Breaking a bone can not only be incredibly painful, but it can also be irritating and annoying. Especially, when it affects your daily lifestyle. But, there is no need to worry, if you follow these simple tips, you will be back to your old self in no time.
Whether you slipped and fell down the stairs, were involved in a car accident or broke a bone playing sports, the care you need will be the same. Don’t be tempted to spend all day resting on the sofa, instead follow your doctor’s orders and keep active.
While it’s important to keep moving with a broken bone (unless your doctor tells you otherwise), you may need to change up a few things. For instance, although you may normally cycle to work, with a broken bone this won’t be possible. So, you will need to find an alternative mode of transport to use.
For our top tips for living with a broken bone, have a read of this.
- Make your home safe
Are you using crutches right now? Is your arm in a sling? Then it is a good idea to ask your partner, friends or family to help you rearrange your home for easier access. For example, if you are on crutches, you may find negotiating the stairs difficult, so it might be a good idea to move your bed downstairs.
Ask your friends and family to help you out by rearranging your furniture. As well as, tidying up any clutter for you, adding extra lighting, and installing handrails on the stairs and in the bathroom. You may think that installing handrails is a step too far, but if you live alone they are necessary. Do you really want to have to call your neighbour because you fell in the shower and couldn’t get up?
- Keep busy
If you are unable to return to work straight away, make sure to keep yourself busy. While it is important to rest your damaged bone, it is a good idea to keep busy to keep the boredom away.
Don’t be tempted to spend the day in your pyjamas, it will only make you feel worse. Make sure to get showered and dressed every morning. This will help you to feel more awake and will keep you feeling happier.
If you are unable to return to work, perhaps you could ask your boss if you could work part-time from home while you recover. This would keep you busy and bring in some money.
If you were injured in an accident at work or on the road that wasn’t your fault, you could also look into making a
Until your broken bone heals completely, what you can do may be limited. Which means that you may need a little bit of extra help from friends, family or your partner. Make cooking easier by asking friends to pick up your groceries for you, or by ordering them online and getting them delivered. To save time and energy, opt for frozen ready meals or pre-sliced vegetables and meat. If standing up to make your meals is too much, invest in a high-backed stool and sit on that. Make bathing and showering easier by putting a non-slip rubber mat in the shower or bath. Make sure that if you live alone that you have grab bars installed by your toilet, bath and shower. If you are unable to drive or take your normal mode of transport, don’t be afraid to ask friends or family members for a lift.
