h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Well, my respite from pain turned out to be brief... a few days. Apparently the Universe was just messing with me for laughs. The intense ache I'd written off as a reaction to cold, wet weather has become a permanent feature again, and I'm actually showing more signs of the RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy) than I was initially. I'm told this is "normal", as it's a progressive condition.

I went to the surgeon for a follow-up visit on Weds. He seemed quite happy with the incision and the overall results of the surgery, but quite unhappy that the RSD symptoms hadn't gone away. When he looked at the swelling around my thumb, and noted that my palm was all sweaty (temperature fluctuations are one of the symptoms) when my other hand was dry, his response was (and I quote) "Damn, this isn't what I wanted to see!" Not words you want to hear from your

He's referred me to a physiatrist (pain specialist) in a nearby city, I go on March 10th. He gave me more Darvocet, and put me on Neurontin, an anti-convulsant drug usually used on epilepsy patients, but which can also work on the sympathetic nerve system, which is where my problem lies. He also said to expect at least a month or two more occupational therapy.

That's why I haven't been around much lately, just haven't been up to it

I'm sorry this didn't clear up like you (and all of us) had hoped.

"Ooops!" would be about the only other thing I really don't want to hear from a .
and
::sends positive energy::
GET WELL SOON!

Thanks, Evangeline!

In hindsight, it was a BAD idea to get my hope up last week. It was just such a relief to not be in pain 24/7, I didn't want to think about the possibility that it might not last...

I just assumed I was on my way to recovery, started wondering if I might be able to be shooting in time for Firearms Qualifications in April, if I worked hard.

Now I'm back to wondering if I'll recover enough to keep my job

One step at a time on that road to recovery! Don't go demoralizing yourself.

I've been sending "Get Well" wishes to someone across the pond for a while now. Kind of surprising a swathe of wellness hasn't broken out on the East coast. Problem is, you're on the other side.

hey hun...keep your chin up eh...

i know i'm not here as much as i wish i could be,but you know i'm here for you & if you want to talk.......well you have my email & if i can help i will.

just get yourself better hey....

Evangeline: we'll just have to set up a small mirror to bounce some of the good energy to points West!

Thanks, Waz! Good to see ya! Hope things are going ok with you, I know you've been through some rough times lately too

I could just meditate into the sun... So, around sundown...

Ohm...

The therapist is actually encouraging me to take up Tai Chi, for the gentle range of motion it uses, as well as the mental focus. I wouldn't be able to do a lot of the motions properly, but it would get me moving with no impact on the bad arm...

The therapist (now known as the Witch Doctor) hasn't bothered to speak with me for over a week, which suits me just fine! When she's not seeing me, she can't hurt me due to inattentiveness!

Sorry, that sounds so much like the Donald Duck cartoon with an on one shoulder and a on the other....


Seriously, Tai Chi sounds like a good idea.

My life feels like a cartoon sometimes!

I'm gonna have to take off now, go get ready. See everybody later!

*waves*
for

Looks to me like these problems take a year to sort out. Like my feet. First I sprained ankle. Then I had ingrown toenail. One thing happened after another, just to make sure i couldn't move properly for a year. Needless to say, i also gained about 20 lbs... Oh and just before the trouble became acute i met this psychic woman who took one look at me and said: your feet are your weak point, aren't they? Wonder if there really is something about that aura thingy.
Anyway, i begin to think all trouble takes about a year. No shortcut. So if your hand was mending nicely you most likely would develop something else. There.

Sorry to hear things aren't going to plan: I just hope mine goes better , but then my wrist was bust by a 4x4 knocking me off my bike, rather than wear & tear (not that there hasn't been any of that!)

Sorry things aren't going smoother for you Ranger *gentle cuddle with major restorative, recuperative vibes * I agree, Tai Chi sounds like a great idea...a perfect activity that could well have the benefit of (kind of subconciously) focussing the mind on the healing process. Good call! Pat that therapist on the back, or give them a 'hi-5' with your good hand!