BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 27 May 05 - 12:48 PM

I didn't get my results yet, I'm sure my doctor has received them though. I will find out on Tuesday and will let you know then. Thanks for sharing your experience with me.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 27 May 05 - 09:43 AM

Gnu, I do change the gauze under my hat at least 2 a day, sometimes 3, usually after I cleaned the incision with peroxide and then apply polysporn on it. I have no reddness.

My daughter took a few pictures with her new phone of me at hospital with the drain and then she took a couple of pictures of the incision when I got home, especially the black part. Those ones didn't turn out to good. That's all. She just started a new job, so she hasn't been taking any other pictures. I'll have to get her over on the weekend to take some more inorder to show progress.

Enjoy your drive today and I hope it's a nice, warm, sunny day for you there. It is here.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 27 May 05 - 06:18 AM

Odd. I've got an appointment with my doc this Tuesday (known as next Tuesday by you westerly Canucks) for him to look at the "infection" and decide if the antibiotics have done their job. Our docs must be on the same shedule.

The black part will probably turn out looking okay after the scab falls off. Just don't try to remove it even when it starts to fall off. Remember what your mother told you - "don't pick at it". Of course, when we were kids, we just couldn't stand the itching. Remember what your mother told you - "that means it's healing".

Keep an eye on that redness and swelling on a twice daily basis. Do you renew a "bandage" inside that hat often so that the incision is always in contact with fresh, sterile material?

Are you getting pictures for posterity? I had my buddy come to the hospital the day after the operation to get pictures of me when the drain tube was hanging out of my throat and the staples looked like a set of little train tracks through a bloody bog.

Did they do a pathology on the cyst/tumour? Did you get the results?

This morning, there was little pus in the drainage. Mostly clear fluid and blood. The antibiotics must be working. Plus, I drained it at 12:30AM and again at 05:00AM, so that it would have less time to build up. After yesterday morning, I figured I had better change the strategy to include more frequent draining.

I feel much better today just because I can drive again. Another cup of tea and I am going for a drive. But, I don't think I'll go to the edge of the valley to look out over the forest. It'll just make me homesick because I can't go into the bush until at least Tuesday.

Well, bobad, that's all for "As the Slice Heals" for now.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: Patti
Date: 26 May 05 - 11:35 PM

Here's my update...I'm doing good, no pain, still a little swelling, tenderness around the incision and I'm still wearing my funny hat. I called Dr.'s office to find out if I still had to wear it and at the end of the day I got a call back and was told to keep it on and he will decide how much longer I have to wear it by next Tuesday. I have an appointment then.

My incision is beginning to look better and the part that was black is just scabbing over, it must have been badly bruise. We were thinking it was dead tissue - which was concerning to me. My incision is very noticable - about 1 1/2" long, by 1/2" thick at one end, behind/below the ear. The rest of the incision looks good, no scabs there. A little one where the drain was. No redness, just a little swelling around the incision, especially around the front of the ear and a little behind the ear. Other than that all is fine.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 26 May 05 - 08:07 PM

SINS... I don't mind gross stories about dumb animals like gnus, but about poor little pets? Itty bitty kitties? Nope. Been there, done that. Got the bill from the vet.

How's that there new job anyway eh? Think it's going to be fun? er, enjoyable? er, tolerable? Belated congratulations. I hope it all goes well for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 26 May 05 - 07:55 PM

Well, I don't mind. I just figured we were wasting space in the Café.

Okay then. Draining was awkward until I dedcided I'd stop weening and just do it. I positioned the medicine cabinet door for lighting, and easily mastered pivoting and tilting the handheld mirror (it was a "hand mirror" until I broke the handle off it so I could more easily hold it on top of my shoulder with my right hand) to get a decent view. Then, with practice, very slowly, I got pretty good at finger placement and movement in only fifteen minutes. I didn't use a face cloth like the doc told me as it was too cumbersome. I applied isopropyl alcohol afterward, although the doc told me to use peroxide so it wouldn't sting and wouldn't irritate the skin.

Yesterday, all went pretty well. Very little drainage after the morning draining. Last night, I didn't bandage it. Instead, I coated it with polysporin for comfort. Tonight, I will bandage it in case it was the Polysporin (I can't see it, but you never know) that allowed the buildup that I drained this morning. It took me aback. At least 5 ml of yellowish fluid and it "popped" out in a little stream... pretty gross. The antibiotic I started on Tuesday takes several days to take effect, so I should be just peachy shortly. I might even be able to sleep in my bed instead of propped up on the couch. And I'm about 70 pounds overweight. That's a lot of propping and not much couch.

There is little pain and it's less often. The itching is bothersome, especially where there is no feeling and where the incision is tender to the touch. But the real bother is not being able to drive... until tomorrow!!!

I will still have to take it easy because I don't have full neck movement and my neck is still pretty weak in certain directions. First light, I am going to the top of the hill looking out toward Kent County and look out over the forest. I might even get up to my camp next weekend - no four wheeling for at least four more weeks, though, so there won't be any big trout fries. Then again, there won't be any firewood cutting or painting or bear rasslin or heavy work of any kind. Just a few cold ones and watchin that river run.

How are you doing, Patti?

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 May 05 - 07:48 PM

My cat had an infection from a bite in his ear. I'll share details...but you'll be sorry. Meantime, how is our gnu? Up to rummaging in the forest and uprooting truffles? Wait, that may not be right
SINS, tired after first day on the job.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: bobad
Date: 26 May 05 - 07:00 PM

Gnu and Pat

Don't go away and leave us hanging. I,for one, am following your progress and would like to see it through to it's denouement. This is better than a tv medical series.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 26 May 05 - 06:42 PM

Okay, Patti. Look at the very top of the page, dead centre. See where it says "You have 1 message"? Click on it, or, on the nav bar just under the very top line, click on "Personal Page". Got it?

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 26 May 05 - 09:35 AM

I'll have to check into that later tonight about signing up. Not sure how to PM, but I guess I'll learn. I'm at work right now, trying to find the bottom of the heep.

I don't play music and only sing when I'm alone or in a large group setting. I can't hold a tune.

So far I'm not having any problems, so I must be healing well. Good luck to you, I hope you are managing well by yourself or even better - did you get someone to help you?

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST
Date: 26 May 05 - 08:34 AM

Pat... because it's pretty much just you and I posting to this thread, may I suggest you become a member if you wish to keep up this communication. That way, we can PM each other and our conversation won't bother other Mudcatters and won't take up cyberspace like our posts here. It's free. And the 'Cats are a great bunch.

BTW, do you play music or sing?

Hope you are healing well.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 25 May 05 - 08:52 PM

Well you had me worried. I'm glad you're doing well. Goodnight.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 25 May 05 - 07:42 PM

Pat... see "Liverpool Champs" thread. I'm doing well. Just tired.

gnightgnu

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 25 May 05 - 12:41 PM

GNU, I hope is well for you...you haven't come back and made anymore comments. That's not a good sign.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 25 May 05 - 09:54 AM

GNU, I hope you had a restful night last night. How's your infection - hopefully a little better. I hope your pain isn't as bad as it was for you yesterday or night before, before the eruption. I hope you managed well or at least found some help.

It's my first day back at work, desk job - I'm a paper shuffler.

Ummmm, steak sounds awesome.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 25 May 05 - 06:45 AM

Thanks Art, I needed that. Thanks Robo, but if this infection stays in check, I'm havin me a steak.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: robomatic
Date: 24 May 05 - 11:40 PM

Blender drink:
Fresh or frozen strawberries, sugar (if you're allowed), bitter lemon (the drink), and ice. Spins up a sweet and flavorful meal/ beverage. For calcium, make an acidophilus type drink with yogurt and your favorite berry, such as blue.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 May 05 - 06:54 PM

My parot had it and kept falling off his perch while trying to grab a cracker. We used polly grip----and that fixed the problem.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 24 May 05 - 05:45 PM

You complain tomorrow, how can you drain that by yourself and hold mirrors while doing that. That's a very difficult trick to learn and do.

I've been very, very lucky that hasn't happened to me and I'm grateful for that. You made me put my hat back on - the dreaded hat. I want to make sure that doesn't happened. When i searched the net about this stuff I never found anything on wearing a pressure bandage (the hat), but it must be working for me.

Hope you get someone to help you out!

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 24 May 05 - 05:35 PM

Ya know, I might just complain about that tomorrow because I had a peek at it a little while ago and saw it was swollen a bit, but not right behind the ear, which is where he told me to start. So, I thought I'd have a practice run using the bathroom medicine cabinet mirror and a handheld mirror. Try it. Now, it's weeping in two spots.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 24 May 05 - 05:30 PM

I'll third that. You need to take care of your self mate.

Glad about the results.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 May 05 - 05:13 PM

I second that, gnu. Isn't there someone who can help you out with that. Not only for the convenience but to make sure it is done right?

Meantime, congratulations on the biopsy results. Great news.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 24 May 05 - 04:44 PM

You know that is not fair to you to have to drain this yourself and rebandage yourself. Is there not homecare in your area, where a nurse comes to your home and does that for you?

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 24 May 05 - 04:39 PM

The weepage was from infection. The infection built up and finally started seeping through one of the suture holes. The signs were swelling and redness along the incision from the apex of the incision behind the ear down about three inches. Also, there was pain, sometimes sharp, at that spot, when I moved my head and when I chewed, especially with food on that side of my mouth.

Yesterday, at the height of swelling and redness, opening my mouth wide enough for a sandwich brought the same pain as chewing and head movement.

I know it's difficult to tell what's going on because "new" pains and discomfort occur as the feeling comes back.

Keep an eye on it and have someone else look at it on a regular basis. Take you temperature regularly. If there's any swelling, redness (purple is NOT good) or elevated temperature, don't hesitate to ask for your doctor to have a quick peek at it. I waited too long, really.

Maybe not, though. Now that I think about it... it was a stroke of luck that the person I had looking at mine didn't realize how swollen and red it was. If I had seen the doc before it burst on it's own, he might have had to open the incision. Today, my doc didn't have to make a new cut... damn, I've got the luck of the Irish!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 24 May 05 - 04:13 PM

What a stroke of luck, beinign results. I'm happy for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 24 May 05 - 04:10 PM

Sorry to hear about the weeping behind the ear. I haven't experienced that yet and was wondering where it should appear if it did. My incision is still swollen from the ear down, except the end under the chin it's not swollen.

My doctor told me to wear the cap, elastic netting with face hole, 24/7 inorder to prevent that exact thing from happening. If it did happen and it's caught somewhere he would have to drain it out. I was never told about the weeping, not until recently on the internet and now you. Somewhere in my search i did see that there is some sort of treatment for that, via medication or something like that.

I'm not experiencing any real pain, just discomfort. It most definately not feel right chewing on that side of my mouth. When I take my hat off, after awhile I feel some weird sensations around the incision swollen areas - I wonder if it's the early signs of weepage in the beginning stages. Does it hurt when you weep?

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 24 May 05 - 04:03 PM

Jaysus, that hurt. He got a one heck of a lot more out than came out this morning. Ten days on antibiotics and squeeze out the fluid four times a day until clear and rebandage and see him again Tuesday. Should be a lot of fun trying to hold a mirror, trying to keep the area behind the ear in good light so I can see, trying to determine if I am getting everything, trying to bandage it well.

But, I got the pathology results. All benign. So, I am a lucky guy.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 24 May 05 - 12:46 PM

Me and my big mouth. Incision looked a bit swollen and red behind the ear yesterday and I had pain in the area when chewing and sometimes when I moved my head. Woke up to half blood and half fluid (saliva? not likely, given it's weepeing behind the ear), guessing 20ml on my pillow. It wept for about three hours and will again if I move or chew. Got an appt with the doc at 3PM (1:20h) from now.

I know I should have kept the Polysporin on it. The nurse who removed the sutures and stalples couldn't (Why?) clean the Poly off enough to get the bandages to stick but also said to stop applying the Poly. 20-20 hindsight eh?

Oh well, I'd just as soon save that last stroke of luck for the pathology results.

How are you feeling? Any pain, trouble chewing?

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 24 May 05 - 12:08 PM

GNU, you were pretty lucky (stroke of luck) in getting the process done as fast as you did. It was in November that I first noticed my lump and my surgeory wasn't until May 11th. My incision is looking better and better as each day goes. How you doing/feeling?

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 May 05 - 08:05 AM

Ya know, when I look back on the past seven weeks...

Stroke of luck finding the lump just two days before presenting to my family doc for something else.

Stroke of luck that my ENT was out with a bad heart (not for him, of course) so I got the new wonder-kid ENT.

Stroke of luck getting an appointment with him in less than a week.

Stroke of luck the needle biopsy got fucked up and he accelerated the process.

Stroke of luck getting a CT scan in just one week due to a bunch of cancellations caused by a nasty snowstorm. I was booked for one one the day of the storm but the in-charge was out with an ill of some sort so my appointment was cancelled.

Stroke of luck I have a 4X4 truck and could take advantage of the storm cancellations.

Stroke of luck that I already had an appointment with the doc the day after the CT scan to assess the swelling caused by the fucked up needle biopsy.

Stroke of luck to get into the OR as soon as I did - on Friday the thirteenth.

A half-a-stroke of luck that the doc didn't damage any facial nerves except the one he had to cut.

Stroke of luck that they only had a semi-private available.

Stroke of luck that the guy in the next bed (not for him, of course) was so embarrased about his gas problem that he moved to a private room, so I had the bed next to the can and the window, at my leisure.

Stroke of luck that there were no emergency surgeries to replace him until an hour before I was discharged.

Stroke of luck all this happened now, and not during my favourite season, partridge.

That's a lot of stroking. I just hope I still have one more coming... stroke, I mean. As long as the pathology comes back as benign, I will be one lucky, and happy, guy.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,brucie
Date: 22 May 05 - 01:12 AM

I am very happy things worked pout OK, gnu. Just saw this now. Best to you.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST
Date: 21 May 05 - 10:02 PM

Sounds like your brother's "do" was okay. C'mon, share. I can't get out to any "dos" so share your experience(s).

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 21 May 05 - 07:09 PM

Share experiences

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 06:38 PM

If only we could give it away.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 05:19 PM

Share? Shite! Anyone wants ALL of mine, they can have it!

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 05:16 PM

GNU, I'm sorry about that. It's sunny here in Ontario. I just assumed it would be sunny in News Brunswick. Hopefully the sun will soon shine on you.

Ebbie, we Canadians like to share.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 05:07 PM

The up-country campfires, fishin, sessions and partying? Not really. We just get more practice than some. We're a bit rural.... say that after a few.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 May 05 - 05:02 PM

Hey, you two, I'm glad you found each other. Take care of yourselves. Gotta ask, though, is this just a Canadian kind of thing? :~)

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 04:57 PM

I can't soak up any sun becasue I can't drive. Even if I could, the gas bill would preclude it... it's suppose to rain most of the weekend around here. I understand Beth is out west at the moment. She never stopped in on her way by. I feel slighted.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 04:33 PM

Oops, wrong address above. It should be www.youarethelightmovie.com

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 04:31 PM

I'm fine and I have had someone else look at it, just to be sure. Google is another search engine, i know nothing of a forum/chat google, it's at www.google.ca in case you'd like to try that search engine out. I just type in "parotidectomy" in the search box and found all kinds of information on it, some including pictures and other people's stories.

I don't think I would be staying out there that long, it's an all day event. I'm not wearing much of a bandage now, just a little gauze pad over the incision and my elastic hat holds that in place.

You take care and try to soak up some sun. Hey if you have time, check out this site - it's a 3 minute movie and can be found at this internet address www.youarethelight.com A friend of mind sent this link to me, it was very inspiring.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 04:00 PM

Yeah... I would be kinda be suspicious too. But, the nurse didn't seem concerned, right? I would have someone look at it twice daily to make sure the discoloured area is not getting larger. You really can't tell by looking in the mirror. I have been monitoring my temperature by just a hand to the forehead. If I was to feel any heat, I would then use a thermometer under the tongue. At 102F, I would be on the way to the emergency or my doctor.

I gotta learn about that google stuff. I have only ever been to one forum or chat room or whatever and this is it. I searched medical sites and found medical type info, but I wanted the kind of info you and I have discussed. For instance, if I had known better, I would have bought a recliner. Sleeping propped up with pillows so I can't roll to the side in my sleep sucks big time. Pillows ain't no match for a 275 pounder.

Stay well. And careful around the fire with all that pyroxide and gauze.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 03:30 PM

Oh yeah, how's your incision healing? I was concerned about mine. Stitches came out just this Wednesday that passed. My dressing stayed on the whole time, except the part where the drain came out - that was changed. The peice below the ear lobe was kinda black looking, only on one side of the incision, cheek side. I didn't know that until I came home after the stitches came out. I was assured that was normal as long as there is no swelling, fever, hot spots, etc. Today it does look a little better. Slowly, but surely we well recover from this.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 03:18 PM

No doubt...lol. Love'd that last comment! They would have loved that too. You would have fitted right in. My brother is out in the country. It would have been awesome, for sure.

Yes, me being female, to the centre of my throat was the exit wound. I was lucky, I was prewarned about the tube removal. The nurse gave me a tip beforehand to take pain medication. My tube was stitched in. I didn't know about that, I thought my tube was coming out, it was only the stitch. The tube was something else, was very surprise how much was in there. Had to have about at least 2" to 3". It felt awlful coming out, but wasn't lasting pain.

Aren't computers awesome? You can chat with someone who's going through the same experience. I was just searching for all the information on this stuff we're dealing with and stumbled across you. I googled you. Pretty wild!

Well if I was in Moncton, I would most definately pick you up! Nothing like sitting back, having a few and listening to tunes around a big old bonfire.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 02:18 PM

Not to be picky, Pat, but, re, "...then to almost the centre of my neck.", did you mean, "then to almost the centre of my 'throat'."? You described my incision exactly, except for "throat". My incision ends about level with Adam's Apple (I know, I know.), about two inches to the right of the centre of the throat. About seven inches long.

The drain was placed as yours and exited at the end of the incision. Did you have as much fun as I did when he yanked it out? I glared at him and asked, "Why didn't you tell me that was going to hurt like a SOB?" He replied, "Sometimes people tense up if they know it's going to hurt." (Some might yank their head backwards in an instinctive response and double the pain upon binding the tube when it's halfway out, too.)

Ah well, at least we're still good lookin, eh?

Re the "do", if I could drive, I'd arrive just as they started to feel too good. My tunes sound best around that time.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 01:41 PM

You're right, the procedure is not quite the same, I only had half the gland removed only - lymph nodes are still there as far as I know. Cut in front of the ear, under the the ear lobe, down my neck, then to almost the centre of my neck. The centre of my neck was where the drain was. kinda like a slanted backwards 's' kinda. I am able to turn my neck.

I'm sure there will be plently more camping, fishing, portaging trips for you. Just not this weekend. This weekend is a time to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy some good company - hopefully all your buds aren't on this trip. My boyfriend wanted me to go camping this weekend too, but without the comforts of home I won't be, not this weekend. My brother is also having a big do at his place, so I'll probably be going there tomorrow for awhile, leave before people begin to feel too good.

It's been a pleasure chatting with you, again I wish you well and i look forward to checking this site about your progress.

Keep smiling!

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 01:12 PM

I am in Moncton, New Brunswick. Re not being the same procedure, I assume that your removal was small compared to mine, due to the fact that my doc had to cut one of the nerves and, hence, the neck muscle. About half of the gland was removed, as well as two lymph nodes so that a more accurate pathology could be done.

It's the pits about missing out on the long weekend fesivities, eh? All my buddies are heading up country for the big canoing-fishing-camp opening-drinking trip. I won't be able to do any heavy work up at the camp until just about the time that the blackflies and skeeters are on the go.

Again, I hope all goes well for you too.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 12:59 PM

Oops, forgot to include...I had the left side done and i have to clean with peroxside and use polysporn ointment on the incision.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: GUEST,Pat
Date: 20 May 05 - 12:51 PM

I had normal stitches, which were removed one week after surgeory. I did have a drain, which was removed 2 days after - just before going home. I did notice blood taste in my mouth for a few days. I have an indentation of where the lump was, so I highly doubt my doctor has done the same procedure as yours because I have to continue wearing a pressure bandage for 4 weeks in hopes that saliva will not build up somewhere underneath the skin. I definately don't like the sounds of getting needle stuck in to drain. The pressure bandage is a netting stretching material that goes on my head, it's the mummy look. I too am still waiting for the results from pathology. My tumor was in the saliva gland. I hope you have a positive outcome, wish you well in your recovering. I too am Canadian.

Subject: RE: BS: Parotidectomy - expectations?
From: gnu
Date: 20 May 05 - 12:43 PM

SINS... arthritis has taken away my ability to play any stringed instrument, even the mandolin I bought last year through the Mudcat auction. But, I can still thump the old Rhan when I get enough liquid painkiller in me. So, when I drool, I just switch to my synthetic Rhan... sounds the same wet as dry (which is the only thing I like about it.)