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Chronic Pain
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Posted 10/26/2010 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hello All,

I'm back (at least partially) for the time being.  My hands and fingers are still really sore and I won't be doing too much typing.  I also make tons of mistakes.  Although I still stand by my decision to have both hands done at once, it has been a great challenge and the surgeon seriously underestimated the healing period and the pain associated with the procedure.

I've been doing some one-finger typing for a day or two, but my fingers are doing very strange things right now.  I did ask and should be using my fingers and hands as much as possible (comfortable) for a while.  This is hopefully going to prevent some additional PT that I really can't pay for right now.

I really appreciate all the prayers and encouragement during this procedure!!

Posted 10/26/2010 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
I'm happy to see you here retiredmom and I'm glad your surgery is over. Two hands at once is a real challenge, but it's amazing how creative we become out of necessity.

I'm sorry you're still experiencing so much pain, but I'm sure that will settle down in time. Hopefully, the typing and other therapies that have been prescribed for you will all come together to get your muscles back into shape quickly.

Take care of yourself, and know that I am praying for your healing.

Hugs,
Pam
Posted 10/26/2010 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
 

   Good afternoon retiredmom!

      Don't worry about typeing with one finger!......I only use two as it is! wink

     Hope you get to feeling better and the hands heal properly!

   We will certianly keep you in our prayers!

     SE wink

Posted 10/26/2010 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, welcome back..sent Prayers and hugz to you and I hope everything goes
smoothly in the healing process..
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((RetiredMom))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
more healing Hugz and well wishes...
Posted 10/26/2010 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome back! Sending healing thoughts and hugs your way!

Take care of you!
Beckey
Posted 10/26/2010 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
A challenge indeed having both hands done at the same time. I admire your determination but I just do not think I could have done it, lol. I know from having a broken arm twice and not having use of one hand was enough to drive me bonkers. Can't imagine being so limited with both at the same time. But, I guess somehow we do manage to get it all worked out. Quite frankly RM, I think all drs under estimate pain after any surgery. They stick with their little text book guidelines as being gospel.

Take care and hope the good recovery continues.
Posted 10/26/2010 9:42 PM (GMT 0)

Dear RM,

   Goodness! I can't believe you are already typing! Okay, I know, one fingered typing .. still. You are making incredible progress. *hugg* I must admit I was shocked and then immediately worried when you said you were going to do both at the same time. I see now, your "fighting" spirit is stronger than ever.

   I am terribly sorry you are still in so much pain. Has the surgeon ever done both hands on a patient before? If not, I hope he is "taking notes" so he can be better prepared for anyone else who does both at the same time.

     Ill keep this short.  Don't feel like you have to respond! I can only imagine how hard it is right now for you. Please, know you are in my family's prayers.

*warm hugg*
       dani

Posted 10/26/2010 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
  Welcome back Mom !! Take your time and heal well , before you know it you'll be typing and using those hands like new ! Congrats and take good care of you !!!  Mikel
Posted 10/26/2010 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Glad you're on the way to recovery.
Posted 10/27/2010 5:39 AM (GMT 0)
retiredmom

 

I too welcome you back! Getting both limbs done at the same time, I am sure is quite a challenge for you, I personally think it is quite a gutsy thing to do! and you have my admiration!  You know, I bet in the long run, it will have saved you allot of time, and even drawn out pain and anguish! And using those fingers and your hands is really good, but with a measure of caution, just do not over do it! 

 

I wish you well!!

 

White Beard

Posted 10/27/2010 11:27 AM (GMT 0)
Retired Mom, I am hoping that you have a speedy recovery! Please keep updating us. Take care.
Posted 10/27/2010 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
You guys are the best!!!!


The hands and the fingers are moving much better now and I'm actually able to do some "real" typing, even if it is slow. I'm still not able to do everything and it will probably be a while before I'm back in the full swing of things, but now I can tell that I'm getting better every day.

For those considering the carpel tunnel surgery on both hands at once...I'd like to make a few suggestions....First, make sure you get a hand surgeon and not a general surgeon. Second, if you can stand a week of serious extra pain, things will begin to get much better pretty quickly....you may need help with personal care needs for the first day or so, but it can be done....I did it myself (and the surgery center was happy to provide gloves before I left)...just ask. Next, don't even think about staying alone for the first several days because you won't be able to lift anything or do much for yourself. Also, don't believe that you will be able to drive, because it it insane painful!!! If all of these things are considered and you are prepared, I still say doing it all at once is a wonderful decision. One pain, one recovery period and one set of bills (so less problems getting insurance to pay).


Overall, I'm on the mend and appreciate all the well wishes and prayers. I'll try to post some support to others a little later tonight or possibly tomorrow...the hands are telling me it's time to stop typing (exercising) now!
Posted 10/27/2010 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi RM
Glad you were able to hang in there and get thru the rough period. You are a very strong and courageous woman!!

Please take your time in coming back we don't want you doing too much typing!!

Big hugs my friend
Posted 10/27/2010 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
Mom -
Don't push it too fast. I just had one hand - 3 fingers though - done a 4 months ago and I'm still recovering. Only stretch to the point of pain for now. Don't do more than prescribed. It takes months for the swelling to go down, then remodeling of the scar tissue takes a year to a year and a half. I'm just starting the more vigorous exercises and stretches and massages.
You can go to OT for just one session to learn new things and then do them on your own. The spring things they might sell you to open the fingers are available online for just a few bucks, but cost $175 if you buy them from the OT. I'm up to the "spring hand grip" now, which was $6.75 online. The little soft ball wasn't worth anything, didn't squash all the way down and let the hand close all the way.

Best wishes!
Posted 10/27/2010 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
PS:
My doc says typing isn't exercise. I counted it the first few days anyway.
Posted 10/28/2010 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi RM, so good to see you back on site! Two hands at once!!! I can't imagine how hard that is, I have two splints at once occassionally ad feel like I clatter into everthing all the time, knock everything over, really hard wok. What sort of time frame did he give you forrecovery. I know my sister took about 6 months before she was pain free. The scar tissue caued its own nerve pain! She had to desentsitise the scar and it took months.
I hope you have none of those troubles.
Please keep us in the loop and recover quickly, golitho
Posted 10/28/2010 10:44 AM (GMT 0)
He said I could drive home from the procedure and that I could definitely drive my child to school the next day! I'm a little reluctant to take his advice again when it comes to recovery.

I'm scheduled to see him again Wednesday to get the stitches out....we'll see how that goes and I'll tell you more then.

I was so amazed that this "great" had surgeon would so significantly distort pain/recovery time. I guess it's just a selling point though and I'm really glad I don't have to go back in to have the other one done now, so it worked out for the best.

I really appreciate all of your support!
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