My Right Hand, Man!
I lost the use of my dominant hand back in February. Trauma isn't something I play at amateur level, either, I'm pro; buried their only parent, navigate life one-legged, neck that looks like shark teeth—Pro. Fession. Al.
None have taken me to darker places than six months to think about what if I don't get my hand back.
We're pretty resilient, though, humans. We adapt to adversity about as well as any other animal. That and we're real good at pretending.
No faking this one.
I was playing with the puppy one morning around the first week of February. She would've been puppy-puppy back then—barely three months old when, out of nowhere, a burning sensation in my elbow. Not burning like sunburn or open flame, burning like my elbow was melting from the inside. Pain level 10.
I had to sleep with a heating pad wrapped around my arm for about a week just to intensify the heat so much that by burning my skin I could distract myself from the fire inside my elbow long enough to catch some sleep until it would turn itself off, Wake Up!!!! ~Reset. Burn, sleep.
That first week was intense.
Around day two is when I realized I was losing the ability to control my thumb. My hand deteriorated quickly from able to make a fist to barely able to make a real soft fist to no fist at all until I couldn't snap my fingers and eventually my thumb was stuck in the Fonzie. I couldn't move it.
I never really thought about all the countless, basic, everyday life occurrences we take for granted that are impossible to accomplish without two thumbs like open a Ziplock bag until I was forced to. Anything resealable is off the table without two thumbs. Button or unbutton a shirt, tie shoes or anything with strings, hold a bar of soap, fold clothes—two thumbs required.
Things I'm counted on around the house for that even Pura has taken for granted for 10 years like opening jars and twist tops. She's been on her own since February.
Around day four or five, I lost the ability to control my index finger. Couldn't tuck it in, flick it or put in my right earbud, nothing, including protect it. Still. I still jam it on things occasionally adding injury to injury.
It's tough to explain. Tough to describe like someone telling me what it's like to have children. Be as descriptive as you'd like and, at best, I'll hardly have a vague, ready?
Make a fist.
No matter how hard you try; stare at it, try harder. You know what it's supposed to feel like when all of your fingers are clinched tightly in the palm of your hand. Tight enough to white knuckle and ease off and then white knuckle again but instead your thumb and finger are stuck in a gun position.
Rock, paper, scissors in three, two, bang!
Cut food, enter a PIN, t.y.p.e, wash your face, hold a toothbrush or your phone for Apple Pay, a cup or plate, fold a napkin, a towel, fold anything, open a door or cardboard box. Ever try turning a doorknob without a thumb?
You can't.
Make an "ok" sign said the radiologist at the imaging lab..
Can't touch my fingers together.
I haven't drawn anything since February. Impossible to hold a pencil when you can't touch your fingers together. We just got in this house in December and I lost my hand two months later—useless. Something as simple as sending off a package, I have to have the receptionist write the address for me so screwdrivers and hammers are out of the question. I got on the internet.
W w w dot best hand specialist near me dot com.
Two. I found a bunch of highly reputable hand specialists in the nation, two of whom practice in East Tennessee—25 minute drive. Combined, they have 69 years experience. Statistically, they rank #1 and #4 in the state.
I don't partake in worst case hypotheticals because karma is real but if I was forced to choose between body part X and my right hand I'd get a second opinion.
Both described the same preliminary diagnosis, AINS—Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome, an extremely rare symptom they only treat once or twice a year. #MyFuckinLuck. It means the nerve that runs down my shoulder, through my elbow to my hand that tells the ligaments and muscles and tendons in my forearm how to move my thumb and index finger isn't communicating—crickets.
Both specialists concur I injured myself a couple days prior to that morning I was playing with the puppy. I had moved several heavy tree stumps across the yard that day. The heaviest one which didn't seem too heavy at the time gave me trouble as I carried it up a hill. Apparently, this is some normal evolution shit where mentally I'm on point and stronger than ever but, as I inch closer to 50, rather than strain muscles when I lift heavy, I just shred nerves instead.
Four tests.
They each ordered the same initial exam, a Hail Mary, the least invasive approach—load me up on a powerful steroid called prednisone for 10 days with the idea that whatever stress or tension is crippling that nerve repairs itself due to the strength of the steroid and life goes back to normal. Instead, the opposite:
Atrophy.
Doctor #1 with 43 years experience wants to proceed with caution. Wait 8 months, he said, nerve regeneration can take years to overcome. Be careful, don't use your hand, whatever else he said and scheduled some physical therapy appointments to teach me how to write and draw and feed myself yata yata with my left hand.
Fired!
I hired doctor #4 with 26 years experience whose approach is significantly more aggressive. He's the lead physician for the athletic department at the University of Tennessee, too, I like that. He wants to filet my arm open, do what's called a nerve decompression but first, more information. He ordered three additional tests.
The first two were MRI's. One of my wrist and one of my elbow to rule out a damaged muscle, tendon or ligament.
That would've been too easy.
Had it been any of those, he would've opened me up, put it back together, recovery room goes me. By eliminating everything else, we're confirming AINS, one more result show—electromyography.
Nothingshortoftortury, it should be called.
It's a continuity test, proves whether or not the nerve's still intact from one end to the other. Worst case scenario—no continuity. Best case scenario—anything else.
Shock collar on my elbow. It's a shock collar like you put around a dogs neck, I know what a shock collar is.
On my thumb and finger are some pulse sensing apparatuses with wires attached to them plugged into a computer. On the monitor are numbers and line graphs. All of the squiggly lines in assorted colors that look a lot like a market analysis are the readings each time they nailed my elbow with that collar—Ka'pow!
It hurt so bad. All eight or nine times. High pain - high reward. Results: Anything else—best case scenario.
Muscles, tendons, ligaments, no damage. Nerve, damaged but not broken. Had continuity failed between my elbow and hand, terrifying phrases like nerve transplant and partial mobility become reality.
Like all body parts, nerves have a mind of their own. It's still attached, that's great news, it's just not communicating. They can be finicky, I'm told, the analogy used for nerve damage was elastic.
Stretch it, it goes back. Stretch it too far or too many times and it breaks, never returning to form. Somewhere between too many and breaks is too much requiring an extended period of time to go back. Textbook says 24 months. February to now is four, another 20 to go without my hand is what the first specialist suggested.
Mine, however, described an optional surgery where he cuts me open and essentially massages that nerve by hand. Identify it, trace it through all of the veins and muscles and everything else in my forearm kind of caressing it and massaging it along the way—nerve decompression. The procedure can speed up the regeneration process by as much as six months.
So, June 1, 2n1/2 months ago, that's what we did. I've been in recovery mode since.
"Oh, you'll get it back," says Morgan, my physical therapist, "we just don't know when."
My doctor is 'optimistic,' his word not mine. He's confident that by next winter, October'ish - 2024, I'll have full mobility and strength. I'll take it!
Neurotherapy muscle spasm stimulation device powered by a 9v DC battery:
In the meantime, he ordered me that. I use it twice a day, 10 minutes each time until that muscle wakes tf back up and does what it's supposed to.
I put those sticky pads on my forearm and wrist in similar proximity depending which I'm trying to move, thumb or finger. For each one, I kinda move it around until I feel the nerve slapping inside my arm and stick a pad to it.
10 seconds on, 5 seconds off with a 1n1/2 second ramp up from 0-40 milliamperes. 10 milliamps on my good hand stings, my fingers twitch and pulsate all over the place. 40 on my damaged hand, I'm finally starting to feel something.
Nerves regenerate at about the same rate as hair growth, I'm told. I need to regenerate from my elbow to the end of my finger, it's gonna be awhile.
70% of hand strength comes from the index and thumb, I wish I didn't know that. Common things like opening a car door or refrigerator is excruciating like tearing a hand away from a wrist one nerve ending at a time when only 30% of 100 is available.
Following the surgery, however, and all of the physical therapy, everything until now, I'm happy to report I can sign language "ok" again.
Sorta.
Very little strength. Still can't hold a pencil or turn a screwdriver but I can do other things again like hold a toothbrush or a fork, pretty happy about that. Anything's better than backwards. Still can't type, been using a talk to text app for these things which makes finding grammatical errors extra challenging but I'm progressing at the speed of hair growth, that's all that matters.
This time next year I should be able to clap and draw again, push-ups and pull-ups, all that two-handed stuff like nothing ever happened and I can keep myself awake at night freaking out about the next ailment.
Glad you're recuperating , I wish you faster recovery bro.
Much thanks. And thanks for finding me. Check you out on day 5 all knowin the ropes. = }
Really though, welcome to Hive. Joint wasn't the same without you.
You're welcome man❤️
By the way, can you give me some tips on how you grew your hive account. It's amazing.
Of course. I'm flattered you think so, thank you. I put a satirical piece together some years ago you'd likely appreciate but it all sums up the same—be yourself.
Sounds cliche, right? But I'm serious. Release content you're not embarrassed to show your friends in real life and audiences will come.
Thank you so much, I'll try my best.
You're most welcome. Whatever I can help with, stop by any time.
That must have been so hectic. Curiously, I can sorta relate in a weirdish kinda way. Just over a year ago, I had a nerve tumour removed from my left hand following an MRI too. I lived in agony for years. Also wasn't able to use the hand to even turn on a tap or carry a mug. It was a hand specialist who helped me out too.
That cut of yours is hectic, shame man. Hope your road to recovery is smooth sailing now. Glad things are looking up for you. Thanks for sharing your story. You're stronger than you know.
My pleasure. Thanks for keeping up with me. How is yours now? Did they get you back together right? Crazy not having a hand like that, huh?
Zippers. That's another one. Need two thumbs for those.
I don't remember much from the procedure other than waking up and it hurt. I didn't get the bandages off for like a week I think. When I saw that gash I was like got dang!!
Looks like yours is healing really nicely, though.. the wound itself. When I saw mine too, I almost passed out lmao. Healing can take quite a while as well. Not sure if anyone has advised you to do any sort of excercises i.e. like occupational therapy? If so, then I would try and follow the steps. I had to roll things in my hand and feel little things between my fingers etc. I think it had something to do with stimulating the nerves as they had to cut one in the procedure, from what I can recall.
Anyway, mine is so much better, thanks for asking. I never got full feeling back in my left thumb though, and it's now been over a year.. but I'm happy nonetheless. I used to cry at night with the pain. Never experienced anything like it. It was around 4cm (the nerve tumour). I walked for years with knowing something was very wrong, but couldn't afford the initial doctors and specialists consultations and co-payment for the MRI - which I already knew in my mind I would need (but I was on my folks hospital plan which was a relief).
That's another thing, it's shameful. A world who commoditizes medicine. Man, don't get me started, I've been here before, it gets ugly.
Feeling or tingling I would expect but what about your strength? Do you have all your strength back? That, until it's gone, I had no idea.
Yeah.. there should be no man alive who has doesn't have a place to sleep, basic nourishment, and basic medical care - for free. With what is thrown away commercially, the world could go a very long way to feeding the homeless. I watched an interesting video a while back on banana wastage for example, and how one project was trying to make use of a tiny fraction of it.
With regards to my hand.. I have full strength now. For months after the op, I couldn't even make an 'ok' sign - without holding my fingers in that position with the other hand. I found rolling one of those tubes slowly in my hand very helpful (I could barely do that for a while).. you know kinda like the type you get in a kitchen roller towel. I got one which looked the same from the occupational therapist.. it was just thicker - so you could also squeeze it. Wonder if anything like that may be of assistance to you?
The hand itself still feels a little weird, but just for that pain to be gone.. I'm so grateful. Hope you'll get full use soon mate. Said a prayer for you as well.. Keep well.
Professional, indeed. I have to say, you have an incredible ability for accidental self-destruction. Damn near supernatural.
I'll be praying to the Flying Spaghetti Monster (and anyone else who will listen) for your speedy recovery.
Let me know if you have any problems with your neurotherapy zapper machine. I've built these from scratch... cured neuropathy pain in Hedge Witch's hands, and helped me recover from a herniated disc in my neck. I could re-wire that thing for more power, Tim the Toolman style. Get that whole arm working for you like the kid in Rookie of the Year.
Fingers crossed that your luck improves, luckiest man alive.
Well F. King Well, look what the Tim cat dragged out. What's up man? I just went for a scroll, you've been on hiatus for a long time. Nice to be seen again, welcome back and all that.
Any luckier I'd be twins.. ..
Seriously, I'm glad you're not dead or anything. I think about weird things like that sometimes like these virtual people we learn to accept or whatever, friends, I don't know wtf to call it, are just gonna never sign on again one day.
TMI? That's how I felt imagining you all Dr Frankenstein style increasing voltages and amps in a dark place with lightning and storm weather.
Whaddup? Where you been up to?
New job venture, building batteries for solar backup, teaching people about off-grid farming, managing some land, troubleshooting solar power installs...
Y'know, a little light work to pass the time.
I've been around, just not posting anything. Spending all my time here just trying to keep up with nominating all the Homesteaders in the community for big payouts, and using up my vote power. It feels a bit like a second job at this point, and if I ever get control of things with my new FIRST job, I really need to figure something out with this second job that makes it less like a job, and more like a soap box I can preach from again.
Thanks for pulling me a bit out of my shell, your post was the first one I've dropped a non-confrontational reply to in months.
So, I'm still lurking around here in the shadows, logging in daily, just trying to stay In Cog Neato.
If you ever miss me too much, just say my name three times, and I'll appear like an urban legend.
Is that a compliment or an insult? Not sure what to think about not good enough to get confrontational with?!
Well fuck you too then, shell boy!
Too funny. Autocorrect tried real hard to make that say she'll boy!
I wouldn't risk getting cancelled over a confrontation with a... monopolegic(?) person.
Autocorrect had no idea what to do with that word. Also funny, my auto correct doesn't like the word autocorrect. Just one of the many reasons I've told autocorrect to mind its own business.
Look at you, coercing me into typing something that isn't a business proposal. You're like the Hermit Whisperer or something.
That what you've been typing lately, business proposals? Anything exciting in the shell?
Nothing really exciting for the outside observer. Excavation and logging plans, farming and other land development plans.
Actually, the most exciting thing I've been working on is the only one I haven't done a business proposal for yet: I've been building batteries for home solar installations from recycled electric car battery modules. It was nice to find out that there was still some specter of an electrical engineer tucked away in the back of my brain.
How 'bout yourself? Been up to anything besides enjoying retirement and investigating new types of limb pain?
Nah, that's pretty much it. Nothing like more than enough time to take notes of stuff I'd like to do if I could.
Holy shit bro, that’s crazy! ILM glad you seem to be on the mend, had no idea you were going through all that. Can’t wait to see you get back into drawing dude!
Maybe a guitar player could imagine, it's shitty. No way you could pluck or hold a pick sir. Tf you do in that situation, right.. And you just gotta wait it out dot dot.
Much thanks, Rory. Remind me, what are playing tomorrow?
Yeah man, no flute, no guitar, no drawing, half-assed typing…list goes on man, that’s a brutal punishment to live through…I really hope you see a full recovery.
Tomorrow, I believe is Romeo and Juliet (Dire Straits), requested by honeydue, and the next day I take a swing at We Are Young (Fun.), for you good sir!
ouch! OUCH!
That's really shitty, now you need to get a new tattoo to cover up the scars. But look on the bright side, you won't have to do any housework 😄
Speedy recovery The
unluckiest guy I knowAwe you're the best. Can you believe that? One or two a year these guys see who have been in and out of arms a couple times a week for decades. Geez, I like defying odds but this is ridiculous.
<3
Bloody hell man, that is grim. I hate getting to this age. Things break instead of pull as you say. My knee went a couple of years ago and it took about 8 months to get better with for me to walk without a limp. You will get back, I have belief!
Much thanks man. Such a weird experience. Zippers, I forgot to mention that one. Dude, you can't.
How is your knee now? Unfortunately I've had plenty of that work done too but it's been awhile. Waaayy back when we healed in like 8 weeks, not months.
The knee is like 90-95 percent better. Still niggles a bit and not as strong as it used to be. They couldn't tell me what was wrong with it only that it was mechanically fine and that with physio it would get better. Which it did but it was fucking painful physio.
Still, it sounds like you are on the right track with the hand. It's the waiting that gets to be a pain as you just want it to get better now
Yea! Niggles. Helluva word. Helluva typo possibility, too! One of the best I've seen. Nuggets, of course.
Does it bother you in grocery stores? Moisture and cold are the hardest on me, markets are full of both and on concrete. I just wait outside now.
You don't know what you did or..? That's age again I guess, doesn't take much anymore. Used to be if I slept wrong I would be sore all morning. Now all I have to do is lay down wrong and I'm fucked for a month.
Nah, no idea what I did. Woke up one morning asked it felt a bit funny. Walked the daughter to school and on the way back it became harder and harder to walk. For in, had to go to hospital they tested me for blood clots and all sorts of shit then said, no idea. Maybe an injury. Couldn't walk without a stick for a couple of months!
How frustrating, walk in with a stick and in pain and they draw a blank. I'd call 90-95% perfect under those circumstances.
Aww, man..what a terrible thing to have happen! You have come a long way since that first diagnosis and I hope you regain the full use of your hand sooner rather than later. At least now you can touch Pura's cheek and pet the pup. Keep up with the physical therapy and you will be typing up a storm soon!!
!LUV
@dandays, @tamaralovelace(1/1) sent LUV. | connect | community | HiveWiki | NFT | <>< daily
! help(no space) to get help on Hive. InfoMuch thanks. That was a pretty long one, glad you didn't mind it. Always nice to see you by the way. Thanks for keeping up with me.
What an experience. As cliche as it may seem, I can't be more serious when I say I'll never take my hand for granted again. I already have thoughts developing, a whole new direction, I'm serious.
Never again.
praying for your fast recovery my friend..
Much thanks John. Can I call you John or do you prefer John0928? Totally kidding.
Serious about the thanks though. This just got weird huh? = }
Whaddup? I don't think we've met yet. Thanks for finding me.
Just call me john, its our first time in meeting and its a great pleasure meeting you..😊
Oh my! I had no idea you've been going through this! It sounds awful!
My nephew has a similat thing, perhaps the same thing, so it's not that rare. He suddenly lost substantial use of his hand, no apparent injury. It took a very long time to diagnose. His is not as painful, nor as debilitating, and the surgery has helped quite a bit. I think a nerve was transplanted from somewhere else in his body.
I'm glad there has been some improvement, and wish you continued growth and fully restored use of your hand and arm.
It makes me think things I wasn't aware I was capable of thinking. It's embarrassing sometimes.
That's great to hear about your nephew. These nerves are serious, the transplant procedure was explained to me as a worst case scenario type conversation, I have a vague idea what he's experiencing. My damaged one, the AIN, removing a nerve from my pinky toe would've been the likely option.
It only gets weirder.
I mean, how strong is that toe anyway but yeah, still better than nothing. The therapy was explained to me. Said it could take a real long time to teach myself how to look at my hand and want my toe to move my finger.
Science. F. King Crazy.
Thank you.
You're going to have to think "toe" to move your finger?
I remember it took many months before they could see progress after the surgery. And they had tried other stuff for a couple years before that. Very strange ailment! He was only 14 when it first struck.
That's how it was explained to me. Removing the nerve doesn't change what its purpose was, it's just in a new location. Although it's been transplanted, the brain still recognizes it as toe if that makes sense.
That would be bizarre! My nephew hasn't said anything about that. Maybe I misunderstand what his surgery entailed.
OMG! Your process is amazing! I agree with you, we human are very resilient and we can go through much more than we even now. I had a similar situation around three weeks ago, but I burnt my leg with boiled water and I had 2nd degree burn. I had to take care of my skin looking at my literally red skin, it was like some Walking Dead scene, but in real life, in my body . And I did it, and I went through the pain. I’m much better now.
Anyway it’s nothing compare with what happened to you, the elbow, a joint, its not only painful but a habits changing situation, at least while you are healing.
The good news is that you are better, recovering your balance, even though it has been a long process since February.
Btw, I love your tattoos!
Has anyone told you you're killin it your first year on Hive? Oops, wait up, where are you? Dammit, hold on..
Argentina. Never been to that one. Alright, well, just in case, killin it mean doing great. I get all kinda sidetracked sometimes, can you tell? = }
Thank you. They hurt. I haven't got any new ones for quite awhile now, about 10 years I guess. That's another thing about age stuff, the older I get, the more tattoos hurt!
How is your leg now? Did it leave a visible scar at all or no?
Hi! Sorry for the delay! Thank you for these words!! I’m trying to be constant and to think about Hive for the long term.
Heheh, tattoos are a path without return, I believe. I only have 3, not too big, but I’m already planning a new one.
My leg is much better, thanks a lot for asking! So far I have a pink stain… I have to put cream on it twice a day, and the doctors say it’s a long process, but it will be ok, same color as before. I hope so!
That's wild. I'm approaching 40 in a few years, so these things are acutely scary to me as I notice my body slowly falling apart.
Nothing as crazy as this but I got myself 3 slipped disks a couple of years ago breaking up a fight between students at work, and that experience was probably the worst pain I've ever experienced. Couldn't sit, stand, or lie down without agony for days, and general pain persisted for months, and general discomfort still to this day.
It's not like I can't open doors, but I've given up on the idea of ever becoming a strongman lifting all the boxes and machinery as a man is wont to do. I've adjusted the way I move around like when I clamber out of cars or shut the toilet seat, in ways that minimize strain.
Worst of all I'm under constant threat of it hurting again since once it's happened, it's scarred and always prone to return. Bah.
So yeah, I guess my point is I can empathize to some degree and almost felt the fear in your words as the story unfolded.
That last sentence you said, do me a favor and know how much I appreciate that.
I've been terrified more often than not lately. This article has prompted some sincere comments. I've been in a real bad place about the thing so I haven't mentioned anything until now when we're in a positive stage. It was real bad there for awhile.
Fascinating how many of us are dealing with ailments that alter our way of living. I totally get it about your back. If something is awkward or heavy or whatever again, I'll get help or not do it, ever, I don't care. Heavy dose of reality, this hand.
Yeh I mean, I've learnt from my mistakes, clearly a result of being a lazy-ass teen and young adult. I've been demanding my students heed my warnings about their bad posture and attitude in life ever since lol. Some of them really take it to heart when they see how much regret is in my eyes.
I in turn appreciate this feeling!
Wow ! That doesn't sound fun at all, but the getting better part does.
Who knew?
I didn't. I'd rather not actually. So much for that!
Quick recovery Bro Dan...
Btw... this story made me think of "Moringa" - not really sure why. But hey, may you know. 🤷♀
Thank you sir.
That's neat. I especially like the part about some countries say it's harmful and evasive, that means it's great. I'm assuming you didn't mean merengue, you meant Moringa, right?
Hahahaha, yep Moringa... i take it on a regular basis. Need me some harmful and evasive stuff on a regular basis. Like, if the Pharma would not give as false information about stuff that is good for the body and soul. I mean, Mary Jane isn't the only one, put on the bench.
I'm a Mary advocate. But it's more than that. I'm a big fan of photosynthesis—sun / water. It isn't until they scientifically extract and maximize potency outta the things natural state that it becomes harmful but, in the meantime, the list of illegal photosynthesis derived plants is growing.
Nah, it doesn't piss me off in case you can't tell.
sōþlīċe
Damn dude. Here I am getting impatient with recovery on day 12 after removal-of-my-useless-uterus surgery. Thanks for making me grateful I only have about 4 more weeks until I can lift something over 10 pounds again. Luckily @dksart is killer as my bag boy at the farmers market.
On the plus side, your scar will be much more wicked than mine. Though I think by know you have more than enough battle wounds for "street cred."
In all seriousness, sending all the good juju for a much quicker recovery than expected. I'd say you've probably beaten the odds numerous times before, so hopefully this is another one. As you said, I can't even imagine losing function in my dominant hand like that, so sending you patience as well as healing. 💚
It's been a horrible ride. Now that I have positive news and I'm seeing results, I have faith in my doctor. Before that.. Oh man, the worst places.
I'm glad you're back on your feet. What a trip! I probably shouldn't say it but Pura just (as in three weeks ago) had a uterine fibroid removed. I know it's not the exact same thing, but you and her have about the same incisions and had work done in the same spot. Crazy. She was given the option to remove hers while they were there like, "we're gonna be in there anyway, want us to remove it?"
Physical best, currently we are not.
She, like me and wanting to part with nothing so I totally get it was all, no way!!!
How rude. I meant to say something about my second favorite plant. Seems I forgot....
<3
Give D knuckles for me.
No way! Kind of a crazy coincidence. That was part of why I had mine done, but also had negative symptoms starting well before the fibroid popped up which was why I opted to get rid of the whole thing. Plus, now I never have to worry about uterine or cervical cancer, so that's a plus. But I can absolutely understand why surgery is not the first line of defense if there are other options. No matter how healthy you are, removing organs is traumatic!
I hope she's healing up well, too! Tough to have both of you out of commission, no doubt.
Hugs to you both, and I hope things keep looking better on your end.
This just got so much weirder. Really, what are the chances??
I hope you're at or about where she is if not better. I doubt that's possible. Either that or she's just a rockstar. Like nothin ever happened. Do d-do d-dew.
Keep fighting my friend. You’ll get there!
Cool handle.
Much thanks. And thanks for making your way over here.
Oh so many things I didnt know. Not about the tatoos, youre back in US, one legged (?) and not what you have been going through the last months, while also since February going through my own drama.
We tend to take too many things for granted, yes. The moment something goes wrong we start to appreciate.
There is something strange about 2023 so lets trust 2024 all gets well again aaaaaaaand here comes the very best healing vibes hug from good old Europe!!! (This hug is special made for fasten nerves growth in a perfect way)
😘
Only if you're feeling up to it. Otherwise, stay right there, I'll come get it from you.
Yeah, my bad wheel, it's nothing. I wrote about it two years ago, got dang!! It's already been two years? What the.. How does that even happen? I forget the day regularly and month more often than I should admit but years, with an S? What planet is this??
Thanks for hangin out with me, you. I know your whole new reality is probably overwhelming at times too. I wish the best for you all the time.
Yes sometimes it is, but thats human too, to get familiar with and used to wathever situation we come in.
YearS. Wonder where my 55 have gone. Curious what the next 45 will bring, because I always was sure to reach the 100.
If this was a link to "Bad Wheel" , this link doesnt work.
Now you made it!! 😂 Everytime looking in the mirror seeing my hair growing again I am thinking of you 😂
Damn hand. The thing typed here instead of href. = } It works now.
You don't look a day over 32.
Charming. But not true 😘
So I dont really know how this Reputation Thing works, but it seems we can start a "handicaped race" who reaches the 73 first
Are you calling me a loser?
why should I ?
Ha!. I clicked your pic and swear I saw a 73 like wth kinda race is that, she's already there?!
Clever way to call me a loser, I thought.
Haha stupid me run nearly out of RC 😂
Find you answer in discord
Good night from here
Damn that’s tough @dandays
Luckily you see some progress… nerves are tricky things I so know.
Had half of my face paralysed when I was 20… for 8 full months.
My eye didn’t shut. So drops during the day and a cream at night time to not let it dry out. Damaged my eyesight permanently.
Now… 25 years later… there are still some nerves that never got back alive.
When I am tired or sneeze one does see.
The tests done back then… let me tell you… not funny at all.
The sticked needles in my face in the nerves and shocked them. No reactions at those points. I said nope… not doing that again. I didn’t feel it but had holes for a few days.
Take care my friend. Let’s hope months fast forward it will improve more and more and you will get more strength and movement in your arm again.
One so doesn’t realise how much one does with both thumbs.
Bigggg !HUG 🤗🤗🤗
I sent 1.0 HUG on behalf of @littlebee4.
(2/3)
You're doing it again! That thing you do.
I am more than inspired by this comment section, I had no idea sharing my misery would attract so many similar stories. Each of us, it seems, we all got something we're dealing with that nobody would trade any of their ailments for.
I so hope you're right. I want this whole experience to just be over, I'll never take my hand for granted again.
What happened to you, what was so traumatic that paralyzed your face?
Science.. fascinating.
<3
Specially for you @dandays 👋🏻😊
Sometimes one doesn’t realise… and just having a look at the comments… changes all.
The things mankind has to endure sometimes.
Oh I can imagine, let’s hope. I’m crossing my fingers for you 🤞🏻🤞🏻🍀🍀 that the recovery goes well further. Keep practicing and keep those nerves entertained 😋
One does look different at things after such an experience.
Let’s say it hasn’t been always easy…
It is fascinating indeed.
Have a good week my friend.
Take care!
!HUG
I sent 1.0 HUG on behalf of @littlebee4.
(1/3)
Deal.
!LUV
@littlebee4, @dandays(1/1) sent LUV. | connect | community | HiveWiki | NFT | <>< daily
! help(no space) to get help on Hive. InfoGood 🙂
!LUV
@dandays, @littlebee4(2/5) sent LUV. | connect | community | HiveWiki | NFT | <>< daily
! help(no space) to get help on Hive. InfoThanks for your contribution to the STEMsocial community. Feel free to join us on discord to get to know the rest of us!
Please consider delegating to the @stemsocial account (85% of the curation rewards are returned).
You may also include @stemsocial as a beneficiary of the rewards of this post to get a stronger support.
You're welcome. Thanks for having me!
Ouch! :(
Wishing you a quick recovery!
!BEER
Much thanks dude. I was just telling Plants to give you knuckles for me. This is way easier.
View or trade
BEER.Hey @dandays, here is a little bit of
BEERfrom @dksart for you. Enjoy it!Did you know that <a href='https://dcity.io/cityyou can use BEER at dCity game to buy cards to rule the world.
Oh so sorry to hear this
I am a physical therapist, so if there is one thing I know, I know your physical therapist was right. You would get those functions back, the question is when. In the meantime don't miss your physical therapy appointment and keep on stimulating. Wish you Speed of light recovery in those nerve regeneration and trying to use those fingers, it gets better
That's excellent news, I'll take all the positive opinions I can get.
I've seen you around quite a bit, not sure we've crossed paths. In case we haven't, it's nice to be met.
You're a PT?! There I go again, getting lucky. Thanks for finding me, I only have my own therapist and her protege to ask and they're likely biased—understandable.
I have a tough time keeping up with the stem schedule. To me, I believe I'm seeing better results by manually moving my bad knuckles with my good hand. Am I crazy?
Thank you.
Sorry to hear of this unexpected trouble you are having. Looks like recovery is coming but ketchup slow it seems. Hang in there Dan .
Thank you sir, I appreciate that. Progress, I'll take it, it just barely started, too. I wasn't prepared to tell this story a couple weeks ago when I had zero, nothing, no hand at all. Been that way majority of this year.
No sugar coating—worst..thoughts..ever.
Sorry for you, I hope you get well soon.
Thank you. I hope what you hope.
I read this yesterday and forgot to come back to comment.
Thanks for telling the story as I know only tiny bits and was wondering what happened exactly. It seems like a shitty thing to go through especially if you can't really predict the outcome and timeline.
I hope you will recover by making big steps soon instead of baby steps.
<3
Tried to pimp your post but it seems I can't count to three anymore (I blame Tramadol!)
Aw man @thisismylife, you are out of PIMP to slap people.
Go Stake some more and increase your PIMP power.
(We will not send this error message for 24 hours).
Read about some PIMP Shit or Look for the PIMP District
Who needs more than two anyway?
Hello. Figured there might be two of you interested how all this bs happened. Writing about it has been surprisingly helpful actually. From a mental state.
Seems I'm not the only one who wants nothing more than to be ailment free stat.
You're right, three's a crowd anyway!
I'm happy it helped you "write" it all down, it sure can be healing to do so. Processing is much easier when you put it on "paper" (read the computer/phone/laptop, lol), at least I think so.
Take care!
Mate. You don't do things by halves do you? Never heard of that, just slowly losing the use of your hand over a few days without knowing any reason why is terrifying. Good to kn0w you're at least crawling slowly along the road to improvement.
Don't stop doing anything differently just cause you're getting older though. This is unfortunate and could have happened to anyone. Rotting away through sitting on your arse doing nothing because you're getting older would be far worse!
Take it easy. Practice making mini hearts instead of OK signs though...much cuter !
I've swung at a lot of curve balls, didn't have a chance at this one. None.
The comment section here has been a lot more helpful than expected. Didn't count on hearing I'm not the only one who'd trade their ailments for anything.
Was counting on you stopping by, thanks. Your words
neverhardly ever suck. I wasnt prepared to talk about this one a couple months ago. Seriously, ooh wee.. I've been to terrible places sir. Things are beginning to brighten up. Finally. I'll take it.Thanks dude.
That's it! You have passed your South Korean citizen test.
Hand looks terrible mate, hopenits at least not too painful. Keep up with the therapy and don't try to rush the recovery.
I take vitamin B supplements which has massively helped my trigger finger problems, albeit slowly.
I'll take that as a huge compliment. I've always found perfect people to be so fucking boring ;-)
Best wishes, always :-)
Glad you’re getting better gradually☺️☺️ I can’t wait for you to start drawing again. You’d be fully better definitely
You and me both. Thank you.
Hello. Welcome to month 1 at Hive, watcha think?
Is that Kelly Rowland on your profile page?
No, that is me☺️☺️☺️
Thank you so much
No shit?? Well hm, fair enough. Totally thought that was her. Anyone said you look like her before? She's stunning, by the way.
= }
No one, you’re the first😁😁 She’s pretty though so I love the compliment
Sorry to hear your distress condition. Making this post must be challenging using voice writing. Good to know that your doctor is optimistic. Get well soon man, best wishes from my part.
Much thanks, alpeciate that. It's a lot more process than I expected. I don't think we've met. Thanks for finding me.
Oh dear this must have been really hard for you, when our lives get altered all of a sudden without warning it can be pretty devastating.
I wish you quick recovery and hang in there you’ll be just fine dear friend.
!hug
I sent 1.0 HUG on behalf of @ibbtammy.
(1/3)
Yeah, life again. It's always doing lifey stuff. Never asks, either, just does it.
Thank you.
How do you know beeee?
Lol the Lifey stuff got me right there😂😂
She’s my childhood friend.
I wish you very faster recovery @dandays!
!BEER
!BBH
!WINE
@dandays! Your Content Is Awesome so I just sent 1 $BBH (Bitcoin Backed Hive) to your account on behalf of @eii. (3/5)
@eii much thanks for all your support sir.
!LOLZ
!LUV
!PIZZA
lolztoken.com
But that’s a lie. I much prefer the Metric system.
Credit: reddit
@dandays, I sent you an $LOLZ on behalf of eii
(2/6)
!HUG
I sent 1.0 HUG on behalf of @eii.
(3/3)
View or trade
BEER.Hey @dandays, here is a little bit of
BEERfrom @eii for you. Enjoy it!We love your support by voting @detlev.witness on HIVE .
$PIZZA slices delivered:
@eii(3/5) tipped @dandays
Wow bro...
I feel like I just took a wrong turn down WTF street.!!
I did not realize you were going thru this kinda bullshizz...
I will be using extra... (dot dot dots) for emphasis. Cuz this is some crazy stuff I was just reading...
Kidding around about your leg and the stupid shit I say is cuz you overcame that obstacle and kicked (pun intended) it's disabling ass...
But this is just nuts how you have been carved up like a jack-oh-lantern. I never thought of you as a pumpkin head...
I went thru some nerve problems bout 20 years back. In my early 40's. I had wisdom teeth issues. A molar became infected.(impacted) The internal swelling (non visible) pinched the nerve that runs from below your ear to face along the jawline. Basically I went thru 3 months of Bells Palsy like symptoms. The right side of my face was frozen. Paralyzed. I had the Droopy eye, crooked smile, drooling and talking like droopy dog.
Antibiotics, wisdom teeth and impacted molar removal and walla. I was a smilen' muthafukka. Cuz No more spit is running down the side of my chin.
Took a month and an MRI to figure it out tho. I got a picture somewhere of my goofy face. I labeled it "fuk face".
I was so depressed. I thought I was gonna be stuck like that and like You said...
Contemplating what's the next issue. Man I sure hope you get it back 100% like I did. I could not imagine not being able to scratch my ballz or ass. I guess maybe @pooky-jax Kel would do that for me. For better, for worse, sickness and health yadda yadda...
That's better than the cliff I was looking for.....
Kel is a dope ass name. Full, nickname, whatever, iHeart it. She should release an album or something.
Good morning. It's been mentioned here and I guess now that I read over it, my deee (I dont wanna say it) is on display. Didn't mean to do that. I waited until now to say anything at all cuz a couple months ago it was way worse. I've been in a bad place for a minute.
This comment section has been pretty helpful. A lot of us are suffering or have suffered from some sort of ailment that by all accounts is pretty serious. Like you. Littlebee didn't say how but, she too, numb face. For years I think she said.
My favorite one would be the one that said anything I typed with two hands. Man... F words..
Ehhhh... Your dee is a...
HUGE DEE
So display it with pride bro!
Not Gay Pride tho...
no homo
L👀k at what I post here on the HIVE...
KrazzyTrukkers Secret
No shame, just massive ballz!
HUGE BALLZ
Balls so huge we have to carry them in a sack on our backs...
#BackPackBallSack
God... what a difficult situation, but I see that you are quite positive and that you don't give up as it has to be, in the end the best thing is always to try to go ahead, I hope the recovery goes well.
You and me both. Thank you. So far, real slow but progressing. Better than nothing.
This is traumatic. I would be experiencing madness after I felt my thumb and index finger numb. But I’m glad that there were ways to fix a malfunctioning nerve. I hope for your fast recovery.
I hope you get what you want. = }
Hi. We haven't met yet, thanks for finding me. Congratulations with all your success here already, are you famous? I don't think I've seen anyone top charts faster than you. You must be famous.
Pleasure to be met!
Welcome to your second week. If you get hung up on something or need a hand, shoot me a line.
Now we met. I’m not famous, I just have this huge support from great people on my back, and I’m sincerely thankful for all the support I got. I will totally accept help from a brilliant person like you if I need help. Thank you!💛
Sorry to hear of your pain in such a vital area of body, so vulnerable. We don't really know how vital our hands are until we hurt them. Keep being strong and hope your right hand gets back to its former self very soon :)
Thanks more than this Trangbaby. The best news I got so far is when my doctor said "winter - '24," best thing I heard all year.
I won't take it for granted again. Nope!
<3
Damn dude this is nuts! I’m sorry that shit happened but like you said, fuck do we take advantage of everything we have until it don’t work no more! I sliced my index finger open at the base between the index and middle and I lost sensation and had some nerve damage in it a few years ago. It’s all back now but shit was it scary! It does come back though as long as it’s not severed, the body is a remarkable tool that’s for sure.
Good to hear that the second doctor wasn’t a bitch and was willing to do those other things to get a better idea of it. It’s annoying when they just default to “see you later, good luck” because they don’t believe it will change.
The permanent Fonz was a few years too late, it would’ve been golden in the 80’s. The kids these days don’t even know who Fonzi is. Funny but horrific story, we were just at a hotel and my son was playing with a little girl in the pool and the little girl was talking about a cartoon character, I forget which one but an older one. I said it was an old character and she says “oh you mean from the 2000’s?” I almost drowned thinking that’s old, because it kind of is to her but not to us. Damn it lol.
You’ll be OK dude!
The other day I heard Rage Against The Machine on the classic rock channel, I'm not making that up. Another one? Ok, one more.
The other day, one of Pura's 20 something year old colleagues told her she's from the 1900's! HAAA!! Laugh Out Loud. I'd go to break after that one for sure, laughing so much like I need a 10!
In case you haven't noticed, I'm disguising my true feelings.
Terrified man. Much thanks.
Hahaha ya the one around here does play rage it's bad. Then when grocery stores play songs on the speaker that you didn't think were that old.. but they do end up being 10+ years old. Fuckers.
Holy fuck, dude :(
You're ready to go diving?
Listen... I don't mean to sound woo woo because I'm not.
But we have a Dr Lin out my way who is a magician with this stuff. Proper Chinese Medicine. He's something else. Acupuncture. Traditional. Old school.
He fixed my carpal tunnel syndrome in ONE sesssion. Like that authentic.
And why suddenly? The nerve thing...
Hectic story.
That's so cool you stopped by a couple pieces. Can't forget things like that like the very first time I was resteemed back in the day. Thank you.
I want it to be over and never have to see Dr Lin or another nerve doctor again. I've dealt with things. This one, it's different. It's not easy.
Course I did!
No school like old school. I try and keep it real these days. If not then what's the point?!
The pleasure was all mine :) You're an interesting human fo sho.
I'm really sorry, man. I don't know what else to say except I can imagine how scary. Especially nerve related :(
And recovery must be fucking slow... and we also seem to take longer to heal when we are a bit older. Also doing some physical rehab here and it's firghteningly slow this time. Very!
But...
I also believe in the power of the mind. And shaping perspective.
We gotta stay upbeat. And not stress. Better for healing!
I've built meditation twice daily in for me - for this.
I'm hitting my condition with everything I can!
A Good friend of mine has something similar with his shoulder btw. It as a fucking long and arduous process. A year now, I think and a couple of ops. But he has movement back in his hand and is back in the water - avid surfer.
He also went through ups and downs mentally as surfed and trained every day up until the accident. I talked him the whole way through. Knew he would maybe bottom out mentally at some points. I hope you have someone to support your recovery> Hardcore!
But... you will recover!
I'm The Luckiest Guy I Know, her name's Pura. A chef, stunning, nice to me, all kinda cool stuff.
Good morning. It's morning here. I'm on the treadmill, where in the hell are you? Mhm.
Speaking of repair speed. I had a follow up apt this week, he's happy, so much so, we're gonna space my apts farther out now. Every once in awhile I catch an analogy that sticks like the speed of hair growth. <- Good one. Just recently he said it's not gonna happen overnight but commended my health and some other things and said he thinks I'll be back at it by spring. Said the process is, "like watching a glacier form."
Dayum! Good one. Can't tell by eye it's taking shape but bet your ass it is.
Apparently I didn't go back far enough. Or maybe I'm so tuned into my own recovery I haven't noticed anyone else's, how rude of me, what are you recovering from?
I like the way you specified physical in recovery. = }
Morning! Or afternoon here!
I've been creating in my head - ready for the next explosion almost - planning planning! And cleaning house and doing laundry. And doing Yoga and hoop dancing on the beach in between. And life. And recovery - physical! :D
Well sounds like you got a good thing going with Pura! Hooray! :D Love and support heal almost everything. If not everything in full!
Like a glacier forming... :/ Oh boy. Well... I also learned alonbg the way that waiting is a skill! And a very poerfu lone at that. Not taught much and almost entirely lost these days. Consider yourself gifted by whatever is or isn't running the show and I'd love to know what you were "asking" before this all happened?
Me? COPD - smoking related. And some weird years of high stress, bad nutrition and a bottom out physically because of it.
Busy fixing as much as possible now.
I'm kinda enjoying the rebuild tbh, but it's kind of like coming home for a someone who was always fit and then forgot in someone elses's insanity. It's really fun to train! Gods I used to love this 💥 I can't say it's easy though. I'm starting from below zero almost. I lost a lot of health along the way. Not so good. But when you're treading water y'know :/
So you're not alone, my new found friend.
Slow and steady wins the (never was a) race ☀️
I'd love to know how you knew I was very specific with what I asked for. Seriously, it's crazy. Crazy enough I'm scared to mention it at this point.
Really need to be careful what I wish for. Same shit happened early 2020.
because I did that! :D
Fuck yeah
Careful what you ask / ask for
You always get it!
Anyway. Sometimes it's worth it. I guess time reveals everything...
None of that sounds like any fun @dandays. Here I take some time away from @hive for a month, dealing with some personal shit, and read my first post and you're down one hand. It had to be frightening when this situation first started, not knowing what the f--k was up.
Thrilled to hear that you are doing a little better. Despite the months that it will take to fully recover, at least you're headed in the right direction.
Getting older is no fun! I figured that after four joint replacements, I would be good to go for a while, but not so. Lower back issues now. I've been told that bilateral steroid injections between l-4 and l-5 may resolve the issue temporally. Two injections later, things remain pretty much the same.
It looks like a back operation may be just around the corner.
Getting old is not for the weak.
Good luck with the hand, my friend!
Reading your words is probably what listening to me in the future sounds like. My spine now, from the leg injury, keeps the chiro on speed dial. I often think of 20-30 years from now as I'm barely able to stand up from sleeping, ankle frozen, ciatica, headache....
Good morning! Nice to see you again. Appreciate the kind thoughts. Sorry you're not feeling 26 anymore. Some BS!
Yeah Sweed, hand.. My right one of all things. It's been really tough. The farthest knuckle on my finger is trying to fuse cuz I can't move it so I have to constantly keep it moving with my other hand. If the muscle in my forearm would wake up and help me out I think it would bend more. Thumb one isn't as bad but it's been trying to do the same thing. I see my surgeon today actually, been about 6 weeks, looking forward to that. They say someone with a neck injury would have a nurse moving and turning that neck regularly so it doesnt do the same thing. Apparently it's what bones do. Haven't been able to do any freeweight pulls.....
I'll stop now.
Never mind 26, I'm not even feeling like 66 anymore.
With as often as you went to the gym, not being able to do your routine has got to suck!
Good luck at the doctor today, hopefully, he's got some good news, I'm sure you could use a little.
I'll keep you posted. Much thanks again. I'm still in here every day, broadcasting from the treadmill now. = }
I've had to modify my exercises. Can't do any free weight pulls, for example, so I compensate by doing real light cables. I'm a four sets kinda dude. Since Feb, I've turned up the cardio and turned the sets down to three.
Majority of pushes, too, had to learn how to push without using my wrist. Yata yata. Chicken salad.
It helps keep my mind from doing what it does, is all.
Much love, Jurg's. How's your brothers house?
It's good to hear that you are still going at it, the last thing you need is to put on 20 pounds.
Barry is moving right along. We installed the metal roof system and the house is now watertight. He's hoping to be able to move in before the snow flies.
Have a great weekend!
Has anyone been capturing drone footage during the build?
No, that would have been sweet. Lots of pics though.
Oh no @dandays, this is awful news, losing the use of any hand is bad, but when it's your dominant hand, it's just the worst!
That cut looks hectic, I really hope it does improve as I can imagine simple tasks become impossible!
The ligaments of a friend's hand were destroyed after a bite from a kitten, so now he has to have a transplant to regain some use.
You and Pura are often in my thoughts, take care of yourselves💞
Us in yours? Nowhere I'd rather be. Have you heard the saying someone's talking about you when your ears are ringing? Yours must be xylophonesque.
We talk of you regularly. Virtual or not, there's a six year history, the three of us. You're doing great. Much love from way over here
How's your son? Just the one, right? And he has kids? Remind me. <3
That is so good to hear💞
2 sons, 1 feral grandchild, 0 human grandchildren!
Our youngest lives in Johannesburg, the oldest in Hilversum, between Amsterdam and Utrecht. If all goes to plan, I'll be there later in September. Both wonderful boys❤
Ooh how fun. Pura and I stayed in Amsterdam for two weeks. What a fun spot. Never would I ever have guessed there's that many bicycles there.
Such a fun place. And with your boys. You're probably like "c'moooonn September!"
I can't wait, but my younger son is not coming with. My oldest son and his girlfriend have many plans...not sure if I'll get on a bicycle, but I know we're going to do a lot of walking😉
You will, you have to. I think it's a rule like don't brush your teeth with Coca Cola or go to the airport without your passport.
It's been about a year now so I don't remember the exact figure but there's more than double the number of bicycles in Amsterdam than there is people. Neat, right??
And every year they eliminate 10 vehicle parking spots in the city if I remember correctly, maybe it was 20, to promote the use of bicycles. Man, sometimes when you get to a draw bridge and have to wait at the light, there's more than 100 bicycles waiting with you for the bridge to drop. And maybe like one or two vehicles only.