Hang in there - I really felt way better on day 9.

Thanks for asking, Marigal!

Dr Pess has suggested that I wear a "dynasplint" at night (don't ask me what it is - the PT guy wasn't in the office that day, and I have yet to google it). I think it has springs, but not sure. Apparently they had to get a pre-approval from my insurance company (BCBS) before they can fit me for it.

The interesting thing is that when I asked about the finger trying to go back to a bigger contracture without the splint, he said that there is "joint memory" (akin to muscle memory). My PIP joint is the problen in the finger that had the injections - so it's trying to contract again. Hopefully the new splint will work.

The new skin where the blister was is very tender, and I still have some slight bruising (a nice shade of yellow/green) on the back of my hand, but that's it. The doctor suggested Vitamin E oil on the new skin to toughen it up.

My take on this whole thing? In the future, even though I've had improvement with the Xiaflex, I'm going to stick with the NA, and only do the Xiaflex as a very last resort. For me, the Xiaflex proccess/healing was very involved - and I would think twice before I did it again.

Marigail - I'm so glad that you're better - and that you didn't have the blister complication that I did. Sounds like you are on the road to recovery! I have decided to recover with a trip to Cancun in March. The beach heals anything!

SIXTH DAY POST MANIPULATION

Ellen, our methodology for recovery is much the same!! I'm going on a cruise through the Panama Canal next month!! My doctor already has told me that IF I need a second injection, it can wait until after this trip. I'm hoping I won't need it......

Last night I had to end up taking the splint off around 1AM---it was really, really bothersome. I've decided that if I am splinted for 10 hours during the 24 hour period that would be the same as sleeping (or in my case TRYING to sleep) with it. I will start the night with it too....and see how it goes.

Today I attended Yoga class, and managed quite well (no splint), so I continue to be encouraged. The only time I get intense discomfort is when the splint is on, and it comes on suddenly and in waves and I have to remove it---if only briefly---for any relief. Has anyone had anything like this happen? The interior of the hand looks pretty good---knuckle still very swollen and the tip of the finger feels numb.

DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT

My doctor was delighted. The finger has straightened interiorally to about 85% straight. He said that the knuckle needs to be stretched. Since I'm going away in a few weeks for a few weeks, he will check it again early in April and see what the next step---if any---there will be. The finger still feels funny, but it is better than it was.