elbow surgery

So, I found out today that I have a bone chip in my elbow, probably from about 25 years ago. My Dr. said that it looked like I have a healed fracture that was not discovered when I was a kid.
She said I have to have surgery to remove it, but that would mean I have to take one week off work and I have no one here to help take care of me.
I don't know what to do because I live alone and I won't be able to even drive myself to T or to appts or even to get dressed.
Any suggestions?

BJ

BJ,

Do you have any family anywhere who could come be with you, or you go to be with them for the surgery?

EJ

My family lives in my town, but there is no one I could stay with. My step-dad is miserable since losing my mom and he doesn't want anyone there. My sister lives in a 3 bedroom trailor with her husband, 21 year old son and 18 year old Downs Syndrome daughter.
My BF said he MIGHT be back in a few months, but I don't want to hold my breath on that one.

That would be a good idea if family was available. I'm sure they could pick me up and take me to some appts, but they can't stay with me.

Thanks for the thought.
BJ

So, I have decided that I am going to have the surgery sometime in June. It is going to give me enough time to save up and also, my bf is going to come help me for at least a week.

I am scared as all heck, but I would rather be out of pain than in pain all the time.

BJ

I am supposing that the bone chip is causing you problems, because of where it is? Thousands of ppl have bone chips and leave them there, to dissolve, work themselves out to the skin, or just sit.

Is he sure this is what is causing your pain? Don't they have something to blast it it blithereen nowdays, rather than surgery to remove it?

Your step-dad might do better if he had someone else to think about rather than himself in his misery.

I hope your BF will follow through, and that this goes really well for you.

Yeah, the location of it is right near tendons and muscles and it can move around at times causing swelling and extreeeeeeme pain.
They can't blast it out, not sure why....I asked if there were any alternatives to surgery and she said not for this.
They also have to scrape by bone and get rid of some of the arthritis(?) so that it isn't so bad later because if I let it go for much longer it will be too bad to do anything about.

My step-dad seems to have been getting out a little with my sisters' ex-mother in law. She is a very nice lady and her husband just passed in September from cancer. He died one week after they found it in his lungs.... so they are both going to hot springs and such. I am glad he has a friend in her.
Thanks, I too hope that my BF will come. I really really really miss him.

Thanks for the hugs.....I need em!

BJ

owie.

Maybe your sister's ex-mother-in-law can help you some I know my husband's ex-wife and/or her sister would help me if I needed it.

I'm glad you arranged it far enough in the future to work out some of the details. I was going to suggest an assisted living place; there are short term ones just for situations like yours. That or hiring a practical nurse or aide to stop in each day for an hour or so, make sure things are okay.

Thanks, Sky!

Perna, She is nice enough, but I don't think I want her over here that much! LOL She likes to talk ALOT and she tends to preach religion too much to me and I don't like that.
As far as assisted living....I would be too uncomfortable if I am not at home, but hiring a nurse might not be a bad idea if my BF can't make it out for some reason!

Thanks for the advice and suggestions, they were all good thinking!

BJ

or... you could buy bulk movies tickets and zone out at the theater while you recover They have food too!

Sky that is a GREAT idea!!!

They have the BEST popcorn in theaters!!! PLUS, if you get the big popcorn they have FREE refills! OH YEEEAAAAHHH!!!

back atcha!

BJ