Minor Surgery Tomorrow

I can’t remember the last time my right hand could lie flat. My pinky finger has been bound for years due to Dupuytren’s contracture, and it hurts anytime I try to grab something. Over time, it has continued to restrict my hand from opening fully.

This condition is hereditary. I noticed my dad had it just months before he passed away. I asked him, “Dad, how long have you had that place in your hand?” He replied, “Ever since I can remember.” I told him, “Well, I’ve got the exact same issue with my right hand.” It seems I not only inherited my dad’s name but even his hand condition.

Over the past five years, I’ve received two Xiaflex injections in hopes of breaking up the cord growing in my hand. Unfortunately, those injections brought no success. Now, I’m finally scheduled for surgery to repair things. While there’s no permanent cure, I should at least experience relief for a time. It could return in a year, five years, ten years, or even longer—but in most cases, this isn’t the last chapter with this condition.

Tomorrow at 10 a.m., I’ll be having hand surgery. Thankfully, it’s not nearly as invasive as my three previous back surgeries. Still, I don’t want any more nerve damage or unnecessary pain. Please pray that everything goes smoothly. I’ll have some limitations for 4–6 weeks, and full recovery with rehab could take 6–12 months.

I’m optimistic—both because I have a very skilled surgeon and, most importantly, a very awesome God.