Broken

On the 26th January, I fell off a skateboard, dislocating & fracturing my left elbow. A trip to A&E that Sunday resulted in hospital admittance on Monday and surgery on Tuesday.

This was the first time I’ve been admitted to hospital for an overnight stay and I found the whole process fascinating, but not something I ever want to repeat. I also can’t say enough good things about the staff at Worcester Royal Hospital. Everyone I interacted with was friendly, helpful and competent.

I left hospital with my left arm in a cast and lots of pain killers. I could not move or even feel my left fingers which was pretty scary. Feeling came back after a day or so which was nice. However, for the next 4 weeks I struggled to sit at my desk for more than an hour or so at a time and could only type with my right hand. It was interesting to discover that some keyboard shortcuts I use require two hands. The combination of pain and painkillers meant that I couldn’t concentrate on “hard” work either.

I’m self-employed; I didn’t invoice very much for February, so it’s nice that 19FT has been doing well enough since I started it that there’s money in the bank to cover mishaps.

About two week ago, the pain was lessening enough that I was able to use my left hand. I’m sure I looked a little weird sat at my desk with the keyboard at an angle so that I could get my left hand to the keys. I was back to four hours a day of productive work and things were getting back on track.

Last Thursday, my cast was removed to my great relief. I was mildly worried that I’d be put in a new one for another 4 weeks. I could barely move my elbow once the cast was removed; maybe a range of motion of 15°. The consultant has referred me to the Physiotherapy department and I’m now waiting for an appointment with them.

Typing without the cast is much easier and less stressful. I’m still significantly behind on my client work and it will no doubt take all of March to get back on track. I have some interesting projects coming up though and am keen to see the current ones live. I spend too much time wondering how much movement I will get back, but it’s so nice to code without pain.

And, that’s why it has been quiet around here.