Three days left to be double-handed, before the wrist repair for the damages done to my right wrist from RA. It just went too far before the current drugs were introduced, damages already done can not be reversed. RA has destroyed all the cartilage between the bones of the wrist and hand, so they are rubbing against each other, over lapping and the ulnar bone has drifted away from the joint.. These three procedures will be done:
Synovisectomy, Distal ulnar resection, and Proximal Row Carpectomy. You can google these and see what they are doing.
Yuck!
So, in preparing for single-handed living single, I have gotten alot of Spring cleaning done that I won't be able to do for awhile. Also, in place of trying to prepare meals, I just bought 15 frozen Lean Quisine and WW meals, and a large, 3 pound bag of frozen California veggies. Lots of Cottage Cheese and yogurt, and grapes and strawberries for breakfast and lunches.
Laundry done, till I do the bedding on Saturday. My friends promise to be in and out, so I won't really be alone all the time.
Thus why I am such a strong proponent of Prevention, using the drugs research has provided for us, to stop the disease, or atleast, put it to sleep! Moderate to severe pain means the inflammation is still active and liable to destroying joints, cartilage and even the bones, if left to just coverage with pain meds. We need pain meds, but we especially need the anti-inflammatories, DMARDs and Biologics. We may have to push for these, to make sure damage doesnot happen.
Once the inflammation is under control, we won't need the pain meds as much.
Now, I think I have the Activities of Daily Living covered: Getting dressed, covered. Brushing teeth, with left hand awkward, but possible, sqeezing toothpaste by leaning the tube half over the edge of the sink counter and then leaning against it, while holding the toothbrush in front with my left hand. Tricky! Spreading cream cheese on the English muffin with left hand, not possible...the muiffin keeps moving! But thinking about leaning on it with my elbow to hold it still while applying the cream cheese. Or, I have a C clamp in my work shop. Having the cream cheese in a tube would not be any help, see notes about toothpaste! Peanut butter is no easier!
Could just skip English Muffins, but not an option. Did you know you can scramble an egg or two in a coffee cup, sprayed with non-stick spray, just use a fork to break the yoke and microwave for 1 minute. It's done, it's round and fits perfectley in an English Muffin.
I am aware of the possible difficulties ahead, but the options aren't so good either. I must do this so I can get back some normalcy to my wrist and hand. Walking with a walker will make it a bit testy, though I do not hold onto the handle grips now due to the problem with wrists. So I steer with both forearms. Works fine, I just have to be careful to make sure the right forearm doesn't slip with the bandage or cast on it. Won't know which he will use until I wake up.
On the 19th I have to go back to the big city of Cleveland to have dressing changed, get xrays and take them with me to see the surgeon. At this time he will explain to me exactly what he did and why., and I will see this fine gentleman once more. I have to ask him "Will I be able to play the piano?", and he'll surely say, "Oh sure", and I will say, "Oh that's wonderful, I've always wanted to play the piano" I'll be back! L. xxxx