I have had a few injuries in my life a couple WC related and others not- but here is the current issue which needs attention so I am asking this of you--------The testing for ulnar nerve damage has a guide of a 10 rating which means they recommend surgery- my test rating was a 16--not all that good- I was sent to a surgeon and he said do it now or do it later it will not improve and will only get worse do not wait to long- so that was in March- he gave me a brace to wear at night that sucks and restricts all movement- and kept me waking up all night because you can not bend your arm--as you can guess it is in the drawer---I cancelled the 2nd appointment because that would have been to say do it or not- I am single and live alone- it is in my left non dominate arm- I have it slightly in my right but nothing like the left-I have paid all my deductible for group health so I should do this this year- also I am also kind of looking to change jobs so I want to do this before I get the offer I can not refuse-----so I am getting ready to make the follow up appt and set a surgery date after my vacation in mid Sept.------ok to many details-- my question is--- has anyone had this surgery and can tell me about the recovery period? Limits and how long ? I know it will be tough dressing and hair and all that but for how long? I have not had any WC claimants in 32 yrs that have had this surgery-Do any of you have a responce for this one- I would really appreciate it
Dallas, I'm sorry I can't help you with any of your medical questions. I just wanted to tell you that I am sorry you are going through this. You are a very special lady and I am sorry for any pain you are going through. I will hope the absolute best for you and I know that if anyone can deal with this you can!
ksgirl- thank you - I broke my neck in 1981 in a diving accident -I had no feelings in my hands then but that all went away so when it crept back on me again I thought it came back from that but at the same time I also had issues in my upper back which was my neck and found a herniated disc on the rt and nerve damage on the left---- also in Feb-March this yr-- which I thought was the problem- partly- and had ESI then just one and that was great--but this became a different issue-- not happy about it but - will have to deal with it
thanks for your thoughts I know I can deal with it but not sure what to expect from a patient point of view-I am a survivor in many ways and experiances in my life-- just would kind of like to know what to expect- thanks for caring that means a lot
You don't know how much I wish I could do more than care. If I could fix you I would. I know I am not the only one that appreciates the person you are.
Thank you both I really appreciate your caring and you best wishes- sithie- thanks I will chck the sites out
Dallas....always good to see you. I am sorry you are faced with this. I believe grundig just had this surgery. He would be your best help. Could be wrong but I'm pretty sure it's him.
CAP
Dallas
I can only tell you what I have read - that is that it works and it doesn't work. Really depends on the person. So instead I will give you some tips to get ready for the surgery.
Since it's your non dominate hand - some things will be easy for you
But you should still cook and freeze ahead 2 weeks of meals of buy a couple weeks of those nice healthy frozen dinners. (Notice I said healthy)
You can freeze water in old pop bottles or water bottles (20 oz size) that way they thaw out through out the day and you always have something cold to drink at hand.
a bag of frozen corn or frozen peas makes a great ice pack for when you need it. Just mark them with an X so you know they are Ice packs ...... lol
Practice now learning to wash your hair with one hand - and showering with one hand - this will help when you first get home.
Conditioner will become your friend after washing your hair as it will make it easier to brush - and don't worry about styling - or you can always splurge and go to a beauty salon and get it washed and styled.
Have a table set up where things can be put in easy reach - water, tv remote, etc. Also remember a pillow close by to rest your elbow on. (I think grundig said his was in a cast)
Nerves can take up to 18 months or longer to heal - remember that - from what I have read - so not sure how long a transposition will take. But you will be irritating the nerve so expect the nerve to go haywire on you. Some meds work better than others for nerve pain than others - so if one doesn't work - tell your doctor.
Finally and not least - make sure you have a lap top or computer at home so that you can stop in here and let us know how you are doing.
Pooh thanks for the tips I like that-I have a laptop and I also did not think about driving-how am I going to talk on the phone- put on my make up and drive with one arm-ok that was truly a joke. I do ot multi task when driving
Dallas,
Sorry that I can't help you with your problem. Wish that I could. I am responding to something that Pooh said about frozen veggies for ice packs.
Reusable Ice Pack
Get two one gallon resealable storage bags
In first, pour 1 cup rubbing alcohol and one cup water. Seal bag, while pressing out all air. Place inside of 2nd bag and seal this one as well. Put in freezer.
The alcohol will freeze, but not as hard as ice, and it will be easy to form around the area that needs icing. It's not as lumpy as frozen veggies, so will be more comfortable if you have to lay your arm on it.
Something else to do before surgery, make sure that all laundry is done and that clean linens are put on your bed. Also stock up on some healthy snacky type foods for those times when you are hungry but don't feel like heating up anything (carrot sticks, celery, green onions, cucumbers {peeled and sliced} sliced cheeses and meats) anything that will be easy to grab and not require 2 hands to manuever.
Sorry that I can't help more. But I know what it is like having only one hand to do things with. I had 2 surgeries on my dominant hand within a 5 month period. I had to wrap my hand and arm, up to my elbow in a plastic bag and tape it to me every time that I had to take a shower or try to do anything that contained water and it wasn't any fun at all.
Angel ^j^