THE IMPORTANCE OF THUMBS

There I was, sliding down the evolutionary scale, heading towards the primordial pool: I was losing my opposable left thumb ~ and it really hurt, too. Should I mention that this was all accompanied by deep sighs of self pity and much wallowing in self involvement. Not a pretty picture.  I knew what was wrong because this had all happened with my right hand 5 years ago. There are long medical words to describe my problem, but basically, arthritis is speeding up the wear-and-tear on my hands. The ligament (or is that tendon?) wore away and bone was rubbing on bone and my thumb was overextending. So, Dr Walton borrowed a piece of tendon (or is that ligament) from my forearm to stick around my thumb bones, cleaned up all the crushed bone dust and bits, stuck in two temporary pins and bandaged it all up. Now I have to keep my hand above my heart and elbow (swelling and extreme pain if I don't ~ don't bother to ask how I know this). 

There is a predicted 16 week recovery period, so I have collected an assortment of one handed art projects. In June, I'm taking Becky to Italy for her 21st birthday present, so I'll make her do all the heavy lifting, although I expect to have a light cast and wiggly fingers by then.

Comments

[Lorri]

Oh Joanne! I've been away from your blog too long and did not realize what you are going through. Dang, I do sympathize with you! Well wishes for a speedy recovery!

Lorri

[Kate White]

I'm so glad you have that wonderful chair in which, I hope, you can lay your left arm across your chest with Thumbellina above your heart, and watch TV and snooze. It's really wearisome to keep your hand over your heart when you are standing, or, even propped up on a table.

Be kind to yourself.

[Jo Anne]

Ouch Joanne! It was a good thing that they could fix the problem but what a long recovery to have to go through! You are a brave one to go to Italy during this time...have a blast!

[Linda]

Oh you poor dear I certainly hope the recovery goes well and you are back to arting up a big ole storm again soon!!! hang in there and hope your one handed art will keep you busy!! am sending you giant hugs dear!! smooches Linda

[jackie]

Oh, bless your heart, Joanne!! I am so sorry that you're having to go through all of this! I am sending positive, healing light to you and your hand! Wish there was something we could do to ease the pain and discomfort!
big gentle hugs!
jackie

[shirleymcc]

I hope you are feeling better! I just hate that you had to do this.
Sending healing thoughts and love,
shirley

[Jeanie]

Oh, Joanne -- I'm so very sorry you have to go through this (and glad you waited till after Art and Soul, although it must be frustrating not having all available appendages to do the lovely things you learned. Wish I was 90 miles closer to you, and I'd bring you healing soup (maybe that's too hard to eat if it's with the wrong hand) or yummy cookies and treats. Do take care, my friend.

[Kari McKnight-Holbrook]

Oh Poor Joanne! I remember what it was like to not be able to use a hand-maddening!!! Bless your heart! Take full advantage of not cooking, cleaning, or the like. Once the pain meds clear- indulge in some really great reading, and maybe even some one handed mouse work with your fabulous digital art! Oh- and I FULLY BELIEVE that chocolate speeds healing despite what doctors may say!! I hope you will be feeling tip top very very soon! I am keeping you in my prayers!

[vintage moon studio]

Oh you poor baby!!Sending big hugs (avoiding the thumbs) and wishes for a very speedy recovery. Going on a trip seems like the perfect medicine :) xox Deb

[tracey]

OH!!! You poor punkin! *hug* what a bummer of a way to spend the summer! Knowing you, though, you'll find a way to make lemonade and come up with funny stories and experiences from this whole ordeal.

[Judy Streger]

Joanne,
I'd say your "blatant appeal for sympathy" is working overtime. Nineteen comments in less than 24 hours!!! I hope you feel better than you look in the picture. Stand back. My special, healing chicken soup is about to pour out of your computer along with my best wishes for a quick and painless recovery.
Judy

[Cat Dodt-Ellis]

Oh my, Joanne!!! I hate to think of you being in pain with this but I hope you're looking to the other side, when you're all healed up! Sending my bestest wishes that you heal quickly and safely!
hugs,
Cat

[Leslie Wood]

OUCH!!! and the bigger ouch is the lack of crafty two hands. i hope u get to feeling better quick!
Leslie

[Lou mcculloch]

Dear Joanne, light hug to prevent pain, but many thoughts of quick healing. Can you still wear your fluffy, fiber ring?!!!! xox Lou

[Robin Orewiler]

Joanne - so sorry to hear about your surgery. Hang in there - you look like you could use a hug. I'll be praying for your quick recovery.

[Erica]

Oh, joanne....I am sorry that you have to go through this. I wish you well with your recovery and best of luck with your one-armed crafting.

[Kathy McElroy]

Joanne, you look miserable. Bless your heart. Wish I could be there to comfort you and wait on you thumb and foot. I hope you get to feeling better soon. Whatever you do, take those drugs! Where are you going in Italy? Are you on a tour or are you going on your own? How exctiting.
Sending healing thoughts and a big hug your way.

[Christy Grant]

Oh my gosh! You poor thing. Well, Italy sounds like a good way to go to kill time while healing. 16 weeks is a looong time. Will be praying for speedy recovery! Hugs, dear girl!

[brenda bliss]

Joanne-
I am sending you healing love --to you and your thumb. And some virtual chicken noodle soup--that always makes a girl feel better.................
big hugs,
brenda

[Maija Lepore]

Oh honey, take good care of yourself!

[karan]

Oh Joanne... my hand is aching for you in sympathy. I hope the recovery is quick and that you are able to have fully restored use of your thumb and hand with NO PAIN really soon! Big healing hugs to you.

[Di ;)]

Yikes! That looks like quite the surgery you had! Hope it heals quick. A trip to Italy is surely a good way to start the healing process! :-) My son is actually there right now, though he's leaving in the morning (finally). Can't wait to see him again. Looks like an amazing place to be! Maybe one day... Anyway, can't wait to see all your one-handed art projects! Now there's a challenge for ya'!

[Andi]

WOW!!Joanne it looks like thay did major surgery on that arm!! I hope you have lots of good painkillers! I'm sure the end result is worth all this pain and inconvenience.
Sending healing hugs....Andi

[Sue Berry]

My advice is to drink lots and lots of wine and soon you won't feel any pain at all! After all, they do recommend at least a litre a day - or is that water? Hope you're soon on the mend chuck ... Sue xxx

[fran]

oh sweetie! You look so tired! I hope you're relaxing and NOT spending all your time pecking one-handed on the laptop! healing hugs, Fran