Hammocking with a bad arm

[Garsk]

I cracked my elbow 2 weeks ago and in 3 weeks I'm supposed to hike and hammock camp. I have a small crack in my radius and bruising. No cast, no sling, but 2 more weeks before I can consider lifting anything heavier than my laptop. Doc says I can go but be careful. My friends said they would assist me and watch out for me. Has anyone been out with a bad arm before? Any advice?

[Bubba]

I would take this pre-trip time to be super careful to not stress or strain it and give your arm as much time as needed to heal. A small uncomplicated fracture should be reasonably healed in three weeks but your arm strength will be decreased so keep that in mind for your trip activities. I don't know what kind of trip your are going on but if you are going to be going to a more remote area far from the trailhead I'd also really evaluate how you feel the week leading up to the trip as well. It would suck to cancel but it can be dangerous to head out if you are not near 100%. Depending on triial and weather conditions a simple fall on the trail could easily lead to a re-injury or worse. Just my $0.02. Good luck and I hope you recover fast and have a safe trip.

[dkurfiss]

I would consider loading my pack, putting it on my back (or get help), and take a nice long walk. You may find that the weight of your pack will stress the arm too. Better to find out before you go than be in pain at the end of the first day really hiking

[michigandave]

I went through a similar issue with my right shoulder last year, caused by pinched nerves that made my arm pretty useless for a while. It was self inflicted since it happened when I rolled over in my hammock . Did the surgical consult with the orthopedic surgeon, MRI, eletrography and physical therapy route. Waste of money, IMO, and regular visits to the chiropracter has improved it, but it's been over a year.

I was fine putting on/taking off and carrying a backpack, but the biggest problem was getting my arm up in the air to secure tree straps and tarp lines. Oh, and cooking food was a bit tough trying to stir my small pot over the alcohol stove and not burning myself. Switched back to my BRS stove and iso, since I could do that one handed and had more heat control. You learn to adapt, move slow and plan out your moves.

Good luck with the arm and you should be fine, since you've got backup help!

[dakotaross]

Two things come to my mind here... 1) it would be hard using walking sticks, and 2) if not using sticks, I sure wouldn't want to trip/fall and make the arm worse.

[old4hats]

If you sleep head left/feet right then you need a good right arm. If the other direction then a good left arm. Don't ask how I know.

[Hangdang]

I sure wouldn't want to trip/fall and make the arm worse.

That's what I was thinking. If it's your beer drinking arm, is it really worth it?

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