Living with MCL

I am definitely feeling a lot better than I have been in the last couple of days.

My hand no longer hurts, so there is no need to take any more pain pills [something I am pleased about], but there is still some swelling, causing pressure on my hand, forcing me to keep it elevated as much as possible.

And I’m still essentially helpless, unable to easily do simple tasks like brushing my hair, showering, fixing myself something to eat etc. as any exertion on the hand, even just letting it drop below my elbow, is painful, and that is very frustrating.

I know, I’m such a whiner, but I can’t help it. I just can’t wait to get this cast off on Thursday, and then get back on the bike. This sitting around the house all day is getting real old about now.

The only upside to all this is, at least I haven’t gained any weight.

Well, had the operation, and everything seems ok so far. There’s no significant pain as of yet, but I’m sensing that might not last long. Fortunately the Doctor gave me a prescription for Tylenol w/Codeine just in case.

The bandage on my hand is a little bigger than I had expected or hoped, which is making it very difficult to write this post. Having to use one hand, when you’re used to using two, certainly doesn’t help.

So suffice it to say, the operation went well, and I’m home resting now.

I just received the call from Kaiser, and my check in time tomorrow for my hand surgery is 11 AM. (The operation is scheduled for 1:30 PM.) Plus I paid for the procedure, so there’s no turning back now.

I have to admit I am a little nervous. This will be my first time undergoing an operation with a general anesthetic. I did have microsurgery performed on my left index finger back in 1980, but that was with a local anesthetic, and the operation took less than 30 minutes.  This operation is expected to take about an hour and a half.

I’m not so concerned about the hand surgeon, what’s the worst that can happen? But the anesthesiology, now that’s a different story. I’ve been told by quite a few people, including Edie, that is the most dangerous part of the operation. I’m hoping I’ll feel a little more at ease after meeting the anasthesiologist in pre-op.

Even more worrisome maybe the fact I can’t have anything to eat or drink after 11 PM tonight. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to handle 14 hours without food. Maybe I’d better start stocking up right now.

I’ll report back as soon as I’m able.

And winter doesn’t even start for another 4 days.

Two months ago, I came down with a cold, which kept me off the bike for over a week. It even kept me from visiting Edie when she was in the hospital recovering from her transplant. And now it seems I’ve contracted yet another cold.

That’s two colds within a two month period. I can’t remember having experienced two colds in such a short period, or even more than one cold in an entire year that has caused me to feel as bad as these latest two. Plus this time, even Edie is sick, so now I’m beginning to wonder.

Is this due to our .. continue reading ..