Monday was the hand surgeon appointment to see my weird ring finger which jolts in and out.
While I waited, I shot a couple of pictures from the consulting room. Classic NJ parking lot, full of trees. As is NJ, in fact.
Anyway he said he expected I'd heard of trigger finger? Yes? Well this isn't it. Aside from sounding like standup, turns out it's more complicated and short of surgery, little to do for it.
And he didn't recommend the necessary surgery because the tissue isn't "robust" enough to withstand it and get results. Not robust is code for too old and decrepit. Also worn out, well, aren't we all.
He gave me a script to get a custom made splint to restrict movement and stop the tendon falling down the gap between knuckles and refusing to come back up, technically subluxating. He doubts I can actually work with a splint on. So I doubt whether I'll fill the Rx.
But I did check in case there was something I'd kick myself for not doing.
Then it occurred to me that I can do a diy splint just to see if I can work with it on. I figured out how to prevent the tendon running across that last joint from clicking in and out. It's about restricting the range of motion.
Paper tape, just a test run. So far it's working. I can just wrap it when I need to knit or stitch or anything that needs fingers that don't fly out at will.
That's it for medical stuff, gah, primary, cardio, derma, dentist, optometrist, rheumo, hand surgeon, all saying go home and play, you're fiiiine. Better than the alternative, I'm not complaining here.
I'd run out of food ideas for lunch, so old faithful appeared, the tomato, cheddar, feta, egg bake, big grind of white pepper, no added salt, plenty in the cheeses. Baked at 400°f till the eggs were cooked, about 20 minutes, served on bread or toast. This dish is enough for two meals for moi.
Happy day everyone, the patio pavers didn't happen today, weather, so another day. I'm just happy it will happen, never mind when.
All the neighbors were partying for Diwali, Monday evening, colored lights on houses, sparkly fireworks, no bangs, they never seem to like bangs. No point in pictures because they'll look like pinpoints! The neighbor out back has erected a party tent on the patio, excited kids running about in the dark.
A friend sent me her pictures of me at the opening with my artworks
And Tuesday is all fun, Tuesday Knitting Group, Textiles and Tea, No Kings online.
Good trick with the finger support! So nice to see your lovely face at the art show.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be shrinking. Smaller and smaller. I need to alter my clothes. Those pants used to be more snug. Unusual complaint that I can't keep up my weight, I know.
DeleteAs you say, better than the alternative!
ReplyDeleteEspecially since I'm well and as far as I can tell, compos mentis!
DeleteYou're a regular MacGyver, fixing things, even fingers, on the fly. I'm glad your DIY splint works for you. I had to chuckle at the doctor's choice of words, not robust enough. Bodies are hard to cope with as they age.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of you with your artwork.
I knew he meant old because he quickly said you're doing great for 86! Didn't want to be discouraging, I'm guessing.
DeleteI love those pictures of you and, of course, your artworks. Also, very clever and more functional DIY splint. You’ve heard of trigger finger? Well, this isn’t it. Badumpbump.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if he has a night job in standup. I think I'll try my diy before going for the rx, just to see if I can work with it on. If not, no point.
Deletegreat pictures of you at the opening. The finger thing sounds icky - hands are such complex valuable and sensitive things.
ReplyDeleteHands are full of nerves, too, hence the reluctance to do surgery with pain involved, unless it had a good chance to succeed.
DeleteNice pictures of you with your artwork! And it's good that you're finding a functional workaround for supporting your finger joint. I wonder though...since it's the tissue - not the bone - lacking "robustness," would strengthening exercises build up the tissue over time enough to make surgery feasible if required further down the road? (I'm also in the middle of a series of various medical appointments, but mine keep leading to more tests, more PT, and more follow-up appointments. It's exhausting. I like your "go home, you're fine" results better!)
ReplyDeleteI like your pt idea, and I brought it up with my primary and the hand guy, but both said not feasible. The tissue has worn away with overuse and age, and at this point can't be built back up. I was hoping for that but oh well.
DeleteI hope your own medical issues get resolved. You don't have time for all these trips and follow ups.
Home-made remedies are often the best solution. It's always best to avoid surgery if you can.
ReplyDeleteLovely photograph of you, by the way.
I like my workaround for now. I'd have gone for surgery if it seemed a good solution but he thought it had only a small chance of helping. Thanks for the nice words about the pix.
DeleteGlad you've come up with a home-grown fix, and I hope it works when you're doing your fiber creations. So glad you had photos of yourself from the art show.
ReplyDeleteYes, I need to try it while working and see if it helps or hinders.
DeleteGlad you've passed all your tests.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely photos of you with your art. Gorgeous.
Thank you! Yes, medical testing does feel like an exam you're trying to pass
DeleteGreat photos and clever trick for the splint. I hope it is a success and your lunch has given me an idea, thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt's an easy meal and really good. I hope you try it. We'll see about the splint.
DeleteWouldn’t wearing the splint at night or at rest help somewhat?
ReplyDeleteIt's not a situation of inflammation where rest helps. Surgeon said just use when using the hand. Nothing hurts, surprisingly.
DeleteA great idea to try out a splint first! Have a great day, Boud!
ReplyDeleteTesting testing. My inner engineer at work.
DeleteWhat a pain with the tendon, especially for one who uses their hands for creative fine work. I hope your workaround is effective. I loved the photo of you with your art.
ReplyDeleteIt's tricky, but I'll see how the makeshift splint goes.
DeleteI have to wear braces on my hands at night now so I know all about them. My thumbs will sometimes lock up and I'll drop whatever I'm holding so I've learned that hot drinks need to be supported with both hands at all times. Hope your splint solution works for you.
ReplyDeleteI think your situation is more complicated than mine. Are the night splints meant to alleviate inflammation?
DeleteI guess after a certain age we are best served to just learn to live with certain things, adapt, make-do, etc. La-la-la.
ReplyDeleteAnd you know what? I HATE when people say, You look great, or you're doing great, or whatever...for someone your age. Another one- you are just as beautiful as you ever were! (Not that anyone has said this to me lately.) I mean- why can't people just say, "You're beautiful!"
And by the way- you're beautiful.
I don't mind a doctor who says I'm doing very well, because that's a clinical assessment. Other people, why bother about appearance at all? I think we tend to pay a bit too much attention. That said, I still like your nice words! Inconsistent? Me?
DeleteYour talent for using household items for your art now extends to first aid as well, judging by that tape on your hand. You said it's working and I hope it continues to do so.
ReplyDeleteIt's open to improvement, and I have an idea to try.
DeleteIt's great to see a photo of you at the show -- a full photo of you with your work. Well, I'm not sure what to say about your finger doc visit. I'm sorry there isn't an answer/solution. As a side note, however, I'm fascinated by your description of the tendon slipping. Terribly sorry it's happening! I have a tendon up by my clavicle that slips (and goes right back) a couple/few times a month, and it's an odd/creepy feeling. No harm done, though, when it happens. Bodies are so interesting, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteYes, tendons with a will of their own are interesting. As long as it doesn't hurt is my guideline. I had hoped for a solution but oh well. Anyway he didn't rush me into surgery and a boat payment, so that's good.
DeleteBoud. You remind me every single day that joy still exists, and I am pleased for that reminder. Thanks for being you.
ReplyDeleteThat's so lovely to hear, thank you. There's often something good in even the most unpromising situations.
DeleteLovely pics of you and your art!!
ReplyDeleteYour DIY version might work better because you could probably use it pretty often. ;)
Thank you for the nice words. I'll probably alter it acc to need, too.
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