Sometimes things don't go as planned. Graduating from dental school is an exciting time. Everything you've worked for for so many years is finally coming to fruition. That first job in the career that you love. The first time patients actually call you doctor. The first time patients look to you and not your professors. All so very exciting.
Unfortunately dentist's bodies are very important to the longevity of their career. Our hands and eyes must be in top shape to perform the procedures we routinely provide for patients. That being said, every type of activity runs a risk of possibly putting us out of commission.
I injured my dominant thumb back in September, playing a recreational volleyball game. It turned black and blue, hurt quite a bit, and then started feeling quite a bit better. Fast forward to March, I was still experiencing weakness and aching. I was concerned that I continued to have pain and discomfort six months after the injury. I went to the doctor, who immediately said my ligament was torn. After an x-ray and MRI the conclusion is that my ligament is partially torn and my joint has a lot of instability, causing me pain. The only way to fix it at this point is surgery to repair the ligament, by reconnecting the fibers.
This comes as a bummer because I’ll have to be out of patient care for six weeks, while I heal. I know this won’t be my last set back in my career, as life happens. The timing of everything is never ideal, but I trust this pain will be more tolerable or gone after the repair. I have to look at the longevity of my career and preventing issues in the future like arthritis or stiffness. I want a long healthy career in dentistry, and thumb surgery is one of those things that is going to help me get there, at this point.
I will be having surgery next Tuesday and out of work the whole month of May. My boss has been very understanding and supportive and I am very grateful for that. Once cleared by the doctor I will be on limited duties while wearing a brace, but will be able to return to the dental office to treat patients. I have a long journey ahead of me and recovery won't be easy, but I am hopeful that this procedure will help me to have a long, happy, and healthy career in the field I love.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
