Blogging about life in Minnesota, raising our six kids with Down syndrome while battling Breast Cancer.

Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor in the morning the devil says, "Oh shit! She's up!"

Monday, June 02, 2008

Wrist update

A few people have asked how my wrist is doing, so I thought I'd post a quick update about it. My wrist is doing great...most days. There are some days when it's not so great, usually when I've done too much with it! I keep forgetting that if I'd had a cast, I would have just gotten it off a couple weeks ago! My hand strength is nearly 100% of what it was prior to my meeting with the ice. I can rotate everything the way it's supposed to rotate. My ARM strength is definitely not what it was before though. Sometimes I'll go to grab something and my arm will collapse.

I do have one complication from the surgery to install the plate and screws though. The median nerve runs through the area where the plate and screws went in, and sometimes the scar tissue compresses it, causing carpal tunnel syndrome. My thumb and index finger are always tingly, and my other three fingers vary from tingly to numb. I go back to the doctor in a couple months to have some tests done to determine how much damage is done, and weather or not I'll need surgery to release it. And...the best yet...it can handle a whole day on the bike! Cuz that's what really counts, right?

2 comments:

Kelley said...

Hi Leah, I had carpal tunnel surgery in December and it was a quick recovery and A LOT less pain than I thought it was going to be. I've been living with limited strength in my left hand so I know how frustrating it can be. I just wanted you to know that if you need the additional surgery - it will be worth it. Take care!

Googsmom said...

I have carpal tunnel in both arms Leah. It sucks. Sometimes I can't even feel them. I wish I could have the surgery to fix them but no insurance makes that impossible. My mom did it and said it was the best thing she ever did.