They are shaped like tubes have silicon inside and fit over my fingers. I wear them all day along with the soft sticky piece of silicon on my palm. Now my therapist did say that piece of silicon was very expensive. The tubes can be purchased in a Pharmacy and they are pretty expensive too. I have used them for many years on my toe as I get corns between the toes.

Thanks, Stephen. I didn't realize you were posting here and on FB. lol. I had my stitches out today and saw the surgeon. He ordered the Otoform for the OT to use in my splints. So we'll start with that. I'm still intrigued with the silicone and may give that a try once my incisions are closed.

~ dawn

Antonia:

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Hi All (esp Lorraine)

I had my surgery September 19 and all was going well for a week, then the pain started. The OT was away the week my stitches were due out so the surgeon took most of them out but seemed in a hurry and left three in. The next week, some drama at the hospital and I couldn't get my OT again. I ended up taking the remaining stitches out myself early last week, using lidocaine gel. All was then fine for a few days, except for a few shooting pains starting at 6 every evening. In the past three days, despite doing all my therapy, the nerve pain has become far worse (hard to drop off to sleep at night and the hand has stiffened into a curved shape again ) It is swollen and hurts like heck. I called the hospital today and they are going to get the OT to call me. The scar has healed beautifully but the pain is fierce - VERY sore palm and the shooting nerve pains. No infection. I am going on vacation for two-and-a-half weeks on Sunday and am very worried that it will get worse when I'm away, or not get any better.

I am interested in this silicone. I have to wear a splint at night but have taken it off many times due to severe pain.

Hope you feel better soon. A (in Canada)

I would say that you really, really need to be working with the OT. My surgery was September 25. I have zigzag incisions in my palm and up my pinky and middle finger of my right hand. I had stitches in for 18 days and started OT before they were even out. My hand is still incredibly swollen. My fingers do not straighten so they appear to be bent and curved. However, that is just because the swelling inside of the palm is so severe. Working with the OT twice a week will help my hand begin to get straight. There are days when the nerve pain is very bad. The OT and surgeon said it is due to the nerves healing and 'waking up'.

If you're having that much pain, you really need to see what's going on. One reason that it is critical to begin OT work right away is that it helps prevent scar tissue from adhering to the tendons and underlying structures of the hand. My hand is incredibly tender. It hurts to even touch my palm or my fingers. When I leave the house, I wrap my hand just to avoid having it bumped or accidentally touched. It's like fire! Since our surgeries were close to the same time, it sounds like we're having the same type of recovery issues like swelling, bent fingers and pain. What exactly did you have done? I'd make every effort to meet with the OT as soon as possible.

~ dawn

Thanks Dawn, for your response. I did have one session with the OT - with stitches in. I had DC in the pinky of my L hand. Had it badly for a couple of years, then had surgery. I sympathize with "It's like fire." I can't meet with the OT until after our vacation, so I will take a hot water bottle and electric kettle with me. I literally can't touch the side of my hand or the palm without setting off the nerves as it is so incredibly sensitive. I am taking bromelain and another enzyme mix to try to stop adhesions as I have had frozen shoulder in both shoulders (but very badly in the left one). Aside from this, I'm a health addict with no issues. I thought it would be a breeze. I'll keep you briefed on progress or lack thereof. Someone has recommended colloidal silver gel. I'm getting some tomorrow. A.

Edited 10/17/13 03:54

lorraine:

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Hi Antonia

I would agree with Dawn. I am surprised you have not yet seen the OT. I have seen the OT every week since day 4 of my surgery.

If you have a GP I would make an appt to see them about the nerve pain and what relief you can get. Pregabelin does give some relief but still I struggle during the night with my splint, taking it off when the pain is high, putting it back on if I wake up again and the pain is gone.