Rsser's accident.

[rsser]

Erk.

Thanks for the tip Fred.

Might go in with portable stereo with the Ride of the Valkyries playing.

Or m/b helmet with std earplugs in place :-{

[Grumpy John]

The K wires come out tomorrow at 9.30 all things OK, and not knowing what this involves of course Google came to the rescue. Need to know when my partner should be prepared to come and pick me up.

.......................................


Would that be off the floor, or perhaps the ceiling :p.
Don't forget to take your video camera along :D.

[rsser]

Cool. Can nauseate dinner guests with home vids, in surround sound :C

Won't have to do much cooking :wink:

[Sawdust Maker]

good luck tomorrow

and with the amber fluid tops
invest in one of those coke bottle openers the corner stores used to have
Something like this
127904

You'll have to get someone to affix it to the shed door though :D
I've one in brass on the shed wall - works well and is one handed

[rsser]

could rivet it to the splint, along with multi-grips for opening jars.

Well, the alignment is good and the wounds clean - only there's not enough bony mass (in the wrist GJ!) to take the wires out. Another 2 weeks.

[rsser]

Hand physio this a.m. was v pleased with the flex'y of fingers and elbow, & with cont'g exercise I should be able to regain full function of hand & wrist :2tsup:

PS thanks again for your support (and humour!) - it means a lot to me.

Esp thanks to those who emailed with advice or to share their own story. You gave me lots to think about :2tsup:

[wally peat]

Congrats on the progress Ern. No doubt the physio will find some new way to make exercise painful for a while yet, but your goal of regained function will make it bearable. Something which has just crossed my mind whilst reading your post about lack of bony mass in the wrist is the question of supplements to assist with recovery. I'm sure you will get good professional advice on whether glucosamine/chondoitrin/etc will help with repairing damaged cartilage, but have you considered treating the bone damage with comfrey?

My mum is a keen herbalist, and keeps a goodly supply of comfrey growing in the garden. I have used it on all the breaks the kids managed whilst they were growing up, and regularly treat sprains and mountain bike-related damage on my own feeble carcass. Usually just a poultice applied directly to the skin and then held in place with a bandage overnight is the simplest treatment. You can also get it rendered into an ointment, which is more convenient in application, but several steps removed from the fresh herb.

Comfrey grows like a weed, and should be readily available in Melb. If you can't source any, let me know and I'll ask me venerable mama whether she knows anyone down there in the herbal network who can help.

Just a thought......

[rsser]

Thanks WP. yep don't mind torture in a good cause :rolleyes:

Good call on comfrey. I used to grow it way back when but some years ago IIRC it was banned in Vic; an issue with side effects.

Any case, the fragments are knitting OK; they just need more time to build mass. Physio recommends Vit D and I'm taking multi's for good measure, also Glucosomine/Chondroitin just in case, and Bromelain for inflammation.

can't hurt; might even help :wink:

[NeilS]

Hand physio this a.m. was v pleased with the flex'y of fingers and elbow, & with cont'g exercise I should be able to regain full function of hand & wrist :2tsup:




Yipeeee!


.....

[rsser]

:d

[Ozkaban]

Sounds like a slow and painful road to recovery Ern, but glad that you're on the way, and even more glad that it looks like you'll make a full recovery.

Cheers,
Dave

[rsser]

Thanks Dave.

It's a helluva relief.

[Bob38S]

Good to hear :2tsup:

[rsser]

Thanks Bob.

So the new wrist exercises have led to flare-ups afterwards but on the upside I've learned to dial in the meds to get a fair night's sleep.

[ToothFairy]

A few days of quiet on this thread; I hope that's a case of "no news is good news". Perhaps life has just handed you that "Ctrl-Z" key after all (knowing that there are a few people around who actually care)!

- Michael

[rsser]

Thanks Michael.

My brother and his wife have been down for a while from Qld so that's been a welcome distraction.

The splint is now riding on the projecting padded tips of the K-wires, giving me curry, but there's plenty of time to experiment with different types of padding :rolleyes:

Next week the K-wires should come out. :yipee:

And it's odd there's no Ctrl-Z but there is a Ctrl-Y :(

[wheelinround]

Ern stay positive mate ( met back up with in hospital when I broke my leg) hd a full cage around his from shin the knee he'd been that way for 2 years after coming of a his BMW on the Putty Rd. He now walk without a limp. I s looking at buy a new bike if he can get past the family first.

Besides look at Gardner or Doohan or any other number of old riders in the same boat.

[rsser]

Thanks wheelin.

Yeah, lots worse off than me.

Mind you, be easy to stay +ve if I'd done it like Rossi while making 30 mil a year!

The Fireblade's fixed and a kind mate will bring it home on Sat.

Thinking of getting a 500 cc thumper and joining in club classic races.

I was a poofteenth away from getting a Velocette Thruxton as my first bike at age 18. Wish I had; be worth a quid now.

[rsser]

Good news from the insurer.

Other side admits liability so I don't have to pay the excess.

Just as well; in hope I'd ordered some more goodies from Grahame at Home (http://www.woodworksupplies.com.au) :-

[Grumpy John]

Maybe you should get one of these Ern :p :D.

128786

[rsser]

Bustard!

When I'm your age maybe one of these ... :D

[Grumpy John]

You'll be my age next year, better save up :D.

[artme]

You'll be my age next year, better save up :D.


But won't you be a year older GJ? And therefore Ern will still not be your age.:?:?:rolleyes::rolleyes:

Good to hear about the progress and the insurance Ern.:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

[wally peat]

Bustard!

When I'm your age maybe one of these ... :D


Ern, I think you should aim for something a little more assertive :D <hr>
http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/Abrams_Pics/M1A1-Bagdad-RunningOver.jpg

[rsser]

LOL. Wld sure get respect on a country road.

That'd be a good one for "Need a caption".

Eg. "What's Afghani for stay back?"
"Dunno"
"Oh, too late anyway"

[wally peat]

LOL. Wld sure get respect on a country road.

That'd be a good one for "Need a caption".

Eg. "What's Afghani for stay back?"
"Dunno"
"Oh, too late anyway"



....or perhaps "So that's why they call it the Putty Road!"

[Mr Brush]

yeah.....but that tank would look silly with a sidecar attached :D

[Ozkaban]

yeah.....but that tank would look silly with a sidecar attached :D

Not that anyone would actually have the guts to say so to you though :D

[rsser]

Bet the local copper wouldn't be asking whether the helmet was ASA approved!

[wheelinround]

Not that anyone would actually have the guts to say so to you though :D

Maybe thats what the fellow in Tiananmen Square was saying

http://naropapax.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/tiananmen_square3.jpg

[Tony Morton]

Hi Wally
at about 8 liters per km i think a bike would be a bit cheaper to run.

Cheers Tony

[rsser]

Still exxy tho.

Rear tyres, 5000 km, $330. Nice sticky ones, 3000km.

Chain & sprocket kit, maybe 20,000km, $350.

Getting hit and not remembering it, priceless! :D

[rsser]

PS Rang the hand physio y'day about the splint riding on the Kwires giving me curry.

Get out a paint stripper gun she says, soften the pocket in the splint and widen it.

Job done in about a minute flat. Ahh, magic.

... 1st time I went to see her about the buggered thumb joint, I was ready with a wisecrack about whether you could make a living out of hand-jobs :D and she walks into the room, with a form to make a fella's eyes water, and I remembered my manners :-

[hughie]

"What's Afghani for stay back?"


توقفگاه. بدهي پس or there abouts :U

[rsser]

Nice one hughie!

How about 'It's give way to the right where we come from!' ? :wink:

[rsser]

Well the Fireblade's back home and a very nice job the mechs did on it too :2tsup:

New tank and instead of a vinyl tank pad they fitted a genuine carbon fibre pad made in Geelong.

They could've just replaced the header to muffler flange but it's a whole new (titanium) muffler.

The new fairing panels make the remaining one look pretty tacky so I'll look at using cut and polish compound on a ROS buffing pad to bring it up to par.

She was out in the rain for a day or two and the chain side plates have rusted a bit. Will have to give some thought to a one-handed method of cleaning them up. Or maybe just paint on some rust converter.

May be a month or so of more rehab b4 she can be ridden tho :C

[RETIRED]

If only we could have new bits added to make us like new.:wink:

[tea lady]

If only we could have new bits added to make us like new.:wink:Yeah! I wouldn't mind a titanium muffler.:D And carbon fiber padding.:think:

[rsser]

If only we could have new bits added to make us like new.:wink:

Well, if you're lucky some bits grow back by themselves, and there's no confusion about the model and year :wink:

[edblysard]

But you can have new bits added back one, sometime even full replacements.
I did the motorcycle thing for years, rode since I was a kid, over 22 years with only small scrapes and scratches…right up until I drove my Kawasaki KZ1000 into the rear of a stalled Chevy truck at 60 mph.
Got a complete new left knee, a few teeth, rods in both forearms, a rod in my left shin, and a few pins and screws to add to the hardware.
Bonus was they replaced the original equipment nose with a newer, and better looking model.
That was 29 years ago, and the replacement knee is still working fine.
Best advice I can offer is listen to your physical therapist, they may all be evil Nazi gnomes who love to cause pain, but if you do what they tell you to, they can work miracles.

If only we could have new bits added to make us like new.:wink:

[rsser]

Yikes!

You'd be free of having to take iron supplements for life :wink:

I could make a cheap crack about the Z1000 but won't stoop so low :p

Yes, I'm with you on the PT. First med prof'l I saw on getting out of hospital.

Figured if your gunna twiddle your thumbs for a month you might as well do it properly :D

[funkychicken]

But you can have new bits added back one, sometime even full replacements.
I did the motorcycle thing for years, rode since I was a kid, over 22 years with only small scrapes and scratches…right up until I drove my Kawasaki KZ1000 into the rear of a stalled Chevy truck at 60 mph.
Got a complete new left knee, a few teeth, rods in both forearms, a rod in my left shin, and a few pins and screws to add to the hardware.
Bonus was they replaced the original equipment nose with a newer, and better looking model.
That was 29 years ago, and the replacement knee is still working fine.
Best advice I can offer is listen to your physical therapist, they may all be evil Nazi gnomes who love to cause pain, but if you do what they tell you to, they can work miracles.

What's it like going through airport security?

[edblysard]

It sucks…and any Federal building or Courthouse where there is a metal detector.
I always end up having to get gone over with the wand, then pull up my pants legs and show them the scars and the screw heads that show under the skin.
Good thing is I still have the leg, it still works, and except for really cold days, I have grown so used to it I don’t notice it anymore.
Amazing what the human can adapt to.
Hey Ern, it was the 80s…Harley was being built by a soccer ball company, Triumph was out of business, BMWs were very very expensive, and Hondas still came from the factory with windshields and spokes and no Vee twins…the KZ1000 looked close enough to a chopper to be cool, rode well, was pretty quick and still was affordable.
Besides, I traded a 1971 Ford galaxy four door with 150 thousand miles on it for the thing, so….

What's it like going through airport security?

[rsser]

Ok, I forgive you ;-}

Geez, I hope the quacks have put a non-ferrous plate in my paw.

Otherwise every compass reading from it will be useless.

[rsser]

Update:

Kwires came out this a.m. The surgeon proposed adding me to the theatre list for it but having been informed by YouTube I went for the do-it-now option :wink: No pain, no grinding, 15 secs work.

Downside is there's been some collapse in the knitting together and the alignment is less than ideal. Choices are to have a 3rd op to fit a 2nd plate, and there are some significant risks there, or leave it, with risks of loss of flexion, carpal bone problems and arthritis down the track.

I'll get further opinions but with an already compromised thumb joint the prospect of more surgery doesn't appeal.

[Ozkaban]

Update:

Kwires came out this a.m. The surgeon proposed adding me to the theatre list for it but having been informed by YouTube I went for the do-it-now option :wink: No pain, no grinding, 15 secs work.

Downside is there's been some collapse in the knitting together and the alignment is less than ideal. Choices are to have a 3rd op to fit a 2nd plate, and there are some significant risks there, or leave it, with risks of loss of flexion, carpal bone problems and arthritis down the track.

I'll get further opinions but with an already compromised thumb joint the prospect of more surgery doesn't appeal.

That's a kicker, Ern. Don't know what to advise, except I'd usually accept short term pain if I can avoid long term loss of movement. If they're not guaranteeing that it will work then it gets tricky.

Hope it comes out ok in the end though.

Cheers,
Dave

[rsser]

Thanks Dave.

Yeah, me too, but acc to the surgeon on occasion the wrist can react badly to the trauma of surgery. He didn't specify how; said if I were 21 to take the risk but at 58 ....

Also said that he had no doubt that many orthopods would be happy with the alignment and as a hand/arm/shoulder specialist he wouldn't get to see the patients with +ve outcomes.

The logic is all a bit 'Irish' I know. Will see the hand physio and pick her brains in a couple of days. She's worked in conjunction with surgeons in the past.

[Ozkaban]

Thanks Dave.

Yeah, me too, but acc to the surgeon on occasion the wrist can react badly to the trauma of surgery. He didn't specify how; said if I were 21 to take the risk but at 58 ....

Also said that he had no doubt that many orthopods would be happy with the alignment and as a hand/arm/shoulder specialist he wouldn't get to see the patients with +ve outcomes.

The logic is all a bit 'Irish' I know. Will see the hand physio and pick her brains in a couple of days. She's worked in conjunction with surgeons in the past.

All of that adds up to a bloody hard decision, I think. I guess if you can hold a C1 rougher, you should be alright :D

[rsser]

Should've have asked him if he could fit a tube and collet and scrap the fingers :D

[Ozkaban]

Ern GougeHands... Has a nice ring to it!

The woodcut replaceable tips might work even better :D imagine that - carrying a skew, detail, rougher and two bowl gouges on one hand :cool:

[NeilS]

Downside is there's been some collapse in the knitting together and the alignment is less than ideal. Choices are to have a 3rd op to fit a 2nd plate, and there are some significant risks there, or leave it, with risks of loss of flexion, carpal bone problems and arthritis down the track.




Darn!.... or should that be Knit! ?

Not having any expertise or experience, can't comment on your options. However, I'm always amazed at what people can do with less than the usual range of extremities and movements.

.....

[rsser]

Nice pun Neil!

an upside of 'do nothing' might be increased extension, which may make riding the sportsbike easier on the right hand :D

[bobsreturn2003]

its bloody hard to find a doc thats not just practising . had a broken wrist years ago ,from a bowl that exploded on the lathe ! was mended first bent and plastered , mounted a winge and got it re broken straight with a plate . they offered to remove plate ,but too much golden staff about at the time . came good and lifted weights to get it right . then put fishing rod grip on most chisels to cut out vibration . the treatment choice is yours you wear the results .get the best advice you can hopefully positive . ps they used a crappy black and decker screwdriver to put the screws in . why not a makita??best wishes Bob

[Gingermick]

ern, mate, you're just gonna have to bite the bullet and get a naked bike, much easier on the wrist. :D

[tea lady]

Ern GougeHands... Has a nice ring to it!

The woodcut replaceable tips might work even better :D imagine that - carrying a skew, detail, rougher and two bowl gouges on one hand :cool::D :rofl:

I'd get it fixed properly. If you are the type of person who uses their hands ya need to get it fixed. Not like you only use a remote.:rolleyes: (58 is the new 30.:cool: )

[rsser]

Thanks Bob. Yeah, they pumped me full of a/biotics when they put the plate and wires in. Apparently more folk die of golden staf . in Aus than do on the roads :oo:

Mick, if I won Tatts I'd shell out for a KTM SM-T. Very funky bike. All that the Yammie TDM 850 promised but never delivered.

T-L: yeah, that's the rub. OTOH getting the wrist sorted while stuck with thumb (hence grip) probs is a bit like reco'ing a car engine by doing the head and leaving the rings alone :(

[tea lady]

T-L: yeah, that's the rub. OTOH getting the wrist sorted while stuck with thumb (hence grip) probs is a bit like reco'ing a car engine by doing the head and leaving the rings alone :(:C So the thumb is a preexisting thing? :doh: (So why doesn't he really want to fix something he didn't do right?:C ) (But any car would get better millage if the tyres were pumped up.:p)

[rsser]

Yeah, thumb has chicken wringers' syndrome or somesuch - lax tendons and ligaments. An earlier injury aggravated by XC skiing.

Ironically b4 getting the news about the wrist I was optimistic and wondering about surgery on the thumb as well. Haven't ruled that out but will get a 2nd opinion on the wrist first.

About which there are still q'tns to be answered; why was the developing misalignment not picked up at the X-ray 2 weeks ago? why did the surgeon yesterday recommend Kwire removal in theatre when it could be, and was, done in under a minute in the consulting room? is there any systematic evidence on the outcomes of varying degrees of misalignment? what's the research on risk factors for subsequent surgeries? are there alternatives to a 2nd plate? how do ole pharts pull up cp young fit paitents? what might the negative synergies be between misalignment and chicken wringer's syndrome?

I cld rabbit on further!

[Ozkaban]

Yeah, thumb has chicken wringers' syndrome or somesuch - lax tendons and ligaments. An earlier injury aggravated by XC skiing.

Ironically b4 getting the news about the wrist I was optimistic and wondering about surgery on the thumb as well. Haven't ruled that out but will get a 2nd opinion on the wrist first.

About which there are still q'tns to be answered; why was the developing misalignment not picked up at the X-ray 2 weeks ago? why did the surgeon yesterday recommend Kwire removal in theatre when it could be, and was, done in under a minute in the consulting room?

Sounds like you need to push for answers on this. I hate it when you get conflicting bits of advice on medical matters. Fingers crossed for you...

Cheers,
Dave

[rsser]

Thanks Dave.

Have just edited and added more q'tns; helpful in focusing my interaction with other med prof'ls

Edit: must say it's very nice to have the wires out. Feel like I've got a hand now rather than a bar-b-que rack ;-}

[rsser]

Just seen the physio.

Without x-ray eyes she thinks the alignment looks fine, and the range of joint movement very good given the extent of damage that was done.

She's given me the name of an orthopod who specialises in hand injuries so I can get a 2nd opinion on the need for further surgery.

[NeilS]

..... an orthopod who specialises in hand injuries so I can get a 2nd opinion on the need for further surgery.

:2tsup:

.....

[Ozkaban]

Just seen the physio.

Without x-ray eyes she thinks the alignment looks fine, and the range of joint movement very good given the extent of damage that was done.

She's given me the name of an orthopod who specialises in hand injuries so I can get a 2nd opinion on the need for further surgery.

All sounds like the best news in a while :2tsup:

[rsser]

Yep.

Thanks guys.

No cost to all of this is a big plus, given the Vic no-fault road accident insurance scheme. We pay a hefty levy as part of the annual vehicle reg'n.

[rsser]

Sheet.

Have had a few days of no pain and good nights' sleep, and that's now over due to the new exercise regime.

OK, whatever it takes.

But I snapped at my partner yesterday and am now in the pooh.

Kicking myself, so pls excuse the dumping. No replies nec.

Seems another 6 weeks of bone formation is to be expected - so lots more wearing of the plastic handcuff - and all up recovery can take 6 to 12 months. Bugger!

[tea lady]

Sheet.

Have had a few days of no pain and good nights' sleep, and that's now over due to the new exercise regime.

OK, whatever it takes.

But I snapped at my partner yesterday and am now in the pooh.

Kicking myself, so pls excuse the dumping. No replies nec.

Seems another 6 weeks of bone formation is to be expected - so lots more wearing of the plastic handcuff - and all up recovery can take 6 to 12 months. Bugger! B&%$ P&%% F^&% and other 4 letter words.:C

[NeilS]

B&%$ P&%% F^&% and other 4 letter words.:C


:wss:

.....

[jefferson]

Sheet.

Have had a few days of no pain and good nights' sleep, and that's now over due to the new exercise regime.

OK, whatever it takes.

But I snapped at my partner yesterday and am now in the pooh.

Kicking myself, so pls excuse the dumping. No replies nec.

Seems another 6 weeks of bone formation is to be expected - so lots more wearing of the plastic handcuff - and all up recovery can take 6 to 12 months. Bugger!

Ern, you are old and wiser enough to know better. :wink: The other half is not always right, but be attentive to her / his needs. (Just being politically correct there).

Again - and I say this to all my friends with BIKES - sell 'em. Surely, there must be more scary things on the lathe that 200kms per hour on a bike....... :rolleyes:

Probably not, but the wind and wasps / bees in the hair / helmet thing cannot (surely) last forever. :D:D:D

Behave, Ern. Rest and rest.

And get rid of that damn bike. Lost too many friends from the habit.

[rsser]

B&%$ P&%% F^&% and other 4 letter words.:C

Poss reply no 1: 'That's the nicest thing you've said to me TL' :wink:

No 2: 'Gee, you have a way with words!' :D

3. Yeah, it's a turkey alright.

Done some reading and despite the good things the physio has said, the odds on full recovery aren't all that good.

Sorry, feeling down ATM.

Full use of both hands are key to my sense of purpose in this phase of my life.

Will have to get some help to deal with this; a 2nd domestic 'snap' wld be shameful and unforgivable.

[tea lady]

Done some reading and despite the good things the physio has said, the odds on full recovery aren't all that good.

Sorry, feeling down ATM.

Full use of both hands are key to my sense of purpose in this phase of my life.

Will have to get some help to deal with this; a 2nd domestic 'snap' wld be shameful and unforgivable.I don't know about shameful and unforgivable. Understandable might be closer to the mark. Maybe go and do something together that doesn't involve wood, bikes, or computers? :shrug: And get some help. Maybe GP.

(Kinda agree with Jefferson on the "sell the bike" thing. I worked with ABI people for a while. There is worse things than dying. That's all I can say.:C)

I recommend tai chi. It always gets my mind off things. And when you are a beginner there is so much stuff to go in the brain that you haven't got room in there to cogitate. It is also good for the rest of the body and balance and fitness and all that. :cool:

[rsser]

Yeah, exercise is a good idea; thanks TL.

Usually I work out several times a week and need to get back to that.

As for the bike, if I'd been walking or cycling down that road at that time I would've been cleaned up by the other guy just the same. It's that narrow.

But of course it's sensible to reflect on your appetite for risk when you've been bitten.

[Ozkaban]

I vote for offloading the bike too, but that's your call Ern, and in your own time. There are risks in life and you take some and not others... up to you which ones! My wife isn't happy with me poking bits of metal into a lump of wood spinning at 2000 rpm :whatonearth:

Don't worry about being down. it would happen in this situation. take it easy on yourself and talking to professionals in the area is certainly a good way of gtetting things back into perspective and feeling like you're coping again.

Cheers,
Dave

[tea lady]

....and stop reading up about it on the internet. There's being informed and there's being obsessive.:C

:console:

[NeilS]

Ern, I can identify with some of what you are going through.

A decade ago I came down with a chronic illness. Spent the first year almost completely bedridden and losing 15kg off an already lean physique; the next three or four years I was very limited in my physical activity, shuffling around with walking stick; and over the last five years I have gradually improved to plateau at about 60% of my former capacity. I don't expect to improve any further.

Must admit that I had my moments, particularly in the earlier years, which tested the patience of my family. In retrospect, very understandable. It's not easy to be stay positive, particularly with persistent pain.

I have had first rate medical care on all aspects of my illness. I hope that you can find the same.

If I read your family situation correctly, your family will be more forgiving of any indiscretions than you will be of yourself. I'm sure any recent events will be out of character and taken in context.

I do wish the fullest possible recovery for you. However, if this is not going to be the case, and not wishing to be patronising, in my experience the letting go of things that I had to let go has been easier that I expected and in their place I have found other equally engaging things to get me out of bed in the morning.

Having got a little heavy with the above, I'll refrain from any gratuitous comments about your motor bike riding.... :U

.....

[rsser]

Thanks Neil, and thanks for sharing yr story.

I got down because the thing was no longer looking like the routine recovery I'd been assuming. Yes, letting go may be needed and I hope it is easier than I fear it will be.

As for my behaviour: for 6 weeks now my partner and daughter have had to do almost all of the cooking - we normally share equally - all the shopping (which was my job) and most of the driving me round, while working full-time or nearly so. And put up with a less than sparkling partner/Dad. Least I can do is mind my manners.

[rsser]

....and stop reading up about it on the internet. There's being informed and there's being obsessive.:C

LOL. Thanks Anne-maria

With an academic as partner surely you'd know an apprenticeship in scholarly work means obsession.

In my case, being given Hobson's choice by a surgeon drove me to find the means of coming up with an informed answer (which I still don't have but at least I'm learning some of 'their' language, so I can ask the pointed questions and poss'y understand the answers.)

Another part of that apprenticeship which I've done myself is critical reflection, and looking over the last page or two, I can see that I'm feeling that I'm incompetent and a burden on the family. And to look at how I can contribute domestically in other ways, following Neil's wise advice on adapting.

[tea lady]

It can be really hard accepting help graciously. It seems that is the biggest fear of growing old- being a burden on people. And people will so often say "No no I'm alright" when help is offered. It is quite an intimate act to let someone help you and be vulnerable to them. And a hard position to find yourself in all of a sudden. Forget the measuring and keeping score for now. It will all come out in the wash. I'm sure your wife is not worried that you aren't "pulling your weight". (Even for a skinny bloke.:p ) Your job is to heal. And be helped if need be. :cool: (And for an Academic, your brain is your worth isn't it? :U)

[rsser]

What you say has force Anne-Maria.

Yes, my partner hasn't been keeping a score card and couldn't have been more supportive.

I'm committed to gender equity and will find other ways of making my domestic contribution cp to the usual.

Depression can be contagious and I'll get some counselling.

Thanks for your nudge about exercise. Worked out this a.m. and feel better for it. Skinnier too :p

PS I used to do Tai Chi years ago. Took 3 years to learn a simplified form and it set me up nicely to begin XC skiing as a late starter.

[Sturdee]

Depression can be contagious and I'll get some counselling.



Good idea as it can creep up on you without you realising it, often others can see it but you can't.

Nearly happened to me during my illness, except for my wife telling me to snap out of it and get busy doing the things I could at the time.

Keep at it Ern.


Peter.

[NeilS]

...... busy doing the things I could at the time.



My approach too, Peter.

From what I can see, Ern has been doing just that. But the black dog can still creep up on you. Spotting it before it gets too firm a hold and taking early preventative action has got to see it off sooner. Seems to me that you are on the right track there, Ern.

.....

[GoGuppy]

.......PS I used to do Tai Chi years ago. Took 3 years to learn a simplified form and it set me up nicely to begin XC skiing as a late starter.....

Ern, Tai Chi is good :2tsup: I used to do it for about 10 years (after a similar time of TaeKwondo), but stopped about ten years ago (mmm.... there's a pattern there...).

I've been thinking of starting up again also..
Cheers

[rsser]

Yeah, I started with Yoga but found it boring.
...

After 2 good night's sleep now (using the heavy duty pain killers) things don't look so bleak.

I must say this forum is a life saver. It's very helpful to be able to dump and then reflect on yr responses. My partner is a worrier and I don't like to give her the full blast of my misery, at least not every time there's a set-back.

Have had off-line emails from folk sharing their stories of injury and surgery, so that I've felt my worries were minor (but of course they're still immediate, difficult, and mine.)

Have been able to think my way thru several things I want to do when back on deck, using the excellent advice of other members.

Have done enuff online shopping to blow the partial refund from the Japan trip :- and am excited by the prospect of using the new tools.

Have even flattened and polished the backs of two handplane blades - not v. well really but cld still get a scratched reflection of my mug from both :wink:

That said, day times are still hard. some feeling is returning to the palm of the hand and it burns under the pressure of the light compression 'sock' that goes under the splint. Pain killers don't touch it short of putting me to sleep so it's ciggies and grog for the time being. Not the best way but it'll do for the moment.

[tea lady]

:2tsup: Shopping! :D

[rsser]

Yeah, it's a great distraction :- and I should be asking for VIP rates from Ebay, Paypal and USPS!

I forgot to acknowledge in the last post the supportive phone calls I've received from a forumite. Won't mention his name for fear of embarrassing him but for a guy with hand probs of his own he's a real gent :wink:

[Terry B]

LOL. Thanks Anne-maria

With an academic as partner surely you'd know an apprenticeship in scholarly work means obsession.

In my case, being given Hobson's choice by a surgeon drove me to find the means of coming up with an informed answer (which I still don't have but at least I'm learning some of 'their' language, so I can ask the pointed questions and poss'y understand the answers.)

Another part of that apprenticeship which I've done myself is critical reflection, and looking over the last page or two, I can see that I'm feeling that I'm incompetent and a burden on the family. And to look at how I can contribute domestically in other ways, following Neil's wise advice on adapting.
Dear Ern
Having read this the thread it seems that your surgeon is being conservative. As a medico this is usually a sign that he/she knows what they are talking about. This is often better than a cowboy promising miracles and ignoring the complication rate. Investigate on the web as needed but unfortunately 100% return to function might not be possible and it can be slow.
You physio will be your friend.:D (even if you hate her at the time)

Good luck with it and I hope you get back to the lathe as soon as you can.

[rsser]

Terry, thanks for the advice, appreciate it.

Yes, conservative assessment is good, and if the 2nd opinion supports it, that's the way I'll go. Much as the prospect of another op is nauseating.

My physio is a gem, and I've been following her advice as well as I can. Pain was not part of her prescription, and what I've had wld be due in all likelihood to my being over-keen with the new set of exercises; I've cranked back and the pain has as well, mostly.

Upside is increasing facility with the left hand, and who knows, ambidextrous turning might be on the cards. Might be able to give a run for his money :rolleyes:

[RETIRED]

Terry, thanks for the advice, appreciate it.

Yes, conservative assessment is good, and if the 2nd opinion supports it, that's the way I'll go. Much as the prospect of another op is nauseating.

My physio is a gem, and I've been following her advice as well as I can. Pain was not part of her prescription, and what I've had wld be due in all likelihood to my being over-keen with the new set of exercises; I've cranked back and the pain has as well, mostly.

Upside is increasing facility with the left hand, and who knows, ambidextrous turning might be on the cards. Might be able to give a run for his money :rolleyes:Dream on.:D

[rsser]

LOL.

Good to have a goal.

Handicap might be a bit steep, lacking several decades of experience and prob the right genes.

[Cliff Rogers]

never ran for his money in his whole life. :D

[Tony Morton]

Hi Ern

Had'nt seen this post since it was moved here, an reading through it it struck me with the friendship and concern for one of our fellow formited. Yes you may be handicapped physicaly for a while but you have a wealth of knoledge to share and in doing so is helping you. You have opened up and support has come your way and I'm sure many people have benifitted from the replies posted here. Hang in there and the best for the future.

Chers Tony:)

[tea lady]

never ran for his money in his whole life. :D:? and I've never seen him in a pair of jeans either. :think: But I have really only seen him in a workshop of some sort.:doh::D

[rsser]

Tony, thanks for the feedback and your good wishes.

hughie, just as well you're 2000 k or so away :wink:

[rsser]

Good day today.

Resumed my f/nightly lunches with my 89 yr old mum.

Made a holder for 2 new waterstones. Bent 3 panel pins. Broke an edging strip removing one. Sh*t myself tapping the pins in with stones in place (using a tack hammer in the splinted hand; sshh, don't tell the physio!).

Got to use the new knob and tote mounted on the block plane to smooth the edge strips; very nice.

Had to hold the shellac jar lid upside down in the vice to free it :-

Happy as a pig in mud :D

[graemet]

I must say this forum is a life saver. It's very helpful to be able to dump and then reflect on yr responses.

You're right there, Ern. There are quite a few of us who have had loads of support in many and varied problems, particularly in the area of our health. Even the ability to blow off on line is a great release, and to know that blokes and sheilas that you've never met are letting you know that they care about you and your difficulties.

<had hold="" shellac="" jar="" lid="" upside="" down="" in="" the="" vice="" to="" free="" it="">"</had>Had to hold the shellac jar lid upside down in the vice to free it"
<had hold="" shellac="" jar="" lid="" upside="" down="" in="" the="" vice="" to="" free="" it="">
A tool that I've found very useful for undoing things that you don't want to use a stillson on is the Baby Boa, a plumber mate put me onto it. A plastic handle and a rubber strap that they use for undoing corroded taps in bathrooms, great for sticky lids, overtightened keyless chucks etc.
Cheers
Graeme</had>

[tea lady]

Good day today.

Resumed my f/nightly lunches with my 89 yr old mum.

Made a holder for 2 new waterstones. Bent 3 panel pins. Broke an edging strip removing one. Sh*t myself tapping the pins in with stones in place (using a tack hammer in the splinted hand; sshh, don't tell the physio!).

Got to use the new knob and tote mounted on the block plane to smooth the edge strips; very nice.

Had to hold the shellac jar lid upside down in the vice to free it :-

Happy as a pig in mud :D:2tsup: Life on the edge eh? :D

[rsser]

LOL.

yr a wag TL ;-}

Ta for the tip Graeme.

Only wrinkle is that I only have 1 hand with any decent grip.

[rsser]

Well the wrist went gangbusters yesterday - for no reason at all :-

Had a review with the hand therapist on Thurs. She said if pain with exercises, then back off. Made an aside about my dirty fingers.

Later in the day, piqued by the fear that she thought I was taking a dirty hand to her I faxed a note saying that the stains were there after surgery.

Also that at a guess part of the consistent pain prob might have been due to the fact that the splint was pretty loose; & that I'd got into the habit of closing the straps to where they were at first fitting, but with a reduction in swelling and some muscle atrophy, that was no longer tight enuff and I was cinching them up more.

Well the young angel rang shortly after to apologise; the stains are normal with Kwires (yeah, go figure), and to bring the thermoplastic splint up at any time to reform it.

Damn if that ain't good care.

I also got active about the ltd window of opp'y for further surgery: faxed all the referrals to a private specialist asking to be considered for any cancellation. Got a reply saying come in Mon arvo, so now just have to extract the latest X-ray from the hospital Mon morning. Cross fingers they can find it.

[Grumpy John]

Well the wrist went gangbusters yesterday - for no reason at all :-

Had a review with the hand therapist on Thurs. She said if pain with exercises, then back off. Made an aside about my dirty fingers.

Later in the day, piqued by the fear that she thought I was taking a dirty hand to her I faxed a note saying that the stains were there after surgery.

Also that at a guess part of the consistent pain prob might have been due to the fact that the splint was pretty loose; & that I'd got into the habit of closing the straps to where they were at first fitting, but with a reduction in swelling and some muscle atrophy, that was no longer tight enuff and I was cinching them up more.

Well the young angel rang shortly after to apologise; the stains are normal with Kwires (yeah, go figure), and to bring the thermoplastic splint up at any time to reform it.

Damn if that ain't good care.

I also got active about the ltd window of opp'y for further surgery: faxed all the referrals to a private specialist asking to be considered for any cancellation. Got a reply saying come in Mon arvo, so now just have to extract the latest X-ray from the hospital Mon morning. Cross fingers they can find it.


Could be rust :p.

[tea lady]

:2tsup:

(not about the rust! :doh: About Monday. :rolleyes::) )

[rsser]

Could be rust :p.

Maybe only the private patients get the Stainless steel wires :rolleyes: