Archive

Muted watercolor of a woman with glasses seated at a table with an open notebook, surrounded by faint overlapping figures and anatomical sketches.

Overshadowed

After ulnar nerve surgery, my left hand did not return to the level of function it had before. Tasks that had once been manageable began to require more effort, and some became difficult in ways that were new.

Black-and-white image of a woman taking notes beside a hand anatomy diagram while two clinicians talk in the blurred background.

The Problem With the Baseline

The waiting room was ordinary enough. People checked in, handed over insurance cards, completed forms, and waited for their names to be called. Patients were brought back in pairs, each moving through the same routine with little explanation.

Illustration of a person using forearm crutches standing outside an open classroom where a group is meeting, with directional accessibility signs beside the doorway.

Access Beyond Entry

Classrooms, public spaces, and the difference between getting inside and being able to take part.

Dark path with stone steps rising through leafless trees beneath purple storm clouds and mist.

In the Absence of an Answer

For a while, recovery seemed straightforward. Daily tasks had returned close to normal. Typing was more consistent, buttons still took effort but could be managed, and both hands worked together to put on shoes the way they always had.

Photograph from behind of a person using two walking poles on a sunlit paved path.

Disability Beyond Pediatric Care

Healthcare for adults with lifelong disabilities, including diagnosis, new symptoms, and the transition beyond pediatric care.

Pencil illustration of a woman with forearm crutches speaking with a clinician about ulnar nerve transposition, persistent weakness, hand function, spasticity, sensory changes, nerve recovery, daily activities, and therapy goals.

The Second Conversation

The evaluation report was already marked with corrections before the next occupational therapy appointment began.

Pencil illustration of a woman using forearm crutches entering an examination room while two clinicians look toward her.

Before the First Question

The examination room is ready before the patient arrives. The computer is open to the medical record; paper covers the examination table. A rolling stool sits near the counter, while another chair has been pulled toward the wall.

Illustration of a thoughtful woman surrounded by a 50-minute clock, an unfinished evaluation checklist, medical questions, buttons, and shoes.

When the Questions Follow You Home

Losing the ability to put on a pair of shoes should not have raised so many questions. The task had become harder after surgery, along with buttons and other small movements that once required little thought.