It all started several months ago with pain every now and then in my wrist. It gradually grew more consistent, and intense, especially when aggravating it with something wonderful like drum or guitar playing. Eventually I began to see a small bump which I figured was an occult ganglion cyst, and was confirmed by my doctor, and orthopedist. You see by the pictures some of the tests done to make sure it really was what we all thought it was. I scheduled my surgery for Monday, March 10th, after my last scheduled playing of the drums for our women’s prayer and praise conference that previous Saturday, which was amazing by the way.
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Pretty much the pictures tell the rest of the story. Yesterday was the first day my hand wasn’t swollen, and the second day I actually was able to use my fingers, and stay awake the whole day. Praise God I wasn’t sick from the anesthesia, but wow, I had no idea it would wipe me out the whole week like it did. The pain killer didn’t work, I haven’t been able to sleep due to pain, and the awkwardness of the brace and trying to keep my hand elevated 24/7. Also, I’ve had just about every dream imaginable this past week…my brain has gone crazy at night, also not allowing me to rest much. Last night was the best sleep I’ve had in a week. It’s getting better though.
I’ve been humbled in more ways than one by all this: mom had to help me bathe, dress me, and do pretty much everything else you could think of – and those you would never think of until you experience it – that requires the use of two working hands (i.e. unscrewing a lid, putting your hair up, driving – although I’ve had to do that one-handed lately – opening a cd case…well, opening anything really, most cooking, cutting food, etc.). I’ve also realized how for granted I took playing music…guitar especially. Doctor says six weeks in the brace to let the tendons/ligaments heal, as he had to split them and go down into the joint. After that he says it could be six to twelve months before I regain full mobility….but we’ll see what God does about that. Please keep my recovery in your prayers.
I go tomorrow morning to get my stitches out. Stay tuned…
