Third time's a charm, I've always been told. Does that apply to hand surgeries too?
My first two hand surgeries in summer of 2017 repaired seven complicated fractures after I took a bad fall. My third surgery in August of 2018 helped increase my hand's range of motion. Turns out third time was a charm. It was successful in returning me to playing piano with two hands, which made all the hard work that followed worth it.
When my one year anniversary of my third hand surgery was approaching, I had a consultation with my hand surgeon, Dr. Todd Theman. While I was thrilled to be playing piano with two hands and consider my last surgery successful in increasing my extension in my right hand, I also knew I had plateaued for months, and it wasn't going to increase any more, no matter how much I wore my extension splint.
I asked myself constantly if I could live with playing piano with two hands but with extreme limitations in my repertoire.
In the video below of me playing Chopin's C Major Etude, I demonstrate what I can and can't reach yet.
My ability to make a fist (flexion) and hold it (passive range of motion) is still very challenging. While that does limit my ability to use a knife with ease, knock on doors with my right hand, and hold eggs without dropping them (no complaints from my black Lab Gina), it doesn’t affect my ability to play piano. At this moment, that is my complete focus.
When we discussed surgery, originally I thought it was a decision over a complex hand surgery that would potentially improve both flexion and extension. When I realized he could do a minimally invasive surgery just for extension, surgery started to feel right.
That same week, a student brought in a copy of the same arrangement of Warsaw Concerto I played when I was 11-years-old. The Warsaw Concerto is far from one of my most cherished pieces of music that I'm dying to play again. It's a one-hit wonder by Richard Adinsell that is known to be a little schlocky. But it was my grandfather's favorite, and I remember playing it with great joy and ease for him when I was 11. But when I tried playing it recently, I couldn't reach many of the chords. That helped confirm my decision to have surgery.
I didn't make this decision lightly. It took chutzpah.
The next six weeks are critical, requiring several hand therapy appointments a week and hand exercises every waking hour. I'll be wearing a splint for three months. While new scar tissue is forming, it will encourage my hand to stay open in full reach. Another surgery represents one more year of hand therapy appointments. I'm currently the longest term patient my hand therapist has ever seen in her 30 years of practice. But, my recovery started improving and my anxiety decreasing when I let go of a time frame and accepted that the intelligence of my hand is to be respected and admired. No matter how long it takes, I'll keep reaching for my goal of having my full extension with ease. Believing in my hand's reach is what keeps me motivated. Simultaneously growing my inner strength gives me purpose and keeps me alive.
The two hour surgery is Oct 9th at 11:50 am PDT. I know, it's Yom Kippur! Oy vey, the lengths I'll go through to make sure I fast.
All prayers and healing thoughts are very welcome and appreciated. And, if you have two minutes, take a listen to my performance of Chopin's C Major Etude prior to my hand injury, and visualize me playing this again for you with great ease post 4th surgery.
Dear Lisa,
Your inspiration ripples through our household–reaching for what is beyond our reach in the moment, and never giving up, and expressing the challenge so poignantly and honestly, and trusting the intelligence of your hand, without forcing an artificial time limit, is such a beautiful guiding light. We are honored to be part of your journey. Of course we know, we have no doubt, you will succeed.
Love,
Arthur, Trish, and Ethan
Arthur, Trish, and Ethan – You have been with me on this journey a long time. I’m so grateful for your support. Thank you for your beautiful comment. It touched me deeply.
Love and gratitude,
Lisa
Hoping for a complete and easy recovery!
Thanks so much Shari.
From the wilds of Monument Valley, we wish you good fortune tomorrow. I too am so inspired by your determination. And yes, holding a fork in my inflamed LH is one of my biggest challenges. I still think we should do a concert of Ten Fingers, Two Pianists. :).
Thanks Sue. Love the idea fo Ten Fingers, Two Pianists. Sounds like it could be a play! Good luck with your recovery too.
Hi Lisa,
Reading this nearly 2 weeks after the surgery…but so touched and inspired by your words of strength. My aspiration, as one of your students, is to play that piece of the Warsaw Concerto, as it was in my father’s piano repertoire and makes me feel close to him. So I am hoping that your recovery is going well…sending out positive karma to you! Maryann
Thanks Maryann. I’m looking forward to working with you on The Warsaw Concerto. It brings back good memories from my childhood. And, it’s always a pleasure teaching you.