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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/7/2010 Posts: 441 Location: Bristol
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Hi all, I've just been given a date for my hand operation ... Friday, 7th May. I've got my pre-op consultation on Thursday and hopefully I'll get some idea of how long it'll be before I can use the hand in any way. The surgeon isn't the most forthcoming with details so I'm not terribly optimistic. It worries me though, because it's just me at home with the two children and it's my right hand as well. When I think of the logistics of daily living, I become quite overwhelmed but I'm sure, with the aid of a list, I should be able to get most things done and see to everyone's needs. Generally, I'm feeling really nervous about it now ... I'm a real sissy when it comes to my hands and I'm not overly thrilled at the prospect of pins in fingers and all that. The one upside to it is that I'm going to have the op done in a lovely private hospital that has fantastic facilities. I wouldn't have minded going into the Bristol Royal Infirmary but the other hospital is just a little nicer  Joanna
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 1,035
Location: in a house
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is it carpel tunnel ? if so i used to care for people 6 weeks long till they healed . But improvements now are you are able too look after your self .and won,t need care for washing dressing so a old lady told me she did it her self . you can get latex gloves from a gargae our town you can tour it and you will only find packs of 10 i orderd from the chemist when my fingert was done . plus used marigolds christine The chocolate eating housewife ...The washer woman .....naughty lady
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Joanna What are you having done? I've had quite a bit of hand/wrist surgery. Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/7/2010 Posts: 441 Location: Bristol
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Hi Chrissie and Lyn,
I'm having the small finger of the right hand straightened in order to release tension on the main tendon into the hand that will hopefully release the other fingers and allow them to move again. He's also doing something to the tendon but I'm not sure what exactly.
Joanna
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Joanna,
Glad you got a date for the op.
Hope it all goes well for you.
Love, Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 1,524 Location: W. Yorkshire
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Hi Joanna, I've had 5 fingers atraightened and two carpal tunnels done, at vrious times. I'm wondering if you have any relatives who could maybe stay for a couple of days to see how much you can manage? I think it would be worth thinking about? Or a girlfriend maybe? YES I'VE CHANGED, PAIN DOES THAT TO PEOPLE.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,081
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Hi Joanna - Am pleased that you have a date for surgery - it will no doubt help in the long term. I understand your worries about looking after the children after the op. How old are they?
Julie
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Joanna I know it sounds pretty horrible and its not something I have had done but I think after a few days you may find you can manage okay by adapting. I've had a thumb reconstruction which involved cutting tendons and moving bone about then pinning it all together. At the time I had three young children but managed despite an external fixator and loads of bandages!! Sometimes when needs must you actually surprise yourself! Hope it all goes well for you  Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/7/2010 Posts: 441 Location: Bristol
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Thanks guys! Julie1: My tots are aged 6 and 10 so I can always call on my daughter (10) to chip in. Julie2: My family are a zillion miles away in South Africa but I do have my boyfriend who lives about 20 miles away. He's normally pretty good and if he knows I need help, he'll do what he can. I've just got to learn to ask! Lyn: You are absolutely right! It's the fear of the unknown but no-one's going to starve or drown or anything else!  I don't think I'll have much time to think about it now anyway. I went to see the GP yesterday about my dodgy tummy that I've had for six LONG weeks and, while she was feeling my tummy, noticed a mole on my leg. After much investigation of all the spots and blotches on my body, and in view of the fact that my dad had skin cancer, she's insisted it's got to come out. So that's happening in the next week apparently. As for the tummy, she's testing for c-diff, mrsa and various other nasties. Something to look forward to!! Joanna
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,740
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Hi Joanna wishing you all very best for your pre assement and opeation,sorry ehar your family so far away by way my hubby is from south africa his family mostly there also,except his mum,step dad they here. so your to have lot test done plus mole removal,think they freeze it for you,my old gp did this at surgery very small procedure. do let me know how you get on shall think of you,heres hoping nothing to much comes off tests must be great concern for you. lv Melly cuddly cats make my world seem so much more fun
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 854
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Hi Joanna,
What a worrying time for you. Glad that the moel was spotted as it sounds as if it is better off. I have had hand surgery which I dreaded because of the fear of how I would manage. It was far better than I thought it would be as you learn to adapt using the other hand and the bandaged hand as best you can.
Make sure that you have fride and food cupboards full of micro wave type meals which will do no-one any harm for a week or so.
Good luck to you,
Eleanor x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 1,524 Location: W. Yorkshire
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Oh heck what an exciting time you have to look forward to Jo  ! You might find a small bag which you can sling over your shoulder useful to transport things around in. And get that boyfriend installed!!! YES I'VE CHANGED, PAIN DOES THAT TO PEOPLE.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,582 Location: Oxfordshire
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Oh Jo! I am sorry you have so much to face at the moment.
Let's pray the mole is nothing and can be zapped easily and swiftly.
You're in our prayers,
Love,
Amanda
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,081
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Wow Jo - so much to think about. Let us know how you get on.
Julie
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2010 Posts: 914
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Hi Jo,
If you lived near me I would help you, really hope all goes well for you. I will keep you in my prayers. Love Lorna xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 312
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Hi Jo, I had some hand surgery done. Mine was Carpel Tunnel release. I had my left hand done first and then eight months later my right hand. Both were a great success, done under local anaesthetic. I found that with the ops I had the most annoying days were untill the stitches were removed. A big bandage also had to be worn and a sling for a few days immediately afterwards, but looking back, I think the big bandage days were the most limiting. However, having a 10 year old to help out will be a big bonus for you. It is very surprising how many things can be done one handed! I understand what you mean by "learning to ask for help" too. It is not easy for me either to ask for help. But I wish you the very best of luck with the operation. Hand surgery can really make a big difference to your quality of life. Best wishes, Fiona
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Good luck Jo I am sure all will go well. Best of luck
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Dear Joanna
Here's hoping the op will be a HUGE success. I know how daunting ops are (not had hands done, though) but I'm sure it will be worthwhile when you are "mended".
Take care and I will say a prayer for you on the 7th.
Lots of love
Jeanxxxx
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