Ready as I'll ever be for my surgery on Wednesday.

[Katie H]

Well, the clock is counting down until I have the surgery on my right index finger.

The first joint will be fused, and the joint below will be replaced.

I am SOOOO ready. The arthritis pain has gotten to the point that I can barely stand it, and the finger is so misshapen it looks like a corkscrew. Truly.

I have difficulty holding silverware to eat and brushing my teeth is a real challenge. Doesn't matter if I use my left hand because I have no feeling there due to severe neuropathy. It's the old "damned if I do and damned if I don't!"

Wednesday's the day and I won't know the time for the procedure until late Tuesday afternoon. The nice thing is that it will be done on an outpatient basis, and I can be home to recover. In my own house. Sleeping in my own bed.

I imagine Wednesday will be a total wash and I've planned to have canned soup and cookies for supper.

The next morning's breakfast is a no-brainer for us, so that's covered, as is lunch.

Beyond Thursday's lunch, I've prepared nearly 2 weeks of evening meals and have them ready and in the freezer.

Will return to see the doctor to have the stitches removed on the 31st and a first session of physical therapy.

We'll get groceries on Tuesday and any and all greeting cards that have to be mailed are written and ready to be mailed as indicated by the date listed where the stamp will go.

Laundry will be done Tuesday night. I have a couple of great audio books to entertain me, so I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

 

[dragnlaw]

WOW - you're sooo organized!

I'm curious - will the finger be absolutely straight on the end when they fuse it? or is there perhaps a tiny slight bend?
or are people going to think you are always pointing somewhere?

yeah, if you're right hand dominant, I can see that being difficult. I don't remember how I coped with my right carpal tunnel, was a very long time ago - but I don't remember it being difficult and I don't think it was and it sure wasn't a joint being replaced!

What do they replace it with? Do we now refer to you as the $6,000,000 Titanium Kate!

 

[Rocklobster]

Good luck!

 

[Katie H]

WOW - you're sooo organized!

I'm curious - will the finger be absolutely straight on the end when they fuse it? or is there perhaps a tiny slight bend?
or are people going to think you are always pointing somewhere?

yeah, if you're right hand dominant, I can see that being difficult. I don't remember how I coped with my right carpal tunnel, was a very long time ago - but I don't remember it being difficult and I don't think it was and it sure wasn't a joint being replaced!

What do they replace it with? Do we now refer to you as the $6,000,000 Titanium Kate!

Before the doctor fuses the joint, he's going to straighten it out so it will look normal but just won't bend. I've been watching how I use that finger and having it stable shouldn't cause me any real inconvenience.

Ah, what the heck! I can add this to my titanium right knee.

I guess part of my organizing is having raised 8 children.

 

[jennyema]

Good luck, Katie!

 

[dragnlaw]

Only problem I had when they did my wrist was I could not SEE what she was doing.
Then 2(?) yrs ago, when they did my left hand - nothing like yours of course! Not even close!
Had my thumb, middle finger, ring finger and wrist all done at the same time. She finally gave up and with the last joint let me sit up to see what she was doing, pointing out this, that and blah, blah, blah. Then said if I didn't shut up and lay back again she would strap my head down.

If it is day surgery then it will be in the morning and they'll kick you out as soon as they know you can be coherent.
Keep a bottle of water on your bedside, with the lid loosened. You'll probably wake and have a really dry mouth.

Be thinking of you... hugs!

 

[cjmmytunes]

Good luck Katie! I'll be thinking about you.

 

[Katie H]

Only problem I had when they did my wrist was I could not SEE what she was doing.
Then 2(?) yrs ago, when they did my left hand - nothing like yours of course! Not even close!
Had my thumb, middle finger, ring finger and wrist all done at the same time. She finally gave up and with the last joint let me sit up to see what she was doing, pointing out this, that and blah, blah, blah. Then said if I didn't shut up and lay back again she would strap my head down.

If it is day surgery then it will be in the morning and they'll kick you out as soon as they know you can be coherent.
Keep a bottle of water on your bedside, with the lid loosened. You'll probably wake and have a really dry mouth.

Be thinking of you... hugs!

I'm guessing it will be in the morning but won't know for sure until get a call Tuesday afternoon. I hope it's not too early since the hospital is an hour away. Oh well. Whatever!

At my last appointment with the doctor, he said I would be put "out" and would be able to leave to return home when I was as clear-headed as appropriate. I do well coming out of anesthesia so I don't expect much delay there.

I hear you about the water and will mention it to Glenn so two heads will be alert about it.

 

[Andy M.]

Good luck Katie.

 

[Meryl]

The best of luck to you, @Katie H.

 

[Shining Wizard]

Hope you have a wonderful result from this procedure. All the best!

 

[taxlady]

Sending positive vibes for a great result and speedy healing.

 

[dragnlaw]

would be able to leave to return home when I was as clear-headed as appropriate.

LOL, yeah - when they did my shoulder I went in around 10 am (think) and was out the door around 4:30? When they woke me, I saw a doctor, 2 nurses & my gal picking me up - just looked at them all and said - "Crap, Go Away - I'm sleeping". Doc said 'she's good to go.

 

[jennyema]

Good luck, Katie! It will end up being a great decision

 

[pictonguy]

My thoughts will be with you Katie!

 

[Kathleen]

Good luck, @Katie H! You sound all set except I did not see your assigned poster for DC identified!

Seriously, get well soon.

 

[skilletlicker]

I so admire your strength and determination. I hope life gets easier after your surgery and rehab.

 

[Katie H]

I so admire your strength and determination. I hope life gets easier after your surgery and rehab.

Part of my determination is pure old stubborn Irish. That trait was definitely passed down to me by my Irish ancestors, plus I am not a quitter. Sometimes I may go slowly, but I don't quit. Just my nature.

 

[Katie H]

I just got the call from the hospital. I'm to report for duty at 8 a.m. Takes an hour or so to get there. Oh, boy it'll be o'dark hundred time to get up but, at least, I won't have to bother with breakfast. The plus is that I'm most likely one of the surgeon's first patients and he should be fresh, and I'll get home reasonably early to rest and recover in my own comfy surroundings.

Let the games begin!!

 

[dragnlaw]

That's great!

I'll have one for you!