My 13 year old son, Ethan broke his arm yesterday afternoon, walking home from school. He was climbing over a fence and slipped, falling onto the cement sidewalk. We took him straight to the emergency room, where they put on a temporary splint. He will go back to the doctor after the swelling is down. He did this right before a 4 day weekend so he shouldn't have to miss any schooling, but I know that is going to be a transition.
Does anyone have any tips to make dealing with a broken arm easier, or problems we may be able to avoid? We got a special bag that will seal around his cast, to keep it dry for showering. I'm also planning on having him practice writing with his left hand, using kindergarten handwriting sheets.
Thanks so much for any advice you might have.
Our grandson when he was about that age broke his arm while skating. He slipped a penny into his cast "for good luck". Fortunately the x-rayed his arm the next day just for routine check-up and discovered the penny. They had to cut the cast off, retrieve the penny, and put on a new cast. The Dr. said had they left it it would have eaten into his arm. So, no pennies lol.
Prop a pillow under arm when in bed or sitting helps alleviate any weight on shoulder. Cups with sipper straws built into the lid helps stop spills and is less awkward. Eating with a spoon is handiest so food can reach the mouth easier. Slip on shoes and loose fitting button down shirts make it easy to take on/off. Wet wipes are great for keeping hands clean etc as they are lighter weight than wash cloths and can get into those tight areas near the splint/cast.
This page is about hand washing with a broken arm. People who have broken their arm say their biggest complaint is that they can't wash their good hand.
