18 cm

The staples have been removed, and today I removed the dressing. The cut is about 18cm (7in) long. It seems to be healing well, and should dry faster now that it is uncovered. The swelling is going slowly, and the bruising too. I can feel it pulling apart at various times, or at least that's how it seems

Every day I remove the sling, normally with help from Jo, but not always. Just for a few moments the arm is allowed to hang down with the elbow straight. This should help to keep the joint mobile. It is a painful process. My arm muscles do not like to be moved that much. Strangely as the swelling and bruising go, the pain is more noticeable. It has taken most of the day, from noon to about 7:00pm for the pain and discomfort to subside. I'm still avoiding painkillers, but only just.

Sleep is still a problem. I slept in the recliner chair for 5 hours or so last night. I went to sleep around 2:30am. When Jo got up I went to bed and slept for another four hours. At least one of us had the chance of a good night. We went to Jo's mum's for lunch (breakfast for me), and I slept on the sofa after lunch.