Surgery update...

[dragonlady]

Well the hand surgery is over from yesterday. I took six tries (all of which are sporting huge bruises today) to start my IV and it finally had to go in my right foot. It took over 30 minutes instead of the scheduled 15 and didn't start til 2:00 instead of 12:30 thanks to the IV problems. Because I've had so much trouble with my asthma the last few months, I had to have a local instead of a general anesthetic..I rember a lot more about the operating room than I care to this time around :( .

The thumb and index finger injections came off fine. I usually have pretty severe flare back from cortisone injections within two days of the shot so I'm expecting those two digits to hurt pretty bad starting tomorrow. The bone spur was much larger than the x-ray showed because it was covered with cartilage. I have to wear a half cast to protect where the spur was shaved down.

The cyst turned out to be a herniated muscle with scar tissue/adhesions, from the surgery in 2006, that had trapped a nerve in place. Nerves should be free, flexible and able to move. This explains the level of pain in that webspace between the little and ring fingers. Because the nerve literally had to be peeled off the tissue it was adhered to, it was bruised. My little and ring finger are still numb and may remain that way for days and possibly weeks. :eek:

My next follow up with the surgeon is next Tuesday..I'll check in with you then...I'm a little out of it with my pain meds at the moment.... :p

Later -di

[Elliott]

Glad it's over, and so happy you are doing fine.... Best wishes for a quick recovery. Eager to hear about the doctor's report on Tuesday. Love,
Elliott

[coffeegyrl]

Wow Di, that's some intense surgery you had. I'm glad you came out of it okay. Local anesthesia is sometimes a better choice. Years ago I had an experience where the surgery went fine but the anesthesia almost killed me. Rudie vibes and prayers for your continuing recovery and upcoming hand therapy.

[DaveM]

Oweeeee....!!!!! Sending plenty of Rudie Vibes and hope all will be well soon.

Kudos, too, for having the bravery to stay awake through the whole thing.

[dragonlady]

Thanks Dave - But I would have preferred to be more consciously sedated like the last time but I guess it wasn't meant to be this time.

I've interpreted for deaf folks having local anesthesia before and really not enjoyed hearing the operation occurring...it wasn't much better hearing the operation as the patient.

My surgeon got me talking about Janis to distract me from what he was doing...knowing that is one of my favorite subjects :D .

-di

[JoanM]

Sorry it was such an ordeal Di but you're on your way now. Remember, better living through chemistry. Ice and elevate (that means elevate the iced drink before you drink it...). Here's to a speedy and full recovery. Keep us posted and fasten your seat belt as all our Rudie Vibes come your way.

Joan

[Mimi]

Rudie Vibes for a quick recovery are flying over your way from Rachel and me, Di!

Mimi

[david uk]

big hugs from across the channel

:)

[Dee]

I'm amazed you can type at all after hand surgery! Glad it all went well and here's hoping you recover quickly Di.

[Mary6906]

Yes, I'm sending you a big hug and vibes in hopes of a speedy recovery. Keep us posted on your progress.

[aabram]

Di, get better soon. Sorry to hear the surgery was such an ordeal. Rudie hugs winging their way from Scotland even as we speak, knowing that one day....that will be ME! :)

Annabel

[Eva]

Healing Rudie vibes from me too.
Now please stay out of hospitals for a while, okay?

Eva

[KarenSews2]

I hope your recovery is smooth sailing! Take it easy. Or any way you can get it! ;)

[hoops]

positive thoughts, rudie vibes and prayers out to you Di. i hope recovery is quick and painless.
peace
hoops

[RedjackRyan]

Get well soon Di. You'll be back pullin on the oars in no time!

[Mary6906]

Ah, our beloved Capt'n... always so sympathetic toward his crew :D

http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/jsi/lowres/jsin39l.jpg

http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/rjo0407l.jpg

[Eva]

Ah, our beloved Capt'n... always so sympathetic toward his crew :D

http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/jsi/lowres/jsin39l.jpg

http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/rjo0407l.jpg
Heehee... :D

Evil Pirate Queen

[RedjackRyan]

What does not kill us, makes us stronger.

[hoops]

and if it doesn't...we're dead and don't know about it anyway.
peace
hoops

[dragonlady]

Redjack said:



Get well soon Di. You'll be back pullin on the oars in no time!

Yeah...right!! I think I'll be happy to have both hands to use on a keyboard in a few weeks. This one handed typing thing is a drag...:(.

I'll check back in after the follow up with the doc tomorrow morning...

Thanks for all the good wishes and Rudie vibes. Keep em coming...The feeling (read...pain) is coming back in my fingers...making it hard to concentrate on much.

Later,
-di

[Ginny]

Di, it must be such a relief that your surgery is over. I'm wishing you much comfort as you heal. - Ginny

[dragonlady]

The stitches are looking good...the appointment to remove them is next Tuesday. Short term disability is authorized through then.

When the doc removed the bone spur he had to go through the tendon on the top of my little finger by cutting through it then sewing it back together when he was done. I have to go tomorrow and get a special splint to protect that tendon in extension until it completely heals. I'll start more in depth OT when the stitches come out.

My palm is still numb from the nerve bruising...can feel the fingers now so we're making small steps in healing that nerve damage.

That's all I've got for now...

-di

[Roady]

Sorry you've had to go through such an ordeal di! And not only that have to watch it! Let us know how it goes when you start your therapy.

Roady

[trish55]

OUCH!!!:eek: :eek:

[Beth]

Sounds like the clinical plan is right on target. Keep up the good healing and good work.