Broke wrist 4 weeks before trip to UK - what now
May 12th, 2009, 07:30 PM
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Broke wrist 4 weeks before trip to UK - what now
I fell and fractured my rigt wrist. I have plane tickets (United), B&B's, train tickets (nonrefundable) and concert tickets in London. We were all set to leave June 8. I purchased insurance coverage through United, up to the amount I paid for the plane tickets. I'm not sure I can travel with a cast since I also have to deal with my husband's dementia. Does anyone have experience getting refunds from British Rails, or any other ideas. Any experience with insurance carrier supplied through United. I purchased everything using my American express card. Trying to get used to doing everything with my left hand. Kind suggestions or similar experiences greatly appreciated.
May 12th, 2009, 09:07 PM
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Go anyway!!! I broke my foot in 3 places while pyramid climbing in Palenque. I was not coming home. I had to make a few adjustments but we finished the vacation and I still saw most of the rest of the stuff.
Just make up your mind and forge ahead! Its just a wrist ....at least you can walk!
Good luck!
Just make up your mind and forge ahead! Its just a wrist ....at least you can walk!
Good luck!
May 13th, 2009, 11:48 AM
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I'd say go. If you have four weeks, that's 4 weeks of healing time. Ask your doctor if it's ok, and if it is, go. The cast itself should be no problem... it's likely plaster or fiberglass and the airports are used to seeing them. They might check you a bit closer, but that's it. Maybe they'll let you stick your arm in the xray machine and see how it's healing.
As for dealing with your husbands dementia, what does your wrist have to do with that? Plan to give yourself more rest breaks and take it slower if you need to, but I bet you'll be fine.
Good luck
As for dealing with your husbands dementia, what does your wrist have to do with that? Plan to give yourself more rest breaks and take it slower if you need to, but I bet you'll be fine.
Good luck
May 13th, 2009, 02:24 PM
#4
I'm not so sure about this advice to go. I broke my left wrist while traveling in Switzerland, and used my medical evacuation insurance to get me home. I was traveling alone, and I really didn't see how I was going to manage when I could hardly dress myself. True, four weeks on, I was doing much better, but I still don't think I would have started a trip if I had any other options. I have traveled with a foot in plaster, on crutches, but I was with a group that time.
May 13th, 2009, 03:34 PM
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Thank you for your kind suggestions. It would be easier to travel if one's partner could take care of things without my supervision. Right now I can't do anything with my right hand. The thought of getting on trains with luggage scares me. But I will check with my doctor.
May 13th, 2009, 06:55 PM
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If you don't go, you can only get your plane tickets refunded through insurance, correct? If that is so, and your doc gives you the okay of course, then call about your insurance plan, explain what has happened and ask when you have to decide to go or stay. If your only refund would be the airline tickets, they should be okay with you waiting until the last few days to decide to go or stay. Don't make the decision when the injury is fresh and you haven't learned how to work with it yet unless you have a very limited time frame.
When I was in a walking boot, I learned very quickly how to compensate for it and bustle right along. It's the same with any casted injury - you learn how to compensate for the injury and the cast. As for getting on trains with luggage, only take one bag (assuming your husband can carry his one bag as well, possibly with direction) which you can carry/roll with your left hand. Pack light and you should be able to manuever it up a handful of stairs with just one hand. Practice on stairs at home if you have any.
On a different note, your hand and arm are seriously going to itch like crazy before that cast comes off. DO NOT, under ANY circumstances put anything (wire hanger, wooden spoon handle, ANYTHING) down there to scratch it. A friend did this and ended up with a small scratch that turned into an incredibly disgusting infection.
Also, if you decide to travel or not, get a box of single wrapped wet wipes. You don't want to get that cast wet and the wet wipes will let you clean your fingers, thumb and right up to the edge of the cast without risking getting it wet. I've found that cheap bags of frozen peas work wonderfully as ice packs. Buy 3 or 4 cheap bags and keep rotating them through the freezer. Put the bag in a big ziplock to keep the sweat/ice off your cast, and voila, cheap ice pack that stays frozen for a decent amount of time. Do remember not to eat them once they've been thawed for too long.
Good luck
When I was in a walking boot, I learned very quickly how to compensate for it and bustle right along. It's the same with any casted injury - you learn how to compensate for the injury and the cast. As for getting on trains with luggage, only take one bag (assuming your husband can carry his one bag as well, possibly with direction) which you can carry/roll with your left hand. Pack light and you should be able to manuever it up a handful of stairs with just one hand. Practice on stairs at home if you have any.
On a different note, your hand and arm are seriously going to itch like crazy before that cast comes off. DO NOT, under ANY circumstances put anything (wire hanger, wooden spoon handle, ANYTHING) down there to scratch it. A friend did this and ended up with a small scratch that turned into an incredibly disgusting infection.
Also, if you decide to travel or not, get a box of single wrapped wet wipes. You don't want to get that cast wet and the wet wipes will let you clean your fingers, thumb and right up to the edge of the cast without risking getting it wet. I've found that cheap bags of frozen peas work wonderfully as ice packs. Buy 3 or 4 cheap bags and keep rotating them through the freezer. Put the bag in a big ziplock to keep the sweat/ice off your cast, and voila, cheap ice pack that stays frozen for a decent amount of time. Do remember not to eat them once they've been thawed for too long.
Good luck
May 14th, 2009, 06:37 AM
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One other thought - find someone once you get there to go with you. A college student on holiday in England is a definite possibility. Contact the tourist authority http://www.visitbritain.us/ and explain your situation. I only suggest this as I, personally could never give up a trip to England (or anywhere, really). Good luck.
May 14th, 2009, 07:10 AM
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I expect right now the pain is new and unnerving--I remember from an injury 25 years ago how thinking about even little things seemed complicated because of the pain--but in a month you can heal some. Check with your trip insurance and credit card to find out when you would have to cancel and get the necessary papers in order so you have them at the deadline if that's what you decide to do, but once you've had some time to adjust you may find it not so awkward and that you look forward to having maid service make your bed. You probably won't be able to run through days packed with activities, but that doesn't sound like the kind of trip you have planned.
There is a trend of elderly people going on cruises for months on end precisely because the hospitality industry is full of people whose job is to make life just a little easier for guests. B&Bs generally have personal attention, and if your home's anything like ours, no one is going to set out tea and cookies in your own living room--or clean up after your snack. (I do not mean to insult your husband, but your post suggests he's unable to dote on you the way he might have done otherwise.) You might also want to check if the places where you've made reservations will do a load of laundry or 2 for you, in order to cut down on the amount of luggage. Concert-listening won't require you to use your hand (other than for applause) and could take your mind off your troubles. As for the luggage, I'm sure someone will step in and help lift suitcases to/from trains and platforms.
I have never dealt with anyone with dementia, but I have done a fair amount of traveling "alone" with a child, from 3 months to 6.5 years. He has pulled his own luggage for 3+ years, but either I or a kind stranger has to put it up onto the train, overhead bin, or whatever. Someone always steps in at train stations (and sometimes on planes). If you're nervous that no one will, you can ask the conductor ahead of time to make sure you're OK, but I bet you'll be pleasantly surprized. Smile, accept the help graciously, and remember to hold the door open for someone else whenever you can.
Whatever you decide to do, I wish you a full and easy recovery!
There is a trend of elderly people going on cruises for months on end precisely because the hospitality industry is full of people whose job is to make life just a little easier for guests. B&Bs generally have personal attention, and if your home's anything like ours, no one is going to set out tea and cookies in your own living room--or clean up after your snack. (I do not mean to insult your husband, but your post suggests he's unable to dote on you the way he might have done otherwise.) You might also want to check if the places where you've made reservations will do a load of laundry or 2 for you, in order to cut down on the amount of luggage. Concert-listening won't require you to use your hand (other than for applause) and could take your mind off your troubles. As for the luggage, I'm sure someone will step in and help lift suitcases to/from trains and platforms.
I have never dealt with anyone with dementia, but I have done a fair amount of traveling "alone" with a child, from 3 months to 6.5 years. He has pulled his own luggage for 3+ years, but either I or a kind stranger has to put it up onto the train, overhead bin, or whatever. Someone always steps in at train stations (and sometimes on planes). If you're nervous that no one will, you can ask the conductor ahead of time to make sure you're OK, but I bet you'll be pleasantly surprized. Smile, accept the help graciously, and remember to hold the door open for someone else whenever you can.
Whatever you decide to do, I wish you a full and easy recovery!
May 14th, 2009, 08:39 AM
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I was mugged 17 Dec, surgery on arm/hand 19 Dec, flew to Minneapolis 23 Dec (had family to help), flew to Italy 13 Jan. Cast caused additional security check at airport but after that all was fine. People were incredibly helpful everywhere. I learned to pack lighter and modified my travel wardrobe a bit. Took some wrapping tape and plastic newspaper sleeves to cover cast while showering. Probably took a cab more often than I normally would so I didn't have to pull luggage as much butother than that, very little adjustment was necessary. It's amazing how quickly we adapt if required. I would do it again (well, maybe not the mugging part).
May 14th, 2009, 10:33 AM
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Maybe you can check with a doctor about getting a cast that is water resistant. I broke my ankle and they casted me with this material and I didn't need to wrap any plastic when I took a shower. It is not meant to submerse, but it shouldn't be damaged by a sprinkle or a quick shower.
I arranged wheelchair service at the airports and people were very helpful in getting me to my destination. Good luck with your decision.
I arranged wheelchair service at the airports and people were very helpful in getting me to my destination. Good luck with your decision.
May 14th, 2009, 09:22 PM
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thank you so much for your kind suggestions. When something like this first happens one feels more helpless and frustrated and one doesn't think as clearly, especislly while taking pain killers. I am flying 3 weeks later, got new flights, more expensive, but we'll see what the insurance covers. Cancelled all BB's. perhaps British Rail will let me change my advance tickets if I keep the same itinerary. Changing some plans and starting in London, which allows us to go to that concert (although 1st day in London, but so what. My husband is very happy that we are going and is looking forward to Blenhsm Castle (which we couldn't do before,)
It surely helps to hear other people's experiences. Thank you for your great support.
It surely helps to hear other people's experiences. Thank you for your great support.
May 19th, 2009, 03:22 AM
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Moniilse,
I broke both bones in my dominate hand wrist this past December and for the first 4 weeks was unable to do more than brush teeth and basic hygiene. I think the decision to realign your vacation is wise. I know I couldn't have travelled during the first month, especially caring for another individual at the same time.
Re: Brit Rail, a phone call/followed up with a letter that includes physician confirmation of the injury may allow you to reschedule w/o penalty.
Re: Pesonal hygiene - at the drug store you can purchase an "arm" condom... they have them for legs too! These devices are heavy duty plastic that cover the cast and allow you to shower w/o any damage to the cast. While I was one armed DH would dress my arm, and I could comfortably shower or even take a bubble bath. You may wish to consider taking this with you if you are still in a fiberglass cast.
Re: length of casting/mobility. It took me 6 weeks of physical therapy to regain minimal movement / strength. If you can get a "removeable" cast before you leave and some physical therapy exercise while you are travelling you may find by the end of the trip your arm stronger and easily manuvering your luggage. This reducing the anxiety of planning for the revised schedule and increasing traveller independence. I agree with a smile and asking politely many are willing to help, but it does become to nuisance to depend upon people for basic luggage transfer etc.
Re: Clothing - Really look at your travel wardrobe - light weight, easy-on/off etc. Had I needed to travel with my cast on, I would have gone to all pull-on, pull-up, tops and pants. For a coat be sure to have "big" buttons or learn how to do a zipper. One of my first skills once I could move the casted arm fingers was to develop "zipper" skill....
Have a wonderful trip, be firm with BritRail to reschedule w/o penalty, do your physical therapy so the next trip is more easily accomplished with luggage
Good luck, Julie
I broke both bones in my dominate hand wrist this past December and for the first 4 weeks was unable to do more than brush teeth and basic hygiene. I think the decision to realign your vacation is wise. I know I couldn't have travelled during the first month, especially caring for another individual at the same time.
Re: Brit Rail, a phone call/followed up with a letter that includes physician confirmation of the injury may allow you to reschedule w/o penalty.
Re: Pesonal hygiene - at the drug store you can purchase an "arm" condom... they have them for legs too! These devices are heavy duty plastic that cover the cast and allow you to shower w/o any damage to the cast. While I was one armed DH would dress my arm, and I could comfortably shower or even take a bubble bath. You may wish to consider taking this with you if you are still in a fiberglass cast.
Re: length of casting/mobility. It took me 6 weeks of physical therapy to regain minimal movement / strength. If you can get a "removeable" cast before you leave and some physical therapy exercise while you are travelling you may find by the end of the trip your arm stronger and easily manuvering your luggage. This reducing the anxiety of planning for the revised schedule and increasing traveller independence. I agree with a smile and asking politely many are willing to help, but it does become to nuisance to depend upon people for basic luggage transfer etc.
Re: Clothing - Really look at your travel wardrobe - light weight, easy-on/off etc. Had I needed to travel with my cast on, I would have gone to all pull-on, pull-up, tops and pants. For a coat be sure to have "big" buttons or learn how to do a zipper. One of my first skills once I could move the casted arm fingers was to develop "zipper" skill....
Have a wonderful trip, be firm with BritRail to reschedule w/o penalty, do your physical therapy so the next trip is more easily accomplished with luggage
Good luck, Julie
May 19th, 2009, 04:48 AM
#13
Actually, the physical therapy issue is important. If the cast is off by the time you travel you should be in physical therapy - I think I was going three times a week for a while, as when my cast came off I couldn't properly rotate my arm. Even if you don't have that problem you need PT to regain strength and mobility. Make sure you have appts. set up before you go so you know what exercises you should be doing.
May 21st, 2009, 12:45 AM
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I broke my right wrist too 2 days ago so you have massive sympathy from me.
Ask your doctor for advise. If you were going with someone who would be able t help I'd say go, but under the circmstances I understand your concerns.Only you know exactly the needs/abilities of your husband.
best wishes for your recovery.
Ask your doctor for advise. If you were going with someone who would be able t help I'd say go, but under the circmstances I understand your concerns.Only you know exactly the needs/abilities of your husband.
best wishes for your recovery.
May 22nd, 2009, 07:34 AM
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Thank you all for you support. I will make sure to ask about exercises when I get my long-arm cast taken off on June 5. I certainly will revise my travel wardrobe. Good idea. I believe I then get a short arm cast. Dear nona 1, so sorry about your wrist. It takes a while to get used to an arm cast. I had some anxiety in the beginning. I count every day looking forward to getting this cast off. No way could I have travelled with a long cast. I often need to elevate my arm. Let me know how you are doing, nona1
May 23rd, 2009, 03:46 PM
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how much do you need to do for your husband? You might consider getting caretakers along the way, if you won't be able to help him in all the things that he will need help with. and, apparently, most airports have folks that can help out - I recall seeing a thread recently about traveling with, I believe, an elderly parent where that was detailed. I'll look for it.
Jul 22nd, 2009, 06:15 PM
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Yep, We got back today. I wore a removable wrist splint while traveling to and from busses or trains, or when walking through crowds of people. Still some stiffness, swelling and limited motion, but had a good trip. Was glad I delayed the trip for 3 weeks. I had to wear the removable wrist splint the first 2 weeks, and then as needed (see above). We did get our money back from our travel insurance for the lost train tickets and changes we had to our flights. (the one and only time I ever had travel insurance) Instead of lugging our luggage on the London Sub, we took a Dot-2-Dot bus that got us direct to our hotel. Also took cabs to the train stations rather than walking with luggage through busy streets. I did get Britrail passes (flexible) was easier than trying to figure things out.
