As some of my customers know and remember, I had both of my thumbs surgically repaired in September 2019 and then December 2019, respectively (see a previous blog update). Nope, it wasn't an injury that required that decision. The influence of time, wear, and tear on my hands gradually blew up the bones at the back of my thumbs. Ugh. The surgical repair effort was pretty quick and successful, at least from all outward appearances. It was then followed-up by multiple weeks of physical therapy and strengthening and I was able to resume my work in the shop early in February 2020. Yaaay.
BUT... within the very first few days(!) following the surgery on my left thumb, I realized something wasn't right. It felt like a small rope or tape band had been stretched invisibly across the back of my hand. And through the next 24 months the pressure sensation transitioned daily, AM to PM, from modest pressure and tightness in the morning to tension and mild pain in the evening. Nobody could tell me why. Aargh...I certainly didn't want to go through that surgical process again! Bummer.
Tic tock, tic tock, tic tock, tic tock... the days and months passed with a slow but gradually increasing level of daily discomfort. And it began to cast a long dark shadow of uncertainty on my shop future. Ugh ugh ugh. Finally, twenty-five months following the surgery on my left hand, I was forced to conclude, with much reluctance and very awkwardly, I must schedule a repair of the initial repair. I set it up: AM,Thursday, December 30, 2021.
So I write this WoodTalkin update to you with my left hand again wrapped in big bandages. These will be replaced by an anticipated 6-week cast on Jan 11th (Signatures anyone?). At that time I hope to slowly resume my scheduled shop work---with some emphasis on "slowly."
I do have some customers' items in-process in the shop. And yup, these items are already "Talkin" to me about going home. They'll get the attention they deserve first after 1/11. I really did try to get these pieces completed before the holidays and the surgery. I Couldn't. So barring surprises they'll be THE focus and hopefully soon completed after 1/11.
My sincere apologies to you all for this very undesired slow-down. If you have questions, or if you need some timely discussion, please just give me a call.
Happy New Year everyone!
So that's Woodtalkin for today. Keep listening!
Dick Brandow
720.350.2992 cell and text