Genesis 4 & My Visit to the Doctor:

TLDR; BELOW!











So, today I was finally able to see an actual orthopedic surgeon by the name of Dr. Anup Patel of the OHSA (http://orlandohandsurgery.com/doctor/anup-patel-m-d/) to get a closer look at my finger injury from dodge ball. It had me worried due to the fact that it was an actual fracture and one that would potentially need surgery. I really did not want to go under the knife for a tiny fracture.



What I truly enjoyed about my visit is that the Doctor didn't BS anything. He told me straight up,



"You need to keep this in a splint for six weeks. Do not take it off at all. I will make the splint for you. I wouldn't guarantee a surgery would help a fracture of this size because it would potentially make it worse. I won't lie and say to do the surgery - I instead am giving you the best option."



That meant a lot to me since these doctors can make a lot of money with surgeries but instead he wanted what was best for me. He was very interested in the whole pro gaming & Esports scene and he knew how important my hands were for it.



He explained exactly what kind of fracture it was and he told me that I shouldn't keep my index finger immobile - rather, he wanted me to make sure I use it that way stiffness wouldn't develop.



So I asked him, "Does that mean I should compete in this big upcoming tournament?"



He said, "If you can play using the splint WITHOUT using the tip of your finger and it doesn't hurt, I would recommend you compete - that way you can continue using your finger and keeping it active."



So what he did next was fashion a splint specifically shaped almost like a hammer - One that would keep my finger straight while I used the lower portion to press the Z button. I gave it a try when I got home and it seemed to work again. While not 100% perfect, it felt WAY more natural than using my middle finger to replace the role of the index.



My performance at Smash Conference (using middle finger grip) was decent but not nearly good enough for my standards so I will be abandoning that grip for the most part.



So indeed, I will be using the SHAFT of my finger with the help of a splint that provides easier pressing of the Z button.





So, what does this mean for Genesis 4?



I won't be going to Boston anymore for a boot camp with Crunch, but I will be training at home with Uuaa to get as used to the splint as I can. I will also be practicing on Netplay hopefully every day until I travel.



I have NO idea how my tournament performance will go, but for sure I won't be back to regular HBOX until 6 weeks from now. I do plan on competing and entering Genesis 4 Singles & Doubles and doing what I can.



But using my index finger mostly as intended will be MUCH easier than using my middle finger, at least I hope it will.



I am not confirmed for any more tournaments until March. Beast is currently in the air for me.









TLDR; Finger is in a new splint, I can use my old grip again but not perfectly using shaft of index. Doctor Anup Patel is a homie. Will be competing at G4 singles and doubles. Full recovery = six weeks.



Thanks all!











Reply · Report Post