Hi there from North Devon UK,

I am due to have surgery for the second time on 25th Feb.

I can't remember if the surgeon said there would be a need to do a skin graft.

I was told I'd be in a plaster cast and have a bulky dressing, so to wear appropriate clothes.

Not sure what clothes as cannot find any images to show length of cast or how bulky dressing will be.

Any advice would be really welcome.

Getting nervous now as reading too much

Warm wishes.

Chrissie

Oh thanks for such a speedy reply Diane

Wondering how long the cast will be. I think he said to the elbow.

Next mission is to get some really waterproof mittens....any ideas?

Had few 'waterproof' gloves that were definately not.

I do alot of cycling and it is very rainy here. I just like to get out in any weather and enjoy it.

Take care

Chrissie

Hi Callie

No this time it is more extensive......more nodules on palm just below base of little finger and finger more bent.

First operation was about 6 years ago.

Many thanks. I hope yours is ok now.

callie:

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Is this surgery different from your last surgery? I had a soft wrap that was on for about 10 days. Good luck.

My surgery was eleven years ago and the hand is still as good as before I had Dupuytren's. My surgery was the zig-zag (skin flaps) from the top joint on my little finger (90 degrees contracture) to the base of my palm. My surgeon told me that he might have to a skin graft depending on what he found, but didn't. I had almost zero pain from the whole procedure and recovery. I did take three Tylenol every four hours for the first couple of days just to make sure.

I did all of the hand therapy on my own after getting the list of exercises from the therapist. I usually did as much flexing every time I thought about it during each day.

I would choose surgery instead of other procedures if I have to do it again just because of the success I had with very little pain.

Good luck !!

Edited 02/09/13 21:06

Hi everyone and thanks for the responses.

Surgery on 25th Feb and stitches out last Tuesday.

Surgeon said he managed to straighten knuckle joint and, on reflection realised he shouldn't have continued to straighten the middle joint as it took 20 mins to get it pink again. I guess having Raynaulds Syndrome doesn't help.

Pain not too bad until the sensation began returning in little and ring finger.....ouch+++ But glad to have sensation!

Checked wound last Friday and base of little finger turning black. Finger difficult to keep warm and turning purple.
Is pink this evening.

Emergency department [on Sat] said tissue dying probably due to infection. Talked about possible skin graft.
Prescribed antibiotics.

Priority appointment to see surgeon tomorrow.

Not sure whether to keep stretching and using bio oil to keep extension or to leave till surgeon has seen it.

Back of hand is swollen and knuckle/finger joints sore.

I am craving excercise and need a swim.

Has anyone ever used those vacuum bags to keep a limb dry while swimming/bathing?

After never having had a sweet tooth, I now eat a large bar of chocolate every evening...a kind of craving.

Is it due to Tramadol or the fact that I gave up alcohol since the op?

Warm wishes to all.