My fears were abated 8:30 on Tuesday. The left little finger of teh doktor shall remain intact. When I first showed up at the Gem City Bone and Joint Surgery Center, I was, I admit, very nervous. After a very short wait, Dr. Curnow--an excellent man and former hand specialist--came in and checked out my hand. To his surprise and relief he found that I had sliced open my finger in about the best way possible. The flexor habitus was still partially retained, meaning the tendon was not completely severed. This meant that I would not have to have my hand split open to look for the rest of my tendon, and the operation could be done with all local anesthetic. After meeting with the Dr. I went in for a few X-Rays and then they told me to come back about 11:00. Because of several cancellations I was able to have the procedure done that day. I came back and the nurses fitted me with a little gown, for those of you who care--yes they let me keep my underwear. They also informed me that the Dr. might be using an electro cauterizing tool, which meant I needed to remove all metal jewelry from my person. They looked at me and said 'But I guess you don't have any to worry about', because I didn't have my earrings in. I looked away and said that I would need the ziplock --for jewelry-- they gave me a confused look and handed me the baggy. I went into the bathroom and came out with my 1.25 inch long 10 guage barbell in the little baggy. They tried to hide the fact that their eyes bulged and wandered for a sec, but it was pretty noticeable. After that the Dr. came in and did the local anesthetic and I was taken into the surgery. I remember it was so cold in that room at first. They laid me out and hooked me up to the bp and heart rate monitor and put a paper blanket over me that blew warm air on me. Soon after the team came in and scrubbed down my arm with iodine, then they went to work. I didn't really watch all that much since I didn't want to be moving around, but what I did see of it was pretty sweet. They opened up my finger and marked all the important bits like tendon and nerve. Then they sutured them together with super-fine needles and suture. Then they closed me up wrapped up my finger and sent me to the recovery room. After that it was pretty much over. I just had to get dressed and make follow up appointments.
so thats it for now. it will be about 6-12 weeks before the cast can come off. after that it will still be a while before I'm 100% again but all in all not too much recovery time.
