Life without an elbow

CockneyRebel

Long story short
My wife has had three elbow replacements over the last 10 years, same elbow, all of which have failed due to infection.
About six weeks ago the third one was removed to allow the infection to clear up,
Last week she attended a review with the consultant and was told that they could do no more and would not be fitting yet another.
So, now my wife has to come to terms with her are being in a splint for the rest of her life, just to add to all her other problems, as there is no solid connection between her upper and lower arm.

I just wondered if anyone else has had this or any tips you may have

I know in the scale of things this seems quiet minnor but ther are now lots of things she cannot do ( or I am getting suckered into doing them   )

Pippa_Alumni

Really hope you and your wife are doing as well as possible, @CockneyRebel. I wonder if there's anything @Jean_Scope can suggest?

susan48

@CockneyRebel,
please give your wife our thoughts.
its nothing like a fractured elbow, but I did exactly that and that was so debilitating.
i can only imagine how distressing and frustrated etc your wife feels.
glad she’s got you to help with most things 

CockneyRebel

Thanks @PippaScope and @susan48

I think my wife is starting to accept it, and in some ways it is a release not having to constantly travel 4 hours each way to hospital. We can now make arrangements like a holiday to see her family in Ireland who she hasn't seen for 8 years

CR

susan48

@CockneyRebel

i think closure is a good thing in some ways, you can now plan and move on with enjoying life.

please take care 

Jean_OT

Hi @CockneyRebel

@PippaScope asked if I can suggest anything but really all I can say is that your wife now needs to be referred to an Occupational Therapist to be supported with finding new ways of trying to do those activities she  wants/needs to do. (adapting the task/ adapting the environment/introducing aids/equipment)

Best Wishes

Jean

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CockneyRebel

Thanks Jean Scope

Wife has now found new ways to do all sorts of things, she just delegates

CR