Thursday, March 14, 2013

Right Hand Returns (sort of)

     The last time I was able to post I showed you my casted right hand.  It was big, club-like, and very cumbersome.  It didn't really matter that my hand wasn't of much use because it was too busy screaming at me in pain.  No way, no how was it going to do anything nice to or for me.  Not after what I had authorized be done to it!

    So it's about a week later and that big club-like cast was removed yesterday.  Look what's under it!  Stitches!  Last week the hand surgeon took two chunks of ligament from the right forearm and meticulously sewed them into place in order to rebuild the joint at the base of my thumb and to strengthen the joint further up my thumb.  Amazing!

    Yes, it hurts like hell but ice, elevation, time, and percocet have calmed the screams.  The stitches need to stay in for a few more days but taking the big compression bandage off has allowed less pressure and more movement for the hand/fingers.  The doctor redressed my arm in a new ensemble which is lighter and a little more finger friendly.


   I still have very little use of the right hand.  Typing is frustrating and challenging.  Actually, I have a whole list of things that are frustrating and challenging (coming to you during next month's A to Z Challenge).  I have had pain and limited movement in my right hand for, at least, the last ten years.  I am hoping that this big pain in the hand takes away this constant irritation.  If it does, then my right hand will be introducing my left hand to the surgeon.  In fact, they have already met.  Maybe they will get a second date.

11 comments:

  1. You are very brave.
    What good news that you are probably going to be able to do things that you might have wanted to do for the past ten years.
    That is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It IS amazing, Lynda! Right now, though.
      i have to get better at not trying to use the hand. I act as if it is fully functioning again and then I pay big time for that.

      Delete
  2. It's great to hear your voice again, and see your fat, happy smile. Let's all think happy thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
  3. That certainly looks painful but I hope that full recovery is soon on the way. I might have missed a previous blog post, but I'm wondering how this happened. My uneducated guess is that perhaps you have carpel tunnel syndrome.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually joint replacement surgery, Jon - joint at the base of the thumb and part way up the thumb. Ouch!

      Delete
  4. So glad to see you back my friend :) I hope your hand makes a full recovery

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Keith - I'm sure it will if I don't interfere by trying to do more than I should be doing with it!

      Delete
  5. Oh Gracie! That gives me all-over willies! How amazing that you can just have a joint replaced. I say "just", but you know...

    It sounds terribly painful and cumbersome and I'm so sorry for that, but I hope that once the mending is done, it will give you some relief?

    Do take care and get well soon! xo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, that looks painful. It sounds like the surgery my sister had last fall. Arthritis destroyed the joint? Glad you're on the mend, and your ensemble is quite lovely.

    I shattered my right wrist in 2000 and have had 6 surgeries on it. It's fused now. If you want someone to whine and complain and commiserate, feel free to reach out and touch my inbox. tndowney at gmail dot com.


    Tina @ Life is Good
    Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
    @TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ouch!!! Ouch! Ouch! Thank you for typing through all that discomfort to let us know how you are. Best of luck seeing the whole thing through. I will look forward to hearing good news.

    ReplyDelete