Two consecutive posts with ‘hand’ in their titles, shows that yesterday, at least, our subconsciouses were working overtime.
Today, you see, I received my Dupuytren’s fasciectomy.
This was performed by Mr Simon Richards at Knightwood Ward, Lymington Hospital. He and rest of the team were friendly, efficient, and considerate. Although I was given a squeezy thingy to summon assistance if I needed it, at no time was I left to ask for anything.
I can’t describe the procedure because I was under a general anaesthetic at the time. I was most fortunate to be first on the list because before 11 a.m. I was in bed, awake, and dying for a pee. When, asked if I needed anything, I announced this latter fact, I was offered a bottle. I had to explain that I am emotionally unable to use such devices. Apparently it was a little soon for me to leave the bed. Two nurses therefore escorted me to the loo door. This was quite a relief. A short while after this, toast and marmalade and a large mug of coffee were brought in, followed by tea soon afterwards.
There was a delightful woodland view from my bedroom window. Since there were other wards catering for up to ten other day surgery patients, I considered myself privileged to have been given my own room.
My blood pressure, pulse, and temperature were checked and pronounced satisfactory at regular intervals. I managed to mess things up a bit when a young woman was helping me to dress. The anaesthetic and any further necessities are applied through tubes attached to the back of the sound hand, by a small plug with a rather long needle inserted. This had not yet been removed. When it came to my shirt, my dresser concentrated on the left, in the sling, arm, whilst I dealt with the other one. In error I pulled the needle out, and within seconds, I had a leech-like protuberance engorging itself on the hand. The young woman immediately obtained and applied an ice-pack to reduce the swelling, and replaced this with dental wadding to keep it down.
The photograph of the back of my hand shows the wadding; my bar code and best after date; and the Tissot watch Jessie gave me when I retired. I wear the latter all the time now.
I need to wear the sling for three days, and begin follow-up physiotherapy next week. With just one functioning hand, and one dodgy leg, my manoeuvrability is somewhat hampered, but at least my good hand is capable of typing.
I had to rely on Jackie to take photographs; to drive backwards and forwards to the hospital; to relieve me of my laptop each time I fell asleep over it as I dozed away the afternoon; to continue the garden maintenance; and, recognising I would appreciate finger food, to collect a Chinese takeaway meal this evening. You’ve got to hand it to her.
Get some rest and heal, Derrick. That sling and wrap looks monstrously heavy. Glad all went well though.
Thanks Ray. Actually it’s very light
Ye wee scone, as they would say north of the border! Get better soon – at least the leaves are getting a rest! Lots of love Jessie xx
Many thanks Jessie XX
I hope you recover quickly Derrick , but you seem to be in very good hands. 🙂
Thank you Sylvie. I am
Our daughter was born with fingers webbed together. This required cutting in a zigzag pattern and attaching skin taken from her side. The trick was it had to be done early or the fingers grow in a spiral twist. The second trick was she wore casts that were like clam shell that are packed to keep the fingers separated. Of course she flung her arms around and loosened the set up. Fortunately the nurses at Sick Kids showed my wife what to do so that when we went to the Emerg in our small community hospital she could direct the staff – they knew about the process of re-packing, but had never actually had to do it. 😀
Hope all goes well. Take care, plenty of rest. All the best – you’ll be slinging that sling in no time. 🙂
Well well well. I trust your daughter is OK now. Thank you for your good wishes
You look just as together and sprightly as ever Derrick! Home soon I hope – be well!
Many thanks Pauline. Arrived at hospital at 8 a.m. Back home soon after 1
get well soon Derrick,,,i pray your fast recovery,,,no scrabble yet,,just rest,,,,
Thank you Puring. Only one hand required for typing 🙂
Well done, Derrick. Lucky we only need one finger for typing 🙂 Lucky you are blessed with an extra pair of hands 🙂 Take it easy.
Thank you Mary
Get restored fast! There are a few basic functions that, even though ‘armless, would be rather trying.
Thank you Bruce 🙂
This may be an opportunity to bask in your beautiful garden until the therapy starts…
Thank you arlingwoman
Well, I’m glad that part is over and the recovery can begin. I was so pleased that you were well taken care. I was in the emergency room last Thursday after falling over a stone and slicing the palm of my hand open. Derrick, it was a nightmare. I am going to print this post out and mail it along with my letter to the administrator to illustrate to him how one should be taken treated. It is wonderful that you and Jackie have each other.
Thank you very much Ginene. I do hope your hand is better
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!
Thank you Switters
Feel better soon, Derrick!
Thank you Kate
Glad everything went so well and you were taken care of with kindness and professionalism. Best wishes!
Many thanks Cynthia
Glad everything went well. I wish you a speedy and pain free recovery.
Thank you Rich
Well, it’s over! That arm looks tremendously bundled up. You need to hire a neighborhood kid to carry your arm around for you, ha ha. Heal quickly and keep your spirits up. Thank goodness for Jackie.
Thank you Crystal
Dear derrick get well soon. I couldn’t understand what you have with your hand but it looks seriously. Have a nice evening! bilere
Thank you Bilere. It will heal quickly
I’ll keep fingers crossed for you; -).
Hope you are doing much better now. Wishing you well.
Hand much better thanks
Best After Date – heh heh – Funny Guy. I see your sweet, happy spirit in the post and the pictures. All my best for a speedy recovery.
I am glad you noticed the joke Jodie. You are the first to mention it