Not a happy bunny

I'm currently waiting to have orthopaedic surgery on my hands to help counteract the effects of osteoarthritis. The procedure is known as trapeziectomy, where a small bone is removed from the wrist at the base of the thumb. I have the issue in both hands and find difficulty in gripping/holding anything between thumb and fingers. Even doing up buttons or tying shoe laces and using a knife and fork is painful and frankly my quality of life is suffering since I am no longer able to do many of things I enjoy like cycling, playing guitar and taking photographs.

In December last year I attended a pre-admission appointment to ensure I was a suitable candidate for anaesthesia. During the appointment I asked when the first surgery was likely to take place and I was told usually within 3 months. Given we are now in mid-March I rang the appointments secretary to query why I hadn't heard anything since my pre-admission appointment. It transpires I probably won't be seen now until July at the earliest, which means I will not get surgery on both hands this year (they only fix one hand at a time and the expected recovery between surgeries is as least 6 months).

Medically speaking I appreciate there are a lot of people worse off than me, but nevertheless this delay in what is a relatively simple procedure, which would make a considerable difference to me is bloody frustrating.

Another step forward...

So I had my pre-op assessment at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr this morning, which I passed with flying colours thank goodness and that's one step further forward towards getting the surgery I need on my hands. The next step in the process is for me to meet with the Specialist who will undertake the knife-work and the Anaesthetist who will take care of keeping me pain free during the operation.

I'm not complaining, but I think it's a shame it's not possible to go through the two processes on the same day since each visit entails a 60 mile round trip for me and this morning's assessment was already my third visit to the hospital. To be honest I'm just happy things are progressing.

I don't have a date yet for the aforementioned meeting, but I'm told it should happen in the not too distant future and the consequent surgery on my right hand should happen a couple of weeks after that. 😃

So all in all things are looking up for Usky!

Just can't help myself

I was getting petrol this morning when I noticed a middle aged woman having difficulties. She'd filled her car, but then the thing wouldn't start and she was trying to push it off the forecourt. I finished filling up, then went across to help and by God do I wish now I hadn't...

Here's the thing, I have osteoarthritis in my hands and am awaiting surgery: trapeziectomy on both thumbs. You may or may not want to watch the embedded video... it's not the most attractive thing in the world and not really for the squeamish.


So pushing this lady's car (I'm disgusted nobody else offered to help!) has done me no favours and tonight I feel as though my hands are on fire and I'm in considerable pain. A noble gesture to help a lady in distress no doubt, but under the circumstances bloody stupid! When will I ever learn? 😖