Damn it... 1 year later

by **cnelk** » 11 22, 2012 • [Post 1]

since this is the Docs Office i thought i would be appropriate

Had a bit of an accident at work yesterday.
wrong place wrong time.
cut 8 tendons
my trigger finger tendon took a direct hit
9 hours at the hospital
6 weeks and rehab
now learnin to type w my left hand

Happy Thanksgiving everyone

by **>>>---WW---->** » 11 22, 2012 • [Post 2]

OUCH!!!! Glad you got most of your hunting done before it happened.

by **Lefty** » 11 22, 2012 • [Post 3]

Have someone type the story out,.. that tendon made a heck of a knot,

by **bnsafe** » 11 22, 2012 • [Post 4]

ouch, no wonder you didnt answer my post, lol. hope all is well. at least it is after elk season so you will have time to rehab. good luck, and i posted on the other thread let me know when and where, i would love to do a meet and greet. i will be working in ft collins. good luck with your hand, gonna take some time and hard work but you will get better. prayers sent.

by **Swede** » 11 22, 2012 • [Post 5]

I am sorry to hear about your bad luck. What happened? I hope you heal up soon.

by **cnelk** » 11 25, 2012 • [Post 6]

thanks for the encouragement everyone.
yeah. it pretty much sucks
living in a splint
wont have an update until stitches are removed sometime next week.

vicodin aleve ice are pretty much the routine

Im mostly pissed off that this happened. What luck.
I was watching some workers remove a thin piece of galvanized metal from wall at a school.
It was glued on
As it came off, and the tension of pulling, it sprung and the edge caught the back of my hand.
I knew immediately I cut tendons as my fingers fell and I couldn't lift them. Also the obvious fact of
Looking at the cut and seeing cut parts.
I went unconcious from shock twice before the ambulance got there.
Tell you what, seeing your trigger finger malfunction is not a pleasant sight.
Got to the ER about noon and they finally got some local pain shots into my hand.
But I didn't go into surgery until 7pm. Nothing is an emergency in the emergency room.
Finally got home about 9pm
Getting used to using my left hand more and more.

My friend and I are taking cole and his buddy to Nebraska next weekend for ML whitetails.
Obviously i won't shoot unless I figure out how to doit left handed in the next few days.
I may be down, but not out! And not for long...

by **ElkNut1** » 11 25, 2012 • [Post 7]

Brad, wow!! Sorry to see & hear about the accident, hang in there bud & enjoy the hunting, it's great just being there with friends & family, good luck!!

ElkNut1

by **Swede** » 11 25, 2012 • [Post 8]

Cnelk, just take care of yourself and get healed up.

by **Lefty** » 11 26, 2012 • [Post 9]

Sure hope everything will work as it did last week, after the splint comes off?

by **cnelk** » 11 27, 2012 • [Post 10]

update
saw the surgeon this afternoon for my post op.
top wound is healing well
stitches were removed

tomorow go see the Workers Comp Dr and prob start therapy

surgeon mentioned all 8 extensor tendons were severed but in about 3 months all should be good

did i mention i bought a new bow on black friday? all i can do is look at it... grin!

by **dotman** » 11 27, 2012 • [Post 11]

On a good note, your scar will look like a recurve

by **ElkNut1** » 12 01, 2012 • [Post 12]

LOL!! Having a new bow & just being able to dream of it's smoothness & accuracy would get to me too! (grin) Keep the fire burning, when you're ready it will be so sweeeet! You may want to start out at a lighter than normal poundage? Has anyone mentioned a time frame when you can have use of your hand?

ElkNut1

by **>>>---WW---->** » 12 01, 2012 • [Post 13]

Hmmmmmm! Maybe Santa will bring him one of those little plastic bows with the suction cup arrows for Christmas. That should keep him occupied until he gets well enough to shoot his new one. Hey. its better than a lump of coal!!!!!!!!

by **cnelk** » 12 01, 2012 • [Post 14]

We out in nebraska right now. Chased some WT today with ML.
Saw 12 but no shots

We to therapy yesterday and got A new splint that allowed me use wiggle my finger tips! Just enough to pull a trigger

Doc says 6 weeks in the splint and in 3 months all should be ok

Wow is it good to be able to move my fingers!
.

by **romey** » 12 01, 2012 • [Post 15]

Good to see your on the mend!

by **cnelk** » 12 04, 2012 • [Post 16]

this is called a dynamic splint - 4 weeks, 8-10 hours a day

by **cnelk** » 12 20, 2012 • [Post 17]

My hand is doing better. 4 weeks from surgery.
Still cant drive, but its progressing
below is a short vid of my finger movement

http://youtu.be/ozIMQkOYiTc

by **ElkNut1** » 12 20, 2012 • [Post 18]

Wow, that thing looks high tech! Hang in there Brad it'll be a mere memory in a few months! (grin)

ElkNut1

by **bnsafe** » 12 20, 2012 • [Post 19]

not sure how your typing with that thing on, lol. keep up the rehab work. it sucks but it will make a diff in the end.

by **pointysticks** » 12 20, 2012 • [Post 20]

wow. happy and fast healing bud!!

by **Swede** » 12 20, 2012 • [Post 21]

Cnelk: It is good to see that your hand is healing well. That cut bothers me just seeing it. I hope you get 100% recovery with the use of the hand. There are a lot of critters in the forest who are looking forward to the chase again. You don't want to disappoint them.

by **dotman** » 12 20, 2012 • [Post 22]

That is a high tech device, good to hear your healin up.

by **>>>---WW---->** » 12 20, 2012 • [Post 23]

Brad, I had ulner nerve surgery to move the entrapped portion of the nerve. Had a slice in my arm about 12 inches long after they did the operation. For those of you that may not know, the ulner nerve runs from your spine, down your arm and pretty much controls your hand. Especially your little finger and ring finger. Many people call it the crazy bone. Hurts like heck when you bump your elbow becauce it runs between the two inner bones of the elbow.

Anyhow, I was developing a claw hand or hammer hand. The operation cured it, but left those two fingers numb. I still have no feeling in either one of them, even 12 years later. So I have a good idea of what you are going thru.

It was on my left hand. And I'm a lefty! So, one of the biggest problems I encountered was trying to wipe me tail end with my right hand. Awkward as all get out. LOL! Hope you have better luck with that than I did. GET WELL SOON!!

by **easeup** » 12 20, 2012 • [Post 24]

best wishes for your continued healing.

by **cnelk** » 12 20, 2012 • [Post 25]

i appreciate all the encouragment guys.
I have learned to adapt using my left hand. its amazing how ambidextrous a person really is without realizing it.
i switched my mouse control to be left handed and have continued to work
i will be able to drive soon and the splints will be weaned off.
It can be a real downer to see your hand not work like it should, but when you see some progress hope is regenerated

i have also realized how thin TP really is by not being able to use my right hand...

here is my scar now...

by **pointysticks** » 12 21, 2012 • [Post 26]

there is one left-handed move i can never master..

involves toilet paper. disaster. very awkward for me. and i can write my name lefty!!

by **cnelk** » 01 02, 2013 • [Post 27]

Its been 6 weeks already!
Wow

Hand is healing pretty good. Should be out of the splints this week for the most part

I couldnt stand it anymore - I really wanted to shoot my new bow so i fabricated a 'bow sling' if you will...

I bought a neoprene sling and ran it thru my release and adjusted it so when I draw, i pull with my elbow and
since I can move my fingers i can touch the trigger with no problems!!!

I shot about 30-40 arrows and called it good

This has been the best part of therapy yet!
Wow is this a nice shooting bow

by **>>>---WW---->** » 01 02, 2013 • [Post 28]

Cool device you have there. Couldn't help but notice your shirt. You don't live in Walden do you? I always thought it was Ft. Collins.

by **cnelk** » 01 02, 2013 • [Post 29]

North Park is my second home...

by **cnelk** » 03 29, 2013 • [Post 30]

Got scheduled for another surgery today for April 16.
Seems as tho the scar tissue on top of the hand has put pressure into the wrist area and has caused Carpal Tunnel Syndrome aggravating the median nerve and causing tingling in fingers.

A minor set back but full recovery expected, other than my already some loss of motion in my fingers now

by **WapitiTalk1** » 03 29, 2013 • [Post 31]

cnelk wrote:Got scheduled for another surgery today for April 16.
Seems as tho the scar tissue on top of the hand has put pressure into the wrist area and has caused Carpal Tunnel Syndrome aggravating the median nerve and causing tingling in fingers.

A minor set back but full recovery expected, other than my already some loss of motion in my fingers now

What are they gonna do on this second procedure cnelk? Something obviously with the scar tissue, yes? Sincerely hope the procedure goes well and it helps with the CT Syndrome.. RJ

by **Swede** » 03 29, 2013 • [Post 32]

Best wishes on a full and speedy recovery. It sure doesn't look like your shooting has suffered much.

by **bnsafe** » 03 29, 2013 • [Post 33]

that sucks but better now than 4 mos from now. take care of it. good luck

by **cnelk** » 03 29, 2013 • [Post 34]

I scheduled it right after our Neb turkey hunt weekend

I mean, there are priorities....

by **ElkNut1** » 03 30, 2013 • [Post 35]

If it's not one thing it's another! At least you're getting it all out of the way before elk season. (grin) I'd hate to be a Turkey in your neck of the woods. Good Luck!

ElkNut1

by **scrubs** » 03 30, 2013 • [Post 36]

Like Elknut said, if it`s not one things it`s another. I hope you have a speedy recovery cnelk.

Nice shooting.

by **Lefty** » 03 30, 2013 • [Post 37]

Yikes: hope all it well enough for the season.

by **ORelksniper** » 03 30, 2013 • [Post 38]

Good luck and a speedy recovery. Elk season cometh.

by **>>>---WW---->** » 03 30, 2013 • [Post 39]

Dang! That really sucks Brad. Get well soon.

by **BOWNUT** » 04 01, 2013 • [Post 40]

Get well soon. Do what the doc tells you and don't rush it. Enjoy your turkey hunt.

by **mtnmutt** » 04 15, 2013 • [Post 41]

Brad,
Good luck with your surgery tomorrow.

by **cnelk** » 04 15, 2013 • [Post 42]

Thanks Patricia!
Due to the snow they let out school early today.
Now I can prep everything to be laid up for a week on the couch

by **GetemDuck** » 04 15, 2013 • [Post 43]

I sure hope this is the fix all and you get back to shooting real soon.

by **scrubs** » 04 15, 2013 • [Post 44]

Good luck cnelk! I hope it goes well for you.

by **cnelk** » 04 16, 2013 • [Post 45]

I figured it prob best to post here about thesurgery this morning.

compared to what i have been thru, it was a piecce o cake.
just the basic carpal tunnel release surgery. the scarring from the healing on top of the hand put pressure on the median nerve in the tunnel.
15 minute ordeal.
Iwas home by 915am and need to keep my hand raised above the heart for a few days.
then back to therapy...

the hardest part was not having ANY cofffee [or anything eat/drink] prior.
hence the pic of pure bliss of having some nector of the gods...

swede,
yes, they call those ICU robes appropriately.. [I See You]

certain people think it humourous to be able totake before and after pics...

by **Swede** » 04 16, 2013 • [Post 46]

Nice hat. I never got one of those. Do they have any in camo?

by **eriks.** » 04 16, 2013 • [Post 47]

Glad you finally got your coffee cnelk! That is murder!! I hope you have a fast recovery.

by **WapitiTalk1** » 04 16, 2013 • [Post 48]

I heard, from a friend of a friend, that knows a guy, who has a sister with a pet wolverine, who knows a cat in Winnemucca, Nevada, who once hunted four elk states in one year, that cnelk refused any form of anesthesia. Instead, he just requested an old rusty bear broad head to bite down on during the procedure.. Just what I heard

Wishing you a quick and successful recovery cnelk.. RJ

by **Lefty** » 04 19, 2013 • [Post 49]

Well how did ther new surgury go?

Last night my Doc said no archery until the end of May for me :roll:

by **cnelk** » 04 19, 2013 • [Post 50]

Surgery was a success. I already feel the difference.
The end of May will be when I can shoot again

Changed the bandage this morning.
More stitches...

by **Swede** » 04 19, 2013 • [Post 51]

It sure looks like you will be good to go soon. Instead of charging so much, your doctor could set up a baseball repair shop or something, and make some extra change. He/she does nice work.

by **>>>---WW---->** » 04 19, 2013 • [Post 52]

Dang! Stitches on top and Stitches on the bottom. Where are you going to put them next? I think we should take a pole here and see who all would like to change your name to STITCH!

by **easeup** » 05 12, 2013 • [Post 53]

OK stitch,
update please?

by **cnelk** » 05 12, 2013 • [Post 54]

Sure thing...
As of this past week I am done going to therapy. I still do hand exercises and will for another month and maybe longer.
I will probably be at my MMI [Maximum Medical Improvement] in a couple of weeks.
Then I will will get rated for disability, loss of ROM [Range of Motion] in fingers and wrist

In a few months I will decide if I need to get the scar tissue removed on the back of my hand.
I have a couple lumps of scarring that may be restricting tendon movement
If so, that is another surgery and more therapy....

by **bnsafe** » 05 13, 2013 • [Post 55]

so hows the rom, is it gonna affect your shootin

by **cnelk** » 05 13, 2013 • [Post 56]

Here is what I have learned ove rthe past few months...

The extensor tendons are on the back of the hand, they control the use of extending your fingers and some wrist movement. They are not very strong as not much overall strength is needed to open your hand.
The flexor tendons are in the palm of your hand, they control the use of grip and closing your hand/fingers. They are quite strong and most injuries to them are related to knives in a self defense situation. The recovery for those are worse.

Obviously all tendons must work in conjunction for normal use

I cut 8 extensor tendons - last week the therapist said I was very lucky that I can move my fingers at all.
I sure am glad he told me that at the end of the ordeal and not the beginning !

My index [trigger] finger took the biggest hit, the middle finger took the next biggest hit.
The ROM of index finger is such that I will never be able make the motion '#1' again
I cant 'point' to an object unless I use a 40% offset

The middle finger is about half better than that

Soon I will get measured for loss of ROM

What I have noticed is that if I place my index finger in a trigger guard of a gun, I can pull the trigger, but cant pull my finger out of the trigger guard.
I will probably have to just pull my whole hand out to the side.

Im sure there will be more things that will arise that will come into play and I will have to deal with them at that time.

I hope to be shooting my bow in another week or 2

by **bnsafe** » 05 13, 2013 • [Post 57]

well good luck, where theres a will theres a way, im sure you will figure it out.

by **cnelk** » 11 21, 2013 • [Post 58]

Its been a year today since I cut 8 tendons in my hand.
I remember sitting in the ER waiting for some 'happy juice' wondering if I would ever move my fingers again.

After 2 surgeries and months of therapy it is as good as its going to get
I lost 19% Range of Motion in fingers/wrist, but I have adapted

As I sit here and type, I realize am fortunate and I just want to remind everyone that no matter what happens, it can always be worse.

by **Swede** » 11 21, 2013 • [Post 59]

I am sure you are correct about how it could be worse. I am glad you are healed and will still be in the game. Thanks for the reminder with a positive perspective.

by **bnsafe** » 11 21, 2013 • [Post 60]

well done brad. you didn't let it beat you an whine about your luck. losing 19 percent sucks but your right it could always be worse. I get to feeling sorry for myself every once in awhile about my eyes, but, i work in a op room an i always see somebody that has it worse. thanks for the inspiration.

by **easeup** » 11 21, 2013 • [Post 61]

I had already forgot about this. I guess seeing all of those Sept victory pictures got me to thinking your shooting got better!

great to here the good news CN.

by **WapitiTalk1** » 11 21, 2013 • [Post 62]

Long road for sure. Glad the healing went well and you were able to hunt and harvest a fine elk this year. Wishing you many more great hunting seasons!

by **otcWill** » 11 22, 2013 • [Post 63]

Bet there's a few elk that weren't pulling for ya

Glad you healed up and are back to killing big bulls!

by **elkmtngear** » 11 23, 2013 • [Post 64]

You did great, Brad!

Hope you get to coast for a long, long time without injury!