Thread: PaulFLUS

Damn so sorry to hear about your finger. You are a fighter to the end I really respect you for it.
My thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones.

Get well soon!

Paul-I'm not on much lately, but am pulling for a speedy recovery for your finger. Your attitude towards the pain amazes me. Hopefully you'll be back picking locks, honing and straight-shaving again soon (if you're not already knowing you). My attitude is "Hardcore 'til you can't no more." I can tell you roll the same way. Be well, buddy!

Paul,

Just wondering if there is an update. Any improvement in the pain at least?

Yes. I took Advil for three days and now I don't need anything. It feels weird and is itchy but I think it's the rods making it feel funny. I'll know more next Thursday when I go back to see the surgeon. They will remove the splint and determine if it is healing okay and if they need to amputate any of it. Personally I think it will be fine. I can wiggle it a little in that giant hockey goalie glove looking thing they have me in so I'm hopeful. With any luck they'll ee-wrap it where at least my forefinger is out so I can function a little. Thanks again to all for the wishes.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

Yes. I took Advil for three days and now I don't need anything. It feels weird and is itchy but I think it's the rods making it feel funny. I'll know more next Thursday when I go back to see the surgeon. They will remove the splint and determine if it is healing okay and if they need to amputate any of it. Personally I think it will be fine. I can wiggle it a little in that giant hockey goalie glove looking thing they have me in so I'm hopeful. With any luck they'll ee-wrap it where at least my forefinger is out so I can function a little. Thanks again to all for the wishes.

Best wishes Paul!

So, I had my follow-up with the surgeon yesterday and it looks like they think I'll get to keep my finger. she was pretty pleased with the way it's healing although it's really ugly to look at. I was calling it my Frankenstein's finger. Again I would post some pictures but it's not for the squeamish. Here is an x-ray picture though. Those are pins in my finger, 3 of them.

They took the wrap off and put a cast on it. Of course I had to get Tampa Bay Lightning colors. Go Bolts.

I can't express how much I appreciate all the concern and well wishes. Thanks again to all.

Good to hear that it went well!

So they removed the cast and rechecked/re x-rayed the finger yesterday. Recasted it for 2 more weeks then the rods come out. The surgeon said they normally remove them at 6 weeks, better or worse for fear of infection. It is healing but it is ugly as can be. They let me wash it and scrub off the dead skin then recasted it. She says I won't be able to bend the last joint. She obviously don't know me too well.
On the upside I've learned to use chopsticks with my left hand.


Once the rods come out and the cast comes off then the really hard work begins. I've never been afraid if that though.

Sounds like good news.

I'll have to admit that I was a little discouraged at this last appointment. I guess I had a picture in my mind of it looking better but it actually looked worse than the appointment before. But the doctor said the x-rays show healing so I have decided to hold on to that.
I am a firm believer that things are largely what you make them. I also believe that we heal directly proportional to how we believe we will so...... forward we go.