The past few days I have been fumbling as I type. The reason? My left hand is splinted (or maybe I would call it soft-splinted) in preparation for a surgery on my thumb which will take place in the early afternoon today. Nothing like not having normal use, to notice the many and varied ways having a fully functional thumb is helpful. For instance, it is pretty hard to open a cracked egg when the knuckle joint will not bend. And removing earrings? Forget about it. How did this all happen? A month or so ago, I was chopping vegetables (can't even remember what) with an especially sharp paring knife. I was in a hurry, not paying the usual attention. Yes, I did cut the back of my thumb knuckle. It was pretty deep but not wanting to go to emergency or anything, I just cleaned it and put a band-aid on. It was tender for a while but seemed to heal quickly and well. Fast forward to three weeks later. Another afternoon, more preparations for dinner. The ice in a flexible tray was sticking so I twisted it. Suddenly, the thumb felt funny. Not painful. Just different. Shortly thereafter, I noticed that it would not bend, no matter how much concentration I put on trying to make it do so. Well, I could make it bend manually, but not by thinking "bend" and having it happen. It just (excuse the cliche) stuck out like a sore thumb! Art had a Dr. appointment in two days. Our primary care doc thought I had probably nicked the tendon with the knife then finished the job with the twisting motion. He was right. I went to a hand surgeon so here we are today, awaiting another life adventure. I have felt a sense of rightness in having the reattachment done. No doubts as to going ahead, although other options were discussed. Even now, I feel no panic, which is somewhat surprising to me. Anyway, I know I will be fumbling around at the computer for whatever time recovery takes. And then, hopefully, nearly normal full use will be the result. (BTY: When in doubt and it is after hours, go to emergency!) As to the other digits (not fingers and toes) we are attempting to keep track of Dr. appointments. The numbers keep adding up. I haven't actually made a count, but it seems to be a big part of our life together now!
