Well, no quilting going on here. Finally started replacing my arthritic joints. After surgery they had me bound tightly; so, I wouldn't move anything. I had joint replacement in two fingers plus a thumb reconstruct so I could hopefully get a grip. LOL You will notice there is no squaring at the base of my thumb because basically, it has rotted out of the socket. It doesn't look much different, but the idea is I can use it, hopefully without pain.
Right after suture removal, I was placed in a hard cast to immobilize the thumb, and allow the tendon that was harvested to settle into the spot where old bone was removed, and so the remaining part of the borrowed tendon could heal. My wrist felt as if someone had dug into it with a spoon, but it was not touched! Most of it is radiating pain from the tendon. Fingers rarely bothered.
It has been three weeks and I can type and play the piano, but cannot lift anything heavier than a piece of paper. This means snow machining is out of the question. I am unable to grip, and a six hundred pound machine is totally verboten. All this, of course, without the use of my thumb. Thank goodness we have slowed down so that I might be able to accomplish this.
I did manage to complete the TQC mystery before surgery. I am just now able to do a little sewing, but pinning was a little more difficult. I was able to do ironing using my left hand; so go that out of the way. Cutting with scissors or a roller blade isn't happening, but my penmanship has really improved with my left hand. I could always write on the chalk board with either hand, but it was larger script. Fine motor work like signing your name or filling out forms is a whole other proposition.
It's down hill from here. Three more weeks in a cast and then serious PT on the thumb. I need to develop strength so I can open lids or pick up a can without dropping it. I will be ready for spring thaw and the countless visitors that will be arriving. Hooray!
Right after suture removal, I was placed in a hard cast to immobilize the thumb, and allow the tendon that was harvested to settle into the spot where old bone was removed, and so the remaining part of the borrowed tendon could heal. My wrist felt as if someone had dug into it with a spoon, but it was not touched! Most of it is radiating pain from the tendon. Fingers rarely bothered.
It has been three weeks and I can type and play the piano, but cannot lift anything heavier than a piece of paper. This means snow machining is out of the question. I am unable to grip, and a six hundred pound machine is totally verboten. All this, of course, without the use of my thumb. Thank goodness we have slowed down so that I might be able to accomplish this.
I did manage to complete the TQC mystery before surgery. I am just now able to do a little sewing, but pinning was a little more difficult. I was able to do ironing using my left hand; so go that out of the way. Cutting with scissors or a roller blade isn't happening, but my penmanship has really improved with my left hand. I could always write on the chalk board with either hand, but it was larger script. Fine motor work like signing your name or filling out forms is a whole other proposition.
It's down hill from here. Three more weeks in a cast and then serious PT on the thumb. I need to develop strength so I can open lids or pick up a can without dropping it. I will be ready for spring thaw and the countless visitors that will be arriving. Hooray!
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