Thumb Options
*(disclaimer...this is based on what I think I understood; the options I'm told I have available to me) Cortisone Shot
effective 70 %
only one year of history to base effectiveness on
isn't cortisone a steroid?
aren't steroids linked to cancer?
not sure I want to inject it, topical wouldn't cut it so...
oh yeah, and I detest needles!
maybe not...
Surgery effective 90 %
a relatively simple procedure and fairly quick recovery.
barring infection I might be okay 8 wks after.
* I do lean in this direction but have the concerns;
Once I'm back at my old work station how will my hand cope?
Will I end up with the same injury later on in time?
Will it then be unrepairable?
Observe and "Live with It" non-intrusive
So long as I am not required to use my right hand I shouldn't get hurt more...
Maybe it could even heal itself with rest? (How long is a good question...)
Would require me making lifestyle adjustments.
Likely I'll never go mountain biking again unless I can modify my brakes.
Ditto for downhill skiing, cross country might be safe on gentle terrain.
Will need to modify my gardening and household tools etc to allow me to use them.
Change doorknobs/handles on all doors and screens (12)
Use the tools provided to me; key handle and nail clippers, look into others if needed
Use a gel pen - one of my own solutions that work!
Stick to digital artwork, most physical art work will be too challenging!
Learn to be more left handed, even though WSIB doesn't consider that important!
++++++ Other important points; ++++++
* It's up to my employer to accommodate the new work restrictions;
- no repetitive work
- no gripping, no pinching, no grabbing
- work at a self-paced speed
(I can't recall if there were others, but I think it's been decided that I can do this for 8 hours a day)
* It's up to me to cooperate in the process
* If I quit, I think she said I won't be covered, regardless if a new job would be healthier for me!
- I found this a frustrating issue! I want more details regarding this because it just doesn't sound right! It's truly counterproductive. Besides I was told earlier that this thumb "claim" would always be attributed to Value Village regardless of where I might end up working in the future. But the Occupational Therapist in Toronto emphasized that if I should quit I'm not covered... Gee Whiz!
* It's up to me to live with it regardless of which choice is made
- This goes without saying! However there should be support to help achieve it!
My own feelings about this... It seems I can't even leave this, I will take care; don't want to get depressed over this.
This is the aspect that frustrates and angers me most!
I really have to speak with my doctor and get the skinny on all this!
The impact is much more in depth than I'd originally thought!
