I left it where?

My house is large. I have way more space than one little person needs. However, I am stuck with it for now due to our creative former governor's tax laws. If I move, I will pay twice as much in taxes. Property taxes here are high.

I have had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. I first had trouble more than 25 years ago from being on the Pill. At that time, the Pill meant birth control, not statins. I grated a zucchini for bread for my ex, and my hand shook violently and hurt. I walked the 6 blocks to my doctor and showed him. He sent me for neurological tests. I had recently gone on the Pill. I went off, and my hands improved a little, but never went back to normal. Then they got worse.

Four or five times over the following 25 years I had EMG tests. They hurt. For me, they hurt unbearably. The first time I cried after a few minutes from the pain. The second time, I cried as soon as the doctor turned the machine on and I heard the ticking noise. I was a cooperative patient, I just hurt and cried. All tests showed negative for carpal tunnel syndrome. In the meantime, my hands deteriorated. I could not use anything that vibrated, such as weed whackers or drills. I would drop them and be unable to even hold a glass of water with two hands. Negative. Right. A gentle tap on the inside of my wrist could bring tears to my eyes. Having a nurse take my pulse was very painful. I would just grit my teeth when they grabbed my wrist and hope she could get it done fast. I didn't even button cuffs on blouses. I folded them up. I wear my watch loose.

Finally about 3 years ago my internist told me I had to get my hands fixed. I explained that I would not have that test done again. He said I had to go as I was losing muscle tone in my hands. He sent me to a plastic surgeon who specialized in hands. I told him no EMGs. He walked me across the hall to have the EMG done. I cried. I walked back across the hall and was told I was negative again. I cried more. I told him I would just have to live with the pain and weakness because no way could I ever tolerate that test again. He listened to me, and then told me he would fix my hands. He would do one at a time, 6 weeks apart.

He gave me Versed for the surgery. Oh boy, what a drug! I insisted on a double dose, as I tend to be resistant to medication. He accommodated. I remember nothing of the surgery, and I healed very fast. The second time, I did not respond the same. I was alert for at least half of the surgery. Thinking he was done and stitching me up, I asked to see my hand. He said I didn't want to see it. I insisted, he finally said OK. My wrist was wide open. Ewww. That was educational.

Try to put on deodorant under your right arm with a your right hand because your left is in a cast. I am limber, and I found it difficult. Try washing your hair with one hand. Then try to rinse it. I developed some creative skills while wearing the soft casts. I healed, the pain was gone, and the scars are invisible.

But - I have lost use of a muscle in my right thumb. I find it difficult to do things like pick up change off a counter. My fingers just balk at the movement. I have been told that my disease was so advanced that the muscle will not ever come back. Yet, I tested negative. Repeatedly.

Many people who have carpal tunnel syndrome surgery need it again within a few years. I chose not to be one of those people. However, I may have made a premature decision. My wrists hurt. Both of them. I decided today to get out my splints and wear them for a while at night, and see if that helps the nerves any. But there is no way anyone will operate on me without having another EMG on each hand. There is no way I will have that test done again.

I had the surgery 3 years ago, and put the splints "away." I immediately remembered that I saw one in the garage, and grabbed it. I thought they were together. I can't find the left one. I can either find things right away or I have to tear the house apart. Any suggestions on where I should look?

 

sorry this got so long.....