Stream of Consciousness

Hand Jive

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for Stream of Consciousness where
our prompt word is “hand”. Here’s my stream.

Ever since June when I pulled a tendon in my right wrist and heard a “POP”, I’ve been having hand pain, inflammation and other complications. And, of course, it’s my dominant hand.

First there was terrible pain in the right side of my wrist and I couldn’t control my pinky or ring finger. An ultrasound revealed I have a condition called extensor tenosynovitis. The hand doctor recommended PT; it helped strengthen my fingers but did nothing for the pain.

Then a lump started forming at the wrist joint on the back of my hand (not the palm side). Doc prescribed a prednisone pack which he all but guaranteed would take care of the problem. The pack did not help and the lump got bigger. I’m glad Bill was with me and can vouch for the doctor’s certainty that the prednisone would work.

Two weeks later and it’s back to the doctor; I asked him if the lump is a ganglion cyst and he said it is not; he described it as a fluid-filled sac which often develops after some kind of tendon trauma. I asked if the sac could be drained as it is putting a lot of pressure on my hand. Doc said no because the fluid is too thick and couldn’t be drawn out easily. He decided the best course of action was to give me a cortisone shot right in the lump and, once again, all but promised it would eradicate the lump. It did not.

My body has been pumped with steroids. Sleeping sucks, I get night sweats and I’m jacked up like Tony Montana!

Corti shots did nothing. My wrist still hurts, my hand is inflamed …. and the lump is STILL THERE! When I extend my fingers or try to grasp something with my right hand, the lump gets bigger and harder and the inside of my hand feels like it’s being strangled. I want this sucker out of my hand!

I see the doctor again tomorrow. No more quasi-promises! I’ve had enough of this crazy hand jive!

NAR©2025
#SoCS

This is “Willie And The Hand Jive” by Levon Helm and the Band

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Sept. 13, 2025

All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

45 thoughts on “Hand Jive”

  8. I hope your hand gets better soon, Nancy. ‘Willie and the Hand Jive’ was recorded by Johnny Otis in April 1958 with his band that was credited as the Johnny Otis Show.  Otis sang ‘Willie and the Hand Jive’ with the Three Tons of Joy performing the dance.  The song relates to hand and arm motions that are done in time with the music and called the hand jive.  This involves a complicated pattern of hand moves and claps at various parts of the body, following and/or imitating the percussion instruments.  It resembles a highly elaborate version of Pat-a-cake.  Hand moves include thigh slapping, cross-wrist slapping, fist pounding, chest slapping and pounding, hand clapping, elbow touching, and hitch hike moves. 

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    1. Right you are, Jim! I watched the video by the Johnny Otis Show and I have to tell you, it was pretty crazy. There was a lot going on and I think that’s one of the reasons why I decided to go with the Levon Helm video instead. If you haven’t seen the Johnny Otis video, then check it out. You’ll enjoy it. Thanks so much, Jim, and thank you for your good wishes regarding my hand.

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      1. Fingers crossed for you. You’re paying for a service that hasn’t been provided well so far! In the meantime, I recommend you seek out The Bunch’s version of Willie And The Hand Jive 😉

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        1. Fortunately, we have excellent coverage so we haven’t spent a dime on anything. I am very surprised by this nonsense. I have been with this orthopedic and neurosurgical group since 2011; this is the first time I’ve received anything but stellar treatment … and this hand doctor is Chief of Staff and Head of Surgery in the hand department!

          Thanks for the Hand Jive tip, Clive. And thank goodness for the microphone on my Mac! 🤣

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          1. It doesn’t seem as though they’ve covered themselves in glory so far! At least your insurance covers it – a small mercy in the midst of the incompetence!

            You’re welcome on the tip. I almost played that one too, but was already at four songs!

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    1. That may be next, Fan. It’s ironic. This dr is part of the large orthopedic and neurosurgery group I’ve been with since 2011; he is Chief of Staff in the hand department so you’d think he’s the best, right? I know I’m preaching to the choir when I say it’s been a distressing time. Thanks for your advice.

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