My gardens are a bloom with color!I've recently been struggling with pain in my right hand and arm. It is exasberated by doing anything with my right hand which as a graphic designer and illustrator can be disheartening. I don't believe it is carpul tunnel though I do experience a bit of it from time to time. I've had a blocked vein (feels like a little nodule) near my elbow for at least 12 years now and often when working,when I rest my arm on something, it puts pressure on that spot. I try to adjust this as needed. The nodule seems to have gotten bigger and is tender with inflamation. I believe it is blocking the blood supply to my right hand resulting in some of the pain, the other I think is some form of arthritis.
An injury occured at my oldest son's birthday party (when he was young). One of his friends who was quite a big, sturdy fellow for his age, was rocking back and forth on our oak kitchen chair and fell backwards. I tried to break his fall by grabbing the back of the chair and went down with it crushing my hand between him and the floor. Oak is not forgiving. It took quite a while to heal but my hand has suffered the damage and now from time to time it has started to ache. It couldn't have been my left hand, right?
So, tomorrow I will make and appointment to get the nodule looked at. Years ago I showed it to my doctor and he didn't seem concerned, just said as long as it doesn't bother you don't do anything but watch it. It's one of two I have on my arm.
Drawing has been put on hold for time being. I also belong to a professional organization where I am the editor of the chapter's newsletter (more about that later) and have some concerns as the next edition is due soon and any time spent on the computer hurts (like now!) My hope is that my hand and arm will recover so that I can continue doing what I love to do best.
So I will sign off but apologize for my lack of illustration postings. Posting photos will have to be it for now. I have to say I just love photography and its so hard not to take pictures of such beautiful subjects. Don't you agree?
On thoughts about injuries and recovering from them, it brings to mind an article I read about in the newspaper, about Thomas Auen, 14, of Sioux City, Iowa, a young boy scout who was injured in the recent tornado that killed 4 of his fellow boy scouts while on a camping trip in Iowa. Thomas who is in intensive care is unable to speak because of a breathing tube. When asked by his father if he had anything to say, Thomas took a notepad and wrote: "Lord, together we can handle anything."
What an impression this boy's words left upon me, from one so young but so wise. It is his thoughts, courage, and that sentence, that will stay with me as I deal with my hand and arm. Thomas, you are so right and I thank you.
May God be with all the families of the 4 young boys that lost their lives, the young boys who are still recovering from their injuries, and those boys who walked away from the storm unharmed but emotionally in need, I wish you a swift recovery, I know you are in Good Hands!
P.S. Mother, don't worry, I have a handle on the arm thing and will be fine! :) I'll let you know what I hear after I see the doctor.
3 Comments on Injuries and Recovery, last added: 6/27/2008
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Good luck with the Dr's appt. Seems like old injuries come back to visit again years later. I'd rather have a scrapbook to remember the past....
I'll be praying for an easy solution to this pain! Your flowers are gorgeous!
So sorry to read of your hand troubles, Maggie. I had a bad case of carpal tunnel syndrome (which is not your problem, I know), from doing months of detail work for a solo painting show, and went to an acupuncturist. I was skeptical but was talked into it by a friend. In two sessions, I was---and have remained---pain free. My lawyer husband (NOT an alternative treatment type!) had debilitating sciatica. Nothing worked and on the eve of surgery, I sent him to the acupuncturist. Three treatments, pain free. You might want to look into this. The needles don't hurt and, unlike those used in EMG, they are used not just for diagnosis, but for relief of the problem.
Good luck, dear woman!