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Broken Femur Head

(49 Posts)
Allira Thu 01-Jan-26 22:31:38

Now I try to be more mindful of what I am doing and not thinking two steps ahead.
Not that it always works!

Allira Thu 01-Jan-26 22:31:11

I had a list of jobs in my head that I needed to get through that day. Changing the bed linen being the first on the list. Rushing around like a whirlwind, foot caught in a rogue loose sheet and life changed in a second
That's how I ended up with a broken bone and a bruised face a few years ago, changing the bed sheets and getting tangled up in a sheet. Now I try to be more mindful of what I am doing and not thinking two steps ahead.

Nuttynanna2 Thu 01-Jan-26 21:34:52

You are so right Retread. A hard lesson learned . That must have been very painful. I hope you are on the mend.
I had a list of jobs in my head that I needed to get through that day. Changing the bed linen being the first on the list. Rushing around like a whirlwind, foot caught in a rogue loose sheet and life changed in a second. I had stopped riding only a few weeks previous after thinking that if I came off I wouldn't bounce so well. How right I was. It could have been worse. Will definitely be more careful in the future. Have made hair appointment for next week. Xx

Retread Thu 01-Jan-26 18:42:04

Your post is also a salutary reminder about tripping carrying stuff on the stairs. As an active person too, I understand now why your frustration levels are through the roof. I'd be a terrible patient.

I tend to rush around, was carrying two heavy mugs, one in each hand down the stairs and moving too quickly, I missed the edge of a step with my heel, fell and slammed one of the mugs into my face! Had a perfect round shiner on one eye and had trouble persuading the pharmacist that I hadn't been punched! I'm very careful now, never rush down the stairs and never have both hands full.

You do sound happier today smile

Nuttynanna2 Thu 01-Jan-26 17:38:39

Thank you all for your replies. I am sleeping downstairs now. The Lazy Boy sofa is the most comfortable for me. Unfortunately, all my interests and hobbies are active. Walking the dog for miles, jogging, gardening, helping out at the local stables. I was very active up until my accident so sitting is alien to me. Lots of different levels and steps in the house which makes pottering on the Zimmer difficult. No osteoporosis. Docs put this down to my active lifestyle. Feeling a bit more positive today. Thank you all again. Logic tells me that this is a common injury but good to hear from others. I will get back to normal I am determined. Thank you again. What a lovely, supportive site this is. Xxx

Elless Thu 01-Jan-26 13:56:07

Total sympathy, I'm recovering from a reverse shoulder replacement. I was doing fine for the first couple of weeks but something has happened and I'm in a lot of pain, I'm wishing time away for my next appointment on 6th Jan.
If it's any consolation my husband was the same and drove me crazy but all of a sudden he's turned into a domestic god and cleans and tidies all the time 💐

luluaugust Thu 01-Jan-26 10:03:50

So sorry to read of your awful accident, these sudden life changing things are difficult to deal with, keep at the exercises. Please ask for a Dexa scan when you are better

shysal Thu 01-Jan-26 09:25:42

A 96 year old gentleman friend did the same just before Christmas. He lives alone but was sent home early so that the ward could close for the holiday period. He is fiercely independent and refuses help from the carers who come.
You are fortunate to have family help, let standards go. As painful as your exercises will be, keep doing them and you will soon improve. The housework can wait, it is not important, put yourself first. I wish you a good recovery. flowers

Jaxjacky Thu 01-Jan-26 08:18:01

You have my sympathy, my new hip dislocated last weekend and I have a knee brace on for a week.
Housework has to wait, MrJ is doing the minimum, mark small achievements you’ve made, the bigger ones will come and good luck.

Ellie Anne Thu 01-Jan-26 07:43:59

Had a very similar experience 10 years ago . Had a repair with screws rather than a new hip. I think could still do some stuff in the house. Family not close enough to help. A friend came occasionally to help. My Dh moved in to spare room because I was awake half the night and has never moved back which suits us both.
You will recover. They told us 3 months but I was quicker to that and back to driving asap.
I read a lot and watched tv and got friends to take me out for coffee.
A dexa scan showed osteoporosis.

glammagran Wed 31-Dec-25 23:04:45

I’m so sorry to hear of your horrendous accident.

Could you elevate your leg after surrounding yourself with cushions. Amazon sell such things to use in bed. Also maybe icing your hip might help. I know you haven’t had a hip replacement but I imagine your pain level isn’t dissimilar to some of those who have. Maybe seek advice from a dedicated forum on Facebook.

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.

Shelflife Wed 31-Dec-25 22:56:26

Oh my goodness, what a dreadful thing to happen. I am not surprised you are feeling sorry for yourself- it sounds horrendous!!😱. You have had a big operation that will obviously take time to recover from. I fully understand that your husband's attempts to help are leaving you frustrated. I hope you are able to let things slide and not stress too much about that - easier said than done I imagine. Thank goodness for your amazing son. I am sorry you are feeling so bad and hope the pain eases soon.
It will pass , please don't think there is no light at the end of the tunnel - it will show in time.
I wish you well for 2026, focus on your recovery, please don't waste your energy on being angry at what has and is happening. Sending you (((( hugs ))) and Good wishes. 💐🌸

Allira Wed 31-Dec-25 22:48:14

does it really matter how the tea towels are folded
Apparently it matters very much how towel are folded as, according to DH, it's me who can't fold them properly. Tea towels must be ironed too (I'd just fold them and put them away).

Nuttynanna do you do any crafts eg knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch? While your DH is making a meal, trying to do the ironing, vacuuming, you could concentrate on something else.

SueDonim Wed 31-Dec-25 22:42:56

Much sympathy from me. I had a double leg fracture 12 years ago and I think I felt all the emotions you’re feeling. It shakes one’s confidence in oneself, to be laid so low.

I understand your feelings about your Dh, too. When things aren’t done your way, it feels as though you’re losing control, but actually, does it really matter how the tea towels are folded or the potatoes peeled etc? As they say, try not to sweat the small stuff.

I found boredom a big problem, once I was on the mend, as I couldn’t concentrate on anything. It’s so frustrating. It will pass eventually, though it seems like forever at the time. flowers

Allira Wed 31-Dec-25 22:27:15

Sorry to hear this, Nuttynanna, it does sound extremely painful.
It does take longer to recover from fractures as you get older and I'm presuming you had a Dexa scan or are waiting for one.

Take it easy with physio, gently does it at first. I had to wait weeks for an appointment after a fracture earlier this year.

As for housework, cooking etc, - good enough is probably good enough for the time being. If it stresses you out unduly could you get a cleaning firm to do a thorough clean every two or three weeks?

Concentrate on getting better.
flowers

Magenta8 Wed 31-Dec-25 21:39:43

I know that it is not the same but I fractured my patella about 15 years ago. I well remember the frustration of being in pain and immobile for what seemed like eternity. I slept downstairs for quite a while and I had to resort to painkillers quite a bit. I was on elbow crutches for quite some time.

I reached almost, but never quite (I still can't run like I used to), full mobility after months of physio and exercises. There is light at the end of the tunnel it just seems like a very long tunnel at times. Anyway, all the best for the New Year and I hope you feel better soon.

Cossy Wed 31-Dec-25 21:33:41

flowers

Charleygirl5 Wed 31-Dec-25 21:21:17

Very difficult to sleep on your back. It may be of slight comfort if you have a pillow on either side of you.

Is it not a fractured neck of the femur?

I wonder how your husband would feel if the positions were reversed? Find your way to the hips and knees post. You don't have to wade through it all; just ask a question, and it will be answered to the best of our knowledge.

Grannybags Wed 31-Dec-25 20:02:20

Concentrate on getting well. flowers

Try and ignore your husband’s efforts - you’ll be able to raise standards when you’re up and about!

Retread Wed 31-Dec-25 19:56:21

Nuttynana that must have been very painful. Every day that passes is a day closer to recovery. And sometimes you just have to take the recommended dose of painkillers!

As far as your OH looking after household tasks goes, I once heard a saying "When all else fails, lower your standards" smile There'll be a time to catch up again.

You're very lucky to have a caring son.

flowers

Nuttynanna2 Wed 31-Dec-25 19:38:35

Thank you for your positivity. I need to be patient, not something that comes naturally. Yes, lots of painkillers and separate beds for now. Happy New Year!

pably15 Wed 31-Dec-25 18:58:09

no wonder you're feeling down, you've been through a lot, and in so much pain. thank goodness you've got your son .I hope your hip gets better soon, hope you've got painkillers.

Allsorts Wed 31-Dec-25 18:55:04

It sounds horrendous but every day you will get stronger. Just small steps for now, everything passes. Can you sleep separately until every movement is not painful and do get a bell.

Nuttynanna2 Wed 31-Dec-25 18:48:17

Tripped down the stairs carrying laundry. Landed badly on a hard floor. Indescribable pain. Five days in hospital after an op to repair with post and screws. Just about able to do the Zimmer shuffle. Home now. Really struggling with not being able to look after myself or the house. Son is brilliant but husband losing patience. He will not take advice on how to do things and everything is=good enough. I was so active and fit and now I feel diminished, vulnerable, angry and depressed. In constant discomfort and bedtime is agony. Have to sleep on my back and muscles turn to concrete. Doing all my physio but can't see any light at the end of the tunnel. I wish they had replaced my hip instead of repair as recovery seems much quicker with replacement. Feeling very sorry for myself.