Thursday, February 15, 2007

Bear with me folks....

I can't believe it but I spent this morning at the orthopedic doctor's office....and none of my boys had broken a bone (it is a bad thing when you have a personal relationship with your orthopedic Dr. because of your kids!).   This time I was there for ME.

I woke up a few days ago with pain shooting through my right wrist (it HAD to be the right one...). Like all good momma's, I ignored it and went about my day.  That night I could not sleep for the pain.  I slathered it with my arnica salve.  In the middle of the night, I got up and dug out my old brace from when I had carpal tunnel.  I slathered my arm with my aches away salve and managed to drift off to sleep.  Yesterday I tried not to use it at all.  This morning it was slightly better but still very painful and I finally admitted that perhaps I had a problem beyond what my salves could take care of...I headed to the Dr.'s office.

I found out that I tore the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon in my RIGHT arm (why the RIGHT one?)...the bleeding is causing the swelling which causes more pain.  I wish I could tell you that this occurred during a "farm moment"...you know something grown up and serious....like....maybe it was  caused by an animal or from shoveling the manure out of the barn...pulling a calf or rescuing something bigger than me...yeah!  that's the ticket!.....something mature and grown up....but, since Christ requires me to be honest, I must admit that this most likely occurred during a massive tickling event with my boys. (Hey!  Just because I turned 50 last year does NOT mean I can't play with the boys does it?)

I declined the steroid injection...and the physical therapy....accepted the tortuous splint that immobilizes me from fingers to elbow and listened to the admonition that I must not take this off except when showering.  I explained to the Dr. (as if he didn't know) that this would prevent me from using this hand (....I know....that is the whole point!) but what about the laundry, cleaning, cooking....I can't even stir soup like this!

I also tolerated the rolled eyes, condescending tone of voice etc. when I mentioned that horrific and threatening (at least to the medical community) four letter word....HERB!  However, I know that my comfrey based arnica salve will facilitate the healing of this injury while relieving the majority of the pain.  And I have the satisfaction of knowing that it does not contain steroids, chemicals or petroleum products.  I would take my salve over his steroid offering any day!

And since I know that God promises me that "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes" Rom. 8:28...here is the upside....I don't wash dishes for 2 weeks Surprised  The two older boys will be immediately advanced into some extra home-ec classes that will cover meal planning, cooking and clean-up while handwriting will center around filling their personal recipe boxes (another story!).  The youngest boy will be strengthening arm muscles and improving hand-eye coordination as he takes over folding the laundry.

Oh, and if anyone really gets out of line....there is this hard metal rod running down the length of this splint....Innocent

So for my readers who pray....I covet your prayers for a quick recovery and please bear with me as I try to continue to post using the hunt and peck method....and please....just ignore the typos ...

7 comments:

  1. Wishing you a quick recovery! Hey, and I think that is the BEST way to injure oneself.

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  2. Here is another blessing you wlll get! When I was in the 6th grade I broke my right arm and had it in a cast for several months. I had to learn to write with my left hand and do a lot of things left handed. Today at 50 (I know you thought I was younger?) I can still do a lot of things with both hands. Comes in handy a lot of times. So the Lord wanted you to develop that skill and had a neat way about getting it done. Think how fast you will be able to plant herbs with both hands! Will be praying for you.

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  3. Just think of how handy your boys will be by the time you can take over again! I feel for you. I forgot to tell you your arnica salve was a big help when my son was hurting in his ribcage. You are in our prayers.

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  4. Hi Mary Ellen,
    Thanks for the encouragement - I sure do miss seeing you guys.....enjoy the snow!
    Cheri

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  5. Hi Lynn,
    Thanks for the prayers..and thanks for letting me know how the arnica helped - that always encourages me!
    Blessings!
    Cheri

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  6. Hi Henry,
    Thanks for more positive ideas...I am already learning to master the mouse with my left hand...kneading bread I haven't quite figured out...my parker house rolls were a little strange last night :) Hug Peggy for me!
    Cheri

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  7. Oh Cheri, poor you! :( Now it's my turn to pray for you! As you know, I can certainly relate to not being able to do what you're accustomed to in the way of homemaking and having to delegate responsibilities. I'm sure the Lord will bring blessings out of this trial for you, if only that your boys will learn some new and valuable skills. By the way, your salves are the BEST! Call me an addict! :) Dwayne gives me a rubdown each night before bed and I sleep like a log. My back is feeling much better. Also, Anna-Rose came down with a virus yesterday and she is sleeping blissfully after being well coated on her chest and back with Aches Away. I pray you heal quickly and thoroughly, dear sister. Keep us updated on your progress! Wish I were close enough to lend a hand.

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