First Day of Fall and I'm Whining

It's five days after the carpal tunnel release and am in the same blue funk I was at this stage after the first one. Everything is a chore -- washing my face, brushing my hair, getting dressed, completing the simplest of tasks. My right hand is at about 85% -- a little pain, but mostly lack of strength. I'm working on that, though and have opted not to do the physical therapy as I have 100% range of motion. Better to leave the therapy spots to someone who really needs it.
Yesterday I drove to Costco, bought a few things and then put gas in my car. It took a little longer to wrestle with the cart and juggle the gas pump and credit card, but I did it and it felt good to get out.
Well, daughter just called and she thinks I should go to the gym with her. I think she's right -- although it will take me about an hour just to get my sports bra on -- got to harness the girls! Better get started...

One Hand Down; One To Go

Surgery #1 is done. I'm fine. Typing w/one hand is a real pain so this will be short. He used sedation and a local, so I was awake the whole time and talking. We even sang a little Motown! Stitches come out in two weeks. The local is wearing off... Later, Dears...

"Another Saturday Night and I Ain't Got Nobody"...and Going in for Upkeep and Maintenace

It was actually a sweet Saturday night. Our youngest, daughter Robyn, stopped in for dinner and discussion. We talked about horses (of course), the other animals in her life, work, and dished some dirt for a bit. After she left, Richard and I settled down in comfy clothes, he to his laptop, and me to my Harlan Coben. Burn Notice marathon playing in the background.

This week I will set up the first of two surgeries on my hands. There's a lot to be said for doing both carpal tunnel reliefs at the same time, but I'd really like to have one relatively able hand available. The bad news: after the second surgery is done, I won't be typing for at least two weeks. (After the first is done, I can still type with one hand, albeit slowly.) Cheryl and Richard have offered to help. I'll take them up on it to be sure. Will I suffer Blog Withdraw? YOU BETCHA'! But I'll deal with it.

Watermelon Salad and an EMG

I've provided the updated dressing recipe. This should be right on...

4 cups seedless watermelon cut into bit-size pieces
1 cup heirloom tomatoes, large chop (I used halved, golden cherry tomatoes)
1/4 cup finely chopped Kalamata olives
1/4 cup crumbled feta
8-10 leaves mint, chopped (basil would work if you have no mint)

2 tablespoons finely minced shallots
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon champagne vinegar (or other high quality white vinegar)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Assemble fruit in bowl (leaving aside feta and mint). Mix dressing and whisk until salt has dissolved. Pour over fruit and refrigerate. Add feta and mint before serving.

This morning I scheduled an 8:30 appointment to have an EMG on my hands (I've got carpal tunnel in both). I'm still a little bit on Cali time and woke up with a start at 8:54. Luckily, there was another appointment available at 11:30. I've given birth to three children, the last of whom weighed 10 pounds (and I had no meds); I've had knee surgery on both knees; and had a radical hysterectomy, a lumpectomy and I'm no sissy, but having someone put needles in my arms, hands, and neck, and then run electrical current through hurt like hell. It still hurts. I'm glad that's over. My follow-up appointment with the orthopod is on Friday and then I'll decide which option to take. I may be typing with one hand for a bit...

Tonight it's comfort food: tortellini salad with red peppers, shredded carrots, broccoli, onion, chick peas, black olives, basil, parsley, and Parmesan. Ciao amici!