The E.R. doctor didn't think it was carpal tunnel, but maybe tendonitis. The x-rays did not show anything abnormal to him, so he referred me to an orthopaedist, whom I saw in June 2001. He looked at my wrist and tried to move it, but couldn't. I almost kicked him =).

He didn't think it was tendonitis and wanted an MRI done. Two weeks later I was back in his office, with him telling me I had a rare bone disease called Kienbock's. He told me there wasn't much known about it, what causes it, etc. I got yet another referral to see the hand, arm and shoulder orthopaedist team at UCSD in San Diego, CA., headed by Dr. Matthew Meunier.

I saw them the first time in August 2001. They were excited about getting a Kienbock's patient. After talking to Dr. Meunier and other doctors, they decided to try a radial shortening.

On September 26, 2001, I went under and had a radial shortening on my left wrist. I went back once a month to monitor the healing process.

Around December of 2001, I noticed that my right wrist was hurting really bad. So at my next appointment, I told Dr. Meunier about it. He had it x-rayed, and found Kienbock's in it. So I was wearing stylish dark blue wrist braces on both wrists.

In February of 2002, they found that where they cut my radius, it wasn't growing back.

In the end of March, I had a bone graft taken from my left hip and put into the cut. It has since healed, but my lunate is the same.

In June 2002, I had MRI's done of both wrists, but I only have copies of the left one.

From May 2001 to August 2002, I have been seen at UCSD every month, and have had x-rays for every month.

In August 2002, we decided on trying a revascularization to see if that would help. I found out while I was in pre-op that I would be getting the pins and external fixation.

It was same-day surgery, so I went under at 9:05 am, and went home around 4:30 pm. At least that's what I was told, because I was so groggy I didn't know anything. I went home and slept until the next morning, only waking up to get something to eat and take my pain meds.

It took me a couple of days to get used to my extra thick arm, but it wasn't too bad. I had a follow up the next week, where they took the bandages off for the first time. I was amazed to see this metal contraption that was sticking out of my own arm.

I stared at it and studied it until the Dr. came in to talk to me. He told me I will be having these pins in for 6-8 weeks, and that he wouldn't know if the revascularization is helping until the next appointment.

After talking to him, he sent me to get the stitches out, and he taught me how to clean the pins and such. I was told to be vigorous with the wounds, because otherwise my skin could graft to the metal, making it more painful when they take the pins out.

I am cleaning the wounds everyday with a washcloth and anti-bacterial soap. I am able to go places, and drive one-handed to the grocery store and such. It's funny to see reactions of people, and to hear their guesses of what happened. My son, who is 2, loves to try to hit it with his hand or a ball.

Luckily I have a wonderful fiance who takes care of everything, from helping me to get dressed, to doing laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc. On October 9, I will find out if it is helping, and when I get the pins out.

Then we start on the right wrist.....