View Full Version : Hiking after Wrist Surgery
Homer&Marje
05-20-2009, 06:30
So to make a long story short I have been afflicted with carpal tunnel in both of my hands for years now. It has gotten to the point of debilitating pain and numbness to the point my job is being affected. I have filed my temporary disability claim and go next week to find out about scheduling my surgeries.
For 27 years old, the neurologist that performed my EMG yesterday said I have very severe Bilateral Carpal Tunnel, effectively numbing every nerve in my hand and causing muscle swelling, deterioration and painful tendinitis.
Good news is that surgery will fix all that, need it on both wrists, one at a time and the recovery time is 6 weeks per wrist. I have resigned myself to my old workout of my 40lb punching bag inside my large backpack (My old REI 16,000,000:D) and I will run 2 miles every morning with 12 windsprints on the stairs in the park near my new house.
I WILL NOT! Sit around my house...not being able to work for 3 months and not go hiking this summer. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. So....after my first surgery...on my right hand more than likely. I want to do a 1-2 week hike....solo probably...don't know where yet. I'll wait till the incision heals...but any medical advice out there...ways I can eliminate the use of 1 hand while backpacking?
Doughnut
05-20-2009, 07:03
I too was recently diagnosed with CTS, and will probably have surgery as soon as school is out.
I have been told recovery will be 2-3 days, with almost immediate relief of the pain and numbness.
I plan to use trekking poles and wear the wrist brace for support. I figure to hike and adjust as necessary, either using poles or not using poles as the situation dictates.
It'll be interested to see what others have done.
DoughNut
Homer&Marje
05-20-2009, 07:29
Yea the incision is supposed to be real small so it should heal quick...but keeping it immobilized for a while is important from what the doctor told me. Let me know as well what happens with yours. From everyone i've heard that got the surgery it has been a dramatic difference.
saimyoji
05-20-2009, 07:30
So to make a long story short I have been afflicted with carpal tunnel in both of my hands for years now. It has gotten to the point of debilitating pain and numbness to the point my job is being affected. I have filed my temporary disability claim and go next week to find out about scheduling my surgeries.
For 27 years old, the neurologist that performed my EMG yesterday said I have very severe Bilateral Carpal Tunnel, effectively numbing every nerve in my hand and causing muscle swelling, deterioration and painful tendinitis.
Good news is that surgery will fix all that, need it on both wrists, one at a time and the recovery time is 6 weeks per wrist. I have resigned myself to my old workout of my 40lb punching bag inside my large backpack (My old REI 16,000,000:D) and I will run 2 miles every morning with 12 windsprints on the stairs in the park near my new house.
I WILL NOT! Sit around my house...not being able to work for 3 months and not go hiking this summer. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. So....after my first surgery...on my right hand more than likely. I want to do a 1-2 week hike....solo probably...don't know where yet. I'll wait till the incision heals...but any medical advice out there...ways I can eliminate the use of 1 hand while backpacking?
first thing you should probably do is stop typing. :rolleyes:
mark schofield
05-20-2009, 08:45
A broken ankle, groin hernia, arthroscopic surgery on both knees, and a tendon transplant on the left middle finger. I sound like a tinker toy as I hike along, but became active about a month after the various surgeries. Maybe you could get some type of wrist splint for support and protection. People hike the trail with all type of disabilities. I go down steeper rocky trails sideways because my knees are shot. The most important thing is not to stay home. Mark S.
A broken ankle, groin hernia, arthroscopic surgery on both knees, and a tendon transplant on the left middle finger. I sound like a tinker toy as I hike along, but became active about a month after the various surgeries. Maybe you could get some type of wrist splint for support and protection. People hike the trail with all type of disabilities. I go down steeper rocky trails sideways because my knees are shot. The most important thing is not to stay home. Mark S.
+1 on the splint, I'd hate to see you slip and land on that wrist. The complications from one minor tumble could be very nasty as far as recovery is concerned. Aside from that, so long as the Doc says okay, enjoy some outside time.
Blissful
05-20-2009, 13:42
Yeah I would get a dr okay on that. You want to heal up good, and surgery is surgery on your system. You need time to recover even if it is your hands. There's still blood loss, anethesia, guarding against infection, other things that you need to recover from and avoid. So don't make a mistake and overdo. The trail will always be there. And it's one summer. This will lead to better summers in the long run.
you're gonna have to hike with your hand in the air or you're going to get some serious swelling problems.
Blissful
05-20-2009, 13:53
you're gonna have to hike with your hand in the air or you're going to get some serious swelling problems.
This is an excellent point...
Homer&Marje
05-20-2009, 17:11
A broken ankle, groin hernia, arthroscopic surgery on both knees, and a tendon transplant on the left middle finger. I sound like a tinker toy as I hike along, but became active about a month after the various surgeries. Maybe you could get some type of wrist splint for support and protection. People hike the trail with all type of disabilities. I go down steeper rocky trails sideways because my knees are shot. The most important thing is not to stay home. Mark S.
you're gonna have to hike with your hand in the air or you're going to get some serious swelling problems.
Mark, definitely going to bring a cast type hard plastic wrist splint. Hopefully I can drill holes in it to make it breathable and lighter.
I will probably wait at least 2 weeks after the surgery before I attempt a hike...and depending on timing with the wife and other things it might be longer....I hope not though...I'll go crazy sitting here typing with one hand:D
Do you think the swelling could still be a problem that far after the surgery? I know the suggested full recovery is 6 weeks. Per wrist. NOT going to both at once.
Two Speed
05-20-2009, 18:55
So swelling one at a time is better, somehow?
'Kay, I'll knock off the snark and say that Kanga brings up a good point, you may have swelling problems. Just gonna have to figure that one out for yourself.
I broke my forearm a few weeks ago. Went trail running 4 days later and MTB riding 12 days later.
I decided I was cured after I saw the doctor's bill
Homer&Marje
05-20-2009, 19:55
So swelling one at a time is better, somehow?
'Kay, I'll knock off the snark and say that Kanga brings up a good point, you may have swelling problems. Just gonna have to figure that one out for yourself.
I was trying to say that I don't think 2 weeks after surgery....a low invasive surgery from what I hear...that there will be any swelling. I'm not a medical professional in any way. The doctors told me although I have an extensive resume` of injuries....I do not qualify to self diagnose or treat:D
So they say....
fiddlehead
05-20-2009, 21:33
My brother had both done at the same time. (doctor didn't recommend it but he's a workaholic and tough and couldn't stand to be down for long)
I remember when he was recuperating. He was back to work in about 4 days although light duty (he's a plumber)
He couldn't really use his thumb which makes things tough. He mainly went along, and gave advice and was a gopher for tools and materials. (couldn't stand to not be working)
Anyway, after seeing him, i would think there are some tough things about hiking without the use of your thumb: Getting into your pack and getting things out of it. (even putting them back) Setting up your tent, even putting your clothes on (socks especially) without a thumb is tough.
Luckily my brother is ok now (a year later) but the doctor told him he could screw it up by overdoing it.
Let it heal. Take up swimming.
I don't like to give advice since I've never had that type of problem, but word of caution concerning disability claims at work where workmans comp insurance is paying a portion of the bill. Hypathetically, if you have a problem after surgery and it didn't heal properly or to your satisfaction and you needed to file for permanent disability, you may have a problem getting it passed if they knew you were hiking soon after the surgery, even though you did not use your hands for any lifting. Their lawyers may say you caused the long term problem.
The only reason I mention this is because my good friend worked where I did at a General Electric factory and he had nerve damage in his upper back and shoulders. They (whoever they are) found out that he was a part time contractor building houses and they refused to pay his disability claims even though his injuries were caused at the factory where he worked.
Just thought it was worth mentioning. Good luck with your surgery.
Happy hiking. :sun
Sleeps_With_Skunks
05-21-2009, 02:13
first thing you should probably do is stop typing. :rolleyes:
Saimyoji....you beat me to it. After a Friend had the surgery she was told not to do any repetative motions for at least 2 months....that included typing.
SWS
Saimyoji....you beat me to it. After a Friend had the surgery she was told not to do any repetative motions for at least 2 months....that included typing.
SWS
time 2 bake out the voice wreck ignition soft wear.
Homer&Marje
05-21-2009, 06:25
Thanks for all the replies. I am not worried about a long term disability thing...I am not filing workmans comp through work for this but it's rather a temporary disability insurance or TDI claim. Most states have it available...my injury didn't happen at work but rather because of the work I do. Not a long enough period in 1 restaurant or another to file through workmans comp.
My thumbs are virtually useless now so i'm not too worried about not using one of them at a time for a few weeks. There's no way I'm getting both done at once.
For backpacking I'm going to go as light as I can...I can lift a 20-30 lb pack over my back with one hand while I slip the surgery hand through the shoulder strap. Tightening the straps I'll have to play with...as well as packing up my pack...didn't think abou that...it requires a lot of 2 handed mashing sometimes.
Thanks again everyone. Keep it coming it's all useful. Most of it. I'll type with my tongue Samoiyji if I have to:D just to keep talking to you:rolleyes:
World-Wide
05-21-2009, 06:59
So to make a long story short I have been afflicted with carpal tunnel in both of my hands for years now. It has gotten to the point of debilitating pain and numbness to the point my job is being affected. I have filed my temporary disability claim and go next week to find out about scheduling my surgeries.
For 27 years old, the neurologist that performed my EMG yesterday said I have very severe Bilateral Carpal Tunnel, effectively numbing every nerve in my hand and causing muscle swelling, deterioration and painful tendinitis.
Good news is that surgery will fix all that, need it on both wrists, one at a time and the recovery time is 6 weeks per wrist. I have resigned myself to my old workout of my 40lb punching bag inside my large backpack (My old REI 16,000,000:D) and I will run 2 miles every morning with 12 windsprints on the stairs in the park near my new house.
I WILL NOT! Sit around my house...not being able to work for 3 months and not go hiking this summer. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. So....after my first surgery...on my right hand more than likely. I want to do a 1-2 week hike....solo probably...don't know where yet. I'll wait till the incision heals...but any medical advice out there...ways I can eliminate the use of 1 hand while backpacking?
Good luck w/surgery and recovery!!:)
Check with the doc, but maybe give some thought at some point in your recover to a tall hiking staff, like same height as you. You can alternate carrying it in the left and right hand, and it might help keep it elevated, and give it your hand and wrist and forearm just the right sort of exercise, or maybe not. Check with doc. ;)
Mark, definitely going to bring a cast type hard plastic wrist splint. Hopefully I can drill holes in it to make it breathable and lighter.
I will probably wait at least 2 weeks after the surgery before I attempt a hike...and depending on timing with the wife and other things it might be longer....I hope not though...I'll go crazy sitting here typing with one hand:D
Do you think the swelling could still be a problem that far after the surgery? I know the suggested full recovery is 6 weeks. Per wrist. NOT going to both at once.
the only reason i brought that up is because i hurt myself alot and there are things your body does when put to hiking that wouldn't bother you in day-to-day activities. (they could follow me around for a month and have a whole new jackass movie.) i'd say you're prolly gonna run the risk of hitting your thumb on your straps for about a month after and be cussin a blue streak every time you do. i hate to say it but you're prolly gonna feel it some anyway for the rest of your life. have you ever had tendonitis? you might be prone to it now. it sucks. as for the swelling, depending on how you heal, i'd say 2 weeks would be the min for a fast healer. i'd still be swelling for another week or so, i'm sure. good luck with the surgery and the hike.
mark schofield
05-21-2009, 08:35
Kanga's thought about swelling is excellent. Why not practice loading and unloading, and then take long day walks with the pack. Like on a local trail. And come back home in the afternoon. And see how the wrist feels. Another thought. If you happen to slip or trip, your bad arm/wrist might instinctively react to help before you could stop the action.
Kanga's thought about swelling is excellent. Why not practice loading and unloading, and then take long day walks with the pack. Like on a local trail. And come back home in the afternoon. And see how the wrist feels. Another thought. If you happen to slip or trip, your bad arm/wrist might instinctively react to help before you could stop the action.
that makes me cringe.:p
Homer&Marje
05-21-2009, 09:07
Definitely going to take some day hikes while I have the time off... and I'll see how the wrist reacts. I might try immobilizing my thumb so I'm not tempted to use it on purpose or on accident.....as for falling.....comes with the territory.
Although it's funny....I trip more often on flat ground...the wife doesn't understand how I can get over a mountain with no slips or trips but can't make it through the vegetable section at the grocery store (Right inside the door)....always trip there....no trips to the supermarket.:rolleyes:
You might wat to go with a high volume but lightweight pack also, to make it easier to pack, or whatever you have now but with alot less stuff so you don't have to stuff and compress everything. The lighter weight might help also, less likely to stumble or stagger and grab onto trees maybe. I just load mine like a trash can, last in first out. Very few items also. Go simpler than usual maybe. Maybe even leave the camera home. Might be a nice change.
Blissful
05-21-2009, 13:15
I was trying to say that I don't think 2 weeks after surgery....a low invasive surgery from what I hear...that there will be any swelling. I'm not a medical professional in any way. The doctors told me although I have an extensive resume` of injuries....I do not qualify to self diagnose or treat:D
So they say....
Have the surgery then ask the dr. if you can hike. Pretty simple, I'd say. No sense speculating right now as everyone handles surgery and injury differently in their systems and by their ages.
Homer&Marje
05-21-2009, 19:17
You might wat to go with a high volume but lightweight pack also, to make it easier to pack, or whatever you have now but with alot less stuff so you don't have to stuff and compress everything. The lighter weight might help also, less likely to stumble or stagger and grab onto trees maybe. I just load mine like a trash can, last in first out. Very few items also. Go simpler than usual maybe. Maybe even leave the camera home. Might be a nice change.
Going solo more than likely....so I can go real light. Thinking Bug net, footprint, and rain fly to use as a tarp (Going to buy a double rainbow I think).
Not many clothes necessary for mid summer. Nylon shorts 2 wicking t shirts 1 long sleeve wicking...1 thermal, 3 pair socks and my frogg toggs. 20 degree bag and about 10 lbs between my food, filter and medical kit. Crocs as well. Should be right around 21 lbs without water. Should be comfortable.
Homer&Marje
06-05-2009, 05:53
First surgery is on my right hand June 24th. That puts me for a hike somewhere in the middle of July. Want to make my shelter easy.... gonna buy a new 10 by 12 tarp and practice setting it up A frame style with a single rope, some stakes and a bug net on the inside all with just my left hand and my right elbow.
Many Walks
06-05-2009, 16:27
Thru hiker "Ohm" broke his arm, got a full cast and continued to hike. Where there's a will there's a way. Good luck.
Homer&Marje
06-09-2009, 05:41
I know full well that it's more than possible. But I am trying to solve a debilitating condition with this surgery so that I can work in my chosen profession.
I don't want to screw that up. From everyone I have talked to that had the carpal tunnel surgery it has worked out wonderfully for them and I don't want my results to be any different...especially by my own doing.
It also looks like I will not be going solo. Mid july is when we were planning on going hiking with Walker Skinny Ranger again. We will be going back up to the Whites though so I will have to take it slow and very steady.
Homer&Marje
06-24-2009, 07:06
Going in for surgery in a few hours. Hope everything goes well. Have the next 3 months off of work so anyone in MA, RI, NH, and CT let's hear about them good day hikes I should be taking:D
Some of you might get upset, but the spelling and the grammatical accuracy of my posts:rolleyes: might slightly go down seeing as I will only have the use of 1 hand for a few weeks.
Homer&Marje
08-18-2009, 15:57
Well...Time to do it all over again. Go into the hospital for a 7:30 am surgery tomorrow. Hope the doctor has his first 2 cups of coffee:D
Left hand this time....don't have any hikes planned for afterward but I will probably do a few overnights in the local state forest....probably with the stitches still in and a super light pack.
Bivvy, fleece blanket, tarp, water pump and medkit. Just have to remember that everything has to be done one handed and with support from a couple fingers, on certain applications. Hiking after my stitches came out was no problem this summer. Only had 1 slip where I twinged it a little, healing nicely though...
And thank you all for the tips in this thread...a lot of the info was very useful, as always.
Best wishes on the surgery Homer. :)
This time try not to look like a vagrant when camping local. :D
Homer&Marje
08-18-2009, 17:51
Thanks Tin Man....I always look like a vagrant, can't help it.:D
At least I got the stove and the table out of my yard. Toilet is still there though:D
Totally posted all this in the wrong thread...let's see if I can get it changed
Alligator
08-18-2009, 21:02
...
Totally posted all this in the wrong thread...let's see if I can get it changedIt's fixed.
Homer&Marje
08-18-2009, 21:19
Thank you :D
Homer&Marje
08-19-2009, 06:16
Off to surgery....pardon me if I seem a little aloof in my posts over the next week:D I hate the surgery...but anesthesia fascinates me:banana:banana:banana See you all on the other side!
Homer&Marje
08-19-2009, 09:51
All done.... I cant feel anything.... I think someone drugged me;)
neighbor dave
08-19-2009, 09:56
mmmmmm.... morphine
sheepdog
08-19-2009, 09:59
mmmmmm.... morphine
My personal favorite... demerol :cool:
Homer&Marje
08-19-2009, 10:44
I dunno what it was,not as powerful as last time...still considered local. Vikes for a week now...
Blissful
08-19-2009, 13:35
Glad you're okay...and hey,you can still use a keyboard. Success!
:)
Homer&Marje
08-19-2009, 13:40
Glad you're okay...and hey,you can still use a keyboard. Success!
:)
Thanks Blissful...I can do 135 wpm with two hands, 40 or so with 1 hand:D
I'm waiting for the hurricane....then I'm going hiking....during the storm.
Hope it heals up. Don't take that cast off now I made that mistake once.
Homer&Marje
08-19-2009, 14:52
It is a gauze wrap with a fiberglass strip for support, does not come off at all until 9/1. Been keeping a hot pack on my fingers to reduce the atrophy and tightening of joints.
Blissful
08-19-2009, 15:24
I'm waiting for the hurricane....then I'm going hiking....during the storm.
I always wondered what that would be like...
Live dangerously.
Homer&Marje
08-19-2009, 15:38
Growing up I went sailing on my tiny scorpion out on my lake just hours after hurricane Bob rolled through:D
40 mph gusts that instantly flip you were considered highly entertaining.
NO_Turtle
08-19-2009, 17:13
This is not to minimize the pain you are in or the expertise of the doctors you are visiting, but I had stiffness in nees and wrists (and been diagnosed with CTS), and have found a great deal of relieve when taking FLAX seed oil (some people swear by other fish oils). I have found Rlax seed oil to work like motor oil for my joints (knees, wrist, hands, hips, etc.). It's not expensive and can be found at WAL-MArt or other helath stores. I buy the liquid (versus the gel tabs) and add it to protein shakes and the results are unbelievable for me. You can buy a two to four weeks of the stuff for $10. I encourage you to give it a try.
Homer&Marje
08-19-2009, 18:10
I am 27. Having severe CTS that of at least a 50 year old is not normal...I suffer from no other chronic joint pain.
For mild to moderate cases flax seed oil is a well known treatment that does work, probably not in my case....and the amount of money (my co-pay) is less than even a few years of even the cheaper brands.
My right hand feels great now, better than it has in 7 or 8 years. Mind you I dealt with the symptoms for 9 years so far and only sought help when my hands could no longer perform normal day activities. 3 full weeks of completely numb hands and insomnia along with it. Ask any severe CTS case they will tell you that night time is the worst
I am 27. Having severe CTS that of at least a 50 year old is not normal...I suffer from no other chronic joint pain.
For mild to moderate cases flax seed oil is a well known treatment that does work, probably not in my case....and the amount of money (my co-pay) is less than even a few years of even the cheaper brands.
My right hand feels great now, better than it has in 7 or 8 years. Mind you I dealt with the symptoms for 9 years so far and only sought help when my hands could no longer perform normal day activities. 3 full weeks of completely numb hands and insomnia along with it. Ask any severe CTS case they will tell you that night time is the worst
You had it in both hands? Can I ask if you tried anything else before surgery? Bilateral CTS is pretty rare b/c people don't typically use both their hands to the same extent. Sometimes if people have it in both hands, the problem could be coming from somewhere else but causing the same pain at CTS.
Homer&Marje
08-20-2009, 07:22
I tried a few things prior to surgery including PT for severe tendinitis and ant-inflammatory medicine, flaxseed oil, omega 3 and fish oil....
Went and had an EMG done on both hands and the doctor confirmed it as bilateral CTS. Both nerves ulnar and radial get compressed enough to make all 5 fingers go numb in under 30 seconds of stress testing them.
I've put a lot of miles on myself all around. Got the carpal tunnel released and it was instant night and day.
My doctor did offer me other options before the surgery, but he and I agreed surgery was where I was ending up anyway.
Homer&Marje
08-20-2009, 07:23
And I have not gone numb in the hands yet due to a compressed nerve in my elbow or my shoulder, further pointing to CTS as the main culprit
saimyoji
08-20-2009, 07:41
And I have not gone numb in the hands yet ....
just numb in the head? :rolleyes:
Homer&Marje
08-20-2009, 07:46
just numb in the head? :rolleyes:
Happened long before these symptoms...and it's a very invasive frontal lobotomy to cure that:D
How did yours go?:rolleyes:
saimyoji
08-20-2009, 07:51
well they repaired the hemorrhoids, but it didn't do much for my IQ.
superman
08-20-2009, 09:06
I'm guessing that you got the CTS from using your keyboard. I'm not being rude.:-?
Homer&Marje
08-20-2009, 09:33
No...restaurant business since I was 13....carpentry and demolition work my whole life for my father.
Typing did make my hands go numb....hardly ever used a computer except in college
And I have not gone numb in the hands yet due to a compressed nerve in my elbow or my shoulder, further pointing to CTS as the main culprit
so I know it had to be ask what cause you to have surgery.. and that fact you didn't go blinded in the process:-?
well they repaired the hemorrhoids, but it didn't do much for my IQ.
Hey I thought you got the heck out of here..You sure your you and not your 14 year old son...:banana
Homer&Marje
08-20-2009, 14:57
so I know it had to be ask what cause you to have surgery.. and that fact you didn't go blinded in the process:-?
Wow.... I haven't heard that joke yet............................................... .................................................. .................................................. ...........................
At least I need both hands:D
Thanks for bringing it out. I in fact posted what has caused my hands to be in such bad shape, read back a little instead of just going to the last post:rolleyes: even you can find it.
saimyoji
08-20-2009, 16:33
Hey I thought you got the heck out of here..You sure your you and not your 14 year old son...:banana
i'm me.....and my son has been repo-ed by the rent-a-center for lack of payment....don't worry though, i can get a new one at the zoo this weekend. :sun
Wow.... I haven't heard that joke yet............................................... .................................................. .................................................. ...........................
At least I need both hands:D
Thanks for bringing it out. I in fact posted what has caused my hands to be in such bad shape, read back a little instead of just going to the last post:rolleyes: even you can find it.
i get lost without the blaze
And I have not gone numb in the hands yet due to a compressed nerve in my elbow or my shoulder, further pointing to CTS as the main culprit
Cool. was just curious because I've seen alot of people think they have CTS in both hands, then after being chiropractic care it goes away....which tells that for them, it was not true CTS, but rather the nerves being impinged up at the level of the neck and causing numbness and loss of grip strength in the hand.
Homer&Marje
08-20-2009, 19:42
Cool. was just curious because I've seen alot of people think they have CTS in both hands, then after being chiropractic care it goes away....which tells that for them, it was not true CTS, but rather the nerves being impinged up at the level of the neck and causing numbness and loss of grip strength in the hand.
Well, I didn't leave it to the doctors, I self diagnosed over years of symptoms and then went and told them what was wrong after years of compiling evidence:D
Doesn't sound like me:rolleyes:
They agreed with my diagnosis, as did the tests:banana
I hope your recovery goes well.
Homer&Marje
08-21-2009, 07:10
Thanks Rick...all is well so far. Vitamin Vike helps the pain. And I got picture in picture on my free 42 in LCD TV.
Talk about giving a poor boy luxury:D
sweetpeastu
08-21-2009, 12:08
...i have a question about hiking after a lapidus bunionectomy surgery....
TIDE-HSV
08-29-2009, 14:26
Interesting. I didn't think anyone had CTS until they had to hand a hand off the bed in the middle of the night for relief from the pain/numbness. I was back hiking at two weeks. However, at three weeks, I took a fall and stuck out my left palm by reflex. I tore away at my now-muddy padding to see if I'd popped the incision open. As it happened - not. I had the left done at the end of April and I've now taken three multi-day backpacks since then - the first one in June. My trekkers haven't bothered me at all...
aquaman1208
08-29-2009, 18:27
Knowing friends that have had that surgery I would advise getting one hand done at a time. That eases the strain of taking care of yourself. Good luck.
Knowing friends that have had that surgery I would advise getting one hand done at a time. That eases the strain of taking care of yourself. Good luck.
i think he it was the 'taking care' of himself that created the need for surgery. just saying. and he did do one at a time... just so he could keep it up. :D