A Very Warm Hello To All!

I cannot thank you all enough for the many kindnesses extended to me!

I am just reading some of the forum for the very first time since surgery (on the 10th).

Surgery went well!

However, I am more "laid up" than I had ever expected to be!
I had expected some pain and some difficulties...but not to the extent I am experiencing them!

The surgeon had said he'd moved 7 inches of the ulnar nerve!
This is extremely painful!

(I am used to tolerating chronic pain. This pain has been off the charts! (I actually awakened from the procedure... crying due to the severity of pain. This was very unsettling to my family, as they know me to tolerate pain fairly well! They have never seen me react to pain like this! Nor have I!)

They had invited me to stay the night, but I'd really wanted to get home! I'd thought maybe relaxing at home would help? Since the hospital is close to my home, I'd figured I could return if I'd had to do so.

Additionally, I was going to be able to ice the area more aggressively at home.
The aggressive icing made all of the difference! I was already taking all of the opioids allowed for me to remain outpatient.

This has been a very tough week. My arm is in a splint/brace at a 45 degree angle, bent at the elbow. The brace extends upward on the back of my upper arm and extends down to wrist/hand area.

My fingers are slowly returning to life. It is very painful to move them. They do not have enough strength to be used at all yet. Those with strength left before surgery should return to the pre-surgical level of functioning.

The cast/brace is very heavy. I must use a sling if arm is not elevated and I am not "at rest." This helps fopr a few minutes, but not for long.

Pain control dictates that arm is elevated above my heart, which really necessitates reclining to some degree.

I have now finally slept a full night! Amazing, considering I must stay on my back, with arm elevated higher than heart!

Thank you for all of yor positive thoughts and prayers!

It has been extremely helpful to me to know I have so many wonderful, caring people supporting me!

Additionally, I know prayer and positive thoughts/positive energies do help! I am so grateful this is the case!

I'd really be up the creek without the love and the prayer offered on my behalf!

It is very difficult for me to type. It is more difficult than before surgery, although I was using one hand before surgery, too! It must be the additional fatigue, pain, etc. creating even more of a challege!

I do not know how soon I will be able to post again? I hope soon!

If it is awhile, please understand!

You are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Thanks again... from the bottom of my heart!

Please take great care!