Snapped my upper arm!

Stinky · 22 Jun 2015 at 12:55

So 9 days ago I broke my upper right arm in 5 places, had to stay in hospital a week waiting for a specialist that would take on the challenge of putting it all back together.

I had the op on Friday and was home Saturday night, I've been told to take between 2-4 weeks off work! Which I can't stand to do. What's the real issues as long as I'm sensible that going back to work on a few days after the op could be a problem! I want to go back to work tomorrow, I'll do the office stuff and point and manage the physical stuff.

Or am I just being overly ambitious!

Woden · 22 Jun 2015 at 12:57

Its all about the insurance. I had an infection in my foot last year and they wouldn't let me work even though its a desk job.

ikillbears · 22 Jun 2015 at 12:58

surely that question is straying super close to medical advice seeing as your doctor has told you to take the time off ?

wildman · 22 Jun 2015 at 12:58

if you have been medically signed off then technically isn't it illegal to go back to work as you would not be covered by the liability insurance at work if something does happen ?

Musty Pie · 22 Jun 2015 at 12:59

I have broken my ankle - so I sympathize.

Working from home and a bit in the office.

Still waiting on decision if an op is needed if it doesn't hold itself in place properly.

Stinky · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:01

Not medical advise as the doctor on advised! I know it's broken not after anything medical. Just thoughts on what issues there could be.

If this is to close to the mark please delete

Em3bbs · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:02

Have they actually given you some paperwork saying you have to be off work? I broke my arm in two places and also dislocated my elbow - after surgery they said to take a couple of weeks off but I had an important project (plus my other arm worked fine) so I asked if I could go in and the surgeon said it was completely up to me but to be careful.

Hades · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:02

I broke my leg a few years ago and struggled into work as soon as I could. It was agony by the end of the day as it swlled up inside the cast. I would definitely recommend resting at home if the option is there.

Stinky · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:03

wildman said:
if you have been medically signed off then technically isn't it illegal to go back to work as you would not be covered by the liability insurance at work if something does happen ?

I've not been signed off. No official paperwork saying I should not work.

Musty Pie said:
I have broken my ankle - so I sympathize.

Working from home and a bit in the office.

Still waiting on decision if an op is needed if it doesn't hold itself in place properly.

Hopefully you don't! This plate and screws is causing some serious aching with the movement I have to try and keep doing!

Not in a full cast yet still have a few weeks before that

doofer · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:03

What if you break your arm again in work? You've already broken it in 5 places, work could be the next place!

Hades · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:04

doofer said:
What if you break your arm again in work? You've already broken it in 5 places, work could be the next place!

Cosimo · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:04

Are you one of these people who think they're indispensable at work, why rush back? The world won't end because you're not there. Let your arm heal, relax and go back when you’ve been signed off by your doctor. Funny if you did your arm more damage by going back.

scorza · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:05

How did you do that?

Musty Pie · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:05

Stinky said:
I've not been signed off. No official paperwork saying I should not work.

Hopefully you don't! This plate and screws is causing some serious aching with the movement I have to try and keep doing!

Not in a full cast yet still have a few weeks before that

I know mate - I have metal work on my other ankle which is why i dont want it in this one.

cheesyboy · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:06

Stinky said:
Hopefully you don't! This plate and screws is causing some serious aching with the movement I have to try and keep doing!

Former Rugby league player Ben Ross broke his upper arm on live TV whilst arm wrestling. If you check out his twitter, he put some pics up of the operation in-progress, as the bone was pinned. No idea if you had the same procedure, but if you did then that would explain some of the discomfort - it looked seriously brutal!

Stinky · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:09

Cosimo said:
Are you one of these people who think they're indispensable at work, why rush back? The world won't end because you're not there. Let your arm heal, relax and go back when you’ve been signed off by your doctor. Funny if you did your arm more damage by going back.

I'm one of these people who is self employed so not working is expensive!

wildman · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:12

scorza said:
How did you do that?

frapping................

russell664 · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:13

I would stop at home, providing you have the monies to do so.

If you don't it is a tough thing.

Bensons · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:16

Work will still be there, make sure you look after yourself first.

Bunka · 22 Jun 2015 at 13:17

Ouch!

How on earth did you manage that?

I'd be tempted to take a couple of weeks off and then take it very easy when you go back so that you're not exerting yourself too much.