I've been waiting for this day.

[Tar Heel]

As a result of the TS accident, I've had 3 stainless steel pins in my thumb for the last 9 1/2 weeks. They were scheduled to be removed on Dec. 4 but the surgeon decided to delay it by 2 weeks. They were finally removed today. The thumb is fused in a permanent position and I have to wear an aluminum splint for at least another month. I can deal with the splint much better than the pins. I'm still not out of the woods yet. If this fused joint doesn't get strong enough he will have to operate again and install steel dowels in the bone which would be there for the rest of my life. Hopefully, that won't be necessary.

As soon as the pin holes heal, I can take a shower without wrapping my hand in a plastic bag for the first time since October 9. No, I didn't say I haven't had a shower since Oct. 9, I said I would be able to take one without wrapping my hand. :gar-La; Slowly, but surely, I am regaining the use of my left hand. I'm left-handed and it has been tough doing certain things with my right hand. I still have that chest of drawers I was working on when I cut it to complete.

 

[RayH]

Stuart,

Sounds like you are doing great. Now, just listen to the doc and let it finish healing. The woodworking can wait -- your hand can't.

Best wishes,
Ray

 

[Keye]

When you do start back go slow. I have been out of the shop since the end of July because of surgery. I started back doing a little just a week ago. I am amazed at how our of shape I am. Do not know your level of activity after surgery but I was not allowed to do anything.

I have been making BS boxes for a few days and I can not believe how sore and tired I am. The two pieces of furniture I was working on will have to wait awhile. Try not to jump right back to the level of work you were doing. You may find yourself back out of commission pretty quick.

Between the shop work and riding horses everyday I thought my legs were in good shape. They may have been but I feel like I am starting over.

Take care of yourself. A setback would really be a bummer.

 

[PChristy]

Stuart, Sounds like the healing is coming alone - I know what you are talking about when you mentioned those pins - I broke my right little finger at the forth knuckle - the one close to the wrist - the doc bolted it back together plus put one pin in - I had to keep it all wrapped up while I took a shower and I am right handed - I had only one pin I can't imagine three - hang in there it will get better

 

[LeftyTom]

Good on ya, Stuart. Things slowly get around to better.

 

[Alan in Little Washington]

Stuart,

I hope it all works out.

Speaking of keeping injuries dry. When I was a teen I was a serious swimmer. One winter, in the middle of the season, I broke a bone in the base of my thumb that required I wear an elbow length cast for 6-8 weeks in the days before waterproof casts. That was too long to be out of the water and not training, so my parents got a supply of HUGE latex gloves from a relative who was a veterinarian. I spent a half hour before practice each day taping this shoulder length glove to my body to keep the cast dry. The hard part was explaining to the girls on our swim team about this huge, latex, artificial insemination glove used with cows! You get the picture. :embaresse:swoon:

 

[sapwood]

Stuart,
I gotta say that must be an unpleasant experience. However, I'm glad you are making some progress. Best of luck on the healing :icon_thum:icon_thum

Roger

 

[McRabbet]

Good news and keep up the progress, one day at a time.

 

[RandyJ]

Glad to hear recovery is progressing, Stuart! Don't rush it and you'll be good as new before you know it!

 

[ErnieM]

Stuart,

Glad to hear you're finally "pinless". Here's hoping the rest of your recovery is swift and complete.

Ernie

 

[TracyP]

Way to go Stuart, I can relate. The healing process from that type injury is long and slow. I was out of work for six months, and bag showered for four of that. You are doing great.

 

[Canuck]

Hang in there, Stuart!!!

That chest of drawers is just waiting for your gentle touch of expertise to touch it. (You know that you owe us some nice pictures of the chest to commemorate your return to fine woodworking!:wsmile I look forward to your progress!

Keep payin attention to what the doc tells' ya, and I am sure that you will be back in fine shape in no time!!!!!!!!!!!!!:icon_thum

That has been a very tough rap I am sure:BangHead:, but with a little willpower, you will be back at it with plenty of vigor in no time.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and thanks for keeping us updated with your recovery!

Good luck and look forward to some pics of that chest of drawers soon.

All the best!!!

Wayne

 

[Travis Porter]

Good to hear you are making progress.

Where are the latest pics? Hopefully, it is looking much better as well!

 

[rickc]

Been out of town quite a bit the last few weeks so I missed this. Very good news my friend! :thumbs_up Bet it took a couple days to get used to not having the pins in there! BTW - did the Doc lie about you feeling them being pulled out?

 

[Tar Heel]

Rick. believe me when I say it was wonderful to get the pins removed and I didn't feel a thing. My biggest fear was that I would inadvertently hit the pins and push them through causing much pain and many problems with the healing. I'll be much relieved when, hopefully, I hear that the steel dowels mentioned above won't be necessary. My positive attitude tells me that I will hear that good news on my next drs. visit on Jan. 21. There's no point in looking at it from a negative basis.

Travis, yes it is looking much better; I'll try to take a pic the next time the splint is removed.

 

[ashley_phil]

As soon as the pin holes heal, I can take a shower without wrapping my hand in a plastic bag for the first time since October 9.

I'll never forget the massive amounts of skin that came off my hand the first time I washed it in the shower. I was intrigued and grossed out at the same time.

Slowly, but surely, I am regaining the use of my left hand. I'm left-handed and it has been tough doing certain things with my right hand.

That has to be hard since your left handed. Luckily I cut my left thumb but I'm right handed. It was still an adjustment. I was so thrilled after about 6 months when I could open my jeep door with my left hand. I spent 6 months approaching the car, shuffleing everythign to my left hand/arm opening the door shuffling it back then getting in. it was such a pain.

Glad your on the way to recovery.

 

[cskipper]

Glad you've gotten this far! Believe me when I agree that taking it slow now still matters.