I had my appointment with the hand surgeon this morning. He is the same one who did the NA on my mom earlier this summer. I was impressed with him and his knowledge at that time and he impressed me again this morning.

The decision was made to do surgery next Wednesday. He will do a subtotal palmar fasciectomy on my right hand for the pinky and middle finger. He said that it is way too involved to do NA and this surgery will give the most promising results. Of course, he prefaced everything with statements about not being a permanent fix, not a cure, could come back, etc. But we've got to try. The thumb and index finger also have cords that are developing, but he wants to take a wait and watch approach there.

He does think he can do NA on the left hand ring and middle finger with good results. But that will need to wait until the right hand is completely healed. I do have a Swan's deformity on the left ring finger but he thinks that might resolve with the NA. Anyway, I won't worry about the left hand until we're done with the right.

~ dawn

Good luck!! It is very common to leave part of the wound open. I will be interested in your progress. If you get newspapers delivered the plastic wrapper/bag they use works great for taking showers and keeping the wrapping/bandage dry until it comes off. I had very little pain which really surprised me. I will be interested if the surgeon tells you to keep the wound moist 24/7 after you get the bandage off. My surgeon really emphasized that.

I would have surgery again if needed on my other hand (which I might).

Another question ... Callie, I know your surgery was some years ago, but do you remember what your recovery time was like? The surgeon is telling me I'll have limited hand use for about 5 weeks. Then no yoga for 3-4 months. I do yoga daily. Also, I'm wondering how long I'll need PT for my hand. I didn't think to ask how long.

~ dawn