Getting older is tough!

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great12b4ever

great12b4ever

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Joined
Jul 22, 2007
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1,196
Location
Houston, Texas, USA.
I have previously posted about the operation I had on my left thumb in Feb '07, and then posted again about another operation on the same thumb just 3 weeks ago to refix what didn't get fixed the first time. The first operation the surgeon just put pins thru the bones and first knuckle and it never held up well. The second surgeon, a totally different one, opened everything back up, re-broke the knuckle and put in two(to me)long titanium screws thru the knuckle to give it a permanent bend and tried to get a better fusion of the knuckle joint. Went back today to get an X-ray of it and see how it was healing. To make a long story short, the fusion did not take, and the knuckle has opened up in spite of the screws. So that means next Wednesday I am scheduled for yet another surgery to try to get larger screws and more of them to try to get the fused knuckle to hold together. This delays everything as it will take another 8-10 weeks before I can get back in my shop, and this is the time I use to get ready for the fall seasons. If this doesn't take this time, then it looks like an amputation is next. Any good words of encouragement would really help at this time, as my working/turning future is looking kind of bleak.
 
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Rob,
I have to say I don't envy you but do hope all works out well on the next attempt. If there is anything I could do to help just give me a hollar.
Vern
 
Rob,

Hang in there, I know getting older is a bit*% but its way better than the alternative.
I never even went in to see a Dr. untill I hit 50 and never saw a hospital unless I viseted someone in it untill I was 65, Now our big event in life is going into OKC to see my eye Dr., her back Dr., My shoulder Dr., well you get to picture.
I'll keep you in my thoughts and lets just think on the positive that you'll be behind the lathe in no time....



Edited for spelling (Damn I miss Cav.)
 
Rob, Hang in there. You might give Nolan (n4631x) a call. If I remember right the doctors had talked of possible amputation of his foot. He may be able to give some insight. None-the-less I'll pray that all goes well and that you'll be back to normal as soon as possible.
 
Best of luck Rob. I had to have two operations on a finger to repair a self inflicted saw cut half way through the bone. The first guy was a hack, the second one knew how to shave the bone to get it to lay right. Well pretty close anyway. I think this operation will be the one. He will know what extra to do to make a good joint. I might suggest that you search out a holistic healer in your area. They can suggest some dietary and vitamin treatments to promote bone healing. Best of luck!!
 
Hey Rob ..... don't ever give up. It sounds like it's time for you to dig in and suck it up. Know what I mean? When one faces adversity . . . it's gut check time. Okay, so you won't be able to turn for awhile ... but maybe that will give you time to do some other things that are shop related. Like, how about going through those old woodworking magazines and cataloging a list of projects for your future "to do" list?

A couple of months ago, I rode up the interstate with another professor to a meeting in Atlanta. He drove. We did 75 miles an hour up the interstate. He played a couple of cd's; turned the air conditioning on, passed a couple of trucks, spoke to his wife on his cell phone.

Did I mention that he is a quadriplegic? (He has a little movement in his right forearm and hand.) He drives his van with a joystick and push buttons surrounding it.

Your turning days won't be over .... unless you give up.

We'll be praying for you. It's great seeing you post again in IAP!
 
Hello My good friend
I agree with Doc Rob its not over untill you say it is. Look at me my friend. I take 300 milagrams of Morphine a day to just calm the pain down some. And I am still walking. I cant hold down a full time job. I cant even sell my wood full time or pack and ship very fast but I am still here. I have to be as they dont want to give me disability. But if I had to I would give you my thunb. See if any other seller here would do that for a good friend like you. My best and prayers to you and your better half. I hope to get to see you folks this summer.
 
As Les stated yes I too struggle with these issues, biggest thing is dont give up and find a good Doctor!! As you are finding out there are alot of marginal docs out there or at least they are alot of over worked people that just dont make the time to get it right. This is putting it as nice as I can as I have now had 9 surgeries on my leg. Wish I new then what I know now cuz its hard to undo past procedures and lessen the trama that that many surgeries causes. Oh yah and surgeies on left shoulder, Right knee and right hand. [}:)] Plus I am still young so I got a LONGGGG way to go:D But it beat the alternitive
 
I want to thank everyone for the kind words. When I posted, I had just got home from having the news given me by the Dr. and was feeling pretty down and blue. I have always been the strong one in my family, and the one that lifted everyone else up, and this just hit me pretty hard. Was supposed to be a simple fix. Anyway, I have never been a quitter, so I will continue, and however it turns out, well that is the way it was meant to be, and I will just have a new challenge to conquer. Again, thanks to everyone
 
Originally posted by great12b4ever

Any good words of encouragement would really help at this time, as my working/turning future is looking kind of bleak.
Click to expand...

First off, you are in my prayers on this.

Second, even worst case scenario, you will be AMAZED at how well you can adapt if you have enough stubborn determination and are patiently pushing yourself. Not that losing your thumb is "no big deal"-- it's huge. But if you're like most people I know, your determination can be a LOT bigger.

Keep us posted, friend.
 
Rob, I hope and pray that your next surgery will be the one that works and will be the last. Please keep your chin up, I know that it can be really hard sometimes, but things can get better.

You said "I have always been the strong one in my family, and the one that lifted everyone else up, and this just hit me pretty hard. "

Sometimes you need a little lift too. Sometimes you need to let others be strong for you, it can be hard to do, but let those around you be the strong one for a few hours.

Best wishes to you and your family.
 
Rob,

I hope that your next surgery goes well. 15 years ago I worked in a rock quarry and we had a guy lose his thumb when he caught it in the gearing of the crusher. The thumb was not a candidate for reattachment and since he was right handed and would have been severely limited with the loss of the thumb, they took his big toe and sewed it on his hand.

It may sound strange but google "big toe to replace thumb" and you will find that it's pretty common these days.

I pray that you don't have to go that far but I wanted you to know that there are options out there for you.
 
Thanks everyone, I appreciate the uplifting words. I guess the hardest part is waiting to see the outcome! I wish Cav was here to correct my spelling and posting. I'm trying to do all of thei basically one-handed (read that one finger at a time. :)
 
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