Merry Lockwood never expected to need hand surgery herself. As a seasoned RN, BSN, and CDCES, she had spent a lifetime guiding others through recovery, but when thumb arthritis started affecting her own daily life, her perspective shifted.
Years of working on computers had taken their toll. Like many in her generation, Merry was among the first to spend her entire career using digital devices. Her aching thumbs, a direct result of repetitive motion from typing and data entry, revealed a truth: thumb arthritis is now common among older adults, especially women in their 60s. It was this realization, coupled with her medical background that inspired her to write Healing Hands: Understanding Surgery, Recovery, and Prevention.
Her goal was simple—to offer the kind of clear, compassionate guidance she wished she’d had before and after her own surgery. The book opens the door for readers to understand hand surgeries, whether it’s carpal tunnel release, tendon repair, or thumb joint replacement. Merry demystifies these procedures, walking readers through the entire process from diagnosis to rehabilitation.
Through Healing Hands, Merry shares her first-hand experience—not only as a nurse but as a patient. The emotional hurdles of recovery were just as real as the physical ones. She recalls the frustration of limited mobility, the challenge of performing basic tasks, and the long journey of regaining strength. And yet, through professional insight and personal reflection, she provides readers with tools to navigate those very moments.
The book’s heart, however, lies in its preventative message. Merry believes strongly that many of these hand injuries can be prevented—or at least delayed—through small but meaningful changes. She encourages readers to take breaks during prolonged hand use, invest in ergonomic equipment, and be mindful of repetitive tasks. Her hope is to reach people before pain becomes the norm.
Today, Merry uses wrist supports, stretches regularly, and prioritizes hand health in her daily life. Her own recovery reinforced the importance of proactive care and intentional healing. She wants readers to know that even in a world built around keyboards and screens, we can still take control of our well-being.
Healing Hands isn’t just a medical guide. It’s a reflection of Merry’s dual journey—first as a caregiver, then as a patient. It’s a call to protect the very tools we rely on daily: our hands. Whether someone is preparing for surgery, recovering, or simply trying to prevent damage, her book offers wisdom and hope.
In writing Healing Hands , Merry Lockwood ensures that no one feels alone on their healing journey. Through education, empathy, and lived experience, she brings her readers not just comfort—but the confidence to move forward.
