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R. DONALD SNYDER

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Member Since: 7/2008  Last Seen: 4/03/2011

Upcoming Surgery.

Mon Feb 8, 2010 4:40 AM EST
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By R. Donald Snyder
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On the 16th of February I'll be going to Cedars Sinai Hospital here in Los Angeles for Ulnar Nerve Transposition surgery. On the whole it's not that big of a deal, but I may be off line afterward for a bit until it heals and then I'll only be typing one handed for about 4 to 6 weeks, so bear with me.

Below is a link to a short video of the operation itself and I must say that the worst thing about it is that I'll be under general anesthesia and won't get to see it being done. It looks very interesting and the truth is I'd really like to watch the procedure. I mean, what the hell, I got to watch my vasectomy!

I'll be back as soon as possible afterward.

Randy

http://vimeo.com/3515307

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R. Donald Snyder

CoH, please.

I do admit that I'm a bit nervous, but I also know that I'm lucky to be treated at one of the finest hospitals in the world, with one of the best hand/extremity surgeons in the world and that I think everyone should have the same access to the same quality of medical care.

  • 7 votes
Reply#1 - Mon Feb 8, 2010 4:49 AM EST
Santino42

I do admit that I'm a bit nervous,

Put that anxiety to rest RDS. Simple surgery (and it sounds like you're in great hands). Wishing you a speedy recovery...

  • 4 votes
#1.1 - Mon Feb 8, 2010 12:39 PM EST
Nan-813417

Best wishes, RDonald, for a most successful surgery and recovery. from Nan.

  • 6 votes
#1.2 - Tue Feb 9, 2010 10:02 AM EST
frostyone

good luck and best wishes RDS. I'll leave the porch light on for ya. :)

  • 3 votes
#1.3 - Fri Feb 12, 2010 3:38 AM EST
Reply
Hekofawoman

Sorry about the surgery, but you still have a way of making me laugh. Your sence of humor will be greatly missed...however I have a feeling you'll be using "one hand" in no time...LMAO Hey, good luck, a speedy recovery and ask if maybe they might video it for you...never hurts to ask....Hek:) You will be missed! At least you can look at us Vine Babes on Valentine's day....you know The Valentine's card for you men of the vine....that'll keep you busy....lol

  • 5 votes
Reply#2 - Mon Feb 8, 2010 5:39 AM EST
R. Donald Snyder

I do have a small bit of experience typing with one hand.......

;-)

  • 6 votes
#2.1 - Tue Feb 9, 2010 3:08 AM EST
DaVoH

Yeah, 'cause the other arm's usually exercising it's elbow...

  • 7 votes
#2.2 - Tue Feb 9, 2010 9:59 AM EST
Grammie's Cookies

R. Donald,

I sure wish you a speedy recovery. Looks like you picked the right place and the right team to do the job. I do hope you will employ a typist to do dictation for you while you recover!

Be well!

ps: ok, I did get a litle mini-vomit at the photo.

  • 3 votes
#2.3 - Thu Feb 11, 2010 12:35 AM EST
R. Donald Snyder

Thank you Grammie and the rest of you too. I'm trying hard to not type too much because my left arm aches, but admit there are some arguments I can't stay out of before surgery. Imagine that you just hit your "funny bone" and then imagine that the sensation of that, the tingling and ache and irratation and distraction of it has gone on for 3 months. I'll be glad when the surgery is over because it's a pain in the ass trying to sleep or type or do anything when you feel like you just whacked yourself on the elbow.

Still, I wish I could stay silent and just let my arm rest and I'm doing my best to, but I can't always. After Tuesday I think I'll not have a choice for several days at least.

One Newsviner (mstanley2265) has sent me some voice recognition software information that I didn't know and I remember that I have a software disc for last year when I got my new computer that I can use. The nice thing is that I now have a touch screen computer that makes it possible for me to surf and to do everything except type easily. Thehn again, like I said, I have some experience with typing with one hand and yes, for obvious reasons. ;-)

  • 2 votes
#2.4 - Fri Feb 12, 2010 3:26 AM EST
Reply
bitemore

Owie... I don't like any surgery... especially where bones are involved (and nerves, and tissue, and muscle...)! I'll be praying for you! Trust me when I say you will be missed here. When you return, all of Newsvine will probably pounce on you, sort of like a big puppy dog at mealtime... You're a love, RDS, and I know I speak for a lot of folks here when I say that.

  • 4 votes
Reply#3 - Mon Feb 8, 2010 6:06 AM EST
mstanley2265

A speedy speedy recovery and check your computer for voice recognition. I'm not sure how it works but maybe????? so we can continue to enjoy your articles!

  • 4 votes
Reply#4 - Mon Feb 8, 2010 9:10 AM EST
DaVoH

Hope everything goes smooth for you, R. Donald, best wishes...

  • 6 votes
Reply#5 - Mon Feb 8, 2010 9:19 AM EST
alkimija

You'll do fine. I'll be thinking of you and sending my hopes for a successful operation and speedy recovery. =)

  • 5 votes
Reply#6 - Mon Feb 8, 2010 1:09 PM EST
littlereddog

Speedy recovery to you, RDS! I had a hip replacement surgery 2 years ago. If I had looked up pictures of the actual surgery before I went under the knife, I would never have had the surgery and I'd be still dragging one of my feet on the ground. No wonder you're scared. So stop that! You'll be fine. Soon you won't be having all that nerve pain and you'll wonder what took you so long to get the surgery in the first place. I'm bike riding again. How cool is that? :)

  • 3 votes
Reply#7 - Mon Feb 8, 2010 2:13 PM EST
R. Donald Snyder

Thank you all for your encouraging words. I'm really not all that worried, but am a sympathy vampire. Please, keep feeding me! ;-)

bitemore

Funny you should mention bones, because this surgeon is planning on cutting my elbow bone down a bit too. I've never been a big fan of bone pain, since I think it's the worst, but still they give you great meds.

I think the thing that bothers me the most is the fact that I really am in good hands and have excellent health care coverage and access to some of the best doctors Beverly Hills has to offer and to tell the truth, that really pisses me off. I mean I'm grateful (I really, really am), but it really makes me angry that the position I'm in is unusual. Every American deserves the same level of care I'm getting as a right and not just because they're married to the right person with great insurance. All Americans should be able to have access to top of the line health care for free for everyone. I'd give up my health insurance policy in a heartbeat if it meant free, quality health care for everyone.

  • 5 votes
Reply#8 - Tue Feb 9, 2010 12:59 AM EST
bitemore

#8: All Americans should be able to have access to top of the line health care for free for everyone.

Yes, you're right, but that doesn't mean you deserve it less. And it is okay to be a sympathy vampire while you are undergoing a painful procedure and recovery. I'm not even jealous of your meds... I hate narcotics (they make me sick to my stomach). Pisses me off because when you can have a good excuse to have them, well... it would be nice if you could enjoy them. I can't... I guess that's why I could never become an addict.

So, you have all my sympathy, and think of me when you get the pain meds. Phooey... wish I could enjoy them! But, since you can enjoy them, then, by all means, have a blast while you can!

  • 3 votes
#8.1 - Tue Feb 9, 2010 1:05 AM EST
Santino42

I'd give up my health insurance policy in a heartbeat if it meant free, quality health care for everyone.

As would I...

  • 2 votes
#8.2 - Tue Feb 9, 2010 9:11 AM EST
Reply
LifeTravler

I will be wishing for you the very best and a speedy recovery.

  • 4 votes
Reply#9 - Tue Feb 9, 2010 1:49 AM EST
Tom Snyder

Hope you have a speedy recovery dad.

  • 4 votes
Reply#10 - Tue Feb 9, 2010 5:38 AM EST
R. Donald Snyder

Thanks Tom.

:-)

  • 3 votes
#10.1 - Tue Feb 9, 2010 9:36 PM EST
Hekofawoman

Hey TOM - So glad to finally meet/see you here on NV, so sorry about the circumstances - but you have a hell of DAD there, and many love that man - he's full of fun, brave, full of laughs and well.......surprizes:) Hek

  • 4 votes
#10.2 - Wed Feb 10, 2010 5:14 AM EST
Reply
Randilly

Good luck with the surgery and the recovery.

Now Remember, No Whining while you are in the Hospital. It makes Medical Professionals, even more, Sadistic.

  • 4 votes
Reply#11 - Tue Feb 9, 2010 2:21 PM EST
Stu-4803409

Good luck.

  • 3 votes
Reply#12 - Tue Feb 9, 2010 4:52 PM EST
Knowlton's Rangers

Good luck and speedy recovery man. Hey you may have to P&P for awhile but the typing will come back. Peace.

  • 1 vote
Reply#13 - Fri Feb 12, 2010 4:25 AM EST
cookin mama

Hope everything goes well.

  • 2 votes
Reply#14 - Fri Feb 12, 2010 7:19 PM EST
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