Hi everyone,
I am on a short waiting list (public health system in New Zealand) for surgery on my dominant left hand. My little finger is fairly well bent towards my palm and my ring finger less so, and I have large nodules in my palm. A skin graft is a probability. A general anesthetic will be required.
I didn't really get it seen to early enough for other treatments - my own fault! I did inquire about the Xiaflex injections when I saw the hand surgeon in the Plastic Surgery Outpatients Dept. 2 weeks ago but it has deteriorated past the point where that would be recommended, apparently. In any case I couldn't get Xiaflex through the public health system (yet) but would have to pay to have it done in the "Private" system.

My issue is that I am extremely left handed and I live alone!! I know only too well that this will not be easy, and have been practising using my right hand for all sorts of things. So many things can't be done with one hand (fastening a bra??), but I'm counting on help from my brother (not for that!) who lives a block away and two very good neighbours that I am on friendly terms with. My brother will drive me to and from the hospital and to anywhere I need to go such as the supermarket. My neighbours will doubtless open a can of soup for me etc. and one will certainly mow my tiny lawn and put out my garbage and recycling/green waste bins.

I can't deny I am quite apprehensive about coping so I'm looking for encouragement rather than doom and gloom!

Anyone else done this post-op. period alone (more or less)?

Hi Wolfgang,
I did have NA on that hand a year ago which helped the ring finger a bit but not the little finger - in fact that finger got a lot worse since (which probably may have happened anyway)

I think with the large nodules in my palm and the degree of curvature/bend in my little finger, surgery is the only option now, which is what the hand surgeon said.

I'm kind of hoping I'll have to wait quite a while - just because it's winter here and I'm wearing a few layers of clothing when I go out - all the more to peel off with one hand. Wearing loose fitting clothing inside doesn't appeal either!

Thank you Kevinp for the encouragement

Like you did, I am making preparations about meals and stocking up on all the things I might need before i can get to a supermarket. I like to make my own meals as far as possible and can freeze all sorts of stuff.

I've become aware of several adaptations I can make as to the location of things and the containers that will be too hard to open with one hand.

Dental brushes are fortunately a substitution for flossing. Need two hands for that!

I'm amazed you could manage with only 1 week off work! I am in the fortunate position of having 64 days of (paid) sick leave saved up, and will take at least 2 weeks. I was told I wouldn't be able to drive for 2 weeks.

I will see about getting a plastic sleeve. Even a plastic bread bag secured tightly at the wrist might work.

Has you op. been a success, would you say? What about the pain, wound healing, etc.?

Thanks again, kevinp.

It sounds like a plaster cast is inevitable with a skin graft...

I was kind of hoping I might have a thumb and forefinger free to do something with on my LH, but will have to wait and see.

I wasn't told about that at the time of my interview and it never occurred to me to ask about the bandaging. I was just kind of disconcerted and distracted by the realisation that I wasn't considered a candidate for Xiaflex.

My thumb and first two fingers are unaffected but I do have large nodules in my palm under the little finger (bent at 90 degrees something PJP? haven't got the paperwork here) and some nodules under and on my ring finger.

How long ago was your op.? I haven't been following the forum till now or I might know your history.
But as you say every case is different and we would all heal differently.

I am no youngster at 69 and began to develop nodules in my left palm in my late 40s so it has progressed slowly.

I'm expectinga letter in the mail any day giving me a date with 2 weeks advance warning!

Hi ,I've had plenty of experience with Dupytrens and Ledderhose. 15 odd surgeries including 4 large skin grafts. 4 PNF's (needle release ) Radiotherapy in 2007 to both hands and feet. I don't know how good the public system is in NZ. I would not trust anyone other than a Specialist Hand Surgeon who is also a Plastics person. I would not recommend surgery.
My first two Pnf's were carried out on both index fingers in Germany with poor result. 12 months later In Australia I visited another specialist ,who used the technique on entering the pip joint creating a small hole to access the cord. He also broke the cord within the palm area. After the operation when I bent the finger I could see the end of the broken cord when I flexed the finger. I had a splint made to wear at night. It is now 4 years later and the contraction is minimal. I still wear a splint periodically . Cost was $500 out of pocket for each finger. No real down time .
You mention you have 90 degree contraction-that pretty severe. I hope you are not a diabetic. Skin Grafts on the palm do not always take and if it does not take - bad news. Remember your age !.We don't heal as good as 20 years ago. How big a graft are you having ? On my left hand the graft is 6 cm long 3 cm wide covering area on both ring and little finger from the palm to the pip joints.Scar tissue can be another problem and cause contraction. It took me 6 months to gain full strength and to make a fist. I did not have a plaster . The little finger had needles inserted on the back of the hand to hold the finger. I still have slight contraction in both little fingers today and I had less then 30 degree contraction.

I would seek a second opinion with surgeon and ask how many PNF's they have performed. Remember at your age the disease generally not so aggressive . Sorry to be negative on Surgery. That was the only option for decades.

Edited 07/27/18 21:13