Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Hiatus

I'm on it.

I'm going to be offline for a bit.  I will be back by 10/3 for Jess and Stephanie's cover reveal.
Why am I going to be gone, you may or may not be asking?
I've been diagnosed with Cubital Tunnel.  Ever heard of it? For those who haven't  (I was clueless before the diagnosis) here's the deets:  Cubital Tunnel is nerve entrapment neuropathy in the elbow region that limits mobility along the ulnar nerve. This is the nerve that supplies feeling and movement to the arm and hand, i.e. the funny bone nerve. The symptoms are weakness, clumsiness, numbness and pain in the hand and if untreated can eventually lead to the hand atrophying in a claw-like position.  Other symptoms include tenderness of the inner elbow, tingling inside the forearm, numbness of the little finger or ring finger and inability to grip.
The cause, or one of them, is from having the elbow bent and resting on a hard surface for extended periods of time.  (A writerly thing).  It also affects people who play sports, don't warm up properly, have diabetes or an underactive thyroid.
FYI: It's recommended that the elbow remain straightened while sleeping to offset the risk of CT. 
To correct by surgery: an incision is made and the nerve is moved to an area with more fatty tissue that allows more freedom of movement and or cushioning.
Soooooo......
I'm having (minor) surgery tomorrow. Leave the light on for me.

And....

97 comments:

R's Rue said...

Praying.

Elephant's Child said...

I am so sorry to hear this - and hope the surgery goes really well and the healing is fast, easy and complete.
And a very happy birthday to Stephanie.
Hugs.

Valerie-Jael said...

Good luck with your OP, look after yourself! Happy Birthday to Stephanie! Hugs, Valerie

Heather R. Holden said...

Oh, gosh, that's horrible. So sorry you have to struggle with something like that. Hope all goes well during the surgery tomorrow. In the meantime, will be thinking positive thoughts for you!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Good luck Sandra - these things are much more treatable now ... so I'm sure things will be fine ... that sort of thing is just a plain nuisance - quite understand that. Take care, rest up and see you when you're recovered ... cheers Hilary

RO said...

Girl, I hate that you've been suffering in pain all this time! I'm lifting you up in prayer that you are quickly healed and back with us soon. You know you'll be missed.

Happy Birthday Stephanie!

HUGE CYBER HUGS...RO

RO said...

P.S. - The light will always be on (lol)

Annalisa Crawford said...

Sending good wishes and positive thoughts for a speedy recovery :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Prayers and thoughts with you tomorrow!

Pat Hatt said...

Ugg, nerve pain sucks in every way, can attest to that at my bay. Hoping the surgery goes well.

Anonymous said...

It sounds quite simple, so good luck with it. You will back soon.

CJ Kennedy said...

We'll be waiting for you. Speedy recovery!

CJ Kennedy said...

And Happy Birthday, Stephanie!

JFM said...

Sandra I will keep you in my thoughts and in my prayers. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. You will be missed. I've got the lights on for you :) 💮

Happy Birthday Stephanie 🎁🍦🎂🎆

Out on the prairie said...

Good luck with all! I had my right one done twice . I will be leaving 10-4 for a Carribean trip if it still exists for 11 daze

Jamie Ghione said...

Keeping you in my thoughts. More than year ago, I had some tingling in my left pinkie and ring finger, but the doctor said it wasn't carpal tunnel. My friend just had CT surgery. hope everything goes well for you.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Regine.

Barbara said...

Thinking about you and sending hugs. Happy Birthday Stephanie xx

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, EC. Sounds like a plan to me:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Val. Will do.
Hugs back,

Jeanie said...

Oh Sandra, so very sorry to hear this. I've never heard of that particular one but I can see why typing, mousing and all that would make an impact. I'll have to remember that myself.

I hope the surgery is easy and the recovery period even easier. You'll be missed but we wouldn't want you spending a lot of time here if it is a bad thing for your arm! Sending all the best of thoughts.

donna baker said...

Hope it goes well Sandra. Nothing like constant pain to ruin everything.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Best of luck for a speedy surgery and recovery!

Janie Junebug said...

I'm so sorry. I'll pray that the surgery goes well.

Love,
Janie

Adam said...

I hope your surgery goes well

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks so much, Heather. I'll take everyone that is sent my way:)

Anonymous said...

Sandra, my heart goes out to you for all to be well.

Sharon said...

That doesn't sound like fun at all. Wishing you the best. Rest well and don't be in any hurry.
Happy Birthday, Stephanie.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Hilary. I'm sure they will.
YOU, have a great one.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thoughts with you tomorrow. You won't be mobile for a while, but slowly you'll start doing things again. I have the beginnings of carpal tunnel and already wear a wrist and elbow brace to bed just to keep my arm straight.

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you so much, Ro. I really haven't had that much severe pain. My main problem has been being able to grasp and hold onto things without dropping them and weakness.

Sandra Cox said...

Counting on it:)

Sandra Cox said...

I appreciate that, Annalisa, and will take each and everyone:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, Alex. That is much appreciated.

Birgit said...

Oh wow Sandra...that is tough to deal with. Having pain and stiffness and that tingling sensation just sucks. I will be thinking about you tomorrow and I know things will go well. I bet physio will come afterwards. After this I am certain the pain and other sensations will ease. Take care..I really mean this-Hugs to you!

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Pat.
What type of nerve pain have you been dealing with?

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Andrew:) I will:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, CJ. Appreciate it:)

Nick Wilford said...

Hope the surgery goes perfectly and you make a speedy return! That's a condition no writer wants.

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you so much, Jan. Thoughts, prayers and leaving the light on much appreciated:)
I'll miss y'all too.

Sandra Cox said...

Oh dear. You be careful. If we miss connections wishing you safety and fun.

Elephant's Child said...

Stopping by again to wish you luck and speedy healing.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Jamie. I was checked and didn't have carpal either. Did they check for Cubital?

Sandra Cox said...

That is so sweet. I really appreciate it, EC.
Hugs,

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, Barbara. I appreciate it:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks for all the kind words, Jeanie.
Yes, please keep the strain on elbows in mind when you're on the computer and when you're sleeping.
Hugs,

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks so much, Donna. I'm fortunate in that I basically just have 'twinges', I just can't hold on to things. If I'm not concentrating, my wrist tips, my fingers open and I drop what I'm carrying:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you so much, Stacy! Appreciated:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, Janie:) Much appreciated.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

Sandra; hope the surgery is successful, your recovery is quick; your pain is minimal and see you in a few weeks....all the best to you from me and da tabbies ☺☺♥♥

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Adam. I appreciate that.

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you so much, Lon. I really appreciate it. I'm sure it will be fine.

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you so much, Sharon:) Will do.

Sandra Cox said...

I'm sorry to hear you've got carpal. That's very smart to wear a wrist and elbow brace at night.
Everything I've read and heard is that it takes awhile. The surgeon seemed to think I'd be bouncing back fairly quickly....Hope he's right.
Thanks for the good thoughts:)

Christine said...

All the best Sandra!

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks for all the good thoughts, Birgit. The worst has been the loss of mobility in my hands. So I'm really looking forward to getting that back:)
See ya soon.
Hugs back.

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you so much, Nick.
Isn't that the truth? I was scared to death that I wouldn't be able to use a computer for months, but doesn't sound like that's going to be the case. Whew.

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you so much, FSG. I appreciate all the perfect wishes:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, Christine! Appreciate it:)

Truedessa said...

Sending positive vibrations your way. I will keep you in my thoughts. Take the time you need to recover.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Holy cow. I am SO late visiting, and now you are on your way to the hospital. I realize this is not exactly major surgery, but they need to put you out to operate. I'll be thinking about you.

Yes, I knew about this disorder because I came across it in my research of upper extremity disorders, which encompassed my dissertation.

I can't believe you'll be gone so long, but I'll be here when your return, dear Sandra. Besides getting better, stay out of those hurricanes harmful waves, too.

nashvillecats2 said...

Hope all goes well Sandra and enjoy your break.

Take care.
Yvonne.

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

Wishing you a good surgery and recovery. Take good care, rest up and I'll look forward to your return (as will everyone.)

Sandra Cox said...

Much appreciated, True. Having my last cup of coffee before I'm cut off liquids:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks for all your concern, Elizabeth. It is much appreciated. I'll be back before you know I'm gone.
Hugs,

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks so much, Yvonne.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks for the lovely wishes, Elizabeth.

Unknown said...

Oh, goodness! I had no idea. I keep my fingers crossed for you tomorrow! Be back safe!
Warm hugs and wishes of speedy recovery!

Harlynn said...

It sounds similar to how carpal tunnel effects the hand? I'm not fully sure. What I am sure about is this must prove how dedicated of a writer you are. Considering it's cause is writer/athletic related.
You'll feel better before you know it! Looking forward to reading your October posts.

Marcie said...

Love and good energy coming your way. Heal quickly!

Magic Love Crow said...

Sandra!!! I am so sorry you have to go through this! You will be in my prayers! Sending you healing energy! Thank you for sharing this with us! Good information for us to know! The light will be left on for you! Happy Birthday Stephanie! Big Hugs Sandra!!!

Magic Love Crow said...

You will be missed!!!!

RO said...

I know you're recuperating, and hopefully watching lots of fun movies, but just wanted to let you know I've been thinking about you. Hugs...

A Cuban In London said...

I'm sorry to hear. I wish you a good and quick recovery. Keep well! :-)

Greetings from London.

Stephanie Faris said...

Oh wow. Surgery is never fun, but I hope you use the recovery time as an excuse to watch trashy TV and read lots of fun books! Hope you have a pain-free and restful recovery.

Lowcarb team member said...

I am so sorry to read about this Sandra, hope the surgery goes well and wishing you a speedy recovery too.

All the best Jan

DMS said...

Hope the surgery went well. Sending healing thoughts your way. Sorry to hear about the pain you have been in. :(
~Jess

Lee said...

The light is burning brightly for you and for your return, Sandra. Take good care in the meantime...and thereafter. :)

Stephanie Faris said...

(Oh--also, am I the Stephanie you're saying happy birthday to? If so, THANK YOU! That warms my heart!)

JFM said...

Sandra, you are missed
your silence is deafening
you are a delight~

Just to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers~

RO said...

Steph, you are so funny! Hugs...RO

RO said...

Stopping by to wave hello! Hugs...and hope you're doing ok. RO

RO said...

The light's still on Super Sandra! Hugs...RO

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks so much, Jan.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Jess. Much appreciated.

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Lee:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks so much, Marcie:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Stacy:) Much appreciated.

Sandra Cox said...

I'm blinded by the light:) Thanks, Ro:)

Sandra Cox said...

What a lovely message.
Thank you, Jan.
Hugs,

Sandra Cox said...

Jan, I just saw about your grandson and great. I'm so sorry. How can I reach you? Your comments are turned off:(

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you:)

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Elizabeth. Your thoughts were and are much appreciated.

Sandra Cox said...

You're right, Harlynn. The symptoms are the same. The only difference is the location of the nerve: wrist or elbow.
Thanks so much. I am feeling better.

Sandra Cox said...

Yes, you were the birthday girl.

Sandra Cox said...

Hope it was a good one.

Sandra Cox said...

Thank you, Carmen:)
Hugs back,