Hard News

Tim injured his right arm this weekend while lifting sheetrock. He was sliding sheetrock off of a tall stack (taller than he is) and he had two pieces of greenboard across his shoulders. The rock slipped and he reached out to catch it in his right hand. He heard a loud pop and lost most of the function in his forearm and hand. He did the best he could to tough it out on Friday and then Saturday morning we went to our GP --- the GP couldn't give us a diagnosis so he prescribed an MRI. Tim saw Dr. Dave on Monday for his knees (which are feeling SO much better by the way) and asked him about his arm. Dr. Dave didn't need an MRI - diagnosis was pretty straightforward. Tim ruptured the distal biceps tendon. He has surgery next week; Dr. Dave said we really can't put it off. I can understand that - the injury has a better chance of strong repair if it is not an old injury.

The surgery is pretty intense; he will have incisions on both sides of his biceps. The doctor will suture the tendon and go through the radial tuberosity (drill holes, sutures etc.) to reattach it. After repair he will be in a hard cast for four weeks with his arm supinated (rolled outwards). His palm will be fixed with no arm movement facing the ceiling. After the cast is removed he will be in a hinged brace/cast for another almost two months that has a tension band from his shoulder to his wrist to limit movement, protect the repair and ensure that his arm heals. It is my understanding that after the hinged cast he will be allowed some PT to start regaining strength but VERY restricted weight in that hand. He will not be able to really use his arm for six months.

Tim's PE exam is in four weeks. He can't take the test with his palm facing upward obviously. I am working with the testing services and the Montana Board to get an excused absence without forfeiture.

Tim is bummed; very disheartened. He won't be able to do much at the new house or at this house until the fall. He is determined to do as much as he can before surgery. Elijah and I are helping him as much as we are able. Gabrielle and the younger boys are trying to keep the house running while I help Timmer.

We would really appreciate your prayers for us. The next little while is going to be a tough spot.