I could use an extra one this weekend.  On Friday, I had endoscopic surgery on my left hand to relieve (hopefully) problems with carpal tunnel syndrome.  For years I've woken up with numbness in both hands and other symptoms -- the combined affect of years of typing.  Unfortunately, a month or so ago, the left hand kicked it up several notches into extreme pain from thumb to shoulder and I cried, "Uncle".  Okay, more to the point, I called my doctor and said, "Help".

We tried a course of steroids and a night brace with little improvement.  A trip to the orthopedic surgeon confirmed that surgery was the best option.

All in all, the procedure wasn't that big a deal.  Same day at the local hospital with local anesthesia known as a Bier Block.  (As opposed to a beer block, which puts out a lot of people in the Keys.)  I understand that's administered intravenously and that once my arm was numb, the surgeon made a small incision, inserted an endoscope, cut a ligament to relieve the pressure on the nerves, etc. 

I assume that's what happened, but to tell you the truth, they gave me some Valium or something else to relax me and I fell asleep.  I woke up when everything was competed and my hand was already bandaged.

I was home by mid-morning and napping 15 minutes later.  I slept most of Friday, supported in this endeavor, no doubt, by Percocet.

Honestly, it doesn't hurt much, as long as I remember that I had surgery on Friday and don't do stupid stuff like pull out a chair, try to open my sliding doors, use that hand to boost myself out of bed, or pretty much use it for anything.  I'm doing okay typing as long as I don't overdo that either.  Most anything else pulls at the stitches and triggers a jolt of pain.

I've learned that there are some things that are much more difficult when you can't use both hands.  Like opening a pill bottle.  Or putting on a back-closure bra.  I can sum that up in three words -- Sh*t!  Ow!  OUCH!

I'll be wearing the zip-front sports bra to work for a couple of days.

I'm very happy that I have a fenced-in yard.  Trying to walk two dogs with one hand is beyond me.

In a little while I'm heading out to do food shopping.  On the drive up I will constantly remind myself, "Use only your right hand.  Use only your right hand."

This should not be difficult since I'm naturally right-handed.  I always thought I used it more for most things.  I never noticed how much I used my left hand until I couldn't.

Just like I haven't noticed how badly my front windows need washing.  I know that's a task I cannot take on this weekend, but it's still going to bother me.

 

(((HUGS))) glad the surgery went well. I remember how ackward it was trying to use just one hand to accomplish even the simplest of things after I broke my elbow.

hope your okay, i have had surgery on my left hand and the senses are just dead. sometimes it feels tingly. glad your okay.
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