From MOM:
The kids were off to Grandma Susie’s for the night. David and I enjoyed a nice dinner out and then early bedtime. We had to be at the surgery center early in the morning. We were very impressed how well the surgery center operated. Everything was checked, doubled checked and triple checked! Â I got my IV Â and met with countless staff before the operation.
Dr. Rayhack, who was beyond amazing, marked the hand and initialed so the correct hand was operated on. I can’t saw how impressed we were with everything with Dr. Rayhack. He is truly what a doctor should be. He spent time going over the details and information with us. The prior doctor I saw before seeking a second opinion was in and out in under 5 minutes. Dr. Rayhack spent considerable time with is answering every question we had. After opting for an open CTR it was only a few weeks before we could get a slot. I was looking forward to the numbness and pain going away.
An hour later I was done and headed home. I had this huge ugly bandage. But I am SO glad I had it! The object for the first few days was ICE and ELEVATE. My had swelled but following these rules kept it under control. I only took 1 pain killer but probably could have done without but wasn’t chancing it.
A few days later the bulky bandage came off and I could see Dr. Rayhack’s handy work. I was still puffy and quite bruised. I could wiggle my fingers fairly well from day 2 onward.
Once I was moving move the swelling and bruising quickly faded. Showering was tough but I figured out a bad and surgical tape to cover the had to keep it dry. Dry was my nightmare. My hand itched, which means it is healing. My skin was insanely dry. We had a cold snap and the humidity dropped so that didn’t help. I kept it covered and slightly wrapped until he sutures came over at 2 weeks.
My hand was SO dry but bounced back after the sutures were out and I could wash and lotion it!
It is not 3.5 weeks post surgery. The incision looks great. The skin peeled and it is a bit sensitive but not bad. The swelling and bruising is 100% gone. I am able to hold a toothbrush, spoon and hairbrush. It hurts a little with some motions. Turning a doorknob is painful still so I avoid it. My range of motion is great. I am avoiding heavy tasks but trying to use it as much as possible. I have some pain in the palm and wrist in the evenings, of course after I do too much during the day! My fault! But overall I am so happy with the progress. I have normal feeling in most of the hand. The middle finger is still a bit weird feeling in the last joint and that comes and goes, so I am hopeful it will just GO and not return. I am back to driving but do find turning the wheel with my right had a bit difficult. So I only drive when I NEED to.
So that is that.