[mrs bouquet]

I am due to go in on Tuesday 23rd.  Having out it off for about 4 years.  I am not nervous about the procedure but feel very worried about afterward, especially since I am alone.  Today I have been using only one hand and it is bloomin' difficult.   Cannot get hearing aid in right ear.  Cannot get any screw tops open,  Cannot fill the kettle and loads of other things.   As it  does no longer tingle, although there is muscle waste and it is hard to lift the pen and write.   Should i cancel it.   Full recovery takes about 1 year.    I cannot even figure out how to get to the hospital and back.   Will the benefit out-weigh the considerable inconvenience.  I am not sure.
What do you think, especially considering my age       Mrs Bouquet

[Christine]

Do it. Ask for help from family and friends if you can. I felt the same about having the knee operations.

[MrsPea]

Just do it I had both mine done at once which hand is it ?

[Lardman]

This is what re-ablement services are for Mrs B.

Your local Social Service are designed for this - they are required to provide a care assessment for you before hospital discharge. They are also required to provide up to 6 weeks of "care" at home to assist with those needs identified in the assessment  free of charge for up to 6 weeks.  You will need to tell them you need help though as they're not likely to offer it.

If you're worried about preparing meals / washing / getting dressed / using your hearing aids or making a brew on your own tell them these are your goals and they will need to provide care to assist and and occupational therapy services to work with you to achieve them. 

You have paid into a health system, care does not end at hospital discharge.

I'm sure you will adapt and bring in coping mechanises naturally but whilst you recover there is support available for the initial adjustment period, even if you only have a nice chat with the people that will help too.

What do you think, especially considering my age       Mrs Bouquet

That's enough of that nonsense   

[mrs bouquet]

Well, what a relief.  It has been cancelled until next week.   I cannot do that.  I shall arrange for January time now.   Do I look bothered   .  Just cross with myself because I have been rushing around organising for this.     Mrs B

[AlaninCarlisle]

I am 79, live alone and had the op on my right-hand last year.
Some comments:
Op was quick and painless
Took several months for normal sensation to recover in right-hand but despite heavy bandage on it for a few days, I could still use my fingers for urgent jobs.
Didn't need any painkillers even in the evening following the op.