The Recovery

The doctors have told me this injury takes a very long time to heal. Six months minimum. They have also warned me that full recovery will not be possible, but some of the damage will remain permanent. The reason for my bones breaking so easily is in fact turning out to be osteoporosis, that in turn is caused by coeliac. The blood tests on coeliac turned positive and I had more tests to confirm that. Before the final tests on Jan 17th the doctor told me to keep my normal diet so the coeliac would still be seen. Until that I was to eat rye bread and cake, doctors orders. But now I am on a gluten-free diet. Diet needs to be lifelong.

First 3 weeks (Nov 9th to Nov 29th 2006) the only cure was the sling that I was wearing always except when sleeping. It kept my wrist so that the bone was as stable as possible and the gravity was moving the parts to their proper positions.
The only exercises allowed were flexing the elbow joint, wrist and fingers.

Second 3 weeks (Nov 30th to Dec 20th) were pretty much the same, except I didn't wear the sling any more and was allowed to flex and relax the shoulder.
The idea is to keep the hand moving, but not to load it. Not to lean on it or carry anything with it.I was not allowed to drive a car.

I am supposed to get some compensation from my insurance company Fennia, but not even close to the amount that I and my company is losing because of this accident. They paid almost 1000 € for the first 3 weeks and 2000 € for the second. Also our housing association is going to pay something, but only after it is clear what the insurance company will pay. In Finland accidents of any kind are always also a financial burden to the victim.

Weeks 7 and 8 (Dec 21st 2006 to Jan 3rd 2007) started to exercise. There are muscles that have not been used for 6 weeks and they resist heavily the idea of having to work ever again.
First the goal is to increase their length back to normal and later concentrate on strength and endurance. My doctor called and told me the laboratory tests on coeliac turned positive. Next the final diagnosis, a small bowel biopsy, will be performed to find if I have the villous atrophy typical for coeliac.

Weeks 9 and 10 (Jan 4th to Jan 17th 2007). Jan 4th I went to bone mass measurement (also called bone mineral density or BMD test) to test if I really have osteoporosis. Got the results next week confirming that. Usually bone loss can only be slowed down, but since I am so young (for a 53 years old this sounded more like a compliment) it is possible to get some of the lost bone mass back through medication. Jan 17th I was in Malmi hospital for a small bowel biopsy investigation. I was without food the whole day. The biopsy involved having a tube (with light and camera) pushed through my throut to stomach and finally to small bowel. My throut didn't like that at all. The damage to the villi in my small bowel was not as complete as I remember it was to our son, but microscopic research give the final results. The doctor told me that it is quite clear I do have the coeliac desease and should start gluten-free diet immediatelly. So no more wheat, barley nor rye for the rest of my life. But it also means I am going to get better from now on.

Weeks 11 and 12 (Jan 18th to Jan 31st 2007).

Progress can be measured by the things I can do again.
First days I couldn't do much myself, I needed help in getting washed, with clothes. During the first week I left home 4 times and 2 of them were to the hospital.
The second week I was able to cloth and wash myself and go to sauna (very important to a Finn), started to type with one hand.
The third week it was getting easier to travel by buss and train, sitting down and standing up was much easier.
The fourth week started to type with both hands and to use my left arm again in general. Still have to be very careful with it.
The fifth week I was able to stay up longer without having to lie down. I was preparing to get back to work.
The sixth week I was already waiting to start working. I visited my office and customers.
The seventh week happens to have Christmas, so I don't have to work full week. That can be called soft landing. Was able to drive car again, that helps a lot.