Another Bad Break

A week ago Monday, my softball team (in the Nashville Bar Association league) had its first softball game of the 2012 season, again Bass, Berry & Sims.  We were up 16-10 in the 6th inning, when I covered home plate as one of Bass's players tried to score from third base on an infield hit.  Chris Vlahos made the throw to me from first base and I turned as I caught the ball and tried to sweep my glove across the runner's back as he went by me.  The throw was good enough that I actually got my glove in front of the runner.  Rather than slide or give himself up, he ran through my hand, knocking the ball out of my glove in the process.  The force off the collision bent my gloved hand back and I felt (and heard) a snap, then excruciating pain.

Instantly, I knew my left hand was broken. X-rays at the Baptist Hospital emergency room (where I spent 4 + hours) revealed a spiral fracture of the mid-metacarpal.  I wasn't surprised, but I was very disappointed.  The doctor put a cast on my left hand, extending almost to my elbow.  I drove home and got ready for bed, my left hand throbbing painfully.

As I tried to fall asleep with my hand propped up on pillows, I had a flash back to 15 years ago, when I broke three fingers on my left hand at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Fl.  My prevailing thought was "really, it's 15 years later, you're 45 years old and you're back in this place again?"  I was despondent, as I thought about all the things I wouldn't be able to do and contemplated surgery and months of wearing a cast, followed by occupational therapy 3-4 times/week.

On Wednesday I saw Jane Siegel, M.D., the orthopedic surgeon/hand specialist who performed surgery to repair my broken fingers 15 years ago.  She quickly allayed my fears by assuring me that this injury wasn't nearly as serious as the broken fingers.  She also suggested surgery might not be necessary.  She fitted me for a removable splint, which was huge because it allowed me to take a shower without wearing a plastic bag on my left arm.  I saw Dr. Siegel a week later and she told me as far as surgery goes, the risks of complications outweighed the reward (straightening my middle finger).

So, that's where I am now.  A broken left hand, wearing a splint constantly and unable to pick up my 3 month old son without help.  Oh, and I can't change diapers, either.

This too shall pass, I keep telling myself.  I'll be okay.