[Woodcarver] fingers

[Joyce Hanna]

Message: 2
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 13:08:37 -0400
From: "BillRussell" <wruss at russellwoodcarving.com>
Subject: Re: [Woodcarver] Re: Whatcha' Carving
To: "[Woodcarver]" <woodcarver at six.pairlist.net>
Message-ID: <002f01c65741$3f6a9c40$9865fea9 at computer>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
	reply-type=response

Mush,
Looks pretty good for the first carving after your recovery from the thumb
accident. Have you been getting therapy for the thumb?How long was the cast
on the hand? I go under the knife tomorrow to get an implant for my right
hand middle finger knuckle. There's been nothing but bone on bone for quit a
while. The only thing that I have carved this year is one Cotton Bark Spirit
with 2 faces and a few leaves. Using the bigger tools was easier on the
hands.
  I will not be as limited as you probably were. Thumbs are a pretty
important "digit", and I think we all take things for granted until you
can't use them. I am very happy to see you carving again. You have not lost
your touch.

  Bill


Bill Russell
Lockport NY

to Mush and Bill and everyone else,

So glad you can use your finger again, Mush! Bill, when you described 
your surgery it made me wonder if anyone on the list might know if 
there is anything that can be done now for osteoarthritis of the 
hands.  Mine is getting worse by the day, to the point where carving 
is truly painful.  My fingers are swollen and deformed.  I saw an 
arthritis specialist, but he said if I had rheumatoid arthritis he 
could prescribe medication, but nothing can be done for 
osteoarthritis.  However, I keep wondering if he was correct.  I have 
been taking glucosamine for years, but I can't see it is helping. 
Joyce