About Me

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I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

Translator!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

And That's Just the Way It Is

Thank you for all your well-wishes. They really do help.

After four days of being one-handed, I totally understand why they don't do both hands at the same time. We've had to make some adjustments. I'm not yet used to washing my 'hand', or using my left hand to brush my teeth, or eat. I can't chop, slice, or cook, so Richard has been doing the cooking with my standing beside him. We've had quesadillas, spinach pie, and chicken fajitas and all have been excellent. I could get used to this. Fast.

I have no pain to speak of and have not needed the prescription painkiller -- except for the night of the surgery. I can easily move my fingers, am no longer experiencing any numbness, and can make a fist with no discomfort. The wrist is still wrapped, however, and I cannot get it wet; nor can I remove the wrapping until the stitches are removed in 12 days. The incision is about three inches long and goes in a straight line from my mid palm to below my wrist. I'm careful not to 'split' the stitches by using my hand too much -- like in releasing my parking brake or turning a doorknob. I also have to fight the tendency to use my teeth to open things. That could have serious ramifications! Tonight I'll have the adventure of washing my hair. Oh, and please don't ask how I typed this...

13 comments:

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

With your toes, I presume. LOL

happyone said...

Glad to hear you aren't in any pain! At least you get out of cooking. :-)
Thanks for the offer to borrow your book, but I have so many books to read already - I'll just wait my turn at the library.

Jay said...

You're recovering pretty quickly. But, don't take any chances and try to do too much. We don't want any set backs. ;-)

Gilly said...

I do know how it is with one hand! I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand some years ago, and later I broke my wrist! I am now pretty damn near being ambidextrous!

Good luck!

TAG said...

Sounds like you are making good progress. It also sounds like hubby is doing pretty well with the cooking duties. Does he really need to know when you are cleared to resume cooking?

TAG

cri said...

Hey Kathy!!!
yes, that's my portrait!!! I love to take photo, i'm a photo addicted. I went to Capalbio (tuscany) in July, with Claudio. We went to the sea... Great!!!
I've never been in Barcellona, I think is beautiful....
Kisses, Cristina

Lena said...

Hi Kathy,

Sounds like you are doing very well! You and Richard are quite the team int he kitchen!

I want to know how u typed the post, but I won't ask!

Unknown said...

You sound very good if slightly frustrated. A sign of good healing! You're lucky you haven't needed the pain killers. I know how hard it is not to use your hand when it's starting to feel better or not to do a little more each day. Just keep putting Richard to work. It sounds like you have a pretty good system in the works.
How did the hair washing go?

Hang in there, the days are going by!

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

Glad you're doing well and that Richard is such a big help. How do you wash hair with only one hand? The typing I can understand, since I often use only one hand anyway.

Deblynne said...

Glad to hear that you are recuperating so quickly. Take care and take it easy

Cheryl said...

I wanna know how you typed this post. Are there any other you's in the house? Good talking to you yesterday. Can't wait to see your scar. Really (:

Becky Mushko said...

Glad you're on the mend!

Anonymous said...

Wow...I was just thinking how in heaven's name you typed this, but okay...no questions here ;-)
Take good care dear Kathy!!