Saturday, July 24, 2010

Just call me Lefty...

This Wednesday, July 28, I'm finally having the first of the two wrist surgeries to take care of my carpal tunnel syndrome. After several doctor visits and tests - including the infamous EMG electrical test I wish to never take again - I was referred to a hand specialist a few weeks ago. Dr. Lincoski of Allegheny Orthopedics, of State College PA will be doing the surgery. When I saw him earlier this month, he had just come back from volunteering a stint in Afghanistan, performing hand surgery on wounded soldiers and citizens. I think that's very noble. He specializes in only conditions of the hand and wrist, and performs many CTS surgeries... in fact, looking at his calendar for July 28, I saw that I'm one of four CTS procedures he's performing just that day.

No one looks forward to having surgery, but obviously I'm excited to have the chance to put the CTS symptoms behind me. Not only does it make it difficult to type and write, but I've been a DIYer all my life. I enjoy working on all sorts of home projects, and working outside in the yard and garden. For instance, clearing weeds in the garden is more difficult. Heck, just holding onto some objects sometimes can be challenging - causing me to drop things often. Plus, the numbness and tingling in the fingers, probably one of the most annoying symptoms of CTS, makes it difficult to fall asleep, in addition to any minor chore involving the hands that we all take for granted.

I'll report back to my readers sometime after Wednesday when I'm feeling up to it. We're doing the right hand first, so I guess for a while my new nickname will be Lefty!

6 comments:

  1. William RichardsonJuly 25, 2010 at 8:21 PM

    I wish you the best JD and a healthy speedy return !!

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  2. Thank you William! I appreciate that very much.

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  3. Hi JD
    Thats caused by having your hand in the cookie jar.Good luck with the surgery and a speedy recovery.
    Best Wishes
    Roy

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  4. JD,
    Good luck with the surgery, and hope you have a speedy recovery.
    Jim Coyle

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  5. JD,
    Good luck with your surgery. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
    Scott

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  6. JD, I have had 2 dozen EMG's--plus one now. I once brought in a local AM radio station at my neuro's office in Ann Arbor, which I was told happened sometimes. I HATE them, but what can you do? I'm having the same surgery on both hands whenever a chronic bronchial condition I have clears up. My right hand is shot too. I've had 3 cervical spine surgeries and one thoracic spine surgery so this should be a relative cakewalk. I hope. I lost the use of my right hand and arm before my first neck surgery over 14 years ago but find now that I am older, I am really, really clumsy and awkward left handed, LOL. Good to know relief is almost immediate.
    OTOH, I was in the ER last weekend with this pulmonary thing and they drew a blood gas which is not your usual blood draw. I'd have rather had the EMG. Ouch.

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