Thanks for inquiring liz, Laura and Val. Sorry I didn't get to this sooner.

Surgery was 6 weeks ago today, and I saw my surgeon yesterday for a final check. All is well - except for that left hand. Two of the fingers, middle and index, continue to be extremely numb. And if you can't feel it, you don't know what it's doing. This doesn't work too well with typing. I am getting better with that, though. The surgeon feels that I will regain all feeling and normal function in the future.

I had several visits with O.T., and they gave me exercises and activities to do at home. I find that the best thing for me has been to return to my volunteer work in the school library. I started back two weeks ago and it has done wonders for my spirits as well as my hand. I get there and start doing all the stuff, and suddenly realize I'm using my left hand without thinking about it. That's what I need to do.

The staples were removed a month ago, and the scar has really faded. Unless you know where to look, you won't see it. I asked him how big the bone flap was - as big as his hand - Yikes!!

He said I have no restrictions now - can do whatever I want. I'll have another MRI in a year, and an EEG in March. I got put on an anti-convulsant post-op, prophylactically, and if the EEG is clear, I can stop them then.

I still need a nap once in awhile, but basically I'm doing well. Putting on my earrings is still a challenge, as is hooking my bra (hope that's not TMI ??).

I got a copy of the surgery report - I've read things like this for years, but when it's your own . . . . . . .