I reviewed the doctor's notes about our discussions during the visit. I remember her mostly positive discussion about the surgery and the potential for a favorable outcome of improved function and reduction of pain. Then I read this, from her "After Visit Notes":

"Consent: left thumb trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction tendon interpostion and fcr

Surgical risks were reviewed with patient. Patient advised specifically that with or without treatment, there is no guarantee of being able to return to heavy work. Surgical risks to include but not limited to bleeding, infection, injury to nerves vessels or tendons, persistent pain despite surgical intervention, destabilization of the left thumb and wrist, requiring additional surgical intervention, failure to achieve desired pain relief or functional improvement, failure to return to previous level of function, anesthetic risks to include but not limited to death were discussed. Patient wishes to proceed with surgical intervention"


Pretty sure we didn't go into the risks as described, but those are applicable to most types of surgery...just a little caution to go with the hope...

Nearing the end of the line for dad.
Cannot speak. Growls instead of talking, frustrated he can get what he wants.
Transitioning into Hospice Care.
No more lab work, needle sticks or therapy.
No more nutrition, pain medications going into the feeding tube.

Mom is mostly a mess, sister is mostly good, me okay.

no one is okay.
but everyone has their role that others count on. So it goes.
and there is nothing wrong with that, as long as everyone gets to deal with it as needed.
Everyone.
Family dynamics being what they are...

I really believe in you, my friend.

Keeping you and your family in our prayers Eight.

Sorry to hear, 8. Lean on people when you need to.

Damn... I'm really sorry to hear this, buddy.

Stay strong 8...your family needs you.

Russ... ya know I'm here if you need to chat.

I'm very sorry for the loss of your dad.

So sorry to hear, 8.

sincere condolences from here as well, Russ.

sometimes we make donations to a favored cause or charity in memory of the loved one lost.
do you have any in particular you like to support?
I did a quick search for greyhound related causes but thought I'd bring it up for anyone else interested as well.

Thank you, everyone. Simply trying to ride the waves or supporting, helping provide some soft guardrails on decisioning led by mom. As you’d guess for an 80, anxiety on top of lack of sleep this is a lot. We are taking it a minute at a time. Which makes dealing with the situation one hour at a time feel like a luxury.

Frank,
My dad was a lover of hummingbirds. He could watch them forever. That and wildflowers. I’m humbled by your offer. If there is some place out in Massachusetts which supports either of those, I’d be happy to pass that information along to my mom and sister as well.

You are a… mensche? Did I use it right?

I am teachable.

feels like a moment here...

hummingbirds are abundant here this time of year...

Wife had painful bunions on both her big and little toes on one foot for 5-10 years. Extremely tender.

Finally went with her for the last few doc appointments to confirm he had nothing less invasive that might work. Talked my wife into it for like six weeks before she scheduled the surgery.

Surgery went well about two weeks ago. Three micro plates and like 8-10 micro screws.

Staples come out Tuesday and we will find out how soon she can be partial weight bearing for short periods of time- so I won't have to wait on her had and foot!. She is going to be in a boot for like 6-8 weeks.

Might also find out when she can drive...

Think tomorrow is DMV’s surgery on his bad wing.

DMV,
Prayers completed for the medical staff and for you and your recovery.

Peace, Brother.

Thank you!

Surgery was yesterday. Hurting but not the same pain that I'd been living with for years. The rotator cuff was shot. Nothing left but bone on bonespurs. It would catch like a stuck gear and grind back into socket. The doctor was surprised I was walking upright from the MRI's. Scheduled me for shoulder reversal replacement and a new chapter is opened.

So...who has some ISOMs for Oxys?

I'm taking it slow.

Burning vacation and perhaps a bit of short term medical leave if i run out.

Wishing you a speedy recovery Doc.

Thanks all.

Really appreciate it.

hope you recover fully and quickly, DMV!

Kept this to myself and a small circle of homies, but I guess I should rip the band-aid off and share with the class.

Caveat - not looking for sympathy, my mom told me where to find it when I was a youngster: right between shit and syphilis in the dictionary. All my years of bragging I was healthy and didn't take meds have come back to bite me on the ass.

Won't bore you with the long story, this started over 2 months ago, I have an artery leaving the heart that is 80% blocked and it braches off downstream and both of those branches don't look good, either. Had a heart cath on the 5th that found the trouble, as everything else they did was inconclusive.

Appointment set for Tuesday the 19th for a stent to be placed. Best case 1 stent if he can clear those branches. Worst case 3 of 'em. If all goes according to plan I go in on the 19th and go home on the 20th.

I'll have to take blood thinners for 6-12 months... and cholesterol meds until the Good Lord says it's my time.

Fortunately for me I have Tricare and the VA to cover all the expenses (except copays). Also very fortunate that I did everything through Tricare but the VA knew (because of the ER visit) so I saw 2 cardiologists... the VA Doc is retired from the Mankato, MN Mayo Clinic. He agrees with the process. If you're gonna get a second opinion, that's prolly the one ya want.

Sorry to hear Shawn, but glad you caught it in time to fix it. Here's hoping for a complete fix and a quick recovery.

MAC wishing you all the best for successful success in your treatment. Welcome to the 'Heart ♥ Club '