About 5 weeks ago, I tested the temperature of some water for Billy to drink with the little finger on my right hand and realized that although the water was icy cold, I was feeling it as warm. I decided this was a problem and went to see my doctor. Well, three medical professionals and a not-so-pleasant nerve conduction test later, I was scheduled for surgery to release an ulnar nerve decompression. That means my nerve that runs from my shoulder, through my “funny bone” and down to my pinky and ring finger had scar tissue pinching it and I was losing nerve sensation and muscle as a result. I’ve since had surgery to remove the scar tissue. I’m recovering really well (at least I think so, I haven’t had my post-op appointment with my doctor yet). I still don’t have all the feeling back in my fingers that I should, but it can take a year or more for my nerves to fully recover, depending on how long and how badly they were pinched. The biggest difference is that I haven’t had my hand fall asleep once since the surgery and that used to happen many times a day–so I consider it a success. Thanks for all the get-well wishes and good thoughts that have been sent my way! And for those with a strong stomach (Kevin does NOT like looking at it), here are some before and after pictures.
I’m still swollen and feel bruised. There are no external stitches, it is just taped closed. The purple line is a marker that was used to draw where the incision was going to go.
COOOL!
Battle scars are always good. 🙂