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Dupuytren Surgery
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04/22/2014 02:56
Jessica 
04/22/2014 02:56
Jessica 
Dupuytren Surgery

Hello everyone, greetings from Tasmania, Australia.

My husband has DC in both hands and has had surgery done on his right hand this morning.

Any advice you experienced guys can give me with regard to analgesia ....

Also should he be wearing a splint post op?

Is physio recommended when the sutures are removed?

Any hints and tips guys would be most welcome so that I can keep myself informed and well armed (excuse the pun) for his recovery.

Thanking you all


Jessica

04/23/2014 07:42
spanishbuddha 

Administrator

04/23/2014 07:42
spanishbuddha 

Administrator

Re: Dupuytren Surgery

Welcome Jessica

I'm a bit surprised no-one has answered this. There is quite a bit of experience on the forum from users managing recovery after surgery, so a browse or search might help.

I don't have the experience myself, but my recollection is keep the wound/scar soft with lotion/oil, exercise the hand regularly, a little but often, as your physio/OT instructs, but don't over do it, splinting is usually advised but may be painful at first. Be prepared for a long recovery time, the swelling and some pain could last up to six months, and anything shorter is a blessing.

I would have hoped your surgeon or hand therapist would give you the right advice and after care?

SB

04/23/2014 19:38
callie 
04/23/2014 19:38
callie 
Re: Dupuytren Surgery

I had surgery on little finger (90 degrees contracture). My recovery was uneventful. Almost no pain. I did my own therapy which was mostly flexing throughout the day. I never over did the exercises to a level of pain. I always kept the scar moist with Aveeno lotion for three months. I was golfing within three months. My little finger is still perfect 12 years later.

Edited 04/24/14 05:41

04/24/2014 01:28
Jessica 
04/24/2014 01:28
Jessica 
Re: Dupuytren Surgery

spanishbuddha:
Welcome Jessica

I'm a bit surprised no-one has answered this. There is quite a bit of experience on the forum from users managing recovery after surgery, so a browse or search might help.

I don't have the experience myself, but my recollection is keep the wound/scar soft with lotion/oil, exercise the hand regularly, a little but often, as your physio/OT instructs, but don't over do it, splinting is usually advised but may be painful at first. Be prepared for a long recovery time, the swelling and some pain could last up to six months, and anything shorter is a blessing.

I would have hoped your surgeon or hand therapist would give you the right advice and after care?

SB

You are exceptionally kind SB to contact me and your comments are noted.
No post op suggestions were given at the hospital which is a pity but in this day and age in Tasmania I expect nothing else lol.
Pain has been minimal, just the frustration at being one handed. Definitely will ask for a physio appt,

Many many thanks, so much appreciated SB

Kind regards


Jessica.

04/24/2014 01:32
Jessica 
04/24/2014 01:32
Jessica 
Re: Dupuytren Surgery

callie:
I had surgery on little finger (90 degrees contracture). My recovery was uneventful. Almost no pain. I did my own therapy which was mostly flexing throughout the day. I never over did the exercises to a level of pain. I always kept the scar moist with Aveeno lotion for three months. I was golfing within three months. My little finger is still perfect 12 years latter.


Thank you Callie.

My husband's DC was also a 90 o DC. I will also purchase some Aveeno or Paw Paw cream to keep the wound moist.

Encouraging remarks regarding your golfing, there is hope at me getting him back to work ASAP lol.
I must say he isnt bleeding this for all its worth but he isnt enjoying being banaged up lol.

Kind regards and onwards and upwards and many many thanks for your kind reply guys.

Much appreciated.


Jessica

04/24/2014 05:41
flyfisher66 
04/24/2014 05:41
flyfisher66 

Re: Dupuytren Surgery

Hi , I had major surgery on my left hand on 13th January 2014 , I had no pain , and after 3 weeks all looked fine , some swelling but I was able to lay my hand flat . I had dis-solvable stitches , and had a full hand splint to wear at night , and to keep my hand elevated as much as possible post op . I started physiotherapy at 3 weeks post op , then the swelling and stiffness started . I found that massaging bio-oil and E45 cream into my hand and continuing with "light" physiotherapy work , wearing "clamp" devices on 2 of my fingers, eventually the swelling is going down ( still unable to make a fist ) , after 3 months !

1. Keep hand elevated as much as possible ( early post op)
2. Massage hand oil/cream daily.
3. Start with light physiotherapy.
4. Progress with "putty" physiotherapy exercises .
5. Now the hardest part , keep a positive frame of mind , that it may take many months of recovery !!

PS , I have DC in the other hand , and after my on-going experiences with my left hand I am in no hurry for surgery !!

05/02/2014 07:57
Jessica 
05/02/2014 07:57
Jessica 
Re: Dupuytren Surgery

flyfisher66:
Hi , I had major surgery on my left hand on 13th January 2014 , I had no pain , and after 3 weeks all looked fine , some swelling but I was able to lay my hand flat . I had dis-solvable stitches , and had a full hand splint to wear at night , and to keep my hand elevated as much as possible post op . I started physiotherapy at 3 weeks post op , then the swelling and stiffness started . I found that massaging bio-oil and E45 cream into my hand and continuing with "light" physiotherapy work , wearing "clamp" devices on 2 of my fingers, eventually the swelling is going down ( still unable to make a fist ) , after 3 months !

1. Keep hand elevated as much as possible ( early post op)
2. Massage hand oil/cream daily.
3. Start with light physiotherapy.
4. Progress with "putty" physiotherapy exercises .
5. Now the hardest part , keep a positive frame of mind , that it may take many months of recovery !!

PS , I have DC in the other hand , and after my on-going experiences with my left hand I am in no hurry for surgery !!


Thank you so much Flyfisher for your time and trouble contacting me. It is interesting to note that everyones experience differs and I guess it must be down to perhaps how severe the DC is/was. My husband hasnt experienced too much pain thank goodness post op... the wound itself is looking so much better and the sutures are due out next Monday. It is lovely to see how straight the fingers are now instead of the "clawing effect", so onwards and upwards.

I will give a regular update for those that are interested.

Many many thanks guys for your time and patience, so much appreciated.


Jessica.

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