Thank goodness I write blogs, as its so good to re read over what I experienced, how i felt, meds needed etc. Here’s me last year Though no way near as big as last surgery, but nerve block, and ice routines are handy to remember. 

Can you believe this time last year I actually had this thumb done! I must have a thing for March surgeries. Happy 1yr anniversary to the Mcp fusion and Cmc replacement.

Surgery Day yesterday started with me starving at 1am, and at 6am last drink of water only. Of course we barely slept, that’s a given, somehow it always causes insomnia 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️Needed to be there by 7am, into the main waiting room. Periodically you have to get up and see the anesthetist, consultant, get measured for sexy compression stockings etc. Best advice while waiting is take a good book in with you. And headphones too, podcasts are a godsend in the waiting room as well as the actual surgery.

Of course I needed stupid antihistamines again, I swear I’m allergic to the hospital 🤣.

As its a smaller op, I’m in the first 3 to be called down, so that’s a relief. Nerve block done first, top of arm is where it goes in, and use an ultrasound machine to detect the nerves. Nerve block should last 8 to 16hrs but usually mine wears off by 8hrs.

You know I said it was a smaller op? …. well I was in theatre for 3hrs!! Nearly an hour for nerve block alone!! Then 2hrs having thumb done. Crikey. Had all metal removed not just the wire,  no wonder it was a longer surgery.

Much needed coffee and toast afterwards and I’m all splinted up. Need to take pain meds by 7pm as block might wear off by then. Though honestly it feels like it might wear off way before that if I’m honest. As I could wiggle fingers before leaving the hospital 😟

We got home by 2pm and all snuggled on the sofa, with a fresh brew and channel 5 movie. Needed ice by 3pm as I started to feel aches in the forearm.

Took first meds at 5pm, had Tramadol. By this time I have full movement in my arm and fingers too. 7pm I took 2 paracetamol,  started ice packs and 10.30pm took 1x Dihydrocodine. Made sure I had ice for overnight too.