Nodule question |
|
1 2 3
|
1 2 3
|
06/02/2010 01:08
flojo
|
06/02/2010 01:08
flojo
|
Re: Nodule question
RT does not release the cords. NA done first, followed by RT about 3 months later. Even after the cords were released by NA, I had multiple nodules and my hand was tight across the palm from pinky to thumb. My thumb was actually the most involved finger. Tightness was released by RT by reducing the nodules, I think. Some nodules went away, others got smaller and/or softer. I could expand my hand almost as much as before Dupuys, especially from pinky to thumb. I can now see puckering and nodules in my fingers indicating Dupuys, especially in the first joint of my pinky and in my thumb. That's what I think may be causing the tightness in my hand. The span from pinky to thumb is not as wide.
I can compare easily because my left hand is not affected, at least NOT YET. I can see some cords developing in my left palm, but not contracture. As in my right hand, it seems to be more in the palm and not so much in the fingers, so the contracture is feeling of tightness in the palm. That's the only way I know to describe it. I feel fortunate to not have contracture in my fingers, I think. I also don't have pain like others describe. I wonder if it is because it's mostly in my palm. Who know with the weird disease!
|
|
|
06/02/2010 02:21
cindy850
|
06/02/2010 02:21
cindy850
|
Re: Nodule question
I realize that having rt was one of the smartest things i did but its only been 3 months and i would like to have a little bit more usage in hands. The tightness is my big complaint. The pain is gone but aches once in awhile. I never had any contracture and i still don't which i thank my lucky stars i don't. My nodules are very soft now and some of them have disappeared totally. And i do know that it does not get rid of this disease it just puts it to sleep. I hope no one took anything i said the wrong way. Its just the skin on my hands are very tight but i also have osteoarthritis. For me i hope this works for a very long time. Take care
Edited 06/02/10 22:23
|
|
|
06/02/2010 14:47
flojo
|
06/02/2010 14:47
flojo
|
Re: Nodule question
Maybe you and I are both candidates for night splints. I haven't used one at all, but I think I'm going to get one made. I did call about having one made, but they wouldn't do it without a prescription. I never got around to getting the prescription. Others have said they thought it made a big difference, and I think relieving the tightness was one of the benefits. Maybe it would have tamed down whatever is going on with my hand now. Or maybe not. I'm into prevention and it is worth a try.
|
|
|
06/02/2010 15:27
LubaM.
|
06/02/2010 15:27
LubaM.
|
Re: Nodule question
Flora, In my opinion, a night splint is a good idea if you were trying to correct a contracture, especially after NA correction...you wouldn't want your finger to return to the same degree of contracture as before the NA. I'm no sure what it would do for tightness...but you can ask the doctor who did your NA for his opinion.
You can have a custom night splint made by an OT (occupational hand therapist) with a prescription, or buy one online that is ready made. I have one that I got from Dr. Eaton that he gave me right after the NA and I used it until I got one made by the OT when I started therapy.
I have personally decided to wear my custom made night brace for a very long time. My contracture on the PIP pinkie joint came back within six months the first time I had NA in 2006 and I believe that one of the reasons is because I only wore the night brace for about three months... Since I had to repeat the NA on the same finger, I'll try to be smarter this time.....others on this forum have been in agreement that wearing the brace longer is probably better.
Let me know if you want information on the ready made night brace. Regards, Luba
Edited 06/02/10 18:28
|
|
|
06/02/2010 18:20
lori
|
06/02/2010 18:20
lori
|
Re: Nodule question
Cindy,
I know I still have problems with my hand. Lately I have felt like the tightness is somewhat back. Compared to a year ago prior to RT my hand is wonderful. It feels enough like my left that I forget and I over do it. My hand has ached this past few days and it worries me. Mentally I fear it will never be like it was. I pulled weeds and worked a lot in the yard and I believe that is what caused it to hurt. I know that I get a twinge when I am making the bed and I grab the sheet and spread and pull to the top of the bed. That motion that requires fingers to thumb in a gripping like motion hurts every time I do it. My hand feels so good that I forget . . . and then I trim trees or cut a lot of vegetables and I am reminded that it is still there, lurking. Hang in there, for without the RT I would be in a world of hurt. I can't imagine what my hand would look like without it. My hand hasn't improved the last few months, but it also has not gotten any worse. If it remains stable I will be happy.
Regards,
Lori
|
|
|
06/02/2010 23:45
flojo
|
06/02/2010 23:45
flojo
|
Re: Nodule question
Lori, Your description was very good. One of the problems with describing our hands is that each one is so different that it is hard to compare especially without having the hands side by side. That's why comparing my Dupuy treated hand with my left hand helps me see what is going on. One thing that is stable (I always have the disclaimer, SO FAR) is that I can open a water bottle and grip other things. Prior to RT, my grip was very weak. That is the best thing as far as using my hand is concerned.
Luba, Thanks for your post. I am going to get a night splint. It certainly can't hurt, and it might help.
|
|
|
|
1 2 3
|
1 2 3
|