Thanks, Mickey. I pray that things straighten themselves out in Israel, and that you and your family are safe!
Ed
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No options left - It's surgery for my tendinitis
- Thread starter Commreman
- Start date
Thanks, Mickey. I pray that things straighten themselves out in Israel, and that you and your family are safe!
Ed
Said a little prayer. Just to be on the safe side, follow post-op recovery instructions to the letter.
You're going to be fine.
You're going to be fine.
Wow, that's heavy. I won't have a procedure nearly as complicated as the one you went through. That sounds nasty! In my case, physical therapy is absolutely part of the healing equation, and initially, will be painful. That's OK, I'm ready for it.
The funny thing about my condition is that I can get through a gig with no problem whatsoever. The pain now happens after the gig, and in those instances where I have back to back gigs on consecutive days, forget about it! I get to the point where I can't grip anything with my right hand, and if anyone shakes my hand, then the pain is excruciating. I'm really looking forward to getting back to normal, no matter how long it takes. I need to be able to use my hands for the next 50 years or so (I'm Sicilian - we live longer than cockroaches!)
Ahh Pizan...salute. Even though our surgeries will be different you still have to retrain / stretch those tendons, but I can tell you know whats its going to take and you seem to be in the proper mindset for it. You'll do just fine and you'll be playing bass in no time at all.
I meant in regards to your dealings with the insurance company.. Explain that little bit to a spoiled European with universal healthcare in place... 
I also lived in the US for 9 years, so I am able to relate to your story as well...
I also lived in the US for 9 years, so I am able to relate to your story as well...
Insurance companies here pretty much dictate what you can and can't do, what will be covered and not covered, etc. Because I am a member of an HMO and not a PPO, it is a fairly byzantine process that requires referrals, approvals, numerous phone calls, etc. Sometimes you get a robotic beauraucrat on the phone that will not deviate from what their computer tells them to do, and that can be frustrating to say the least. Even with that being said, I think we still have the finest healthcare system on the planet right here!
My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning. I just got off the phone with the anesthesioloist that will be working with my surgeon. They first are going to find the nerve in my shoulder that controls everything all the way down. They will administer the anesthetic to that nerve, which will impact any feeling in my arm for a period of between ten and twenty hours! I will still be put under for the surgery, but I am told that the local anesthetic will aid in reducing the pain the following day.
OK, I'll do the "un macho" thing here and state that I'm a little apprehensive, but I know that this needs to be done. I'll keep all of you posted (typing with my left hand only, of course) as I go through with this.
When I get done with the surgery, I'll be turned over to Torquemada the Physical Therapist!
My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning. I just got off the phone with the anesthesioloist that will be working with my surgeon. They first are going to find the nerve in my shoulder that controls everything all the way down. They will administer the anesthetic to that nerve, which will impact any feeling in my arm for a period of between ten and twenty hours! I will still be put under for the surgery, but I am told that the local anesthetic will aid in reducing the pain the following day.
OK, I'll do the "un macho" thing here and state that I'm a little apprehensive, but I know that this needs to be done. I'll keep all of you posted (typing with my left hand only, of course) as I go through with this.
When I get done with the surgery, I'll be turned over to Torquemada the Physical Therapist!
Good point. I bet your assessment matches this one by the WHO just fine: Invalid Link Removed
Amazing to how much trouble you have to go to for a needed surgery. I wish you all the best and hope that you're back in the business of playing bass in no time....
I remember I had only one surgery back in the US which was a rather urgent one as my appendix had ruptured. Because of its urgency, I had no issue getting the surgery done... needless to say the $24,000 bill afterwards reminded me about how fine the healthcare system really is there.
Just two years later, back in continental Europe, my gall bladder decided to rupture as well, resulting again in urgent surgery. This time around, the $0 bill reminded me how crappy the healthcare system here really is.
Touche! I had to go to a hospital in England once for a bruised heel, believe it or not, that I got from jumping down a high flight of stairs following a pub crawl (this was back in the '80's). The price was right; all they did was give me a crutch and tell me to be more careful!
BTW, I never stated that other systems were "crappy", and I won't get into a political discussion here of the merits of government sponsored healthcare vs. the private sector. This place is not the forum for it, and is an infraction of the stated policy of Talkbass. I can only deal with what I currently have here in the good 'ole USA, and move forward. I spent a lot of time in Eastern and Western Europe last summer (Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary), and I have also spent a considerable amount of time in both England and France over the years, so I have a pretty good idea of the differences!
Peace!
BTW, I never stated that other systems were "crappy", and I won't get into a political discussion here of the merits of government sponsored healthcare vs. the private sector. This place is not the forum for it, and is an infraction of the stated policy of Talkbass. I can only deal with what I currently have here in the good 'ole USA, and move forward. I spent a lot of time in Eastern and Western Europe last summer (Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary), and I have also spent a considerable amount of time in both England and France over the years, so I have a pretty good idea of the differences!
Peace!
I just got off the phone with the surgery center, and I'm scheduled for pre op admissions at 7:15 AM tomorrow morning. By the time everything is finished, it will be noon, and my lovely wife will be picking me up.
I'm naturally nervous about this, but looking forward to it at the same time. I need to be able to work and play pain free, which I haven't been able to do in a number of years. This procedure does not have a 100% success rate (nothing does), so I can only hope and pray that I'm part of the group that this works for.
I recently traded my AMDJV for a 4 string FSR Hot Rod Jazz to give myself something to look forward to as I recover. Gotta think positively, mon!
I'm naturally nervous about this, but looking forward to it at the same time. I need to be able to work and play pain free, which I haven't been able to do in a number of years. This procedure does not have a 100% success rate (nothing does), so I can only hope and pray that I'm part of the group that this works for.
I recently traded my AMDJV for a 4 string FSR Hot Rod Jazz to give myself something to look forward to as I recover. Gotta think positively, mon!
I’m typing this very slowly with my left hand.
Surgery went well. They gave me a nerve block in my neck that deadened my right arm from my shoulder to my fingertips, and then knocked me out for the procedure itself. I was pretty groggy for the balance of the day yesterday, but I’m feeling more lucid today. The doctor gave me oxycondone for when the nerve block wears off later today. I’ll need it!
It turned out that one of my tendons was nearly completely degenerated, so arthroscopic surgery was out. They needed to cut the elbow to get to the problem. No amount of stretching, exercise, rest, vitamins, ice, enzymes, bands, or braces would have healed this condition. I’ll be in a splint and sling for a week, then it will be physical therapy for about a month.
I'll keep everyone posted as to my progress here. By following doctor's orders, I should be ready to play again in about 4 to 5 weeks.
Surgery went well. They gave me a nerve block in my neck that deadened my right arm from my shoulder to my fingertips, and then knocked me out for the procedure itself. I was pretty groggy for the balance of the day yesterday, but I’m feeling more lucid today. The doctor gave me oxycondone for when the nerve block wears off later today. I’ll need it!
It turned out that one of my tendons was nearly completely degenerated, so arthroscopic surgery was out. They needed to cut the elbow to get to the problem. No amount of stretching, exercise, rest, vitamins, ice, enzymes, bands, or braces would have healed this condition. I’ll be in a splint and sling for a week, then it will be physical therapy for about a month.
I'll keep everyone posted as to my progress here. By following doctor's orders, I should be ready to play again in about 4 to 5 weeks.
Wow.
Take advantage of this opportunity to do nothin' for a while. You've earned it.
Best wishes for speedy recovery!
Take advantage of this opportunity to do nothin' for a while. You've earned it.
Best wishes for speedy recovery!
God Bless, happy to hear the surgery went well. I've got an appointment with a hand specialist next month for my "sheath" injury - De Quervains. Minor compared to what you and the others have/had. I hope your recovery goes well.
Thanks, Embly! I had to bag work early today due to the discomfort (plus it's hard to work with one wing in a sling), but each day it will get better. I just need to be patient, and this will pass like it was 'nuttin!
You should talk to Emblymouse about that one. He had the same thing done. I have a good friend who is a classical pianist who had that done, and she was up and playing again in a week. Just do yourself a favor - don't wait. It can only get worse. Take care of this while you can!
Good for you....on your way to recovery. Just be patient and give it the proper time, and Oohh boy! Keep those Oxy's handy, you will need them when the block wears off. Even though it was nearly 8 years ago....I didnt forget that pain!
Tomorrow is the day I head back to the surgeon to get the splints removed.
My arm is itchy as hell where it was cut - a good sign that healing is taking place. Another weird sensation that I get is "pins and needles" throughout the entire arm from time to time. I think that is caused by a combination of the surgery and the nerve block having it's "last licks" with me. I will ask the doc about that one!
The very good thing is that my fingers function fine. It will probably be painful when they get my arm moving again tomorrow, but I'm looking past that. I want to get my life back to normal again. While I won't be able to play bass or work out yet, I'm at least looking forward to doing a bunch 'o miles on my treadmill and working up a good sweat! I'm also looking forward to being able to take a real shower instead of a friggin' sponge bath, and driving with two hands and a seatbelt (what a concept!)
I'll keep you posted as I proceed with recovery.
My arm is itchy as hell where it was cut - a good sign that healing is taking place. Another weird sensation that I get is "pins and needles" throughout the entire arm from time to time. I think that is caused by a combination of the surgery and the nerve block having it's "last licks" with me. I will ask the doc about that one!
The very good thing is that my fingers function fine. It will probably be painful when they get my arm moving again tomorrow, but I'm looking past that. I want to get my life back to normal again. While I won't be able to play bass or work out yet, I'm at least looking forward to doing a bunch 'o miles on my treadmill and working up a good sweat! I'm also looking forward to being able to take a real shower instead of a friggin' sponge bath, and driving with two hands and a seatbelt (what a concept!)
I'll keep you posted as I proceed with recovery.
