Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. Eleanor Roosevelt

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

A New Ring

Thank you all for all the well wishes and Holiday cheer. It's nice to have friends like you. You are all kind, talented and inspiring.
While I've been away, I've been having a mild pity party. Little things would set me off like, not being able to pull up my big-girl-panties. Tie my own shoes. Type. Text. Wash dishes. The list goes on. Losing the middle finger affects the whole hand. But Good News, it is now on the mend (hopefully).
Since you've all been so patient, I'll tell you the WHOLE story, just no laughing.

It all started at a buffet. You know, one of those places that with every serving spoon you're sharing everyone else's germs. As I usually do, I washed my hands after fixing a plate. While at the sink, silently singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", I somehow twisted my middle finger hearing an audible pop. It sounded just like when my kids crack their knuckles, but when I did it, I felt intense pain. It felt as if a pea sized piece of glass was inside my knuckle. I couldn't bend my finger.
Retuning to the table I showed my Husband and of course he laughed that I over washed my hands.
Dinner was a disaster. I ended up using my left hand to eat with.

Three days later, I meet some of my quilting buddies who thought my fashion statement of a taped straight middle finger was a no-no. After their scare tactics, telling me that finger would fuse that way, they convinced me to go to the Dr.
Well, confession time. I don't have a Dr. When I have to go, I just go to the urgent care down the street. I guess it has been awhile because when I got there I found out that the insurance I've had for a year wasn't accepted there. So they sent me to the clinic. Eeewww! But I went.
They made me an appointment to see a Dr downstairs. They told me I was seeing an OB-GYN. Seriously!
Being the obedient person that I am, I went downstairs. The OB came into the room and I told her straight out," I just need you to assess my finger, I'm keeping all my clothes on". She asked how I hurt my finger and for the third time I had to hear the giggles.
Diagnosis, I had pulled the tendon in my finger that is connected at the top of my hand and will affect my whole hand until it heals. She also suggested that I take the tape off and move it. So I did. Boy what a quack!
I've since learned that wasn't the best advice. I had been re-injuring it every other day, hence the pity party.

What have I learned from this experience?
1. Most people don't sing while washing their hands

2. Other people don't wash each finger separately. But if you do, let me know

3. Never see an OB for a finger exam

4. Learn to laugh at yourself

So now that I've had my finger stationary for about a week, it feels so much better. I've been able to do dishes, tie my shoes and even pull up my big-girl-panties. I'm going to stop wallowing in pity and get back on the horse.
Today I'm going to see Gail and I'm going to attempt to quilt. As long as I don't have to use scissors, I'll be fine. This new ring is now a fashion statement. But I also know it's keeping that finger safe so it can heal thoroughly.

Good bye for now.
Take care, Brandie

17 comments:

Anita said...

Ow ow ow. Does cleaning under the nails count as washing each finger separately? I can't handle stuff under my nails *shudders*
So glad you're feeling better, and if it's any consolation, as a person that has has a finger injury (slammed in the door by a friends (unfounded) jealous girlfriend) I didn't laugh once.

Pippa Parsons said...

ohh I did the same thing but I was going from our barn to our ols mobile home to bed, in the dark and fell over the labrador dog lying in the way and fell onto my hand stretching my fingers out... it took 3 or 4 months of aches to finally sort it, I rubbed ibuprofen gel on it 3 times a day for about 2 weeks and it helped with the swelling :) does hurt though doesn't it...ouch

Mad about Craft said...

Ouch!

Chocolate Cat said...

I hope you believe me when I say I'm laughing with you not at you while reading this post, so glad it is finally on the mend!

sunny said...

Ouch! As a healthcare worker, we had annual hand-washing clinics, and we were told to sing Happy Birthday as we washed. That's how long you're supposed to wash! Twinkle is about the same length, so you're doing the right thing!

Kristi said...

not fun....hope it keeps healing!

Diane H said...

Get better soon. What an ordeal, Brandie. Hope the rest of the New Year is happier for you.

Lori said...

LOLROFLMAO!!!!!!
You saw an OB/Gyn for your finger?! That's the funniest thing of the whole damn story! LOL

I'm sorry, ok, seriously, I feel really bad that you hurt your finger- get well soon. snicker, snicker....tee-hee......

Lynn said...

I've missed your "voice" Brandie. I'm so glad you are back, better and on the mend. Take care and I'm sorry.....but I laughed while reading your story. I didn't laugh quietyly either!

M and M plus 3 said...

And a very fashionable ring it is! Especially if you need it! No laughing here, especially at a friend. Now them sending you to see an OB for it, I'm sorry, I think I would of left without seeing anyone, guess that is the medical training in my background! I do hope you have a good day sewing, you need some you therapy!

Carrie P. said...

Oh, boy! I can only imagine how much that hurt.
Glad you are doing better. Take it easy.

Anonymous said...

I have been wondering what happened to you. So sorry about your problem. We certainly do need all our digits. Hope yours heals soon. (no giggles, just a small smile because it truly isn't funny to be in pain)

Unknown said...

Poor Brandie. Hope you've had a good read while your hand was out of action.

Robin said...

Wow, Brandie! Sounds like something I would do. Glad it's better. If it's any consolation, I once had to go to the doctor because I got a chunk of soap stuck in my year. Yes, I was an adult. The soap was really soft, okay, so stop laughing. :-)

Barb said...

Sorry about your finger, hope it heals soon. I sing all of the time...so it would not be strange for me to be singing while washing my hands....my kids just shake their heads.

Linda said...

Ouch!! Loved the story though!! Glad you're back!! :-)

Sue-Anne said...

Oh Brandie, I'm so sorry that you have hurt your finger but I have been laughing all the way through reading your post! I hope it heals soon and things can get back to normal.