Post 'Touch-Up' Surgery Update (from Kelsey)
7 October 2020
Well, I’ve hand my hand surgery, and it sounds like it went well. For one whole week I had oven mitts for hands - funny at first when I was too sore to do anything, but the novelty wore off after a couple of days and I was unable to do pretty much anything unassisted. It was really hard to get over the mental hurdle of going from totally dependant, to free as a bird, and back to dependant again. The wheels had well and truly come off by the time I reached the one week mark.
We went back to hospital yesterday to have my dressings/mitts removed, and that didn’t exactly go to plan - some of my dressings had dried/set into the blood and wounds, and we were told to go home and finish off the rest over a few days through soaking them and having a wee pick at them. I was really disappointed because I was expecting a grand reveal, and what I got was far from that. However, as I type this, I have managed to get over half of those dressings off, and am feeling much more comfortable both physically and mentally. Phew!
I have another check up on the 20th, and I am pretty sure they will be booking me in to get my right hand sorted - the webspace between my thumb and index finger is half what it should be, and I cannot straighten any of the fingers on that hand - this has got worse over the last week, as I haven’t been able to properly stretch out that hand. But I’ve had worse, right?
I will update you all after the 20th x
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Kia ora Kelsey. Thanks for the update. Kia kaha, kia maia kia manawanui from us in the Mount. You are amazing how positive you remain.
Arohanaui
The Millard Whānau
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Wow Kelsey, you are one amazing woman. Don't forget to blow off steam every now and then to help keep you sane... nothing wrong with a cry or a swearing session. Thanks for the updatexxxx
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Hi Kelsey, I do feel for you, you have been through the mill, you are young and healthy and are making wonderful progress, remember 'Rome wasn't built in a day'. and one day you will look back on all this and see just how much you have grown, you will be able to face all that life throws at you, dust your hands off and say ' well, that's that, what's next?'
Well done
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Hey there you!
You're a bloody star!!!! And you look beautiful. Geez I feel for you, there must be times that you smile on the outside, and want to explode with frustration on the inside. Patience must be a new virtue by now! I have no patience whatsoever! I applaud you, although I know at times all this must be a pain in the butt! Keep on doing it! Ooh keep us updated on your dog, didn't she/he go away for training? Love hearing how you're going! It's been a blimmin long battle! Janet
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Hi Kelsey,
We follow your progress from the other side of the world with great interest and admiration. We were due to Visit White Island in February 2020 but for obvious reasons did not. We watched the unfolding events in December 2019 and looked for news on the tour guides we would have been with. Since then we have followed your and Jake's up's and downs and keep rooting for you. We did visit Whakatane in February and looked from afar on our way down to the East Cape Lighthouse. It was our third trip to New Zealand, we love the place, and we love the people, of which you are a fine and very brave example. The setbacks must be hard, but always remember there are people all over the planet cheering you on. Best wishes Rod & Jane, Surrey, UK.
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You are a legend Kelsey! I admire your honesty through the difficult days and the good days. Keep holding onto those little rays of sunshine. Kia kaha! Vanessa
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Kia Ora Kelsey.
It's a long road, isn't it? I mean recovery and adjusting to what will be "new normal".
But from the looks of it, you are making the absolute most of your recovery.
If you have a one year memorial service, as with the Christchurch earthquake - which I was in - the best thing you can do is just go really gently on yourself, and maybe take your partner to the memorial for support.
Look after yourself.
Kia haumaru. Kia Kaha.
Rob
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oh i left my comment under last update by mistake...... totally amazing young lady. Inspirational and so thinking of you and wishing all the best for ongoing surgery and recovery.