I had a shoulder operation on Tuesday to repair the damage caused by my bike accident last December. I had a grade IV acromioclavicular joint separation which would only properly heal with surgery. My clavicle and scapula had fallen out with each other: indeed my clavicle was pushed up and back out of position. You can see the protrusion of my clavicle to my left shoulder below.
Or internally...
I was in hospital by 0730 and second on the list, marked up ready to go.
I didn't move into theatre prep until after 1030. The anaesthetist's first attempt to put a cannula into my hand failed after prodding and poking "you have very narrow veins," he commented. His second attempt, into my arm, worked and then they (4 of them) started on my left arm/nerve block. This involved a local anaesthetic into my neck and then, guided by ultrasound, injection of the nerve block into the top of my shoulder. I'd been given some gas to calm me by this stage and it was actually quite interesting to watch the screen as the needle entered my shoulder and they guided it to my major veins. As the block went in the muscles in my arm cramped in phases - very painful.
And then I woke up in recovery.
The operation went very well apparently. I think I was under for ~90 minutes. Recovery wasn't much fun as I was very nauseous and shaking. They kept giving me oxygen and by the time I was wheeled back into the ward I had 5 blankets on me (!).
I had a surprise when the physio came round. I was lead to believe that I'd need to wear a sling for a couple of weeks. Ah, not quite. I have to wear it for 6 including for 4 weeks at night. No shower for at least 2 weeks (when the stitches come out) and no driving for 8.
I am currently staying with Roger who kindly offered to look after me until I'm able to fend for myself. This was my thoughtful breakfast in bed Wednesday morn.
An hour or so later I was up and sort of clean. I'm wearing Rog's tops for now as I need clothes I can pop on over my sling to avoid trying to feed my arm in and out of sleeves.
Being one arm down - particularly my 'good' arm - is a challenge. There are obvious issues such as brushing teeth and hair but one doesn't realise how much you use both hands for: tying shoe laces, peeling a banana, doing up a zip, spreading butter, undoing jars, putting toothpaste on toothbrush, touch typing etc. Nothing is insurmountable but it all takes extra time and patience, not something I am renowned for having excess of.
In order to occupy myself I tackled Riona's jigsaw.
And today I picked up studying again. Golly - what an effort! Typing is slow, organising paperwork awkward and writing a challenge. I believe it's good for the brain to learn new skills but come 6 weeks I'll certainly revert to my left hand for most things.
Anyway, very grateful to be warm and cosy whilst Storm Emma does her stuff.
Or internally...
I was in hospital by 0730 and second on the list, marked up ready to go.
I didn't move into theatre prep until after 1030. The anaesthetist's first attempt to put a cannula into my hand failed after prodding and poking "you have very narrow veins," he commented. His second attempt, into my arm, worked and then they (4 of them) started on my left arm/nerve block. This involved a local anaesthetic into my neck and then, guided by ultrasound, injection of the nerve block into the top of my shoulder. I'd been given some gas to calm me by this stage and it was actually quite interesting to watch the screen as the needle entered my shoulder and they guided it to my major veins. As the block went in the muscles in my arm cramped in phases - very painful.
And then I woke up in recovery.
The operation went very well apparently. I think I was under for ~90 minutes. Recovery wasn't much fun as I was very nauseous and shaking. They kept giving me oxygen and by the time I was wheeled back into the ward I had 5 blankets on me (!).
I had a surprise when the physio came round. I was lead to believe that I'd need to wear a sling for a couple of weeks. Ah, not quite. I have to wear it for 6 including for 4 weeks at night. No shower for at least 2 weeks (when the stitches come out) and no driving for 8.
I am currently staying with Roger who kindly offered to look after me until I'm able to fend for myself. This was my thoughtful breakfast in bed Wednesday morn.
An hour or so later I was up and sort of clean. I'm wearing Rog's tops for now as I need clothes I can pop on over my sling to avoid trying to feed my arm in and out of sleeves.
Being one arm down - particularly my 'good' arm - is a challenge. There are obvious issues such as brushing teeth and hair but one doesn't realise how much you use both hands for: tying shoe laces, peeling a banana, doing up a zip, spreading butter, undoing jars, putting toothpaste on toothbrush, touch typing etc. Nothing is insurmountable but it all takes extra time and patience, not something I am renowned for having excess of.
In order to occupy myself I tackled Riona's jigsaw.
And today I picked up studying again. Golly - what an effort! Typing is slow, organising paperwork awkward and writing a challenge. I believe it's good for the brain to learn new skills but come 6 weeks I'll certainly revert to my left hand for most things.
Anyway, very grateful to be warm and cosy whilst Storm Emma does her stuff.
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