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Ann32
Posted Tuesday, March 17, 2009 7:48 PM


 

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I live in Ontario, Canada and my Doctor said I am the only failure he has had !!  I saw him today and he is not happy with the angle of my thumb, even though I was pinned for a month, as soon as he took them out, my thumb migrated towards my palm.  So I have to do more exercises at home and also PT.  At least I have no real pain.  Thumb still weak but he said I can go without the splint except if I am doing heavy work - he knows I am a gardener.  I am 7 weeks post surgery, so feel I am doing well.
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momweb883
Posted Sunday, March 22, 2009 8:38 PM


 

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Hi Ann,
Seems like every doctor can tell the story of at least one person where the surgery doesn't work quite right. I think that 's what's making me nervous. My surgery is April 2nd. My thumb hurts today. I've had days when it's felt pretty good and I get tempted to call and cancel, but then I think of those days when it hurts so much I can barely move my hand. I pray I don't fall into the "didn't work quite right, category", but I also know it's always a chance. Anyway just a few more days to go. I, too, can't wait to start my garden one handed for awhile. Nothing will stop that!
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Ann32
Posted Monday, March 23, 2009 6:52 PM


 

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Momweb:- I bet lots of people getting close to their surgery thought they would cancel, but glad in the end they didn't ! Good luck with yours.

My thumb is a lot better, some pain in my wrist in the tendon area but that will go with therapy and exercise I know.

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artistwoman1
Posted Wednesday, March 25, 2009 4:15 PM


 

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Momweb, Ann is correct. I remember the first time in 2006 when I was scheduled for the middle of June. They called to reschedule me for two weeks later and I almost told them to forget about it! I had the surgery, and my left hand has been pretty good ever since. No pain to speak of, and I've regained total function and almost all of my strength and flexibility. I'm now 11 months past my second surgery on my right hand, and movement is excellent, flexibility is improving all the time, and I'm just starting weight training to gain back the strength. It's definitely harder the second time since the tendons has been operated both top and bottom, but I'm very pleased with my progress.

Think positive, and have courage. Good luck!

Ann, glad to hear your recovery is going well.
Barbara
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momweb883
Posted Wednesday, March 25, 2009 9:15 PM


 

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Thanks Barbara and Ann for the supportive responses.

My sister was just diagnosed with a brain tumor last week and we'll find out the results of the biopsy next week. It's funny, here I am complaining about the pain in my thumb and she's thinking will she to see the next season? I considered rescheduling the surgery to deal with her, but I changed my mind. My hand will not change her outcome but it will change mine. I might be in pain for a while but I'll still be able to support her. It's strange how everything seems to hit all at once. I had a bad, tearful, pity me day yesterday. Today was better. I'm actually looking forward to next Thursday. I'll get some sleep and have somebody wait on me for at least 24 hours anyway. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks again, it's nice to have a place to share.

Sue
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Ann32
Posted Thursday, March 26, 2009 7:22 PM


 

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Sue, I'm so sorry to hear about your sister, hope it is a happy outcome, I just saw a new procedure for removal of brain tumors last week, so they are making great strides with treatment.

Have you got yourself prepared for the surgery, clothing-wise?  I think you might need looking after a bit longer than 24 hours.   I went for P/T again today, she is very happy with my progress, just have to watch now I feel better that I don't overdo it.   

Ann

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momweb883
Posted Thursday, March 26, 2009 8:59 PM


 

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Hi Ann,
Shoes are all set, hairstyle is short and wispy, I have a bunch of comfy pull on pants. It's the tops I'm a little nervous about. Many of my sleeves are not wide enough to accommodate a large bandage. If it's warm enough, short sleeves will do, but our weather's been a little crazy lately. Any suggestions?
Sue
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Ann32
Posted Friday, March 27, 2009 7:40 PM


 

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I wore a t-shirt with a flannel shirt over like a jacket, if you have a man in your life you can raid his closet,  always put your bandaged arm in first.  Don't forget to cut your finger and toe nails the night before.   You'll soon learn to do things with the other hand, I use a curling iron with my left hand and don't even think about it, at first I kept burning my head and neck, it looked like I had hickeys !!  Get in some DVD's if you like that or books etc., you will probably be amazed at how tired you'll feel in the afternoon, we all do, have a nap and enjoy it. Maybe Barbara can think of some other things, if I do, I'll post back soon.
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artistwoman1
Posted Saturday, March 28, 2009 1:09 AM


 

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My first two surgeries were in the summer. I sat around the house in long scooped out basketball shirts and not much else! I watched movies, read a book a day, slept a lot, got on the computer one-handed. The last surgery was a year ago this April, and it was much colder. I had a big, very old, soft, stretched out sweatshirt that I wore. The sleeves were way stretched out and there wasn't any elastic in the cuffs. I also work big shirts over my wonderful basketball shirts. I must have been pretty funny looking.

One thing I found last time that helped enormously for taking showers were veterinarians' plastic gloves that are roomy and go all the way up to the shoulder. I slipped into one of those, put rubberbands on, and showered without getting my cast wet at all. I never did learn to write left handed too well, but doing my hair became easier. I had it cut the day before surgery.

The one thing I did with all three surgeries that I believe accounts for how very little pain I had was to keep my hand up all the time. I walked around with my elbow at a 90 degree angle all day and slept at night with it propped up between pillows. Keeping it up reduced swelling. I did this for the entire time I was in a cast because frankly, it was more comfortable than putting it down.

I live by myself, so I didn't have much help on hand. I shopped before surgery for some foods I could simply heat and eat. My favorite was a delicious spinach and phyllo pie from Trader Joe's. You'll be surprised how quickly you learn to open stuff with your other hand! My best gadget was the touchless can opener—"as seen on TV!" from one of the well known home stores. You set it on top of the can and press a button, and it opens all by itself. I think they make a jar opener, too.

Really, the hardest thing for me about the surgeries on my right hand was, uh, personal hygiene, if you know what I mean. I've been bending in one direction my whole life, and suddenly, I can't reach because I can't bend that well the other direction, and worse, my left hand is so uncoordinated that I can't even figure out where it's supposed to go! You get used to that pretty quickly, but it's one of those things they never think to tell you about when you ask what to expect!

Good luck!
Barbara
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Ann32
Posted Saturday, March 28, 2009 7:13 PM


 

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I agree about keeping your hand up, does help enormously to keep the swelling down.  I used a newspaper plastic bag for showering, just put it on and use rubber bands to keep the water out, make sure your shampoo bottles are easy-open.  Because I had mine in January I was wearing heavy coats, so had to do my zippers up before and just step into it.  Funny how you learn to cope. I bought a cheap battery toothbrush, found it easy to use with my left hand.

Barbara:- Used to a very busy topic here before they changed the format, I wonder if people don't find this forum any more.

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momweb883
Posted Saturday, March 28, 2009 8:44 PM


 

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Hi Ladies,
I remember when I had my carpal tunnel surgery, I learned to use my other hand pretty well. I, too, bought a battery operated toothbrush. I cannot brush the left side of my teeth with my left hand. It just wasn't meant to be. I've finished all my spring cleaning today. Windows are all done, floors are cleaned. I will have my husband here and my 22 year old son. My son is usually useless, but I think he'll help out when needed. My surgeon said I will see him on Friday then day after surgery to have the fiberglass cast removed and fitted with a splint which I will wear for 4 weeks. He wants me to wash and keep the wound clean. I'm thrilled about no cast, yet nervous about moving when I shouldn't. I'm planning on sleeping in our spare room so I can keep my hand elevated through the night and not have to worry about my husband hitting me accidentally or not having enough room for me and my elevated hand. It's strange making all these preparations. Surgery is this Thursday, let you all know how it goes.
Sue
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momweb883
Posted Sunday, March 29, 2009 8:22 PM


 

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Hello all,
I am officially ready to go one-handed. Can anyone tell me exactly where the incisions are? Are they on the top of the hand, the side or the fleshy part on the palm? What about where the tendon is taken? Guess I'll find out soon enough. Thanks.
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Gayle Porterfield
Posted Monday, March 30, 2009 2:42 PM


 

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I am 7 weeks post op.  My wrist is incredibly stiff and I am having more trouble gaining mobility there than in my thumb.  I feel discouraged at times and wonder if it was worth it because it is such a slow process of recovery.  It is spring and I am "chomping at the bit" to start gardening, but the pain and stiffness gets in the way.  How long will I feel like this?
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Ann32
Posted Monday, March 30, 2009 6:53 PM


 

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SUE:- The incision is generally coming down from your thumb and around the wrist a little, in a J shape, the tendon is taken from the front of the wrist and could feel a little tight post surgery.

GAYLE:- I am just over 8 weeks and still have some stiffness and pain, this is normal, this recovery is quite long term, so be patient and don't try to rush it or you will undo the work the surgeon has done.  Are you having any therapy?   I too am an avid gardener, but our weather is not good enough for me to be worrying about it just yet !!

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Ann32
Posted Wednesday, April 01, 2009 7:27 PM


 

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SUE:- Good luck for tomorrow, let us know how you are once you are able.
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momweb883
Posted Saturday, April 04, 2009 7:35 PM


 

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hello all-
pardon the no caps but one handed typing doesn't move as quick. surgery was thursday snd i saw the doctor on friday. the initial bandage was removed and a custom molded splint was made. the discomfort is bearable but percocet every 4 hours is a necessity. today i was real tired and achy. i removed the splint swnd put my hand in warm water which was heaven. tomorrow i may venture out and try the shower. i'm pretty swollen but dong ok. will stay in touch.
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Ann32
Posted Sunday, April 05, 2009 7:48 PM


 

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Wow, I'm amazed you can get your hand wet so soon.  Also that you can remove splint, usually they like you to keep your thumb and hand immobilized, so that the joint can heal.  Don't forget to keep it elevated, that will help the swelling go down sooner.  Do be careful though.

Keep up the good work!!

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Gayle Porterfield
Posted Monday, April 06, 2009 4:08 PM


 

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No, I am not having PT but have been trying to exercise on my own.  I go back to the doctor next Tuesday.  He said it was up to me whether I wanted PT or not.  Is it best to go to physical therapy?  Do you recover faster?
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momweb883
Posted Tuesday, April 07, 2009 6:56 PM


 

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Hi Ann,
Things are moving along nicely. I did get a nice heat rash under the plastic splint on my forearm, very red, and very itchy. I called the doctors yesterday and was told to get a pair of moisture wicking white socks to replace the nylon sleeve. I've used cortisone cream and medicated powder. My husband drilled some holes in the splint for air. Today it's a bit better. I went back to teaching today and found I really need the sling during the day to keep my hand elevated. I came home, iced my hand and relaxing tonight. I think I'm doing ok. Swelling has gone way down already. A week from tomorrow the stitches come out. I'm real careful not to use my thumb on my right hand when I remove the splint and I can't use any weight on my fingers either. Were you casted or splinted? At this point, I will most likely do my left hand next year. I still need to see how the thumb functions later. For now, so far so good.
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Ann32
Posted Tuesday, April 07, 2009 7:25 PM


 

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GAYLE:- I'm going to PT but it was my choice, at least you know if you are on schedule with the recovery. I have a very soft ball that I squeeze when I am watching TV, also do wrist bends as my tendon is still very tight.

Sue, back to work?  I can't get over it, I don't think I have ever seen anyone go back to work so fast.  I was both casted and splinted, had the cast for a week and then the splint for 6 weeks, also had two pins - don't forget this was my second op. on the same thumb, so taking no chances.  But usually recovery is much longer for everyone. 

Barbara. are you there?  Amazing eh?

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