Way back in January of 2012, I had severe pain in the fleshy bit below my thumb on my left hand. Between my commentators and Dr Google, we decided that it was probably 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome'; an unpleasant, but hardly life-threatening ailment. The pain subsided after about 3 weeks.
Two weeks ago, the same bloody thing returned; just when it was quite cold, and logs had to be sawn.
It's the starting of my Husqvarna that's the tricky bit. No push button starter button for them-there Swedes; just manual tugging at a rope (about 6 times to start it). I managed it, of course, but it did my problem hand no favours. Also my right arm/shoulder is still painful, so frankly it was all a bit of a sado-masochistic exercise.
My hand is already less painful than two weeks ago, and I expect the worst will have gone before mid-month.
I just hadn't expected it to return, and I found it all rather depressing. It's the little things that annoy when one starts to age.
However, I've been extremely brave.
Most people seem to suffer from things like this as we age.
ReplyDeleteThe writer, Alan Bennett says "I keep thinking that old age is something I'll recover from but possibly not!"
Hope you're fit and well soon.
I fear AB is correct; it's just a matter of limitation.
DeleteHopefully, I think when the weather warms up, it will go away. You need to rest it too, but that is something you're not used to do.
ReplyDeleteGreeting Maria x
Trying not to use my left hand is almost impossible. Heating a house with wood requires a lot of manual labour. But I think it's getting better.
DeleteDe Quervains tendinitus. Rest and ice.
ReplyDeleteI've just looked-up deQ's T, and the symptoms look more like mine than the Carpal Tunnel symptoms; so you are probably right. Now I shall have to learn how to spell it.
DeleteI suspect starting the chain saw is what has caused it and continues to aggravate it. May be look for a push button start one over the summer?
DeleteI thought the lines on your hand were a surgeon's 'cut here' marking. Do chainsaws now have electric starting motors?
ReplyDeleteNo idea; mine doesn't.
DeleteIt is everyday things like chopping vegetables and gardening that give me problems. Hope yours sorts itself out soon.
ReplyDeleteIt's been like being one armed; but a bit better now.
DeleteHope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I will, thanks.
DeleteThere is nothing like pain to show us our limitations and fragility. Can you not get somebody to saw and chop them for you until you feel pain free?
ReplyDeleteI'd rather just battle on... it'll be OK.
DeleteCro,I had carpal tunnel syndrome which was operated on. The carpal tunnel runs through the wrist. I so hope your hand will soon improve. Not only painful but debilitating toot
ReplyDeleteI can put-up with the pain, but not being unable to do the things I need to do. Country life isn't always easy.
DeleteAre you left-handed? If not, think yourself lucky.
ReplyDeleteI'm right handed, thank goodness.
DeleteNot wanting to put a damper on things but you might find this isn’t going to go away and will keep giving you gyp. I know you don’t like going to see the doc ...... have you tried rubbing arnica on the area ? It’s always good to have a bottle of arnica in the cupboard ... great for bruising too. XXXX
ReplyDeleteThe only home remedy I've tried is red wine. I think it's helping! I've also been taking some alternative pain killers.
DeleteGet some arnica ..... homeopathic and has been used for centuries and it works for me. XXXX
DeleteThat's what Lady Magon suggested. Maybe I'll give it a go.
Deleteyes do! Plus plenty of wrist hand and finger stretching exercises every day. When we use our hands, the ligaments contract,so shorten. We never think of stretching to counteract this.It helps
DeleteSo brave. I think you deserve cake.
ReplyDeleteI bought Chocolate biscuits this morning, but only on instruction.
DeleteThe worrying thing as you get older is that you know all these little ailments will come back to visit from time to time. I'm sure the chocolate biscuits will help though.
ReplyDeleteThey will probably prevent Lady Magnon from having the same thing!
DeleteI have been painting so I use Volatarin. I am not sure if you have it in France but it works for me. Cookies always help too. The nice weather always makes everyone feel better. Feel better.
ReplyDeleteSunshine is the best medicine. In short supply at the moment.
DeleteMy sympathies are with you. Pain a day here but nothing for it but to keep going. lol
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
That's just about how I feel at the the moment; aches and pains all over.
DeleteMy brother has it ver bad. A thumb/hand brace was the most help and he can continue to work with it. And RICE. Rest ice compession elevation.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing people wearing those. Thickish brown leather hand supports. I don't think my problem is worthy of such a thing, it's still painful but I manage.
DeleteHe used to say that and then one day it was so bad he couldn't do anything. I saved him with a packet of frozen peas and he got the brace the next day.
DeleteHe got a velcro sports brace type thing, not a brown ugly thing.
DeleteAt least you are not a teenager anymore, a bad hand is a nightmare for them
ReplyDeleteAnd that would be because...?
DeleteCough cough
DeleteI do think it all comes with age. I've had both the area around my thumb hurt for a time as well as the wrist. It hurts for a while... (and those velcro braces do help) but it eventually goes away. It's just another inconvenience that comes with aging. One that can be dealt with... as health problems go, it could always be worse.
ReplyDeleteI see it as a natural part of ageing (for some). It's a nuisance more than anything else. I'll cope.
DeleteI have arthritis and bursitis. My Dr. gives me a shot of cortisone in the offending joint and I'm usually good for a year or so! Magic stuff!
ReplyDeleteI'm not good with Dr's. I keep well clear.
DeleteMaybe time for a battery operated electric chainsaw.
ReplyDeleteDoes such a thing exist? I'll struggle on; I like my Husqvarna.
DeleteThey most certainly do! I believe Husqvarna and Stihl produce good models
DeleteBrave indeed! A complimentary 'goodie' of some sort should be offered to you (I'm thinking food stuff, here).
ReplyDeleteI'm making Coq au Vin for tonight; that should help.
Delete