I got my cast off a couple days ago, and as expected, there is more pain just from the hand/wrist being totally immobilized for so long, but I knew that would happen. 2 of the 3 incisions have healed 100% but the one on the actual thumb joint is about 90% healed. It looks so weird too - my thumb is now in a different position - and LONGER now! I expected it to be shorter. It's strange to look down at my hands and see that they no longer *match*! LOL I will be evaluated for physical therapy Monday morning, I am looking @ 8-10 weeks minimum of PT to strengthen my hand/thumb, regain mobility and actually learn different ways of lifting/grasping/gripping things now. I was told that the hand will always be weaker, the thumb will never bend 100% now, and there will still be pain, but it *should* be reduced. I will see the surgeon every 4 weeks to evaluate my progress, which will determine when I have the right hand done - same surgeries on it PLUS microsurgery to remove bone fragments from my outer wrist that are compressing the nerve. Right now, I am back in the same type of brace I was in before surgery. I'm looking forward to this all being done with. So all in all, things are looking pretty good. :-)

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 10:57 am:

{{{HUGS}}} What a long process, and hopefully all worthwhile in the end. And I'm concerned about the length of recovery after my H. LOL!

By Debbie on Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 11:00 am:

I'm glad things are going well. It is a long process, isn't it? Hopefully, when all is said and done, you will have the results you want, and it will have been worth it.

By Cybermommyx4 on Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 02:32 pm:

Karen,
So sorry you have had to go through all of this! What a long road.....I am having "open" carpal tunnel surgery April 15th (one hand at a time) which is, of course, no where near as complicated and involved as what you've had done! But I was wondering if you have any tips for me on how to function without my "dominant" hand (I'm a lefty, and of course we're doing that one first)...I have limited mobility as far as bending because of my back problems/surgeries, and I have real concerns about things like personal hygeine, etc. (I'm sure you can figure out what I'm talking about, lol!) The surgeon says for the first 2 weeks, I will not be able to unwrap the bandaging/splint because the sutures will be in for 2 weeks and they can't get dirty or wet. I have a feeling it will be a LONG two weeks. But I thought maybe you'd have some tips? TIA for any hints...I hope you are feeling better soon

By Tunnia on Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 02:35 pm:

Wow, you are really going through some intense treatment! Many hopes, prayers, and hugs for you!

By Marcia on Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 02:38 pm:

Karen, I'm glad things are starting to get better!

By Karen~admin on Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 03:07 pm:

Wendy, I am right hand dominant. In 2006, I tore a tendon and the collateral ligaments in a fall at the middle finger of that hand. I had surgery and was in a cast from the time of injury through recovery for something like 7 weeks. The difference in that, and the surgeries I just had, were that with the 2006 surgery, the cast went all the way to the first knuckle/joint of my fingers, so when it came off, EVERYthing was totally locked up. With carpal tunnel surgery alone, you won't have to deal with that.

As for using your NON-dominant hand for everything - all I can say is you just adjust! LOL In 2006 when my right hand was out of commission, it took a few days, but I quickly adapted to using the left hand for tooth brushing, shampooing/bathing and *bathroom* duties. Of course, I no longer have periods, so I don't know how I would have dealt with that.

I've had numerous surgeries too (back and other stuff), and honestly, IMO the worst thing is to not have the use of your hands!!! You don't really appreciate them until you lose the use of one for a while. However, you WILL adjust. Even if your hair doesn't get as clean as you like, or doesn't look as good as you like, it will be OK.

Something I had to use was those floss thingies that have floss between the plastic, you know what I mean? Flossing was impossible otherwise. However, I cut the heck out of my lip and chin with the end of the darn thing!

Cutting food/eating is problematic with one hand in a cast/immobilized, but again, you adjust - or ask for help. LOL DH had to cut my meat for me more than once.

Tips? Don't be afraid to ask for help; expect that certain things won't be done as well as they normally are, and just *try* to be patient!

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 06:06 pm:

I'm right-hand dominant and can sympathize with the left hand being rather incompetent for certain tasks. Ugh. The thought of my right hand being immobilized just scares me to death!

By Karen~admin on Sunday, March 23, 2008 - 10:40 am:

bump for Wendy

By Annie2 on Monday, March 24, 2008 - 10:50 am:

Karen, I'm glad you are on your way to mending. This has been a long ordeal!
When my dd broke her arm a few years back she couldn't write with her right hand because the full-arm cast would not allow it. She sat down for a few hours the first days and taught herself to write with her left hand.
She can still write very well with her left hand and her coach for softball sometimes has her bat left-handed because many ball players aren't used to pitching to lefties! LOL