Hurry up and wait!

Last January, on a single-digit Friday night, I was on my way home from work when my youngest son called and asked if I could help him with something he forgot to do. As always with your kids, you think really, why didn't you do that on your way home? But because he doesn't drive yet, I figured I could do it for him. What I didn't realize is that this good deed would turn into 16 weeks of rehab for me, and that I would get a taste of my own medicine.

My son was taking care of my brother-in-law's dog while they were away in a sunny, warm place. He was to feed and water the dog and let him out to run twice a day. Well, it was dark by the time I left work and as I walked up to the house, I passed between the cars and held on to them. It was icier than I thought it would be, and I realized I needed to be careful.

When I came back out, I remember thinking that I should go around the cars. But before I knew it, both feet flew out from under me and I was on my back on the ground, halfway under the front of their big rig, with an aching elbow and a painful wrist.

Lucky for me I didn't hit my head, and I had my phone, so I called my husband. As soon as I heard his voice, I started to cry. I don't know why, I just did. Of course, he wanted to jump in his car to come get me, but I was sure I could get up. So I pulled myself out from under the rig in my skirt and boots, disgusted with myself that I had created such a mess.

This type of story is exactly what I hear all the time from my patients. They tell me about the crazy antics that happen, that come with medical bills and a complicated life. And suddenly, I was no exception.

So here I was at work, my wrist in a brace because of a fracture, trying to figure out how to type into a new electronic medical records program and treat patients. Of course, I was in a hurry to get better, and frustrated that it was taking so long.

The fracture I sustained was an "odd break," there could be "ligaments involved," and they take longer to heal. In fact, my doctor said, "You might have residual swelling and issues for up to a year, with a stiff wrist." I was on hold until further notice. My prescription was for time to heal and physical therapy to improve the likelihood of my outcomes.

As you well know, to physical therapists our hands are everything, so I was worried. I decided to do everything I could to take good care of my wrist because I knew it was that important. So for 16 weeks (that is usually how long ligaments take to heal well), I was a dutiful patient. I followed all the protocol and used my cold laser, stimulator, ice, and the good hands of my staff to work my wrist, plus my sweet friend who is a hand therapist. And ever so slowly, my wrist and hand function improved, and my life slowly returned to "normal." I was thrilled to be able to paddleboard and waterski in the summer with no problems, not even any swelling.

So please remember that the body takes time to heal. Physical therapy can be a very beneficial part of that process by facilitating the body's ability to heal. But it still is a process, and tendons, ligaments, muscles and bones all heal at different rates. A bone can heal in six weeks whereas ligaments take 16 weeks, at least. Muscles have good blood supply, so they repair themselves quicker than tendons. The tendons are the weakest link in the chain and take longer to heal because their blood supply is not as good as the bone and muscles they attach to.

So just remember as you slip on the ice, slide on the deck, or skate across the parking lot, that these injuries take time to heal. Physical therapy can jump-start you, so you can get on your way and have the best outcomes ever.

Sheree DiBiase, PT, is the owner of Lake City Physical Therapy. She and her staff can be reached at Coeur d'Alene (208) 667-1988 and the Spokane Valley (509) 891-2623, if you need any help while you hurry up and wait! We have been in your shoes; we want you healthy and well.