BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: open mike
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 03:39 PM

May the knife be sharp, the surgeon steady, and the healing quick!
I once visited an obsidian deposit / flow that had an info board that described how one guy insisted his surgeon use an obsidian knife for a heart operation as the edge is much sharper and cleaner than steel and the skin edges heal much more quickly.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 03:42 PM

Thanks for that medical stuff, E-Barn... The guy doing the surgery is the highest rated hand surgeon in the Charlotte area (among 50 or so) and his father and grandfather were both orthopedic surgeons... I think he'll more than likely get it right...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: gnu
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 04:21 PM

Oh my. I just thought. How you gonna do the spring plantin?

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Paul Burke
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 04:44 PM

Just get them to take a little scaping of the stuff that's in there, and send it here, and i'll get it stuck into my fingers, in the hope that a bit will take.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 07:06 PM

Bobert, do you realize what this is going to do to your accordion playing?

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 08:12 PM

How am I gonna do planting, gn-ze??? No problem... They ain't killin' me, son... I got another hand and 4 good fingers on the bad hand... The way I see it that make me 90%...

I once played an entire gig with a big bandage on one of my fretting fingers... Just improvise...

This thing ain't gonna stop me... AK47 might but not getting my thumb chopped on...

(((he says)))

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 09:06 PM

Bobert, the AK-47 round -- 7.62 x 39R -- is a piece of crap. Just stay 150 meters away and it ain't likely they'll hit ya. Better yet, if you stay away from places where they use such things they won't hit you at all.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 09:14 PM

Like Rap says, "no problem"... Well, he didn't say that but no AK47s round these parts...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 09:22 PM

The only people that use them are wannabee bad guys. The cartridge isn't powerful enough to be more than a mediocre deer cartridge, and besides, have you priced ammunition lately?

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 09:40 PM

Well, I ain't never had no real surgery to speak of... Okay, I had a couple basil cells removed but this is like real surgery and the closer I get to it the more anxious I am about it... I'm sure this is all normal but when you realize that you gonna get cut bad in 6 days you go, "holy sheet, Iz gonna get gut bad next week..."

Frankly, it's a tad depressing...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 09:43 PM

Do what I do: look up the operation on YouTube. It's so gross you won't worry about the real thing.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 09:47 PM

Ive checked it out, Rap... That's what is buggin' me...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 11:38 PM

Of course it is, you wouldn't be human otherwise. Get done what you can, make what preparations you can (e.g., do you have an electric or manual can opener?), and remember to obey the P-vine ABSOLUTELY. You're gonna be out of it, at least more so than usual, and she's gonna have to take care of you just like you took care of her a year ago.

Remember that when this is over you'll be back playing the blues and you'll have a whole new set of songs.

"Woke up this mornin', they put me to sleep
I mean they put me to sleep, not put me to sleep
I ain't no dog, they put me to sleep
Now I got them anesthesia throw-up blues.

No, I shoulda listened, listened to the doc
And not ate nothin' before they cut
Yeah I shoulda listen and not et stuff
Now I got them anesthesia throw-up blues.

Now the doctor done cut me, no not like a calf
The doc he done cut me, but I wasn't there
I was out like a dead light bulb, I wasn't there
Now I got them anesthesia throw-up blu-ES!"

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 11:51 PM

Repeat after me:
I wil be fine. I will be fine. I will be fine . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 12:23 AM

Well, since you know you have to get it done - after all, it's a quality of life issue - there isn't much to do about it but let them do the driving. Once it is done and receding into the past you'll probably feel really good about it.
Remember- As they say: A little pain never hurt anybody.

Commiserations and the best of wishes...

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 12:26 AM

I've been thinking about ya, Bobert. I had PT for almost a year on my hands. It took time, but they are slowly getting better, though my right thumb is still in a splint. The therapist recommended trying that for a month, then go to the doc for a cortisone shot if it's not better. I don't like those shots, but he said in the thumb area, the one tendon is fairly isolated and the shot usually takes care of it. I've been anxious for it to heal so I could fiddle, but my left index finger has a curve in it that still hasn't let go, so have to do something about it, too. All this from using a walker last year when I broke my foot!

Anyway, I have a friend in her 80s who just had hip surgery. It's amazing, to me, how fast and easy surgery seems these days. She was out in just a few days and walking almost immediately and she's also gone through several other surgeries on her other hip and both knees, as well as shoulders. If she can do it, you can, too, and it won't be near as bad as you are thinking. Think about how good it will be after, playing at the Getaway, etc. Keep your mind focussed on that and maybe it will help. That's what I had to do for heart surgery.

I am giving thanks for an easy and successful surgery with a complete recovery. This or something better for the highest good of all concerned.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 12:38 AM

can't add anything to these words of wisdom apart from good wishes & hugs

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 09:37 AM

Thanks all...

BTW, I ain't gettin' knocked out... They are going to give me a "block", whatever that is, where I'll be awake or semi awake... They said that I won't feel any of the operation while it's going on... That's fine with me... I don't find being awake... I think I'd rather be awake 'cause I'd heard that every time you "go under" that the stuff that they give you to get you under takes away some of yer memory... Now if ya got to pick the stuff that would be fine but you don't.. So being awake is the way to go...

I know that I'm going to have to do the right thumb, too, in the future and was thinking what that would be like... I mean, I don't think that having the left one out of commission for a month or 2 is going to prevent me from doing most of the stuff I need to do 'cause I've already figured out ways of using my left hand without using the thumb to avoid the pain...

Just nervous and a tad depressed over it all...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 11:22 AM

{{{{hug}}}}

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: gnu
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 02:00 PM

Buddy... only one way to overcome nervousness. Ya gotta say this to yourself, "I ain't gonna change my mind so fuck it, I ain't gonna worry." As for depressed, ya can't turn back time so it's more or less the same deal.

Now that my take on both are said and done... I originally wrote, "I ain't gonna change my mind so fuck it, I ain't gonna fret none." but I caught the unintended pun in time.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 10:54 PM

I'm hoping that you will be one of those who will say, "Oh, that was much easier than I expected. I should have done it sooner."

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 11:28 PM

Hope I'm not stepping over boundaries, but could some of the depression be more related to the adult children in the house and the surgery just being the straw that strained the camel's back, so to speak?

I'm with ChanteyLass...I hope you are In the Pink - On the Road to Wellville, as many Mudcatters helped me to be, in no time. Regardless, we are here and won't be going anywhere. I'd say we'd hold yer hand, but that might hurt a bit and get in the way!:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Mar 12 - 02:14 AM

we can pat his shoulder

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 10 Mar 12 - 07:18 AM

Okay, I'll admit that step-ie and his 3 daughters, ahhhh, two daughters and young wife, are a pain but not contributing to the blues... It's the thumb... And its not being able to play geetar...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 10 Mar 12 - 11:09 PM

Wish I could help! I would offer to loan you my thumb until the 14th, but mine doesn't know how to play the guitar or any instrument!

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: GUEST,999
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 03:34 AM

Yo, Bobster, if I forget to say so between now and then, I'll be thinking of you Wednesday.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 09:55 AM

Thanks, brucie...

B (startin' to get even more nervous)...

p.s. What is a "block"??? That's what I'm going to have... Thwy ain't gonna take no block and clonk me over the head with it, are they??? Seriously, what the heck is a block???

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 10:11 AM

It's a nerve block so you don't feel any pain but so you are conscious for the procedure.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 10:18 AM

Thanks, GUEST...

Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: maeve
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 10:21 AM

The nerve block is a good thing, Bobert. During the operation, you can entertain the surgeon and medical assistants with a (ahem) clear mind.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 10:49 AM

Hmmmmmm, maeve...

They gonna give me a "clear mind" drug, too??? Far out!!!

B;~)

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: GUEST,999
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 11:28 AM

Sorry, that guest was me. HOWEVER, the needle they administer the blocking agent with is about 1/4" diameter and 5" long. It hurts like slamming a car door on your fingers, twice. Good luck, buddy.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Jeri
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 11:43 AM

Bobert, I had surgery on my finger. It wasn't as involved or invasive as your surgery will be.

They will have to hold your hand still, probably involving straps or a vice-like thing. None of this hurts, but you can't move it. You shouldn't really move ANYthing, and you'll likely get restless after a while.

If they use a tourniquet and the nerve block wears off before the tourniquet comes off, it's going to hurt. If feels like a limb waking up from being asleep x 10, but it's temporary and gets better when they take the thing off.

Your choice on the drugs. It depend on whether the cons(which can last for a while after the surgery) outweigh the pros (less pain, and less anxiety for both you and the surgeon).

Good luck with it all!

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: GUEST,999
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 11:52 AM

Bobert, I was just kidding. The only time I ever felt pain from a needle stick was years back at a hospital in Edmonton. It was for a blood gas test and they had to dig for a vein in the middle of my arm real near the wrist. They tried once with two people holding my arm, but they had to call two more. I told 'em to strap my arm to a solid chair THEN put two guys on the arm and one on the other with the last guy holding my body still. Jaysus, son, nobody got roughed up but it was close. Hurt like the Dickens. However, Jeri's right about after the surgery's done. At least you know that pain'll go away--after a few months. LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 11:57 AM

A block is evidently a very good thing when it is needed. Keep in mind that some women opt to have a spinal block when their baby is born. Must work purty good.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 12:34 PM

Whew, brucie... Ya' had the bases loaded there until I read your disclaimer...

Hey, Jeri... They ain't really going to drug the doc, are they???

And for the hundred time, Eb... I ain't pregnant... Well, not that I know of but if when I leave the doc office and they hand me a squirmy and noisy bundle at least I will have had fair warnin'...

B;~)

p.s. I'm scared... I ain't never had no operation... Okay I have have a had a couple colon thingies but, ahhh, butt...

Never mind...

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: maeve
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 12:46 PM

Bobert- Iffin they drug the doc instead of you...run awaaaaay!

You'll do fine. It's a necessary and appropriate operation that stands to help your hand function quite a bit. I reckon you'll find it all interesting, and will be writing smooth blues songs the whole time.

See if you can have a tape recorder going to capture the new songs and the colorful Language you'll be palavering. Maybe the P Vine will hold the microphone for you??

You Will Be Fine.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: bobad
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 01:07 PM

Bob, if you tell the docs that you're really nervous and scared they might give you some drugs to put you in a better frame of mind (if you know what I mean) like what is administered prior to a colonoscopy. I actually look forward to that little cocktail but can do without the prep part. That's the only invasive procedure I've had other than a finger repair due to a basketball injury - I won't tell you about how the freezing came out as they were sewing it up - that will only increase your anxiety.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: gnu
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 01:35 PM

Bobert. I've had several surgeries, three of them far more invasive and risky (yes, two were risky due to the possibilty of facial nerve damage) and the only things I LET bother me were knowing Mum was worried and, while in the prep room, next to me, a young mother was crying while holding the hand of a girl about five years old... the girl said, "Don't cry Mommy, the doctor said I will be just fine." That's when I lost it.

Think of some jokes to tell the staff. But never ask, "What's up, doc?" They HATE that. Maybe, with a gesture, something like, "Here's a big thumbs up to a successful op." Or, "I can't wait to play the geetar agin. Hope this works. I been frettin over this op." with a big grin. Hang a camera around yer neck and say, "I was hoping to get some pics in case I gotta do this by myself someday." Maybe someone else can make some suggestions.

By the way, shave all the hair from the middle of yer forearm on down. And, as fer usin yer left hand fer chores as you said you have figured out how to do, I hope you have taken into consideration the possibilty of infection ocurring while doing such chores. Avoiding infection is as important as anything else and perhaps moreso.

Again, re the nerves, like I said, just do it. Or Spaw will call you a pussy.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: GUEST,999
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 03:21 PM

Bobert, if I started listing med treatments I've had for this and that it would tax my memory. You are gonna be ok. They'll likely give you something to 'calm you down', and you'll enjoy seeing the procedure.

Look at it this way: it ain't often you get to watch surgeons do their work.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Jeri
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 03:43 PM

They like to put up curtains so you can't watch. Personal, I don't mind watching the movie later, but I was happy about not seeing it live. I have this theory that it would hurt more later if I saw what they did. I don't know if it's true.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 03:43 PM

You're not pregnant? Well, I'll be dogged. I got it all wrong. Must be my prostate acting up again.

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: gnu
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 04:37 PM

Ebbie...Hahahahahaa! Heheheheheeeee

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 08:10 PM

Now ya'll go have me nervous... What if I say the wrong thing??? What if I am pregnant??? What if they do the wrong thumb??? What if...

No, I don't think I want to watch...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 08:40 PM

I've gotten nervous just reading all these posts. Your operation is probably a whole lot easier than childbirth. And you won't have to worry about paying for another round of college tuition.

Good luck!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 08:51 PM

Thanks, Charley, but yer late to the game... They have me doing childbirth and the thumb operation simultaneously... lol...

B;~)

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: GUEST,999
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 09:37 PM

"It was for a blood gas test and they had to dig for a vein in the middle of my arm real near the wrist."

I must correct that. Blood gas is taken from arteries, NOT veins. Thanks to my friend Bobad for messaging and telling me about it. (He doesn't miss much, I'll tell ya.)

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 09:47 PM

Could have sworn I had made a 'jocular' post here , but it doesnt show now !
IF I can make Getaway this year , I DO want a Bobert Blues band so I will have several things crossed for you Midweek mate !!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: Bobert
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 09:55 PM

Well, Lead, if I can get thru this then, yeah, we gonna do the Bobert's Blues Band... Right now??? I just need to get thru it... Let's see... It's Sunday and the operation is on Wednesday... Is that 3 days or 4 days??? Lets see??? Does Sunday count as a day???

I just want it over with...

Yeah, I am a big baby... A total pussy... Who cares??? Can we get this thing over with 'er what???

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Bobert Under the Knife March 14th...
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 11 Mar 12 - 10:49 PM

It's okay to be nervous. Even people who have had surgery are nervous when they need another one.

Just breathe. Long, slow steady breaths. Try to make your exhales as long as your inhales. Repeat to yourself, "I will be fine." Picture yourself all healed and playing that guitar. And breathe. And remember how many people care about you.