Monday, 22 September 2008

Stitches to come of a different kind...

Well now for the excuse of why I've been off line for a wee bit... very long story short - I had been waiting for an appointment to come through the public health system to see a surgeon for my right hand (carpal tunnel) - well two weeks ago got a phone call out of the blue from the hospital saying they had a cancellation and could I make it the following Thursday (18th Sept). So along came the appointment and I met the surgeon, she kindly agreed that yes indeed I've got severe carpal tunnel in my right hand (yup knew that) and that I definately needed it operated on sooner rather than later as was nearing the point where I could end up with permanent nerve damage. Then we talked about my left hand, and she said - right then - I'll operate on that one too then.

Crickey I had only pysched myself for the right hand... she then said "hmm I think I've got a spot free in two weeks - how would that suit you" - so I'm booked in to get both hands done next Thrs (2nd Oct) - evidently takes only about 10 mins each hand, they make about a 5 cm incision from your wrist through middle of your palm (found a great YouTube video of an operation today that I had a look at - I know crazy - though I like to know what I'm getting myself into).

So its all happening really quickly after putting off it off for years before I made myself do something about the constant numbness... So since then have been working on tidying up the house, working on finishing a few projects etc... the downside is that my Stitcher's Angel swap partner will receive their goodies a little later than planned... I've had to cancel my spot at a machine quilting class and our stitching group's retreat which were all timed for October.... ah well - to take the time out now will mean I should be 100% by Christmas time ...

On the plus side, my baby sister (Junior Witch) has taken it upon herself that she is going to come up (from Oamaru) and be my 'hands' and 'driver' for nearly two weeks, while I'm off work, she's a little bossy and a bit of a clean freak (she knows this so its okay to write this in my blog LOL) so I've also been having a bit of a spring clean fit! Am so excited that she is coming to stay, though the pressure... not!! The husband and daughters are most pleased that they won't be called upon to be the house-slaves, cooks and cleaners. Damn and I'd just finished polishing the brass bell to keep by my couch.

I may even convert Junior Witch to become a quilter yet! I had already promised to "quiltery-sit" for Yvonne at Sawmillers Quiltery on 4th and 5th October, long before I knew about the op, as Yvonne and Kevin are going to Aussie to visit with a supplier to source more wonderful fabrics and goodies for their Quiltery - so I will now be the 'vocal' hostess and Junior Witch will be taking a crash course in cutting fabric and using the shop till as not too sure how good my hands will be. So if you happen to be passing by Plateau Road, Te Marua and in need of some stitching supplies - do pop in to say hello and have a look at the fantastic new fabrics that Yvonne has in the Quiltery. Check out her blog (see above link) to have a sneak peak...

Well my dear friends, I will sign off here, will load some more posts during the week as I tick off items on the "to do" list before 2nd Oct... am rather nervous about it all - though have 'googled' carpal tunnel and like I mentioned above watched the YouTube video of an operation - it all sounds like its a pretty simplistic operation and recovery time can be all good if you take it easy and keep within your limits. Just no heavy lifting for approx 3 months - damn, that means I can't lift the wet washing in the laundry basket or carry the groceries - ooh I could get used to this...

Have a fantastic week.
Hugs

4 comments:

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Best wishes for a speedy recovery from your surgery! Enjoy the well deserved break from all the cleaning (every cloud has a silver lining!) and hope that your family and sister spoil you while you are out of action! Take care.

Ali Honey said...

Best Wishes for a good out come from the surgery. The short term will be a nuisance but the long term gain is what you need to focus on. Hope it all goes smoothly. Hope you have some good reading put by for your " no use hands days."

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Hi Julz...re your up and coming operation....I had this op done about 15 years ago...and believe me, brilliant, my hand is amazing, I was told that the same thing would happen to my left hand, but not yet....remember do not over do it...take care....and you will have a speedy recovery...

Kacey said...

Hi from Ohio, USA. I've been busily reading a bunch of quilting blogs and enjoying myself immensely. Your carpal tunnel post stopped me. (Old nurse here) My daughter has had both hands done, but only one at a time. My husband had both of his done the same day. At that time, they applied soft casts and assumed that he had good enough sense to take it easy. By the next morning, he was out in the barn shoveling horse manure with his bandaged hands. The big problem was (how to put this delicately) wiping his own bottom with those big bandages. Don't forget to get some large rubber gloves for such needs. I keep telling him he is so lucky to have a nurse for a wife!