Sunday, November 3, 2013

Not to busy of a weekend, but pain sucks.

     This weekend has been ok, got some things done but sharp shooting pains don't feel to good. Prior to our camping trip last weekend, I injured my right wrist and have inflamed it real good. I was having problems holding or picking up many things in my right hand that whole weekend. Went to the doctor this last Monday and saw the ortho doc at our family practice. Seems I have something similar to Carpal Tunnel, but its not the nerve in the center of my wrist, its on the outer edge, the Lunate nerve. Well he said let's try and knock the inflammation down with predisnone, if not we may have to do a cortisone shot. Then he said if all else fails, you may need surgery. Well, the prednisone hasn't done a damn thing to help. Ice has helped with some pain but it just comes right back after my hand and wrist warms back up. First off, doctors and I don't get along to well, so it seems I may be going back tomorrow for the next step. I still have some work that needs to get done with the business and I need to get that done in the case I need surgery on my wrist. If I do get a shot, I hope it works and corrects my pain. If it doesn't, guess I will be back to schedule surgery for sometime in December. I have been asked to bid on some clean up work but I think I will have to pass on it. I have two other local companies that I have talked to and may let them have it.

   Last Thursday, I started having issues with my F-250 starting, it sounded real weak and it was having a hard time cranking. I figured it was the battery but after checking the voltage of the battery and alternator, taking it to a local auto parts place to test the battery and my buddies boat shop to load test the correct way, seems I needed a new starter. One good thing about having real good friends that own businesses is you can get things cheaper, usually wholesale. I went friday with him to one of the parts places he gets some parts for boats, since inboard motors are basically car engines and got hooked up with a re-manufactured starter for just over $100.00, saved at least $35.00

    Saturday morning, JUGM decided she was going to the commissary and she took both boys with her so I could get started changing starters out. I have changed starters before but FORD decided they wanted to add a third bolt on the top of this one, in a spot that is nearly impossible to get to. To add to the difficulty, there was a metal and foam insulating pad over the factory starter solenoid that separated from the foam so the metal kept getting in the way. Well after much constricting my hands, winching in pain, and going through 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and air ratchet's with 1/2 sockets, swivel adapters, and 1/2 swivel sockets the starter made its way out. Installation of course took 1/3 of the time I needed to get it out. Made all the electrical connections and it cranked up like a charm, no issues.

   Today, I brought my open trailer home to do some hub maintenance and preservation work on it. Took a wire brush to some surface rust and repainted most of the trailer. Hubs were fine but I like to pull them apart from time-to-time and just check. I have always learned to take care of your stuff, it lasts longer and keeps costs down. I will be needing this trailer most of the week as I have a large amount of mulch to move and put in its new place which I can see will be slower than normal.

   Senior


12 comments:

  1. I'd almost be willing to have a few teeth pulled than get into an automotive conniption fit. Mechanics definitely earn their pay.

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    1. Mechanics sure do earn their pay for what they do. I learned auto mechanics many years ago and it has saved me a ton of money over the years.

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  2. I feel you pain with pain. I take ibuprofen daily for my aches. two bad knees, and right foot. Its good to know how to do repairs. Have a good week.

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    1. I will try Rob, would be better to get this pain gone, have another appointment today.

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  3. Sounds like your hands are full (or at least, one hand is full). Not a fun way to go, but stuff happens. Darn it.

    Glad you got the starter situation fixed - that can be a pain, too.

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    1. I have been trying to use my left hand more for things, but I tend to forget and I am kindly reminded when I get a sharp pain that makes me almost scream.

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  4. Senior,

    I'm so sorry to hear about your wrist. My husband was having shooting pain in his wrist which ended up leading to a pinched nerve causing severe migraines. He was referred to a neurosurgeon who was excellent. With the actual physical, and tests this doctor figured out my husbands problem and explained a plan of action. This plan of action started with the easy fixes, then went to general surgery. He had out patient surgery in his hand and arm preventing major surgery through his neck. May I suggest seeing a neurosurgeon if possible.

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    1. Glad to hear your husband got that straightened out. I am seeing the same doctor that was involved in my wifes carpal tunnel diagnosis, which if I get a referral, it will be the same place she had her procedure done.

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  5. Ah, good 'ole Fords. Listen, I've a sharp knife and a bottle of alcohol...want to work on the wrist? My surgical skills are fairly inexpensive.

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  6. Only if you have good malpractice insurance, that is the only way I would allow that.

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  7. Get it fixed NOW, otherwise you're going to be in pain for the rest of your life... Sometimes the RIGHT thing is to admit you're hurting. I'm facing some major surgery because I was stupid and just gutted it out... And PMs do work...

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  8. Buddy, the pain is horrendous. When it hits, my whole body feels it. I got a referral for an MRI from today's appointment. The Ortho Doc thinks I may have a TFCC, basically a MCL tear in my wrist putting pressure on that nerve. A small ache or pain would be put on the back burner, this pain sucks.

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