Hello all,

I have been asked to keep you abreast of my recent surgery. I had my cast removed today and the doctor removed the stitches. I begin physical therapy next week which will be twice a week and will last for four weeks. The doctor does not want me to go back to work until he's seen me next - which is scheduled for 7/14.

Regarding any photos: My hand looks pretty gruesome so I'm not going to upload any photos. Might lose my lunch. There are several pictures of people after their surgery and my hand looks similar. I have a very dark purple scar running from about mid-pinkie to mid-palm. It looks gross. I told him about the pins and needles sensation and he said that is very normal because he had to move around several nerves to get to the Dups. It should go away in a week or two. I also have a huge bruise on my palm and the back of my hand. My little finger feels somewhat frozen like it wants to move but can't.

The doctor rewrapped my hand back in the original splint and told me to keep it in this splint until I get to the Hand Therapy center. They will be giving me a new splint that I've been instructed to wear all of the time.

The doctor told me that I can get the hand wet but not to soak it. Now, I can take a normal shower although I suspect I'll still be using my left hand for showering and "other" functions. So I went to the drug store and bought natural liquid hand soap and Vitamin E cream (5,000 units). I've read on this web site that vitamin E is supposed to help A LOT. Naturally, if you mention that to a doctor, you'll be poo-pooed. So I never do. After my dad "hung up his knife" he got heavily into natural remedies. So I have it on good authority that Vitamin E works. Next big trip will be to Costco to stock on all of my vitamins.

I'll let you know how the therapy works. Meanwhile, since I'm an artist on the side, I'm attempting painting with my left hand. Good for the brain!

Thank you for the advice about the hand cream. I was finally able to wash my hand and put the cream on it this evening. Man, did that make a difference!! It felt great!! I agree with you, Callie. Keep the scar moisturized.

I also noticed when I finally got up the nerve to look at my hand while I was giving it the 'treatment ' that the little finger and the area of the hand under it is swollen. It's so swollen, in fact, that I cannot see the knuckle. I'm sure that will go down in a couple of days.

So thanks again, Callie, for your advice. Moisturizing the scar really does help.