 Poster: A snowHead
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@Perty, thanks for your wishes with regards to my recovery. Good to hear the rest of you continue to make good progress. It gives me hope too.
I thought I'd give an update on my progress in that it may be useful for others who follow with similar humerus injuries.
I saw a consultant on Tuesday at the local NHS hospital Trauma Unit. He took further x-rays to check everything was as it should be. He had a concern with regards to a shadow at the top of the humerus which could lead to an arthritis issue in an undetermined timeframe (anything from 12 months onwards). He reviewed this with another colleague and they booked me in for a further CT scan and another appointment the following day (exactly 3 weeks post trauma). Fortunately, the shadow appeared to be a crack but was more towards the face/top of the humerus rather than more into the joint/socket. This will hopefully not cause any further issues for future movement. Therefore, for now it will be no further action required. The less desirable outcome would have been monitor and operate down the line if required.
I have been allowed out of the stab vest and been given a standard issue cut-to-size collar and cuff strapping. The idea is to raise the hand so that the elbow pulls down on the shoulder and gravity holds things in the correct position and alignment. For exercise I have been advised to straighten my elbow wherever possible and start pendulum rotations. At night, I have still been wearing my original Val issued strapping ( 'Sober Should LA' issued prior to the stab vest) which holds the upper arm close to the chest and supports the arm. Mainly to keep my arm tight to the body and stop my reaching out in my sleep and getting into awkward positions. Since moving from the stab vest, I definitely ache in the shoulders more. Not sure if this is general healing or me overdoing things. I know the strap round the neck is causing stiffness as it's taking the weight of my arm. Also back at work now (WfH) but working shorter days with longer breaks.
Have been referred for physio and waiting to hear. Consultant is hoping and expects me to get a session in before I see him next in 3 weeks time which will be 6 weeks post trauma. If I don't hear anything by the end of next week, I'll look to start private physio to get things started.
Still trying to convince Mrs ST that I wasn't going that fast when it happened. Everyone who looks at the CT seems to think I was going some pace to smash it like I did, which was not the case. @dan100, I did point her to your early posts that mentioned your injury was also low speed. 
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Mon 20-01-25 23:29; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Perty, +1
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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PS from page 1 of this thread.
Almost 5 years and several skiing trips later, not only is my shoulder virtually indistinguishable from the other one but I have turned 60, taken up a new career as a PT and I am concentrating on a new target of doing single arm press ups before I’m 61.
This is not supposed to sound smug but to reassure everyone that shoulders can recover well from quite serious trauma so don’t get despondent. 
I spent the first 3-4 months post-injury having to sleep propped up on the sofa because it was too painful to lie down even off my tits on Tramadol…
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@Gordyjh, I love good news stories. You are right, full recoveries are common
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Quote: |
can we start spelling “humerus” correctly…including, if possible a correction to the title of the thread…(@dan100, I think that’s a task only you can perform!
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As an admin i can do that so do I've done it for you, as it bugged me too
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@sno_trax I was definitely low speed though exacerbated by “falling” off a small drop from end of run to a perpendicular cat track. Like Perty I was skiing within 14 weeks - wisdom of that with hindsight debatable but I was skiing as normal. Just over a year on, I have close to normal range a little stiff possibly at end of range. My concession to the injury is body armour. Take advice from your orthapedic specialist about when to start the leaflet exercises. Mine vetoed the pendulum exercises until 6 weeks as I’d put a lot of cracks in my humerus and he wanted to ensure no displacement. Saying that he also told me no skiing that season.
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@Frosty the Snowman, thanks
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@sno trax, . As a result of my injury, I discovered the dictation button in word for work paperwork last winter, including drafting emails in word, then copying and pasting them over. I’m sure recipients who knew of my predicament were confused about how I was writing such lengthy documents!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Our skiing trip has nearly come to an end.
I've been very, very cautious and suffered from anxiety due to the fear of being 'mowed' down by the few idiots skiing far too fast, skiing while texting or even filming their friends (one during very poor visibility).
My skiing has been a lot slower than normal (my crash was at speed last year).
But, the good news is, I've had two falls (getting back up has been a problem though) and (fingers crossed) no damage.
It's been exhilarating to be out on the planks again and having the joy of doing something that I totally love. Being out in the mountains, the scenery, the 'feeling', it's wonderful and I feel very privileged.
Also remember these accidents are few and far between and if we look after ourselves and take good advice then we'll all be back out on the slopes.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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It was 6 weeks post trauma last Wednesday and so I thought I would post an update on my personal progress.
My previous consultant appointment was at week 3 where I was changed to a basic collar and cuff strap but this caused so much tightness around the neck and shoulders with the weight of the arm; so I abandoned it and continued with the Val issued Sober strap (not the stab vest) both day and night. The benefit being that the wrist support was over the shoulder and attached to the chest strap rather than round the neck. This helped relieve the neck tension I was getting. I was regularly taking my wrist out of the support to do little tasks but mainly to start straightening the arm and elbow. As I progressed into weeks 4 & 5, I was finding my wrist was out of it more and more and so I switched back to the NHS collar and cuff using it either to rest the arm or for support if I was carrying a mug or similar. Mobility was starting to come back, and I was finding myself doing slightly more.
I have still not had a referral through from the NHS for physio and after reading the posts above on how important it was to get physio started, I booked a private session at the start of week 5 to at least get things moving (literally). The physio built on the pendular swings that the consultant had already given me to include side-to-side and forward-back swings. Also adding in bench presses using a broom handle and side-to-side movements using the good arm to push/pull. To start trying to extend my reach, she suggested exercises to walk my hands up the wall and to push across and 'polish' my desk. Amazing how much the stiffness has set in over the past 5 weeks and I was in significant discomfort for 48 hours after the session.
Last week I had new x-rays and a 6-week check-in with my upper limb consultant. The good news is that the fractures have healed well, and everything looks in place and alignment. He was pleased with the level of my mobility at the 6-week stage and told me to fully ditch the strap and crack on (not literally) with day-to-day life/recovery. I am free to use my shoulder as I wish but just to be sensible. He told me to carry on with the private physio but has sent another NHS referral. I'm booked to see him again at 12 weeks to hopefully discharge me. That just happens to be a few days before my next trip to Val. He was trying to understand why both winter sports and equestrian people are fanatical about wanting to get back to the action.
After the consultant, I also had another private physio session and she added to the list of exercises. This time they are more aimed at releasing tension around the neck and shoulder blades and get more rotation in the shoulder. She also did some massage around the shoulder and arms. My biceps are probably giving me the most aggravation. They are just one big knot and causing most discomfort around my upper arm. On the bright side, at least the post session pain only lasted for about 24 hours this time. However, it was so intense that I was so close to going back to the morphine / codeine painkillers overnight, only stopped by the fact I had already maxed out on paracetamol and they contained paracetamol too. I think maybe next time I will just go for something stronger at night.
In terms of general wellbeing and getting on with life, hitting week 6 seemed to be a big turning point and I have managed to do things that I haven't been able to since the trauma. I can now fully dress myself including socks and dry myself after a shower, not without some discomfort still but it is progress. It's now also nice to be able to use a knife and cut my own dinner. Typing is now also much easier but using a mouse is not so good but that is hampered by the range of movement.
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Good news@sno trax. Glad I didn’t suffer as much pain as you post physio sessions, though I did occasionally overdo the exercises once at home. I got back on skis a day short of week 14. I wasn’t seeing a doctor by then so there was no formal discharge as such. I told the physio I saw a couple of times in the U.K. that I was going skiing and he didn’t (dare) say “don’t!”, though I’m not sure I would have skied at week 12.
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You know it makes sense.
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@sno trax, a fantastic outcome. Do let us know how the skiing goes
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Reading this brought back memories, uncomfortable times indeed but I’m glad to see everyone is making positive progress.
I split the ball at top into 4 equal sections, bit like an orange.
It resulted in 9 permanent screws holding it together but with good physio I got full movement back, so much so that I was actually able to take up golf.
FYI I was also going slow when it happened
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Jonny996, yes , golf is possible for me too, pain free and no impingement on my swing. Feeling pretty grateful.....but keen for it not to happen again
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Frosty the Snowman, Yes definitely.
If I can remember correctly and it was all a bit of a blur, the worst part was the sleep deprivation.
I broke 5 ribs at the same time and I remember we resulted in putting a couple of books under the front legs of my armchair to recline it a bit & that is where I slept for weeks.
Every now and then I come across a email I wrote while on the meds and fair to say I must have been out of it.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@sno trax, That's such great news. You were right to get physiotherapy asap.
I too remember the pain of the physio massages. so bad I cried after 2 appointments. But, it has to be done.
I'm still doing exercises and my next nhs physio appointment isn't until April.
Going back to work after our 3 week holiday saw a huge improvement in being able to lift bolts of fabric and just general tasks were easier.
I didn't break ribs, but they were bruised and that added insult to the injury , Yes sleeping was tricky and I couldn't wait for the day when I could just lie on my side. Got another skiing trip to look forward to now and I must just keep the anxiety at bay.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Had 3 decent falls this week, all in softish snow, all on the side of my hip replacement and shoulder injury.
Not even a hint of pain.
Thankfully not icy.
Very pleased with myself, also annoyed as all were rushing a turn and weight going back.
Sorted that though
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Frosty the Snowman, well done! My 2024/25 season is also complete and all limbs are intact. I did have a moment off piste- I felt a wrench when I fell, arm outstretched but everything was fine. I should try and do some more strength and flexibility exercises though.
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@Perty, feels good doesn't it.
Not really seeing it as an issue now.
We had some mornings on steel corduroy, but it didn't phase me.
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Almost a year to the day when Kim broke her shoulder and ruptured her ACL and MCL. Her shoulder has about 90% of movement recovered and her leg close to 100%. Her leg has had a big improvement over the last 3 months after new physio. At Christmas I cancelled a holiday we had booked at the end of March as she didn't feel ready but have now rebooked for a week in Ischgl in a week's time. I expect we will take it pretty easy for her first week back on snow however she is really looking forward to it.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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It's been a little while since I updated progress on my injury. After my 2nd referral by my consultant for NHS physio, I did finally get an appointment though a couple of weeks later. As has been mentioned a few times in this thread, the NHS approach was very much a hands off approach in comparison to my private physio. It was also a 5 week gap between my first and second appointment.
At week 13 post trauma, I had my final check-in with the upper limb consultant who was happy with my progress and discharged me. As I was due to travel back to Val the following week, he did plead with me not to go skiing again this season as he didn't want to see me back in clinic again. However, he did say there really wasn't anything stopping me. He said skiers and equestrians are of the same stock and he couldn't understand the urgency to get back in the saddle so to speak. I just shrugged as best I could
The week 13/14 period seemed to be another big turning point. I was starting to drive more comfortably and finally starting to sleep through the night more without having to get up every couple of hours to stretch or re-heat the wheat bag.
Whilst out in Val, I did have a short ski on some blues for a few hours one morning once I hit week 15. It all felt good and actually released some general tension in my shoulders giving me a feeling of better mobility. The big issue was trying to lift and raise the safety bar and so had to ensure I wasn't on a chair alone. Technically, I had a doctors letter stating I was advised not to ski (for a season lift pass refund) and so I didn't want to chance my luck too much ... just in case. To be honest the weather was great and I was more than happy just walking the dog and chilling with a cold beer.
This coming Wednesday will be 18 weeks post trauma. Day-to-day I am feeling pretty much back to normal. It's just the occasional reach to put something in the cupboard, lift something a bit heavier or the dog pulls when I notice I still have issues. With a bit of effort I managed to swap the winter tyres off the car but was sore for the following day(s). Both NHS and private physios have dropped me down to 4 to 8 weeks check-ins whilst I continue to rehabilitate through the exercises and gym work including the cross-trainer, rowing machine and ski-ergo which are all part of my programme. If I do overdo things a bit, this usually results in some muscle tightness and stiffness overnight which can disrupt sleep; so I do just need to keep a check on myself and still not over-push things.
All being said, it's nice to be getting back to a level of normal. This has been a useful thread to see how others have dealt with their injury and set expectations and benchmarks for what I might experience. Thanks to everyone who has contributed and for the various messages of support since Christmas, it's been a helpful resource.
Now just need to start looking forward to the next season. 
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Thanks to this thread, I now have a better understanding of the care pathway I should expect. I now have a small proximal humerus fracture (so the ball at the top), occurred Easter Friday. Still in resort (Val Thorens) as we are here for 2 weeks, with daughter, husband and dogs and drove. This thread has prompted me to upload photos of my x-rays and doctor report to my UK GP surgery, requesting referral to the fracture clinic and physio (but will probably supplement with private). And yes, wearing the 'stab vest' in the current sunny and warm weather is extremely uncomfortable, but on the plus side, I can relax on the balcony with a cold (soft) drink.
So thank you Snowheads for sharing your experiences
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Snowmadmum, sorry to hear that, enjoy the (enforced) rest (I was tempted to use "break" rather than "rest" there till I realised...), I hope you're being looked after by those still in one piece!
Good luck with your recovery
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Thanks @nbt, now back home. NHS fracture clinic appointment came through very quickly, just over a week after GP referral. Additional x-ray shows fracture hasn't moved, more sensible sling provided and referral to physio, but no more horse tranquilisers for pain relief 
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@Snowmadmum, oh no, sorry to hear about your injury and glad you found the collective thread useful. I certainly did and added my own experiences to the pot. Please update us on your progress and anything you learn as I'm sure others will unfortunately find themselves in the same position at some point.
As you will have deduced from the thread, the best thing you can do for yourself is physio, physio and more physio. The sooner you can start this, the quicker your progress and better the outcome. It was surprising how quickly my joint froze after just a few weeks of immobility. If you can get it, some private physio is 100% the way to go as you can get started immediately rather than waiting for your NHS referral; which took some time in my case. I also found the private physio much more hands on and included gentle stretching and massage which I found made a difference to my day-to-day comfort. Initially is was twice a week, then weekly and fortnightly. The NHS service was very much to review mobility, advise some exercises and follow-ups. I kept the NHS process in case of any complications in the hope that they could escalate any issues back. Whether this would have happened, who knows?
Good luck with your recovery. I'm now 16 months on and day-to-day all is good. Occasionally I still get stiffness and have to stretch out. Driving is probably the most noticeable (especially in unfavorable conditions where I might be more tense) and occasionally when sleeping on it. Was great to be back on skis this season but definitely more wary of injuring myself and feeling less invincible but as that was my first break in over 50 years of living, I had a good run.
If there are any questions, post them up.as I am sure someone will have an answer.
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You know it makes sense.
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@Snowmadmum, sort to hear of your accident. I'm now over 2 years on and 99% of the time I never think about my shoulder, though my left arm is still not quite as strong as my right, but I'm currently doing some general strength training.
I do wear body armour for skiing now. The accident led to a diagnosis of osteoporosis-as our local NHS automatically call in women who suffer fractures over the age of 50. I don;t want to jinx myself by not wearing my body armour. The good news is that the accident has not really held me back. After getting back on the horse, Mr P and I did a ski course at the started of the 24/25 season, so my technique is better and I ski faster!
Do as much physio as you can. I agree that a physio who is hands on will help hugely.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Thanks @sno trax, and @Perty, currently researching private physio - recommendations in the Cambridge area are most welcome 
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Snowmadmum, sorry, I can't help with any specific recommendations as I'm in Surrey. However, if it's any use to know, I just used my local physio practice that I have used on-and-off for other aches and pains over the years. Although, it seems every time I go back with a new issue, my previous physio has retired and I see someone new. I'm beginning to take it personally
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FAQ
, but have resisted giving into my pedantry for over a year, can we start spelling “humerus” correctly…including, if possible a correction to the title of the thread…(
