Lately I've been looking a little like T-Rex. He had those powerful hind legs and puny fore-limbs; I have sturdy legs and two crippled wrists. Actually they don't look that puny, because they're heavily encased in neoprene wrist splints. When I'm hastily trying to put my jacket on before going out for walk with Baby and buggy, it's hard work getting my hands through the sleeves.
My thumbs are not so much opposable, as opposing any kind of activity which requires them - whether it's brushing my teeth or holding up Baby's surprisingly heavy head.
Apparently it's pretty common for women to be afflicted this way soon after giving birth. The fact that this happens at a time when one needs to use one's hands most - for picking up and holding babies etc - is, to me, evidence that there could be no such thing as "intelligent design". Unless it's God's way of punishing Eve's female descendants, that is.
I've heard that it's possible to get cortisone shots which would enable me to regain full and pain-free use of my hands and wrists, but I think I'll try acupuncture first. So I've booked myself in for another session with the physiotherapist for next Tuesday. This is the same therapist who was very understanding when, at our last appointment, I ended up having to do a very messy emergency nappy change in her office.
The best part about my making the appointment though was that the receptionist and I bonded over baby anecdotes. I can understand why mothers' coffee groups are so popular.
6 comments:
Found out the other day that one of my friends always thought it was "posable thumbs". Oh how we laughed.
watch out for those cortisone shots, i've heard from a couple people personally who had the shots themselves are very, very painful. One had it in his heel, the other had it in her hips. Definitely try other options first!
flying kiwi: oh yes, that's almost as funny as the term "foot wrists"
hazel: oh really? I do dislike pain. On the other hand, they apparently work damned well...
Yeah, I'd go for the acupuncture first. Cortisone shots are bound to be painful with a name like that!
Keep an eye on the wrists - my wife still had trouble 5 years after giving birth (despite cortisone and the neoprene boxing gloves) and eventually had to have carpel tunnel surgery on both writs. It helped a lot but they're still not perfect. So if you think it's seriously outstaying it's welcome make sure you get the doc to do something about it - don't let them fob you off.
boudica: I'm looking forward to being able to brush my hair again without wincing in pain.
gekko: 5 years!? Bloody hell, I hope it's not going to take me that long. I'll have to hire a handmaiden.
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