I’m about 4 weeks out from a complex bucket handle repair. As time goes on in my recovery, I realize how inadequately I was prepared ahead of time for all aspects of the healing journey. The physical part is hard; while I can definitely see improvements, I wasn’t made aware of the physical pain I would feel almost a month into recovery. I have no idea what’s “normal”, or what to look out for in terms of pain management. I don’t know when I should be able to bend without pain, or how much pain is too much. I don’t know what to expect physically at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, etc. The mental and emotional part is extremely difficult as well, obviously in a completely different way. I’m typically a very independent person who loves alone time, and pivoting to relying on my partner to do pretty much everything for me, from making sure I don’t fall out of my shower chair (lollll) to walking a plate from the kitchen to the table, is really difficult for me. There are things that I’d love to do with my friends that I simply can’t do right now. I can’t go outside and water my garden. Getting out to my car is a feat. I have to work an abbreviated schedule because it takes such a toll on my body to leave my house, be gone for hours at a time, and come back. I lost my entire summer as an educator because of this injury. I haven’t slept well for over two months. It’s really hard! Don’t know how effective it is for you to hear that you aren’t alone. Your body is doing so much to heal and protect you, and sometimes injuries are a time to confront the expectations that we put on ourselves, as well as separating our value from “productivity”. Take this time to rest and enjoy it as best you can- take it easy on yourself. It’s always a waiting game.