3 weeks post op

Stitches are out and I have a large swollen red area between the stitches on my palm. It is angry red and painful

The OT hand therapist was concerned enough last week that she called my surgeons partner (next door) to come look. He inserted a needle to see if it was pus-filled. It was not. He started me on antibiotics but there’s no change.

I saw my surgeon today. When I asked what he thought was going on his answer was “unknown”. His prescription was to massage the area (omg so very painful), and use heat.

Has anyone here had anything similar?

Edited 03/01/2024 12:43

spanishbuddha:

---

Hi
Some swelling after surgery is to be expected and will normally go down after a few days or weeks. Probably the tissue drainage is interrupted by the location of the cuts which is why you was advised to massage it gently. Is it where there were nodules or cords were removed? Other usual advice is to keep the affected part elevated, even at night. The surgeons response wasn't really helpful though but sounds like he checked for and considered infection, and hopefully you will have regular follow ups to keep an eye on recovery.
Best wishes SB

Jdavidadams2024:

---

My swelling after surgery continued for weeks after. I did not have the issue you are describing but did battle swelling for a long time.

Ask your doctor prior to trying this. A jell finger sleeve with no tip helped me. It offers some protection and supposedly helps with scarring. They are cheap and I like them. I have nothing medically to support using them so do some research before trying.