My right-hand ring-wearing capacity has been temporarily reduced because of an operation on my right pinkie. I randomly developed arthritis in that finger five years ago (the problem didn’t originate in a fall or other injury).
It’s gotten more painful over the years. Plus, the pinkie deserves more credit than it usually gets: It accounts for a lot of the strength in your hand. I’m right-handed, but my right hand’s grip had become weaker than my left hand because this ornery pinkie wasn’t doing its job. That was good news for people who dislike a strong handshake, but not great for me.
To fix this, I had an procedure last Tuesday to fuse the bones in that joint.
Right after the surgery, I had a very dramatic-looking bandage.
After two days, that was reduced to this more reasonable splint.
I get the stitches out this week. After that, I’ll wear a removable splint for six weeks.
These photos remind me that I’ve been intending to design new thumb rings for ages. I’ll have to move those up on my to-do list. They still rank below my last Maneater piece, a new ANZA design, and three wedding-related custom orders. Priorities!