I was helpless. Simple things like getting into the shower become obstacles when you've only one foot. Another thing I found that was difficult was eating. I ate half my meals on one foot while standing in the kitchen b/c I couldn't carry a plate while using crutches.

I feel for you...

How long do you have to wear the splint?

[CrabGirl]

Because I'm only up here temporarily they've given me a splint to wear for between 6-8 weeks if I don't need surgery. When I've moved next week I need to go back to hospital and get it assessed again in case it does need surgery. If I do then it'll be a cast for a while. So either way I'm fecked.
Yeh it's little things, like trying to pick up a book and not being able to grip it, getting stuff out of my bag, opening doors....

Grrr.

[Alien5]

Sorry im just laughing at the Grrr bit.