Ready, set, go. After my post-op wrist surgery appointment, I am healing better than expected. No restrictions. Excited to enjoy the summer! Elated after a year of living with the immense challenges of no hands, many months were totally dependent on Jeff. I was a bull in a china cabinet. Only to be taught another lesson, a realization that I do not bounce back like a spring chicken, the abuse my body took over the years, the brutal injuries and surgeries were a reminder to change my pace, slow and steady. Once again, crippled with intense pain. One I had clocked out of my mind, only this time it came with a vengeance. I had experienced phantom pain only twice before. It was subtle, with a day of burning, zingers, zappers that traveled to my hand, which I can sense but cannot see or touch. This time it was off the charts, a 20 on a pain scale. It lasted four days of relentless nerve pain, muscle spasms, and itching, and it was horrible. I could do nothing to settle just a little. I refused to let it beat me, but I did question how I could get relief or worse. I could not live like this. I would never take my life; it was more about why and how to ease the pain. Medicine was off the table as it never helped. I really nurtured my body, relaxation, tapping, CBD oils, and light massages. The nerves were not happy. They made the muscle more tense. Over the four days, I did notice some improvement. Doing less was settling the nerves of the brachial plexus, which is the main nerve bundle that runs from your shoulder to your hand. An area I know all too well, injured in my horse accident. It was the exact area that was the culprit for this flare, but why?
It did settle, but guarded and fearful for another flare. I had my post-surgery appointment for my wrist. I mentioned to my surgeon, who had done most of my shoulder and elbow surgeries. He stated that the removal of my 1st rib has caused my pectoral minor to tighten, putting pressure on these nerves. He recommended a Botox injection versus surgery, especially with the idea of using a prosthesis. He referred me to a neurophysiologist for an injection. Weeks later, I had my appointment. First, he had never done this particular injection. Before, he did an injection. He recommended physical therapy. We discussed my hesitation about my experience with my new anatomy after amputation. I was a challenge. I suggested myofascial release if we suspected a tight tendon. I have had great relief with both my wrist and arm over the years. Instead of the long drives to these appointments and the insurance bureaucracy, I did the exercises and stretches from my past therapies.
I once again adapted to a new norm. The reality is that I need to step back, do what I can. My body has limitations. The alternative to pain is not a quality life.
āHappiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and canāt control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible.ā āĀ Epictetus,Ā The Art Of Living
