mharrel:Thanks Wolfgang-- That's the info I wanted. I haven't the patience, or desire, to go through what Eastwind has gone through. I'm not tolerant of physical problems. I am probably going to have RT one more time and if this continues to give me problems, I am considering amputation. I have ten fingers and can probably get along well with only nine. Do people ever do this? My wife is not too hot on idea but I'm the one with problem. Mike
A relative had an amputation of the pinkie. It still took six months or so for the hand to settle down, swelling, soreness. Then there's the phantom pain. Also an abrupt knuckle 'stump' that can catch on things.
Not an easy option at all.
I have a pinkie amputation, not because of DD, but no 'stump'. It sure hurts if I catch the bone end. The only problem I have with the hand is a weak grip. Good job I have the other hand, except it now has Dupuytren's.
cujok:Thanks for the reply. I'm going out of town in 2 weeks. Anything I can do now? It's a pretty deep wound and not just skin split. Not sure how to upload a picture to this site.
Hi cujok; thank you very much for uploading the photo, really gave me some peace of mind. I had the manipulation today for a 50% pinky, and the tear is all the way across the base of my pinky. Doc said the complication is due to the extent of the contracture. When I changed the bandage tonight, I almost passed out when I saw the wound. No ointment, just soap and water I was told, and to keep it splinted. Hurts like crazy as the splint I was fitted for keeps it open. Doc said there is no skin to suture, so not an option, and it will heal in a month or so...Significant pain and the Tylenol/Codeine #3 is not cutting it on relief.
cujok:No comment but to exercise it which I won't be able to do without ripping it open again if it ever closes. I have it un-bandaged right now to give it a little air and have to keep dabbing it. He did wrap it up but by the time I got home it was bleeding through the bandage.
J
Hi cujok; can you advise how the healing process went with your skin tear?
cujok:No comment but to exercise it which I won't be able to do without ripping it open again if it ever closes. I have it un-bandaged right now to give it a little air and have to keep dabbing it. He did wrap it up but by the time I got home it was bleeding through the bandage.
J
Hi cujok; can you advise how the healing process went with your skin tear?
Picture 4-18-12 was taken 13 days after manipulation. I know it doesn't look like it will ever heal up. I was freaked out by how bad it looked. I kept a antibiotic ointment on it and kept it covered with a gauze pad and band aid. I made a splint with a popsicle stick. The bruising and soreness took several weeks. The other two were taken today. Don't worry, it will heal.
cujok:No comment but to exercise it which I won't be able to do without ripping it open again if it ever closes. I have it un-bandaged right now to give it a little air and have to keep dabbing it. He did wrap it up but by the time I got home it was bleeding through the bandage.
J
Hi cujok; can you advise how the healing process went with your skin tear?
Picture 4-18-12 was taken 13 days after manipulation. I know it doesn't look like it will ever heal up. I was freaked out by how bad it looked. I kept a antibiotic ointment on it and kept it covered with a gauze pad and band aid. I made a splint with a popsicle stick. The bruising and soreness took several weeks. The other two were taken today. Don't worry, it will heal.
Wow, absolutely remarkable. Thank you so much for the response. Mine goes about 160 degrees around my r/pinky finger and it freaked me out; looks like my finger is practically unattached. I called the Doc's today and they said just keep it covered and dry.... we'll see in a couple weeks I guess. Much appreciated cujok, your remarkable photos are hope for an optimistic outlook.
Major swelling up to armpit is a common reaction. Quite miserable for a few days. Icing and anti inflammatories help. Lots of rest and inactivity is important . Keep arm raised on cushion the less movement the better.
After three weeks went back to dr office and he opened all three fingers #3,#4 and pinky fingers that were frozen in a fist. He sprayed a cold spray to numb the area first before injections and to pull open all three fingers. That was over 10 years ago fingers are doing well and still have minor issues but can use both hands normally. After therapy hand splints help , I use the glove splint and always a good way to go. There are some nice ring splints and spring splints too.
Good luck... it will all be so worth it in the end. A few months down the road it will be just a memory.
I am living in Europe ( i am Canadian citizen ) . The damn thing dont seem to be available here. How much is the whole treatment cost with no insurance at all ?