Post Hand Surgery Notes

I have my post-surgery doctor’s appointment tomorrow.  I should get this cast off and will probably get a soft wrapping and/or a splint to wear when needed. The instructions for this appointment  said to expect to be there 2-4 hours in which time they fit a splint and begin physical therapy. 

Since I will likely quickly forget how it was to have the cast on and since I will be doing this again I thought I would leave myself some notes about the experience.

I’ve already documented the “noodle arm” day after surgery.  The pain medication pump that they had on me lasted until Saturday early morning.  That’s about 4 days.  Except for the first night when I set it on 6 the pump was left on the 4 setting.  I also took pain pills before any serious pain arrived.  The doctor and Penny advised me to stay ahead of the pain.

I underestimated how tired I would be from all this - my body was busy healing AND I’m trying to figure out how to navigate without the use of that hand - that's exhausting.  The smallest things add up in terms of energy expended.  I took many naps and imposed upon Penny for help.  She’s been great.

Dressing, bathing and eating are all challenging.  Buttons and belts are bad.  Baggy clothes and slip on shoes are good. It is difficult to wash your left underarm  without using your right hand.  I’ve had ice cream every day – it sticks to the spoon.  I use utensils in a similar manner to the way Lucy does when she eats.     Finger foods are good.  Grapes are fantastic.

My typing is getting better.  I tried writing with my left hand and found myself having difficulty with the direction letters and numbers faced—just like Sophie does.  E’s,3’s and s’s were tough to write.  I’ve gotten pretty good using my index finger and middle finger to grasp things with.  I can tie shoes with little thumb involvement. I was even able to pick up the host from my hand and put it in my mouth with those fingers.  I’ve gone to writing using those fingers but it ain’t pretty.  The credit card terminals still accept my scribble as my signature.

I can’t do things like scooping the litter pan, dishing out food, washing dishes or any heavy lifting or carrying bulky items that require two hands.  So Penny has taken over the housework tasks that I can’t do.  I did do laundry but I paid a price for it.  Laundry has always been a thumb stressor and this time I only could use 1 thumb  so it let me know  about it.

I’ve been sleeping in my recliner.  I tried the bed for a couple of nights but I tend to lie on my arm and not keep it elevated.  In the recliner it is naturally kept elevated and I can’t roll over on my arm.

And now for the “too much information” paragraph.  It’s something that is important for me to remember.  All the pain medicines and the anesthesia cause me to have severe constipation, plus the pain meds are tough on my stomach.  I have to stay hydrated and protect my tummy by not taking meds on an empty stomach.  It means I’m eating more but I have worked out a formula of water, fruits, food and stool softener tablets that for the most part works.

I’m still having difficulty when I’m not doing something productive in the house or yard.  I had a hard time over the weekend just watching football and doing no other task at the same time.  I have gotten some reading in on the kindle and even though it’s hard I’m trying to do only what I am able to without getting upset.  Penny’s attitude has helped me with this.  Even when she is having a bad health day she has done whatever I needed to have done with no attitude or complaint.  I think she’ a keeper.