Stupid Hand

Yesterday I went to see my GP about my hand. It's been 10 weeks since my operation for the carpal tunnel in my left hand. I am still having problems with pain in my hand. I thought that it was time I checked in with him to see if what I am experiencing was 'normal' for the amount of time that has lapsed since my op.

My GP said that I should continue with the exercises that I have been doing. He agreed with me that my hand should be a lot better than it is. He also said that if I am no better in two - three weeks I need to make a follow up appointment with the surgeon. Then, if I am no better in two to three months I need to have the nerve conduction test repeated. If that shows no improvement then I will need to have surgery again.

So for now I will continue with the exercises and do small amounts of crocheting. I'll just stop when my hand starts hurting.

Finally! I Am Hooking Again.

I decided that today was the day I was going to pick up my crochet hook again and give crocheting another go. It's been five weeks since my operation. It was time to test how my hand would stand up to doing something fun.

I took this photo yesterday. My hand looks even better today.

I need to complete that zoo blanket I began making for my niece who is expecting bubz number two. I started it before the boys and I went to Adelaide. My nieces baby is due in a month or so. 

Anyway, I managed to do a little bit of crocheting without too much pain in my hand. I have now finished all the pieces for a panda square. All I need to do is sew it all together.

Balls!

stress ball

Angus let me borrow one of his stress balls, well the only one he was able to find, so that I can try and build up the strength in my hand. The surgeon did suggest I use a stress ball when I saw him last week. Anyway, I tried using it last night. I had such a hard time trying to squeeze that thing. I just really don't have the strength to squish it. I'm thinking I may need to look for one that is a lot softer and work my way up to the one Angus let me use.

I know I shouldn't have but I tried to do a teeny bit of crocheting to see how my hand would go. I only did about a dozen stitches when I decided that I need to put my hook down for a bit longer. However, I am wondering if I would be able to knit. I only need to hold the needle with my left hand. It's not like I would be moving it about a lot. Hmm, just a thought.

Stupid Hand

At least my hand is healing nicely.
It looks a little bit better than this photo
that I took on Saturday.

I know that Mark, Brodie and Angus have been very helpful since my surgery and I am very grateful for that. However, there are many things about the house that need doing that are just being neglected. Things like sweeping and mopping the floor, cleaning the bathroom basin and the toilet. I don't know whether I should ask for these jobs to be done or wait until they notice *rolls eyes*.

This morning I thought I would wash the towels and hang them out. That was all good. I washed them and placed in the basket to take outside. Only thing is I wouldn't open the door with my left hand while the basket was balanced on my right hip and being held with my right hand. Silly me hurt myself trying to open the door :'(

I know what you are thinking I could have asked for help but Brodie is at base (day services at Yooralla) Angus was asleep (he has a migraine he is trying to get rid of) and Mark was in his shed talking on his radio. I wasn't going to interrupt him. I did earlier when I got him on the intercom he seemed a little abrupt when I spoke with him, it was probably just me reading something into it that just wasn't there so I didn't ask him for help with the washing.

Anyway, the washing is out on the line. The basin is now clean as is the mirror and also the toilet. My hand however is now aching a little more than it was earlier. Stupid hand! I just want it to heal and to regain my strength. I couldn't even open up a packet of twisties yesterday. It's ridiculous. I hate having to rely on everyone to do stuff when I just want to do it myself.

Wrist Update

Mark and I took the 'band-aid' off my hand on Thursday because I accidentally got it wet in the shower. I was a BIG scaredy cat when it came to taking the tape off. I was worried it would hurt and that I would make it bleed. Thankfully it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. 

Not the best thing to look at is it?

After washing away the dried blood with warm salty water my hand didn't look too bad and it didn't hurt like I thought it might. Thankfully most of the bruising has gone now. We redressed it with some gauze and fixomull dressing. I just want to keep the stitches clean and covered. 

I hadn't put my rings back on my finger because they were still bruised and a little swollen until today. It feels a little odd wearing them again. There's still a lot of stuff that I am unable to do but I am slowly getting the strength back in my hand. I still need lots of help about the place and Mark & the boys have been great. I am itching to get back into crocheting but I don't want to over do it. For now I shall stick to the crossword puzzles.

I go back to see the surgeon this week, on Wednesday. I am NOT looking forward to getting the stitches out. I am worried it will hurt. As I mentioned earlier I am a scaredy cat!

I Feel Under-dressed

I finally took the bandage off my wrist yesterday afternoon. It felt really weird not having the extra padding there. Apart from the fact that it kept my wrist warm (it's winter here) it helped my wrist feel more secure. I'm kind of worried that I may accidentally bump it now :-/ 

My fingers still feel a teeny bit swollen. I'm itching to put my rings back on my finger but I'm not quite game enough to do it yet. They do manage to slide on and off very easily though. 

I am dying to pick up my crochet hook again but I don't dare over do it. Not after driving the car yesterday and hurting myself. I guess I shall keep working on my crosswords puzzles. Thank goodness there are lots of puzzles in the book I bought. I am already on puzzles 6 as it is. Let's hope my wrist is better before I run out of puzzles. 

Someone please remind me not to touch the palm of my hand :'( I could've cried when I touched it just now.

Driving Too Soon

I think I over did it today. I drove to Church this morning which was all good no problems except for taking the hand brake off. It hurt my hand a bit to push the button in. My wrist ached a bit while we were at Church. I could handle that. I taught my little sunbeam class and once the children all went in for swimming time I asked if the Primary President if she minded if I went home. Yes, no problem. The children had a lesson with me and there were lots of others who could supervise the children for the remainder of the time.

The boys and I hopped in the car for the drive home. I reversed the car and tried to steer the car using both my left and right hands (to straighten the car up) when I got this awful pain in my hand. OOPS. It ached like crazy on the way home. Thankfully now it has all settled down now.

I'm thinking I got behind the wheel too soon. That being said I just get so tired of waiting for Mark to be ready to do stuff. He has his own health issues to deal with and by the time he is awake and alert to do the things that I need to do the day is almost done. I hate sounding ungrateful but it is very frustrating when you can't be as independent as you usually are. I just want my hand to get better fast so that I don't need to rely on others so much.

I've Had Wrist Surgery Today

I had surgery on my wrist this afternoon. I had to be at the hospital for 11:30 am and I got home around 4 pm. Day surgery is a good thing! Especially when everything goes well.

I thought I would've been given a general anaesthetic but I wasn't. I was hoping for a nap because I didn't sleep very well last night. Instead I was given something to make me drowsy while I was given a local in my wrist. The weirdest thing was I was awake for the whole procedure. I even felt a bit of pain so I was given another local (which hasn't worn off yet).

I'll be out of action for a few days. At least while I have to use the sling and keep my arm elevated. I wont be crocheting for a while but I did buy myself a crossword book to fill in the time.

Date For Surgery

Mark recieved a phone call from the hospital this morning in regards to the surgery for my carpal tunnel. It's all set for July 23rd.

I am in shock. I was told it would be three months which would have made it September. I guess being country has it's bonus.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

I just got back from seeing the surgeon at the hospital. He's checked out the results from my nerve conduction test and agreed with the neurologist who performed the test. I will definitely be having surgery on my left wrist.

He explained what is involved in the surgery, which I knew because lets face it Google can answer pretty much anything, and got me to sign a form for his records. I was also given another form to fill out, for the hospital this time.

I asked how long the waiting list is and I was told that it's about three months at this stage. It is also done as day surgery which is good. At least I now know that I can visit my Dad and my sisters without the worry of the hospital trying to contact me while I am away. It also means I should get as much crocheting & knitting done while I can before I need to take a break for a while. Plus I'm not in a hurry to get this done. I've had it this long a few more months wont hurt.

Feeling Frustrated

I mentioned a month ago about how I saw a surgeon in regards to my carpal tunnel. He was to send a referral to a neurology clinic so that I could get a nerve conduction test done. I gave them a couple of weeks so that they could receive the referral, have a doctor check it out (the doctor only checks the referrals once a week from what I was told which is a bit silly if you ask me) and for them to phone me in regards to an appointment time.

When two weeks were up so I phoned them. They said they didn't receive the referral. I phoned the surgeons room and asked them to resend the referral. Then I waited to hear from the clinic. Nothing happened.

This morning I phoned the neurology clinic again. Sorry there is no referral here in your name. I asked for a fax number then phoned the surgeons room to let them know they never received it. All good or so I thought. I phoned the neurology clinic and they confirmed that they got the referral this time BUT there was a problem. It was addressed to a specific doctor who no longer works at that clinic and they couldn't accept it. I made my yet another call back to the surgeons office and asked them to please change the name on the referral to the name of the clinic. I guess I should phone the neurology clinic again to see if that was acceptable.

It turns out that the referral was sent twice before but to another office altogether. It's no wonder I never received a call in regards to an appointment. If I don't get a call soon I am just going to give up on this and put up with the pain I get from my hands and arms.

Nerve Conduction Test

I was meant to have a nerve conduction test done which was organised by the surgeon I saw two weeks ago. The neurologist place that performs the test wants the referral first. So I left it for a while so that the surgeons office could send the referral off and all the paper work could be done.

Considering it has been two weeks and I haven't heard anything I phoned both the surgeons office and the neurology service. I was told the referral was sent two weeks ago but the neurology place never received it :/ Hopefully, now that I have phoned both places, the referral will to go to the correct address so that I can get this test done.

It will be interesting to see what the results are this time round. I had the same test done back in August of 2009. Now that I would be able to understand all the numbers involved in the test results at least the surgeon will have something to compare it to.

My Visit To The Surgeon

Mark and I went and saw a surgeon today in regards to my carpal tunnel and the pain in my arms/wrists. It has been around 4 ½ years since I saw him last. If you want to find out what he said back then you can go HERE. He wants to double check that it is the carpal tunnel that is causing my pain and discomfort. I now need to book in for a nerve conduction test. Once that is done I can go back and see the surgeon. When he checks the results, which he can compare to the first test I had done a few years ago, we will be able to discuss what will happen from there.

I just phoned the place where I got the nerve conduction test done last time. The receptionist was very helpful in explaining that they need to see the referral first. I explained that I saw the surgeon this morning and he told me that the referral will be sent to them once it was written. Once they receive the referral one of their doctors will check it out and then I will receive a phone call to organise a time.

So all I need to do is wait ... I'm not in a hurry.

Stupid Carpal Tunnel

I just got back from seeing my GP a little while ago. Just a routine visit to organise blood tests etc to monitor my BGL and thyroid function. While I was there I did mention how my right arm, due to the carpal tunnel (which I have in both wrists) seems to ache more and more lately. I also mentioned how I need to wear a wrist brace more often these days to help with the ache and the pins and needles. BIG mistake! I now have a referral for a surgeon.

Last time I saw this particular surgeon (back in 2009) he said to try using a wrist brace and see if that helps because he didn't want to operate unless I was unable to do my usual day to day activities. The wrist braces have helped a lot (I have one for each wrist) however they seem to be losing their effectiveness. You know what that means don't you?? Surgery!! I probably wont be able to crochet or knit for a while after the op. NOT a good thing :'(  I don't know how I will cope without being able to crochet. It keeps me sane. I guess I need to make sure I do lots and lots of crocheting before surgery so I get my 'fix'

I phoned the surgeons office but they are closed for the day so I will need to phone them in the morning. I wonder how long it will take to get an appointment to see him? I also wonder how long I will be on the waiting list at the hospital before the surgery is actually done. I'm not sure that I want it done too quickly but then again maybe it's better to get it over and done with, right?

I'm A Not So Creative Hooker

I haven't picked up my crochet hook for a few days and that is NOT like me at all! To be honest my right arm is not playing nicely when it comes to doing certain things. I've needed to wear my wrist brace more and more frequently of late. So perhaps it's a good thing that I have had a break from crocheting. Stupid carpal tunnel.

I have however been checking out some really neat stuff on pinterest. I am in awe at how creative some people are they are truly amazing. I have also been looking on etsy at some really talented crochet items in a shop called skymagenta. That is one talented crocheter! 

My Visit To The Surgeon

I went and saw the surgeon this morning. Mark was able to come with me and it was good to have him by my side. The surgeon was great! Not at all like I expected. After conversations with people online from Facebook and Twitter I was sure that he would want to cut me open. I don't even know why I contemplated what I was told by some of the others! He had no intentions of making me go through with any surgery not unless I want to.

We discussed my options being things like taking anti-inflammatory medications (which I do I take mobic), using a splint overnight when I sleep, steroid injections in the wrist and we discussed the operation itself and what that entails. He also mentioned percentages of things but I'm never one to remember numbers for things at the best of times. Although I do remember that he said the operation is successful 95% of the time. Such a positive thing to remember, well I thought so at least.

Mark & I explained how my carpal tunnel affects me and that it slows me a little but not to the point where I can't do what I need to do. The doctor, who was known as a MR, said that as long as it doesn't make my daily tasks too hard to do and as long as it doesn't prevent me from doing what I normally do that he doesn't see the need for an operation. Which is kind of what I was thinking any way.


I have now made a decision based on that and the statistics he mentioned. For now, I have decided that as long as I can knit, crochet and sew when I want then there is no need for me to have an operation but as soon as I am unable to do any of these things then I will reconsider my options.

I went to the chemist a little while ago and bought a proper splint for my wrist. It will most certainly keep my wrist from bending when I am in bed. In fact I wont be doing much with my arm at all when I wear it. It really does impede movement BIG time! Let's hope that it does the trick and I don't wake up with a numb hand all the time. Crossing fingers!

Like A Surgeon

Geez I am such a slacker at the moment when it comes to posting on my blogs. Just call me lazy bones!

I forgot to mention how that nerve conduction study went. It's definite that I have carpal tunnel. Not that I doubted that I had it. The doctor I saw at my GP's clinic (not my doctor as he was away on holidays at the time) has referred me to see a surgeon. Would you believe that I go and see him next week on Wednesday morning. I couldn't believe that I got in to see him so quickly. I guess that is also a bonus of living country. He travels out to my local hospital every so often to do consultations and surgeries there. Lucky me *she says nervously*.

When I have mentioned to my online friends the fact that I am seeing a surgeon because of my carpal tunnel I get loads of feedback. Some positive and some negative. I'm in two minds at the moment whether I want surgery or not. Its a very difficult choice to make especially when you don't know how successful this procedure is and what the success rate this surgeon has when performing this particular type of surgery.
Even my family have mixed reactions. Dad is all for it and my sister, Vicki, said that it could go wrong. What do you do?

I guess I am one of those people who probably shouldn't research how this operation is done. I have seen some awful photos of that happens to peoples hands when things go wrong. I don't like to think negatively but I need to know. If you get my drift. Knowledge is power after all.

So for now I am keeping my options open. The surgeon my even say that at this moment in time its not necessary for me to have surgery (but I doubt he will say that - I believe that most surgeons would want to cut you open it is their profession after all). Thankfully Mark has said he will come with me. At least I know with him there I wont be pressured or swept into having surgery until I know all the facts. I only have to wait just over a week to find out. Cross your fingers for me.

To Stress or Not to Stress

Goodness me. Should I be stressing about this nerve conduction study (NCS) that I am having tomorrow? I am not looking forward to being zapped with electricity no matter how small the dosage (if that is the right term) is. I guess its the only way to know for sure if I have Carpal Tunnel or Psoriatic Arthritis.

I am so thankful that Mark is coming with me in the morning. I'm not sure what to expect apart from what I've been told by others that it hurts. Let's hope that it doesn't hurt too much. Cross your fingers for me & wish me luck.

Something On My Mind

I've been trying to work out how to merge two blogs together and for the life of me am unable to do it at the moment so I am just putting a link here to my Psoriasis Blog called Scratch That Darn Itch & a specific post that I created a short time ago in regards to Psoriatic Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel. Go check it out if you feel like finding out what I have been thinking of since Wednesday afternoon.

Our week so far

Monday ... Yet another meeting at the High School. I am getting so tired of these. Sometimes I feel that I am talking to a brick wall and we are getting nowhere. It's almost like the school is beginning to be on the defensive and the big fella just switches off. Thank goodness Marg was there to help me out. She's the lady from Anglicare that is helping us out. It was so good to balance out the numbers.

The big fellas science teacher came in to talk with us about what happened the previous week in the classroom which caused yet another suspension from school.(That's a total of 22 school days suspended!!!) Anyway back to the teacher. I was informed of what happened and how he had threatened to throw a chair (but didn't which I am grateful for). Then I was told that the big fella had threatened to harm himself. OMGosh I was so shocked and ANGRY to only just hear about this from the science teacher. I had NO idea that the big fella had felt that way. I am totally disgusted that the school did NOT inform me of this when I was phoned to come and collect him the week before when he got suspended. I told the School Counsellor when I saw him on Tuesday of these events and I am hoping that he will talk to the Principals and Assistant Principal on my behalf.

I was and still am very annoyed as to the fact that they NEVER told me!!! I mean for goodness sake the big fella is showing classic signs of depression and for him to say that in front of a classroom full of kids is really something. He may have been grandstanding but that isn't the point either. They should've told me so that I can check things out further!!! After we have a family history of depression and with all the meds the big fella is on we really need to know what is going on in his head!!!

We had the missionaries over for an early dinner on Tuesday night because the big fella had a young men's activity at the chapel which Mark is taking him to. So I was like a headless chook running about trying to get dinner ready for 5:30 rather than our usual 6 PM since Mark & the big fella needed to leave around 6:20. He really needs to go to these events and activities because he just needs to be around the right kids.
At least the little dude and I can have some special time together tonight. Although I'm not sure what we will do. The little dude wanted to learn how to crochet so I had better find another crochet hook so he can learn.
Dinner went really well with the missionaries. They stayed for a while after Mark & the big fella left. They were playing the guitar, singing songs from the primary CD one of the primary teachers made so we could learn the songs, doing magic tricks and making origami animals! I think the missionaries and the little dude had a great time. I know I did .. I had fun watching. The little dude and I ended up having a great evening. He did learn to crochet but I think he still needs loads of help.

Wednesday ... let's see nothing much happened here really. Well apart from the fact that I got another phone call from the High School. This time to arrange another appointment/meeting but with the Special Ed lady, Chris, who tested the big fella earlier this term. Finally I get to hear the results. Oh and this lady is the same one who said that the big fella did NOT have Asperger Syndrome when she first met him about 3 years ago. Anyway I told the school that I couldn't go up there early in the morning. I use enough petrol travelling back and forth to the school and that it would create another 50 km drive for me that I am not prepared to make. They gave me Chris's phone number so I tried contacting her but she left the office for the day. But John was there, the Counsellor/Guidance Officer, and he said he would talk with Chris.
I swear they do NOT realise what hardship we go through with the big fella and ALL this extra travelling we do. We've used more than half of our weekly budget just on petrol this week and I don't know how much more of this I can take!
Marg phoned me on Wednesday as well. She was checking out a few things for me. Like how we go about getting the big fella officially tested for Aspergers because Denise from GCAMHS isn't convinced that he has is. How the heck she can decide that is beyond me because she hasn't even met him yet!!! Anyway there is a 15 month waiting list for him to be tested at the Children's hospital. Way too long if you ask me. There is a 12 month wait through GCAMHS which is still fat too long. So the only other option is to have him tested privately. Autism Victoria have a couple o f good psychologists that they use to test children but they are expensive. Marg told me it would cost anywhere between $600 & $800. I almost cried. How on earth are we meant to come up with that kind of money when we live from week to week and can't even afford something as simple as a haircut for me?? I was all set to throw this into the too hard basket but Marg said don't give up. Let's see what can happen!
Oops almost forgot. Denise mentioned that we should have some Education Department bloke rock up to our July 4th meeting at the High School. He's something to do with kids under 15 who are at risk of leaving school early. Which is highly likely for the big fella considering how they've been treating him!! What kid would want to stay at school when they know that the school cannot handle them and palm them off as soon as they get the chance! Anyway Marg said that I should inform the school that this Ed. Dept. person may be coming to the meeting and see what they say! I forgot to mention this to the school perhaps I had better do that today!!

Thursday .. I went to see my GP yesterday so that I could get some more medication for my skin and some anti-inflammatory meds for my arm. I don't know if I mentioned that he diagnosed carpal tunnel. Anyway he gave me some samples a few weeks ago and they have worked wonders and he said to come back and get a script if they were helpful ... so I did.
Not a lot really happened yesterday. At least not compared to the previous days.