wrist-surgery(Secretary Steve is typing this as I dictate)

Surgery went well. The orthopedist told me that he would end up doing one of two possible repairs: one with a short 4-6 week recovery time and one with a 4 month recovery time. Unfortunately, the tear in my wrist was such that I required the Super Size version, so I’m out of commission for a while. Apparently, the first thing I asked the medical staff upon opening my eyes was, “how long before I can hit people again?”

The day got off to a rocky start because the first medical procedure to which I was subjected was a pregnancy test (I’m sure you’ll all be heartbroken to hear that there isn’t another little one on the way). There was also the fact that they wouldn’t let me wear deodorant for fear it may catch fire (WTH were they planning to do around my armpits, anyway??). AND THEN, even though I had advertised my latex allergy to everyone’s annoyance, they put little latex stickers on me for the ECG leads. After I started breaking out in hives, they had to give me benedryl, so I was angry, smelly, itchy, and woozy before we even got to the whole “wrist” part of the day.

On the plus side, they were able to do the surgery with a regional anesthetic and a sedative, so they didn’t have to put me under a general — which is good because I tend to wake up from general anesthetic swinging at people and swearing. Post-op, I have to say that the wrist is pretty painful… probably the most painful of the 5 orthopedic surgeries I have had. The arm is now casted up past my elbow and my hand is painted oompa loompa orange.

(Now Steve is editorializing)

Helen had to go lay down on the couch because she started to feel a little sick and dizzy sitting up by the computer. The nurse did warn her that the meds would tend to cause a drop in blood pressure, and I must say she looks pretty pale. We’re also still beating down the latex hives with the occasional benedryl. After a couple of days of rest, I expect Helen will be back up and at ‘em, if only with one arm for a while. She must be feeling better now because she’s still all over me from the couch making sure I don’t type anything she disapproves of.

Thanks again for your prayers and well wishes!