Today my orthopedic called me to let me know that I could have my hand surgery, and within three months. This is great news for me, as I have been trying for two year to get this through. 2 ½ year ago I hit my right hand quite badly while playing squash, it got really swollen,- but it never got better after that. I have seen many orthopedics and doctors, but in Australia the surgery was priced at 7000 dollars (30 000 SEK) – and there was no way I could afford it. Here in Sweden it did take long before I could see a specialist, but as soon as I did things started to happen. The doctor who performed an ultrasound on my hand found bits of a damaged ganglion cyst and it was putting pressure on a nerve. I have lost about 5kg strength in my right hand since the injury- and I have problems holding a pencil, performing detailed work or anything requiring a good grip. It is scary to undergo surgery on my hand, as it can get worse. But I miss drawing and painting, lifting heavy weights and playing squash without pain – and in control of the squash racquet, so for me it is worth the risk. If it gets worse, I will adapt- but at least I will know I tried.
Dec 082009
A US study suggests that people who exercise vigorously are more at risk for developing knee abnormalities and therefore have a higher risk for developing osteoarthritis. The study was not age or gender specific and thus had its flaws, although the findings suggest that high impact sports can cause more damage than low impact sports. In Sweden the same study was interpreted as “Exercise is dangerous for the elderly”- this is somewhat amusing as the study was not age specific, and exercise is one of the most frequent recommendations for the elderly to improve quality of life. The elderly group the newspaper refers to is the 200 participants between 45 and 55 years old.