Travel Tips

I tried so hard not to have pictures taken of me in Hawaii with a huge "cast" on my hand. However, there were some unedited pictures that I now feel can be shared.

I had to face it. Hawaii changes everyone. It sure changed me. Having now named my injury my "Maui Owee."

The ordeal didn't end when we got home. Believe it or not, when I got back to New Jersey...with two pins in each of pinky and ring finger, sutures where my pinky was "sewn" back on...and requiring follow-up with another hand surgeon. I couldn't afford to stay in Maui to continue with the doctor there, so I began calling every hand surgeon in my insurance's book.

Not one would take me as a patient.

Why not? Well, the surgery was already done...so there wasn't alot of money to make on me with just follow-up visits. AND...because of the complexity of the injury, they were too afraid of the liability and shunned me like a leper.

I finally got to see a wonderful ortopeadic surgeon, not a hand specialist, but a wonderful doctor. When it became apparent that more surgery was needed, he told me that he doesn't do surgery anymore because of his hands. So, he sent me to HIS hand surgeon.

I had to have a procedure called tenolisis z-plasty. (medical professionals, forgive my spelling) The doctor filleted my hand open like a banana, and cleared out the scar tissue that resulted from the rebuild. For a good portion of the surgery, I was awake and numbed. The doctor dis this to see me actually open and close the hand before he sewed it back up. I was scheduled for an hour and a half procedure, and was in for three and a half.

I've continued in therapy, five days a week for a LONG time, and now down to three times a week. At least I've cut the therapy time down to an hour and a half instead of the four hours it was for a while.

Hey, the Great Spirit has awarded us more time to enjoy this world. And I am whole heartedly looking forward to each and every day.