Status post carpal tunnel release:

[blackgarden]

I've always been told that virtual chocolates are the best medicine, so thank you, babysquid! What a sweet (hah!) gift! And, my darling cinnamonblood, thank you for the card! I've always been told that fluffy kittens are the best medicine, also

Comments

[etiolate]

You should walk up to people, show your palm and yell "STYGMAAAAAAAAATAAAA"

[blackgarden]

Does stigmata require stitches? What do they do if you go to a hospital with nail wounds in your hands? And if you're in the clergy, can you file a workers' compensation claim for your stigmata?

[justbluemyself]

Wow. That looks... ouch. Is that cross thing on your hand bruising? That's kinda weird. My hands hurt on your behalf.

[blackgarden]

The X is pen, some sort of marking from the procedure. I tried to wash it off, but I was afraid of getting soap in the wound.

They also wrote YES on the back of my left wrist -- advanced technology to ensure I receive the correct procedure in the correct part.

[ewacat]

It sounds weird to put it this way, but I'm in awe.

[blackgarden]

Well thank you. It will give me a cool scar when it's healed. :-)

[roniabirk]

Owwwww. Now was this condition something you inherited or from use of your hands at the computer, etc.?

[blackgarden]

It's a little of both. I was born with tiny wrists and really small carpal tunnels; and I've been typing for the last decade, at home and as a job. The extreme overuse and pre-existing vulnerability caused an abnormally severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome.

[roniabirk]

Well, I'm glad you were able to get the surgery to help it. My wrists are barely 6" around where that bone is on the outside. What is considered small? :\ (Because goodness knows I've been on a computer a TON starting ~ 1996.)

[blackgarden]

My wrists are the same size -- about six inches around. And if you've been doing a lot of keyboarding (I've been typing seriously since about '96, too), there's certainly a serious risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Obviously, you should be really aware of any changes in grip strength or any numbness or tingling in your fingers. Also, there is a technique you can try called the Phalen maneuver, where you press the backs of your hands together, elbows pointing out and fingers pointing downward, with your wrists flexed. You hold that for like one minute, and any tingling or pain in the fingers is an indication of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The best thing you can do is to be aware of your potential risk. There are some good preventative techniques, like ergonomic computer accessories, and conservative treatment measures, like wrist braces.

That's all the advice I can give; of course I really hope it won't be a problem for you. *hugs*

[babysquid]

well... i wish you had less pain, but i know from experience that surgeries have their own pain... i hope it lessens soon.
your welcome for the chocolates. i wanted to send you something but am extremely broke and that would get to you immediately. i'm glad it gave you a little smile at least. miss you Abby. and i hope everything works out so that you can get back to being you and abbyhappy and come visit so me and the cats can force you to watch DVDs and eat BonBons (if i can afford them) and i can show you around this city. *hugs*

[blackgarden]

I miss you too, sweetie. I hate that you're half a country away (instead of half a state!) but you're going to get settled into your Chicago life and it'll all be lovely. We're both in similar situations right now, having to ride out the storm before we get the pretty weather again.

I just wish you were close enough for me to bring over pizza and gay porn wholesome entertainment, so we can kick away that stressed mood.