The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Prepare For The Worst

by Dessa Rodeffer, Publisher/Owner

26 June 2002

The best thing I can tell anyone this week when they ask for a piece of good advice is : "Prepare For The Worst!"

At least you will be pleasantly surprised when things aren't quite as bad as you thought they would be.

This holds true when the doctor says "Minor" surgery. There's nothing to it.

I realize after having carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand, that what the doctor actually meant by minor - was that it wouldn't take him long to do it. It had nothing to do with how I would feel.

"Sure you can type right away. Moving your fingers will be good for it."

Wrong. Last night and today has been my first experience with typing and I am doing as little as possible because IT HURTS!

Oh, I must say, after having my wrappings changed this Monday, I almost went into a coma when the nurse put on three big bandages instead of the gauze, pressing them down to make sure the were stuck on good and tight - right on my stitches. I did scream and grab her, but I didn't kick or hit her which she was thankful for.

"Oh, I bet that is a little tender," was all she said.

What would we do without family and friends?

My son-in-law Scott and daughter Tami have had me over for several meals and my neighbors took me out, and another friend came and washed my hair and styled it.

Shirley and my office crew have been taking care of most all the typing and ads and Gilbert has been taking the papers, because I can not lift anything.

I didn't realize how hard it would be to do the simplest things with one hand - but how clever we can be if we really want to do something.

My grandkids and the neighbor kids did so many things for me the first couple of days - like open bottles, and open the bird cage so I can change the water.

Thank goodness I had my left hand done first, since I am right handed.

My grandmother Hettie Bell had a stroke and her left side was affected. She typed to over 500 pen pals using her right hand. I couldn't help but think of her and what an accomplishment it would be to write to a couple of friends let alone 500 of them!

They say life's little experiences are always teaching us more about ourselves, and how tough or weak we really are.

I think I am a lot more of both than I ever thought. A voice creeps up inside me saying "I can't do it!" Another voice pushes me to try my best to accomplish something, but use little goals - not unbearable ones.

Whether it is dieting, exercising, rehabilitating, music lessons, athletics, a medical degree, or learning to fly, I think all can be accomplished one step at a time if you are patient, keeping trying, and have friends to help.

But, the next time I have MINOR surgery, I am planning on a MAJOR problem, since it will be my right hand, I will try to have some groceries bought, meals in the freezer, easy to get into clothes laid out, and maybe I should spend some time visiting a family member or friend.

I may have some stories typed in advance or I'll use a couple of old favorites for my editorial from the archives.

And doctors, to lessen the pain, a full-time chauffeur, maid and masseuse could be prescribed along with the Darvocet