can you teach an old limb new tricks?

​(with apologies to e. e. cummings)

that was the question i asked myself as i contemplated having elbow surgery on my dominant left arm.  the arm would be splinted and useless for approximately 6 – 8 weeks post-surgery.  so, i confronted my right upper extremity and asked if it was ready for a bump-up to lead limb.

can I teach you to hold a pen and print a legible letter in the little box of a crossword puzzle grid? are you capable of applying eye liner in a neat, straight line without poking out one or both of my eyes? is it possible to accomplish a one-handed bra hookup? i knew I was asking a lot.

i stared at my right arm which was hanging passively at my side.  i was more than a little discouraged.
nevertheless I decided to go forward.  after years of pain from an arthritic joint i would take my chances with elbow replacement surgery and hope for the best.

if you’ve never heard of an elbow replacement you are not alone.  In the catalog of body part replacements the procedure is relatively new.  i would have the distinction of being the first kid on the block with a bionic funny bone.

as of today i am three weeks post-surgery.  the surgeon views my follow-up x-rays and he is extremely satisfied.  i am pleased that he is happy.  a very good sign.

me, I’m not so happy.  not yet, anyway.  my arm is still swollen and a constant reminder of the abuse i willingly caused it to suffer.  but i know i will be forgiven once my left arm realizes it can again press the pump on a lotion bottle without wincing.

for now the lazy appendage on my right side will do its best.  i’ve pretty much given up on the eyeliner. however, the crossword squares are coming along nicely. except for the capital letter n which often emerges looking like a w.  we’re working on it.

i have been gifted with two different splints, one white with sassy orange velcro trim, and the other a lovely shade of blue.  i try to color-coordinate with the t-shirt du jour, which is about the only upper garment i can manage over the bulk of the sling. just because we can’t apply eyeliner right now doesn’t mean i disregard fashion all together.

i’m signing off now until some time after labor day when my confinement should be over.  until then, i look forward to the sound of two hands typing and the joy of the shift key!

have a wonderful rest of the summer!

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