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Recovery experiences?
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08/09/2017 03:22
FAST723 
08/09/2017 03:22
FAST723 

Recovery experiences?

I am 3.5 weeks post op on my right (dominant) hand. after monitoring for 2 years, the hand surgeon said it was mandatory or a far more serious procedure would become necessary later. While the incisions in my pinky and thumb have healed nicely and restored flexibility, the incision in my palm is still raw flesh and quite painful. The surface skin of the flap she sutured died and left the raw spot. My local Dr. is monitoring it and says it is healing fine. He clipped off the dead skin. However, I was basically told the surgery was not too painful. I've been through more severe pain, but not for almost a month post op. How long should I expect for this wound to heal? I played guitar until my left hand's pinky contracted, and I hope to play again after surgery on it. It is not as severe and deep as my right hand. I am having my doubts about that second surgery now.

08/09/2017 06:29
wach 

Administrator

08/09/2017 06:29
wach 

Administrator

Re: Recovery experiences?

Recovery after Dupuytren surgery (partial fasciectomy) usually takes a while but your wound seems to be healing fine and you ought ot be OK. In most cases patients are OK after 6 - 8 weeks. Rarely it takes longer, although after my own surgery it took 5-6 months until the swelling of the hand was completely gone. The statement that Dupuytren surgery is not painful is a little funny. This is a major surgery, requires quite some time for healing and can have a variety of unpleasant side effects (which you don`t seem to have).

From what you are describing I would guess that your doctor is a quite optimistic person, maybe also a good salesman, and your surgery went quite well. I think that you will be doing fine in maybe 4 weeks or so.

Occasionally the healing process after Dupuytren surgery can cause growth of new nodules elsewhere. Should this be the case, you might consider radiotherapy to stop those new nodules growing further.

Wishing you a quick recovery

Wolfgang

08/09/2017 08:10
Breakaway65 
08/09/2017 08:10
Breakaway65 
Re: Recovery experiences?

All 4 of my ops were basically painless, just tended to stink a bit with the blood in the bandages and they always felt very hot (unusual maybe).
After each op I was back at work on the tools in 1 week, granted not at 100% but better than 50%, apprentices hated it.
1st 2 ops; being self employed did not help.
Physio was the longest part as my fingers were very bent at each op and needed to learn how to work again.
From what I could understand, the docs put a long lasting slow release pain killer in during the op.
The scars and the skin grafts to me are the bigger issue.
Very rarely do you see me clap my hands together and then it is for show only.
Hang in there, it only gets better.

Cheers, John

08/09/2017 08:53
Stefan_K. 
08/09/2017 08:53
Stefan_K. 

Re: Recovery experiences?

For the left hand I would look into less invasive alternative such as NA and collagenase before surgery.

Stef

[55, Dupuytren diagnosis 2006, RH contracture and PNF/NA 2014, radiotherapy RH 2015, LH 2017, night splint glove]

08/10/2017 21:01
FAST723 
08/10/2017 21:01
FAST723 

Re: Recovery experiences?

Thank you for your responses. It seems I am doing better than most. I was just led to believe it would be easier. I have essentially no swelling now at all, so I guess that is a good sign. Flexibility is good, and strength is returning. It remains quite painful especially when I do my pt. PT is easy, with almost complete function and flexibility, but it hurts like hell. Do you know the name of the slow release pain medication your doctor used? I want to suggest that to my surgeon before the left hand is done. Thanks again.

08/10/2017 21:13
kbr 
08/10/2017 21:13
kbr 
Re: Recovery experiences?

I'm pretty new at Dupuytrens stuff, and fortunately have almost no contracture. But I'm reading a lot--so if I ever need treatment I'll be aware of the possibilities. Is surgery necessary for your left hand, or are you considering NA or xiaflex? I an hoping when/if the time comes for me I can do one of these more conservative treatments.

08/11/2017 06:49
spanishbuddha 

Administrator

08/11/2017 06:49
spanishbuddha 

Administrator

Re: Recovery experiences?

kbr:
I'm pretty new at Dupuytrens stuff, and fortunately have almost no contracture. But I'm reading a lot--so if I ever need treatment I'll be aware of the possibilities. Is surgery necessary for your left hand, or are you considering NA or xiaflex? I an hoping when/if the time comes for me I can do one of these more conservative treatments.
A hand surgeon experienced in treating using NA or Xiaflex will also prefer to use one of these less invasive treatments. There can be clinical reasons for doing surgery, but usually if the contracture is moderate, and from the palm MCP then NA or Xiaflex is possible. Cords that twist around nerves or finger sides or are close to tendons, and the pinkie PIP can be difficult.

You could consider RT if you have ongoing active symptoms with progression, to slow things right down.

Edited 08/11/17 13:06

08/11/2017 18:29
kbr 
08/11/2017 18:29
kbr 
Re: Recovery experiences?

Thanks for your response, spanishbuddha. I'm watching my hands, and I'm not seeing much change right now, fortunately. I know RT can help if I start to see changes--I need to check the latest on Medicare coverage. I'm not sure if they'll cover it, and right now I can't pay for it on my own. I have an appt with a physiatrist in a couple weeks, hoping he can help with shoulder issues. (Broken humerus 4 years ago. Arthroscopic surgery. Then a reverse shoulder replacement. Then a broken wrist--same side--and surgery for that.) I plan to ask him to look at my hands, too. Since he deals in non-surgical bones and joints and nerves and rehab, etc, I figure he may know about Dupuytrens, too. Or at least he may be able to suggest someone else who can help if I need it.

Edited 08/11/17 21:30

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