Update

Things have been a little crazy around here lately. Somehow, in the month that I was supposed to be catering to Tony and covering his responsibilities so he could focus on studying, I managed to turn the tables and require his assistance to do the most minor tasks. We've been through a lot in the last couple of weeks, so I thought I'd post an update and some future planning for the rest of the summer.

At this point everyone knows I broke my arm... and everyone probably knows how annoyed I am at my stupidity and hinderance of my summer plans. But, maybe you haven't heard about the stupidity of some of my doctors! Here goes:

Day 1: Laura crashes bike. Stranger takes L to "PromptMed" for X-Rays. They take 3 pictures and the doctor determines the break is in the ulnar, about 1/4 of the way below the elbow. Doctor mentions "Ya know, so-and-so broke his arm in a bike crash and got back up the next day and finished the race", to which L replied "Oh, good for him" and thought a few obsenities unworthy of uttering. Nurse applies splint and provides an Orthopaedist referral.

Day 2/3: The swelling persists despite constantly elevating arm. The pain increases in the hand and L calls Tara for some doctorly advice thinking maybe the hand was broken, too (it hurt so bad). Beach bathing Dr. Arness says not to worry, floating bones are normal in the hand. Crap! Pain continues, L doesn't sleep...wakes up Tony, calls Mom, and visits ER. ER (2nd yr Res) doctor does 15 more X-Rays and determines the break is in fact at the head of the radius (at the elbow), and finds no problems with the hand other than significant swelling. Nurse gives LOTS of good drugs, doctor makes new splint and provides another Orthopaedist referral.

Day 5: L visits first Ortho office. No doctor. Only a PA. PA asks L where break is. L explains above scenarios and offers XRays on disk. PA refuses disk saying he doesn't like them because "they always freeze the computers". L gets nervous. PA takes away splint and tries to sell L a new sling practically identical to current one. Nurse talks L out of it. L leaves and cries in pain and frustration.
L calls other Ortho office crying and begs for an appointment. Doctor's assistant calls L and gives full consult over phone, reviewing ER X-Rays online.

Day 12: L sees new Ortho. Doctor is incredibly thorough and gets L a physical therapy appointment for same day. PT gives L a list of exercises and spends full hour with L in office, sets next appt. L leaves actually feeling good for once. Hand is slowly beginning to regain strength!

Meanwhile, Tony has been stressing out like mad trying to prepare for the CFP exam. Between all of my crises, we went down to Charlotte and stayed with my parents while Tony attended an intensive 4-day class for the CFP. To give you an idea of the intensity, they met 8:30-6:30 each day with minimal breaks, including having class on July 4th and a Sunday!
Now Tony is devoting hours each day to reading yet another thick book and taking practice exams. There is a 57% pass rate for this test, so Tony is doing his best to beat the odds.

Future outlook:
Days to Laura's Birthday - 6
Days to Tony's CFP exam - 8
(Tony regains sanity here)
Weeks to first big ride event - 2 (no Laura riding :()
Weeks to "full recovery" and riding priviledges - 4
(Laura regains sanity here)...
Weeks to end of summer - 4
...(maybe)
Weeks to CFP results - 7
Weeks to MS Ride - 8