"Greater Understanding of the importance of the role of Occupational Therapists, especially those who specialise in hand injuries"

Working in the cattle yard, I made the wrong decision on which way to move when a steer changed its direction and I was in its way! I tripped over a stick and fell into the mud!  As I did so I put out my right arm to break my fall, and broke my wrist.  Not sure of the medical terms but even I could see that it no longer functioned normally. I ended up in ER at Albany Regional Hospital, (early 2024) where I was treated with courtesy and, thankfully, very promptly.

The eventual outcome was a plate and a cast, which was supported by a Hand Occupational Therapist.  Over the next 3 months I was provided with knowledge of what was going on with the recovery of my arm/hand, and tools to massage scars and lots of exercises to do once the bone had healed.  The assessments by the OT eventually identified that the carpel tunnel nerve was being impacted by the plate.  I had noticed the tingling and the slow deterioration of hand strength, but did not have the medical knowledge to identify the problem. That was provided by the OT.  

All I knew was that it was making farming difficult as you are reliant on that strength in your hands. 

To cut a short story short, once the problem had been identified, Albany Regional Hospital scheduled the removal of the plate, a carpel tunnel opening operation, and all was rectified.  More hand exercises afterwards were provided by the OT, and I was proud to find out my right hand strength measurement is back to normal so I was officially discharged.  I still can't help wishing I had read that steer's movements a little better (I was in a hurry) and made the right decision that day, but it is clear to me now that we can't do without OTs as part of our healing journey.  Thank you.