Getting by with one hand

[Deleted]

Some of you may or may not know that I had surgery on my left hand on March first. It wasn't carpal tunnel, it was arthritis in my thumb joint. I had my left hand done first. Here is a link to what I had done if you are interested tinyurl.com/yqygl7 Anyway, this is a good thing but the healing is a long, long road ahead. I had my stitches taken out yesterday, there were 23. Now I have a hard case on for 4 weeks. I have the use of my fingers on that hand but not my thumb and the cast goes all the way up my forearm so I can't turn my wrist or arm very well. I have a in in the thumb joint that is pressing on a nerve and every so often I hit it just right any YOWEE!!!!

My son is usually home to help me with chores and such but both of my kids are in CO skiing with their dad over their holiday. So I have been trying to do these things by myself. I really try to have a sense of humor about it all, it really is funny. I know these are all such simple things and you never really think about your thumbs but I tell you. Missing one thumb is HUGE

Here are some of the things I have found I absolutely cannot do. For example; I had to buy a cheap electric can opener cause I couldn't use my regular one. I can't open jars because I can't hold them with my other hand while I try to unscrew the lid. When I shower I have to use shampoo and conditioner with a pump cause I can't squeeze the tube or bottle. If I try to do it with my good hand where do I squeeze it? I have sort of figured out how to shave my arm pits, sort of. I sort of figured out how to wash my right arm pit, sort of. I can't go to work even with accommodations because I wear a uniform and I can' button the buttons on my shirt or the snaps and buttons on my pants. I also can't tuck my shirt in or tie shoes At work I have to wear my hair up and I can brush it but I can't braid it or put it into a pony or twist it with a gripper. I'm not complaining, not at all.

I've come to a new appreciation for my thumbs, even one of them ;D You should try taping your thumb to your hand and try going a day with out one thumb, even the one on your non-dominant hand. Believe me it will give you a real appreciation for what makes us so unique in the world.

[Kathy]

Susan, I never really thought of some of those challenges. Especially the whole squeezing of tubes-where to put it even if you could squeeze it out.

How long before the docs think you'll have more range of motion. I know you go back for the cast removal then to a splint & the rod to be removed in April but I'm assuming there's some PT before you'll be able to use it.

Now that you've mentioned some of the problems you're having, I'm going to be more aware of what our hands & especially our thumbs do to make our lives better & easier.

[Deleted]

Kathy I really don't know. From what I have read it looks like about 4 - 6 months to full recovery. A women who had this surgery about a year ago, same time of year I had mine (spring). She mad the statement she is having her other hand done next winter because she lost a summer in the garden. I don't know what sort of gardening she did but I would think that digging in the dirt would be good therapy. I'm assuming that anything that puts pressure on the thumb area would be difficult.

We just had about 6 " of snow yesterday. I went out to sweep the front stoop and that was very difficult. It hurt my left hand but I found a way to get it done using my left arm to help push. So I'm guessing things like digging and shoveling will be a no no for a while.

Trying to feed horses has proven to be the biggest challenge so far. My son pushed a bale into them before he left to go skiing out west. But the horses have eaten it all. Yesterday I had to try to get up the hay that was left behind by the bale. I can't use a pitchfork and I can't very well pull or pick up the hay with one hand. Plus it is cold and snowy so I had to find a wool sock that would fit over my cast.

It certainly is a challenge, to say the least. But I'm learning and constantly amazed at what I can't do. I think the most frustrating time was when I wanted to make myself a cup of tea using some new tea I had just got. It is a loose leaf Earl Gray and it came in a tin. Well for the life if me I couldn't get the tin open. Arrrggggg!! I spent a half hour working and working to pry that lid off. I finally got it but I was so tempted to throw it against the wall in frustration. But I have to laugh too because it sure brings out the child in me, LOL!!!!!!

[momo]

I know how you feel. It is soo frustrating when you are sick or injured. It really makes you appreciate health and mobility much more. Hopefully, you will be as good as new soon.

[bergere]

Hoping you have a speedy recovery. I know what it is like to take a long time to heal and how frustrating it is.
Wish you were closer.. you could be my legs and if you needed tins opened..I can open most things like that.
Wish I could help.

[ardieonceagain]

I can relate on many levels. I have a motto that I'll share:

Where there is a will, there is a way.

Take your time and use your imagination when you can't do a chore the "normal" way. Look at it from different angles. I'm not big on patience, but try to use that.

[Deleted]

Oh, I just saw this - you poor thing! I hope you have a speedy recovery.

I have a solution to the shampoo thing!! If performed correctly, you'll squeeze out the shampoo you need AND tone your bum...

I spent a summer with one hand out of commission but it was just the opposite of you - I had use of my thumb and nothing else. I taught myself to tie my shoes with one hand!

But having my thumb available was a huge help because I could hang on to stuff. I can only imagine how frustrated you're getting. Hang in there and keep telling yourself that it's just temporary.

/VM

[Deleted]

Thanks everyone. The end is almost in sight. I have the cast taken off and the pin pulled on Tuesday ;D

I'm scheduled to go back to work on Friday, we'll see. I will be in a splint, that I can remove, for about 6 weeks. I assume I will be in PT as well. From what I have read I have to learn all over how to use this joint. I guess it is different but I'm not sure how different. I've tried to move as many muscles as I am able to in my cast.

Ardie, I've been amazed at what I just plain can't do but at the same time I'm amazed at the things I have learned to do in different ways. With this cast on my wrist is set in such a way that I can't scratch my shoulder or back much less reach the back of my head. But I've gotten by with the help of my kids and friends.

Bergere, Thanks. I'd happily be your legs if you be my hands.

[bergere]

Wish we were closer would be more than happy to help.

I started taking B-12 5 days ok,,and yesterday was the first day I felt human...not quite as good today but better. Is the only thing that has changed so it must be it.

So I would recommend taking a good quality B-12 vitamin.

[Deleted]

Bergere I take a really good stress B complex that has most every kind of B possible. I also take a really excellent multi and fish oil as well as Glucosamine and a supplement for my fibro. Usually I take all my meds at night before bed, it's just easier to remember. The only one I don't take at night is my B's (I worry they will interfere with my sleep) sometimes I don't take them, I forget. I have been so tired lately it may be that or the lack of doing anything productive or even the weather (gloomy for the past week).

I know getting back to work will help. I've enjoyed being home but since I can't do much of anything, especially the things I enjoy so much, I'm a little crazy right now. My fiber arts stuff, which is my sanity, I can't do with one hand

I'm counting the days now.

Hopefully we will both be good as new before long, or at least better than we are now

[bergere]

Here you about spinning. Have not been able to do any since I got hurt.

So,, how are you doing now? Better I hope!!!