Dupuytren's contracture

[sh1kar]

After having had this many years, I decided just before Christmas I would get it fixed as it was beginning to deform my hand (not just the palm but also the back of my hand and knuckles, I can't now get my hand flat palm down on a table). So toddled off to see a consultant (Best hand surgeon in the country apparently who also specialises in this). Agreed to surgery but needed to defer it until 10 March. I will have finished shooting and stalking commitments by then and should have enough time to recover to be OK for the Roebucks and fishing when it kicks off in May.

I will be in a hand splint and sling for fortnight before stitches out then a couple of months of physio. The timing is it turns out isn't too good. GF is away the week of 10 March so I will have to fend for myself the first week. Obviously won't be able to drive so will have to use Ocado for the first time ever, and probably eat with my left hand, I suspect cooking may be out too other than simple stuff.

I wondered if anyone else has had the op and had any tips etc re coping in the first couple weeks and generally speeding recovery. Obviously the physio will be a big part of this.

Thanks

 

[BRYAN]

When did they remove the hair from your palm?

 

[sh1kar]

When did they remove the hair from your palm?

Monthly along with the BSC

 

[VSS]

I don't know about your specific condition, but my left hand has been in a splint since it was operated on just before Christmas, and it'll be staying on for at least another couple of weeks, followed by plenty of physio. (Total recovery time expected to be a minimum of 12 weeks).
Even simple things like getting dressed or going to the toilet become extremely time consuming and tiring when you're learning to do them with only one hand. And meals such as soup or curry become the norm, unless you've got someone to cut stuff up for you.
But you do adapt. After 4 weeks in the splint I'm finding myself able to do a lot of stuff that I couldn't do in the beginning.
Just ask your partner to slightly slacken all the jam and pickle jar lids before she goes away, and to slice up a loaf of bread for you.

(Incidentally, during my recovery, I have developed a profound respect for anyone who goes through life with a limb (or limbs) missing).

 

[sh1kar]

I don't know about your specific condition, but my left hand has been in a splint since it was operated on just before Christmas, and it'll be staying on for at least another couple of weeks, followed by plenty of physio. (Total recovery time expected to be a minimum of 12 weeks).
Even simple things like getting dressed or going to the toilet become extremely time consuming and tiring when you're learning to do them with only one hand. And meals such as soup or curry become the norm, unless you've got someone to cut stuff up for you.
But you do adapt. After 4 weeks in the splint I'm finding myself able to do a lot of stuff that I couldn't do in the beginning.
Just ask your partner to slightly slacken all the jam and pickle jar lids before she goes away, and to slice up a loaf of bread for you.

(Incidentally, during my recovery, I have developed a profound respect for anyone who goes through life with a limb (or limbs) missing).

Ohh never thought of some of that. Will have to get some wine all but opened and make sure the gin screw caps loosened as well. Meals wise for the week she is away I was thinking Charlie Bingham and also some pre made meals week before like chilli, curry, fish pies etc I will cook and freeze

 

[Apthorpe]

Boxed wine? Drumsticks. Pizza slices. Lots of fruit. Biltong. Have her slice some steaks so you can stir fry and eat with a fork. Too much sludgy food gets depressing fast.

 

[Mountain Bug]

You will be surprised by the number of inventive methods that you come up with in order to get by. Its only an inconvenience. Now, I doubt that a pump shotgun is in your near future but don't get down on your situation. I'm right handed, and most of my injuries have been to the right hand/arm/shoulder. To this day I can still operate a left hand drive (American) manual with my left hand and not miss a beat. Also learned to pitch a baseball left handed. Never did end up with a good left hook though.


Scott

 

[Foxyboy43]

Mere amateurs!
6 months in a plaster from hip to toes and a new dog! We managed fine - best old dog I ever had though not much use getting my lunch!

 

[308FNSPR]

Two years ago I cut the tendons to two fingers in the back of my left hand with an axe. I could look in and see the knuckles move. Off to A&E then six days later a hand operation to sew the tendons back together. I got to watch for 45 minutes and it was fascinating.
My hand was in plaster for 8 weeks then there were months of physio every two weeks rubbing E45 cream morning and night. Two years later the index finger is fine the big finger bends 50% the other two are out in sympathy because one tendon in the wrist controls the three going to those fingers. I had to learn how to bend my hand again after 8 weeks as my muscle memory was gone.
In short if they say you will be better in 2 months don’t make plans for four months as people heal at different speeds if they heal.

 

[VSS]

Two years ago I cut the tendons to two fingers in the back of my left hand with an axe. I could look in and see the knuckles move. Off to A&E then six days later a hand operation to sew the tendons back together. I got to watch for 45 minutes and it was fascinating.
My hand was in plaster for 8 weeks then there were months of physio every two weeks rubbing E45 cream morning and night. Two years later the index finger is fine the big finger was broken but didn’t show in the X-ray it bends 50% the other two are out in sympathy because one tendon in the wrist controls the three going to those fingers. I had to learn how to bend my hand again after 8 weeks as my muscle memory was gone.
In short if they say you will be better in 2 months don’t make plans for four months as people heal at different speeds

Sounds like your situation was not dissimilar to mine.

 

[sh1kar]

Two years ago I cut the tendons to two fingers in the back of my left hand with an axe. I could look in and see the knuckles move. Off to A&E then six days later a hand operation to sew the tendons back together. I got to watch for 45 minutes and it was fascinating.
My hand was in plaster for 8 weeks then there were months of physio every two weeks rubbing E45 cream morning and night. Two years later the index finger is fine the big finger bends 50% the other two are out in sympathy because one tendon in the wrist controls the three going to those fingers. I had to learn how to bend my hand again after 8 weeks as my muscle memory was gone.
In short if they say you will be better in 2 months don’t make plans for four months as people heal at different speeds if they heal.

It better be two months. Have organised a holiday with my 95 year old father abroad and it will look odd if he is feeding me!!

 

[Rasputin]

Had the ligament done in my thumb in April was like another poster mentioned eye opening seeing them work in your open hand and getting told to flex it and move it make sure it’s working.

Spent two weeks in a splint then stitches out and straight to physio told to take it very slowly and made sure to rub the scar with bio oil.

Didn’t realise how much I used my thumb till I couldn’t use it but after two months was back to normal ish or as good as it was going to get. For anything soft tissue related it’s very much a patience game.

get lots of baggy clothes to get on easily and plenty of meals just can either drink or microwave and as strong painkillers as you can get because when you catch it and you will at some point the air will turn blue and your more than likely to hit the roof.

 

[finbar]

A keeper mate of mine had his dun about 10 years ago he told me it’s quite common up in the North east of England
Some thing to do with the Vikings his was really bad
A think 3/4 months if my memory serves me right

 

[sh1kar]

It is supposedly Viking gene thing. Margaret thatcher had it

 

[sh1kar]

Had the ligament done in my thumb in April was like another poster mentioned eye opening seeing them work in your open hand and getting told to flex it and move it make sure it’s working.

Spent two weeks in a splint then stitches out and straight to physio told to take it very slowly and made sure to rub the scar with bio oil.

Didn’t realise how much I used my thumb till I couldn’t use it but after two months was back to normal ish or as good as it was going to get. For anything soft tissue related it’s very much a patience game.

get lots of baggy clothes to get on easily and plenty of meals just can either drink or microwave and as strong painkillers as you can get because when you catch it and you will at some point the air will turn blue and your more than likely to hit the roof.

Hmm hadn’t thought about getting dressed. I might need Mr Graces nurse….

 

[finbar]

To be fair he lives in sight of holy island generations of his family from Northumberland so must be something in it

 

[GBR66]

After having had this many years, I decided just before Christmas I would get it fixed as it was beginning to deform my hand (not just the palm but also the back of my hand and knuckles, I can't now get my hand flat palm down on a table). So toddled off to see a consultant (Best hand surgeon in the country apparently who also specialises in this). Agreed to surgery but needed to defer it until 10 March. I will have finished shooting and stalking commitments by then and should have enough time to recover to be OK for the Roebucks and fishing when it kicks off in May.

I will be in a hand splint and sling for fortnight before stitches out then a couple of months of physio. The timing is it turns out isn't too good. GF is away the week of 10 March so I will have to fend for myself the first week. Obviously won't be able to drive so will have to use Ocado for the first time ever, and probably eat with my left hand, I suspect cooking may be out too other than simple stuff.

I wondered if anyone else has had the op and had any tips etc re coping in the first couple weeks and generally speeding recovery. Obviously the physio will be a big part of this.

Thanks

View attachment 402703

My wife has the same syndrome and not helped by breaking a bone behind her little finger this autumn. She has been told that it's probably too early to have the op on it but therefore am very interested in your outcome and maybe the man....depending on how happy you are!!

 

[GBR66]

My wife has the same syndrome and not helped by breaking a bone behind her little finger this autumn. She has been told that it's probably too early to have the op on it but therefore am very interested in your outcome and maybe the man....depending on how happy you are!!

On practical help: Get a plastic sleeve from the chemist with a tight rubber cuff that lets you shower or bath. She found that eating with the "wrong hand" a spoon was easier but it all needs cutting up so if on your own ready meals like curry and lasagne may be easier. Don't be "brave" and take the painkillers. Use the sling. Get the GF to open a few tins or screw tops before she goes if they will last. We hadn't got drinking water at the time so were on bottled and she really struggled to get the tops off!

 

[willie_gunn]

Even simple things like getting dressed or going to the toilet become extremely time consuming and tiring when you're learning to do them with only one hand.

Go onto Amazon and search for "Self Wipe Assist Bottom Wiper".

Alternatively, many countries in the Middle East have a shower attached to the toilet, or you will find a Lota, a small pot of water that is dedicated for using to clean oneself after going to the toilet.

Both ways are (a) more convenient and (b) more hygenic than grabbing a handful of tissue and rooting around, or adopting the old mantra of "one up, one down, one polish".

 

[BRYAN]

Two years ago I cut the tendons to two fingers in the back of my left hand with an axe. I could look in and see the knuckles move. Off to A&E then six days later a hand operation to sew the tendons back together. I got to watch for 45 minutes and it was fascinating.
My hand was in plaster for 8 weeks then there were months of physio every two weeks rubbing E45 cream morning and night. Two years later the index finger is fine the big finger bends 50% the other two are out in sympathy because one tendon in the wrist controls the three going to those fingers. I had to learn how to bend my hand again after 8 weeks as my muscle memory was gone.
In short if they say you will be better in 2 months don’t make plans for four months as people heal at different speeds if they heal.

I did mine with a billhook about an inch up from the knuckles.