It is now almost half a year ago, since I had unexpectedly surgery on my left hand's index finger. Due to severe swelling, Edema, they had to open it up and look inside.
You can see the huge swelling on my left index finger; Edema.
Having a rare auto immune disease could also trigger such unusual reaction.
After my total histerectomy, I even suffered Angioedema because of ACE inhibitors that I took for controlling my blood pressure, which I had to stop using of course.
An orthopedic surgeon opened up my index finger, on the outside and inside.
They started growing a culture but nothing was growing in it and I felt like having undergone surgery in vain... Also I'd begged to have it done by my Hand Surgeon, whom I saw in April of 2012, for my Dupuytren's Contracture. 'No, any orthopedic surgeon can do this I was told!'
This photo is of October 18, one day after surgery while still at the hospital, for a total of 6 days.
You don't realize how handicapped you are with only the use of one hand...
It was a time that I asked husband Pieter to bring me the lap-duvet, my own sewing creation from the left over down duvet that I used for enlarging the European sized twin duvets. I'd sewn a soft duvet cover for it from cable print flannel sheets that were on sale at Garnet Hill
Don't know about your hospital experience, but I was almost freezing during my stay!
During surgery they had bruised my eyes and nose, making me look like I had been in a fight!
Could they not more carefully place the mask over my nose and mouth for putting me to sleep?
Could they not more carefully place the mask over my nose and mouth for putting me to sleep?
Not my best days...
At the first check up with J. Richter, M.D. he told me that sometimes, surgery does not go following the book... BUT with aggressive therapy, 3 times weekly, I would be able to fully use my finger again.
At Fairview Park Hospital: Rehab Unit they put Kinetix band on and treated me with Ultrasound in order to get rid of the aggressively formed scar tissue.
On November 14, 2014 still a lot of swelling as the Edema persisted.
You can see where orthopedic surgeon J. Richter, M.D. cut the finger open and also on the underside.
Dupuytren's Contracture does cause scar tissue to grow more aggressively...
One more reason I had begged to see my Hand Surgeon in Macon!
Finally, after going to the local hospital's rehab center, for 6 weeks, 3 x weekly, I managed to see my Hand Surgeon in the next city, one hour driving from where we live.
His first question nearly floored me. 'Where did you go for therapy?' I told him at Fairview Park Hospital Rehab. He then asked me: 'Why didn't they send you to a certified hand therapist?'...
I realized that not only was I told that this surgery was not exactly following the books and now I learned that my first two months of precious healing time had not been fully utilized because, unknowingly, I did not see a certified hand therapist!
So I committed to driving the long distance from than on. Surgery cannot be redone, sure it would have been a different outcome had Waldo E. Floyd III, M.D. done my surgery to begin with.
At Ortho Georgia, Diana, one of the experienced and licensed Hand & Upper Extremity therapists, provided me with an elastic finger for wearing during the day in order to reduce the swelling.
A gel coated elastic finger to wear at night, all for reducing the swelling...
She got me a splint to wear at home, for some 20 minutes at a time, about 4 or 5 times daily.
This in order to further stretch and straighten my finger.
From the side...
Here you can see my nodules from the Dupuytren's Contracture in the palm of my hand and it has extended out towards that index finger. You also can see where the scar tissue has kind of caused a nodule.
In order to bend the finger again, I had to wear this elastic strap, just simply stapled together and tightened over time, as I progressed.
Needless to say that when having to do all this, the usual household chores like baking, cleaning etc. are very much restricted!
This is on January 19, 2015 and still very much swollen and red.
At OrthoGeorgia I started out each time with this Whirlpool treatment.
Ground up corn cobs, an inert medium, are being circulated by hot air inside.
I had to insert my lower arm and hand and with a velcro sleeved extension it got closed off.
photo courtesy of Ortho Georgia and not my hand!
Next Diana would treat my finger with ultrasound, for reducing the scar tissue.
On January 22, after removing the gel coated elastic finger that I wore during the night...
At Ortho Georgia Rehab I had to work with pegs...
Shooting off these little 1.25 inch porcupine rubber balls, with your thumb and index finger.
Diana custom made me a brace for wearing, so the lowest finger joint could not bend; thus forcing the other two to function on their own.
Diana would stretch, bend, flex and massage my finger; well I could better write that she tortured me but I endured it for the benefits I got out of it. ONLY wish I could have started off with her right after surgery...
This is for bending the finger for a certain length of time.
This is today, still somewhat swollen and red but when I got my check up yesterday with Waldo E. Floyd III, M.D. in Macon, he told me that I better quit the therapy.
First he asked me if I could live with this finger the way it is...
What can I say? I have to accept it and in the almost six months time, I've grown used to it and look forward to normal use of both of my hands without being restricted due to all these things.
He still suggested I use my THERABATH PROFESSIONAL THERMOTHERAPY PARAFFIN BATH for warming up and than continue with the strap etc. at home.
It has been a very expensive time for us and I often say, paying for hospital bills is far more expensive than being at the most luxurious Resort!
What bothered me was that I was not correctly advised for seeing a certified person and even worse, when comparing the billing between the non-certified, so-called hand therapist and the really professional one!
On December 1, 2014, this was the bill from our local Fairview Park Hospital Rehab.
Ultrasound therapy $ 377.25. Luckily I had reached my deductible of $ 5,000.- at that time!
At Ortho Georgia only $ 47.00
Sure, I'm not finger-pointing but there IS a difference!
With my new insurance, I've paid over 2015 already $ 1,150.83 out of pocket...
Sure, I'm not finger-pointing but there IS a difference!
~
Life goes on, even after we have had a rough ride this year with also my Mom's death, husband Pieter's Angina Pectoris (heart cramp) after Mom's passing.
But we did enjoy a lovely 6 days in Arizona from March 22 through 27, using our free companion ticket from Delta that would expire on March 31.
Related links:
{There You Go Again... Update} | previous post by me about bullying siblings that attacked me for NOT going to Mom's funeral while still having rehab and NO financial means for paying the very expensive ticket (short term booking)... I've forgiven them and only pray that they will change. It is up to God to deal with it.
{My Hand and Dupuytren's Contracture} | previous post by me
{Fighting the Water + Scanning Slides} | previous post by me
{Dutch Twin Down Duvets Altered to American Size} | previous post by me
Oh my sweet friend what a journey this has sent you on. I know to well what its like to not have full use of one of your limbs (as you know I was unable to touch my face with my right hand for over 1 1/2 years - until i got my artificial elbow - still now I have a hard time using my right hand for certain things like turning a door knob to open a door) ... I wish you continued success in healing ... hugs and blessings, XO
ReplyDeleteDearest Celia,
DeleteHardly can believe I've been on this detour for half a year now! But being persistent has paid off big so far and I will not give up. Thank you for your words as you know what you are speaking about!
Hugs,
Mariette
Praying for a complete healing over your finger and hand. It looks like it was quite painful, but thankful for doctors.
ReplyDeleteDearest Daniela,
DeleteNo it was not painful but rather annoying for not having full use of one's hands! It could have been a lot worse and I'm grateful.
Hugs,
Mariette
Friend, I've got growths in both hands. Thanks for advice using hand surgeon vs general orthopedic. Jut wondering if should have both done same time.
DeleteDearest Deborah,
DeleteCannot answer that for you but it certainly is wise for finding yourself a good hand surgeon! Ask around and find out. Good luck!
Mariette
Mariette, I'm so sorry that you've had to go through all of this. You have dealt with so much in the past 6 months, I'm so sorry. I do hope you will continue to heal and feel better.
ReplyDeleteOn a lighter note, what a lovely nightgown!
Dearest Deborah,
DeleteWell, it was for sure half a year that I don't want to repeat any time soon but it could have been worse! Let's hope indeed that it sill will improve with persistent home-therapy.
As for the nightgown thank you; yeah, a steal from the La Perla Outlet store in Orlando! But that outlet store is no longer there. Only at Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon, California and at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, Central Valley, NY.
As long as I can keep my old stock I'm happy!
Hugs,
Mariette
I just discovered your blog today. I hope you will continue to have improvement in the use of your hand. In the past I had to have carpal tunnel surgery in one hand. After seeing what you went through with the orthopedic surgeon's results, I am so glad that I went to an excellent hand surgeon. Carpal tunnel was not near as serious as what you are going through, but I did experience the loss of use of one hand for quite a while before getting the surgery. I remember being exhausted with frustration at the end of every day when I couldn't use one hand. From the minute I woke up until the time I went to bed it was one thing after another that I had to struggle and try to figure out how to do one handed.
ReplyDeleteHow in the world did they bruise your face like that when they were working on your hand?
Take care. I hope your hand will heal as quickly as possible.
Dearest Susie,
DeleteThank you and I've already visited you on your blog. My best friend who had also carpal tunnel surgery did tip me for this excellent hand surgeon. Only too bad that he didn't get to do the surgery on my finger... But we cannot reverse that part. Most people don't realize indeed how handicapped one is with only one hand. It made me even appreciate our wounded veterans more, they often get wounded far worse with the loss of an entire hand or arm.
How they did bruise my face? That's where they placed the mask over my nose and mouth for putting me to sleep. They must have pushed that down with force for some unknown reason. I was shocked when I looked into the mirror.
Hugs,
Mariette
such an ordeal! hoping you can be okay with it as it remains.
ReplyDeleteDearest Theresa,
DeleteGuess I have to and by now I'm long used to it. I can do almost everything with it so why complain?! Always thinking about so many of our veterans that are far worse off.
Hugs,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette,
ReplyDeleteI did not realize that you went through so much. You must be very brave and courageous to have endured a lot of pain, discomfort and inconvenience of using only one hand. I hope that your pain has subsided quite a bit and I hope that your use of that hand and the index finger has improved. I wish that I was there to provide some kind of comfort. Please take care of yourself.
Hugs
Munir
Dearest Munir,
DeleteIt is often good that we cannot look ahead and are not always fully aware of what is coming our way. The pain was minimal, unless I got through therapy, that felt like torture but I'm a very tough bird and don't complain easily. Don't worry about me; I'm fine and I accept the finger the way it is.
Sending you hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette, I remember you telling me about some of your health problems, but I don't think I realized you had surgery on your finger I can see that didn't stop you from staying connected by the use of your iPad. :) Can't keep a good woman down. Ha! What does surgery on your finger have to do with your face? Very strange to have bruising there. Such a shame these days with doctors and hospitals and insurance ...so much fraudulency. The rates charged for simple things are outrageous. You just proved how corrupt it is by that huge cost difference. Unbelievable which is why our medical industry is a shambles and so many don't get the proper health care. Our school uses Aetna for its group medical policy that is provided to international teachers and their dependents. So far they've paid for just about everything that comes up -- all doctor's visits, pre-approved surgery, etc. Not out of pocket to the insured except about $12 up front. A shame you didn't get the proper aftercare. My boss' wife broke her wrist last year and she said the therapy for it was pure torture. Your finger does look better and will be good to be free of the obligation of traveling for therapy all the time. Take care of your self. Best wishes, Tammy
ReplyDeleteDearest Tammy,
DeleteIt was not easy for using the iPad with the stylus pen only, I'd rather type away on the keyboard in high speed! But that was not possible for a while.
For putting me to sleep, before surgery, they placed a mask over my nose and eyes... They must have used a bit too much force as it looks like!
Usually you cannot compare but since I've switched to a new insurance company the 1st of January, I could compare prices and my eyes almost popped out of my head. My insurance till December 31st was with Aetna but I had a Medical In Network Deductible of $ 5,000; A Medical In Network Coinsurance of $ 10,000; A Medical Out of Network Deductible of $ 10,000; A Medical Out of Network Coinsurance of $ 12,500 thus ending up with a total out of pocket payment of $ 11,141.25 over 2014 with a premium of $ 787.84 starting in January... It was already high before but this is ridiculous.
So glad that I qualified over 2015 for a Premium Tax Credit so my out of pocket payment is only annully $ 1,500 and premium $ 410 per month!
For my therapy I came to understand what torture felt like but I did toughen up. Yes, the time being on the road was quite a gap into each week so for that I'm grateful and we all can live with a less than perfect body.
Hugs to you,
Mariette
Hello my dear friend Mariette
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are feeling much better today, but I'm sorry that you have to deal with this after all this time. I sincerely hope you recover soon and you will be in my prayers as always.
Send you a big hug with lots of love
Laura
Dearest Laura,
DeleteBy now I'm used to the fact that I have to live with a less than perfect finger and I will. Still being grateful that I made it through this rough half year. So many things coming our way and restricting us in every way. But that's life; can't complain as I know there are lots of people that are far worse off with no access to any help.
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers, I've been thinking about you as well when you came down with a bad flu when returning home. Let's hope that all of us can now enjoy spring freely and in good shape.
Hugs and love,
Mariette
Liebe Mariette,
ReplyDeletedas ist ergreifend.
Alles Liebe
Elisabeth
Liebe Elisabeth,
DeleteJa dass kann man wohl sagen... Es geht aber weiter.
Liebe Grüsse,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette； OMG!!! I never thought you've been through all these tough time, half a year!
ReplyDeleteWhile I was reading your return comment to Ms. Laura, I was so impressed and almost in tears, my friend. It sure is amazing thinking you could keep up blogging with that condition. I don't know if I can be brave-minded and have confidence, endurance like you. And plus financial burden.
Just happy your condition got better even though not perfectly. You are in My Prayer as well, my dear friend.
Hope the comfortable spring weather brings us the comfortable health condition. My bad hearing and eyestrain is getting worse...
Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*
Dearest Miyako,
DeleteIt did help me though for finally sharing this with my blogger friends and yes, it sometimes is rough for having to accept your fate. One never knows what lies ahead of us in life. One more reason for being grateful and enjoying every day together as a gift!
Being brave is not always easy but I sure lived through it and came out stronger I guess. Also loosing my Mom during that time. The financial burden is a very rough one; today I got the final bill from that hospital period... This week alone I paid over a thousand US Dollar for therapy and this final bill. Just have to swallow it and look at the sun and march on.
It is true that warmer weather goes much better, I often got depressed when it was cold and moist weather but that does affect our joints in a most negative way.
Make sure you use plenty of light when working at your PC, we all are aging and it is not getting any better. But trying to delay the deterioration is all we can do.
Hugs and love to you,
Mariette
Wat een ellende allemaal die gang langs dokters, ziekenhuizen en operatie. Het resultaat is niet wat je er van verwachtte eigenlijk.. Het deed me een beetje aan artrose denken die eerste foto, maar dat zal het wel niet zijn geweest. De rekeningen zijn duizelingwekkend hoog daar in Amerika, je hoort er wel eens van maar nou kan ik het zien. Wens je het allerbeste en hoop dat je er een beetje mee kan leven en niet te veel pijn eraan hebt.
ReplyDeleteGroeten, Marianne
Beste Marianne,
DeleteJa, geen leuk half jaar is het geweest en zo onverwacht eigenlijk. Net toen we beiden begonnen te genieten met wat meer reizen en leuke dingen doen, komt dit. We kwamen begin september zo blij thuis van Arizona... Het heeft mijn hele Kerst eigenlijk opzij geschoven want je kunt amper wat met zo'n hand. En telkens naar therapie, toen nog 3 x per week en zoals ook nog bleek, naar de verkeerde en véél te duur. Bitter en net vandaag kwam nog een laatste rekening van de oktober ziekenhuisperiode à $ 463.76 en ik betaalde dinsdag voor therapie al $ 600.36 terwijl ik de hele dag zowat onderweg was ook. Je komt niet al te vrolijk thuis, zeker niet als de bewuste hand chirurg je hand beet pakt en vraagt of je er mee kunt leven? Dan weet je het wel... Nog wel e.e.a. zelf doen aan thuis therapie maar het blijkt dus nooit meer goed te komen. Geen leuke week maar hopelijk komen er weer betere tijden en het had natuurlijk veel erger gekund. Ja, hier is in het algemeen een erg goeie gezondheidszorg maar dúúr! Wij betalen voor al diegenen die niets betalen en toch volgens de wet behandeld moeten worden. Niet eerlijk en wij beiden hadden nooit zo'n enorm zware burden verwacht zoals wij die de laatste vijf jaar gedragen hebben. We zouden veel liever mooie reizen maken van al dat geld! De pijn valt best mee, het was veel gevoeliger een aantal maanden geleden maar daar ben ik gelukkig doorheen.
Liefs,
Mariette
Oh my goodness, my poor friend! You have really been through a war, I am so sad. I do hope that you are back to your lovely self very soon. And, I love the yellow in your header with that chocolate. Have a nice Easter! x
ReplyDeleteDearest LeeAnne,
DeleteThank you and yes, I am looking forward to a more normal life and enjoying the nice things that come our way. When the weather stays like this, warm and sunny, that makes a big difference already. Paying such hefty medical bills is a burden but we both hope that after this week, it will stop. Had my final bill from October for $ 463.76 and paid on Tuesday the bills for therapy at $ 600.36 and some still will follow from unpaid visits. Bitter that I only went through the out-of-pocket payment period and now the insurance would have kicked in but there is no use for it as I've reached a plateau and no further improvement can be reached. Sad but a fact and I have to accept it and live with it. Still, it could be a lot worse.
Hugs and happy Easter to you and yours as well.
Mariette
Hello Mariette, What a terrible experience to go through! There is an important lesson here, that in health matters, go to whom you trust, and don't let insurance companies or other doctors override your instincts in important matters like this.
ReplyDeleteOn the positive side, it is great to live in an age in which so many medical problems can be treated or ameliorated--but one still must show resolution and firmness in seeking the best care.
--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteYou are so right about going to whom you trust in health matters. My best friend and I agreed that whatever will happen in the future, I will take her to the next city and she will do the same for me; in order to avoid such tragedy again. But unfortunately, I was already in the grips of the local hospital and even with my fear for failure, what could I do? The insurance company did not even let me establish an earlier appointment with my hand surgeon; guess in fear of law suits they don't allow a patient to see another professional at the time of treatment... I really had to fight for that!
And yes, ameliortate I did but guess I've reached the plateau... Being a pitbull has paid off so far.
Best wishes for your Easter season.
Mariette
Hello Mariette, you've been having a tough time these last few months. Hopefully your finger will get better over time.
ReplyDeleteDearest Sami,
DeleteYes, that was a rocky road one can certainly say. Let's hope indeed that with normal use and still some home therapy it will improve still.
Sending you hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette,
ReplyDeleteAfter I read this, I opened both hands ~ palms up ~ to check the progress of my DC and it isn't pretty. I am so sorry you have had all of these complications ~ and grateful I haven't ~ yet.
Love,
Helen
Dearest Helen,
DeleteWe never know what comes our way and having this DC condition is something we both are not looking forward to but what can we change?
Staying positive is the most important thing and by keeping up with my blog has motivated me for seeing joyful things around me!
Hugs,
Mariette
Hi Mariette, I'm so sorry you've been through such a hard time. It's really upsetting you couldn't see your hand surgeon even though you asked for him. Long time ago, I had some visible health condition but my family doctor at that time said he didn't see any problem. I went to a specialist and got medication that solved the condition. It must have been really difficult to have use of your hand restricted. I hope your finger will recover as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteDearest Tamago,
DeleteYes, that was the very hard part, wanting to see my hand surgeon and not being able to. Guess I should have left the hospital and go!
Often you are being saved by having a second opinion and I'm glad that you found that long time ago and got treated well. You don't even realize how much our hands mean to us. At first I could not even eat my hospital food, could not cut anything and needed help like a baby... Don't know if I can recover more as what I've reached by now but any improvement is welcome! As long as it doesn't worsen.
Hugs,
Mariette
Liebe Mariette,
ReplyDeleteich wußte nicht, daß Du im Krankenhaus warst! Aber meine Zeit für Internet ist auch bis auf Weiteres immer noch sehr beschränkt. Schon schlimm, wie vor allem Frauen an den Händen erkranken können. Ob Karpaltunnel, Daumensattelgelenke oder andere Fingergrundgelenke ... Dupuytren'sche Kontraktur ... vor allem Frauen sind betroffen, vermutlich durch hormonelle Einstellungen.Oft auch durch andere Stoffwechselerkrankungen des gesamten Körpers oder Unfälle, Traumata, Überlastung ... ich kenne auch Probleme an den Händen, wenn auch anderer Natur. Seitdem stricke ich kaum noch und die Gartenarbeit ist auch nicht mehr so ideal. Irgendwann lernt man, gewisse Dinge einfach loszulassen ...
Ich wünsche Dir alles Liebe und Gute, gute schnelle Besserung und daß der Finger wieder ganz gut wird!
Liebe Grüße
Sara
Liebe Sara,
DeleteEs ist von meinem Krankenhausaufenthalten war es die längste und dann mit ganz geringer Erfolg... So schade.
Nein es sind vor allem die Männer die von Dupuytren'sche Kontraktur begroffen sind und nur ganz wenig Frauen. Ganz unten am Post ist ein Link zur vorigem Post mit ein Bild wo man es deutlich lesen kann.
Was auch der Grund sei, es ist nich leicht um damit leben zu müssen. Es ist schon wahr was du schreibst über gewisse Dinge einfach loszulassen. Es geht einfach nicht mehr so wie früher.
Ganz gut wird der Finger nicht mehr, es sind schon sechs Monate her und ich habe das Plateau erreicht wo es kaum noch Besserung gibt; schade aber es ist eben nicht anders.
Eine schöne Karwoche noch und alles Liebe,
Mariette
Looks like quite an operation. I am happy to see on the last photo that your finger looks much better than before! I hope it will be back to normal soon.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and Pieter a wonderful Easter. Enjoy!
Madelief x
Dearest Madelief,
DeleteWell the surgery itself was not very complicated but the aftermath was not a good experience with being sent to the wrong place for therapy where not even a certified hand therapist was available! Guess that did more damage than anything else but what can I do? Have to accept this less perfect finger for what it is and live with it.
Enjoy a lovely Easter with your daughters and sending you hugs,
Mariette
Oh jee..wat een gedoe allemaal..mijn man moet er ook nog eens aan geloven, die heeft dezelfde vergroeiing. Zijn vinger kan niet goed meer recht...maar ze doen er hier pas wat aan als hij 'krom richting handpalm' blijft staan... gaat niet zo heel lang meer duren denk ik...hopelijk krijgt hij er niet zoveel gedoe mee als jij...
ReplyDeleteBeste Marian,
DeleteJa, inderdaad wàt een gedoe! Had nooit op zoiets langdradigs en duurs gerekend met minder dan goed resultaat. Voor je man kan ik alleen maar adviseren om de bèste hand chirurg proberen te vinden en dan wens ik hem het allerbeste. Het blijkt bij Dupuytren's Contracture niet eens blijvend te helpen, het komt toch weer terug. Veelal mannen die het krijgen, tussen de 50 en 60 maar ik hoor er kennelijk ook bij. Ik heb maar één andere persoon gekend, een man hier in Dublin die inmiddels al overleden is. Hij had het aan de middelvinger van zijn rechterhand, die was hélemaal krom in een vuist-positie. Erg raar gevoel als je hem een hand gaf maar ja, hij kon er ook niks aan doen.
Het beste voor je man ook en een fijne Paasperiode met z'n allen!
Liefs,
Mariette
zo , wat vervelend allemaal ..je hebt echt moeilijke maanden gehad ..
ReplyDeleteMet je Moeder en toen met je man en met je vinger ,
Fijn dat na die vervelende tijd ...je toch kon genieten van de reis
na Arizona ...
veel liefs en beterschap ...sterkte !!!
Lieve Nieneke,
DeleteJa dit is een tijd die ik niet graag over wil doen... Laten we positief blijven en toch genieten van de mooie kleine dingen van het leven. Arizona was heel goed om even in te lassen; het doet je de trieste dingen vergeten.
Liefs,
Mariette
Liebe Mariette,
ReplyDeletewährend dein neuer Header wunderschön ist, kann mir die dokumentierte Geschichte
deiner Hand weniger gut gefallen. Wärest du nur sofort zu dieser wunderbaren
Therapeutin gekommen.
Die letzte Zeit war sehr schwer für dich. Es ist aber gut, dass ihr das Leben genießt und
den schönen Urlaub verleben durftet.
Einen ruhigen Abend wünscht dir
Irmi
Liebe Irmi,
DeleteJa, der Header ist schön und wir bleiben auch geniessen von solch kleine, schöne Dinge des Lebens.
Wir müssen damit leben was auf unserem Weg kommt und trotzdem immer das positive finden. Alles Liebe für dich und wir geniessen unserem Nachmittag.
Mariette
Dear Mariette,OMG! What a terrible experience to go through!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are feeling much better now!Take care my friend!Hugs!
Dimi....
Dearest Dimi,
DeleteIndeed, those were six months that I don't want to live through any time soon. The way it is now, I can live with it and forget about all the rest.
Hugs,
Mariette
So often we take the use of our hands for granted I know I do, I hope you don't have as much trouble with the finger now
ReplyDeleteDearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteIndeed we do not even realize how blessed we are until we miss the full use of our hands. Life is bearable with my finger the way it is now; not perfect but functional.
Hugs,
Mariette
Lieve Mariette,
ReplyDeleteDit is geen fijne tijd om op terug te kijken en je was aan de goden overgeleverd, het heeft je veel ongemak,wilskracht, zorgen en handen vol geld gekost als ik het hele verhaal goed begrijp en het resultaat is niet wat jij er van verwacht had.
Een geluk heb je dat je doorzettingsvermogen niet in je vinger zit,anders was je dat misschien ook nog kwijt geweest.
Hopelijk zal het herstel wat beweeglijkheid aan vinger betreft nog verbeteren met de tijd.
Ben al meer dan 5 jaar aan het sukkelen met artrose in het lijf oa aan beide knieën waarvoor ik al meerdere pijnlijke injecties heb gehad met enig resultaat van enkele maanden geen pijn wat een verademing was. Heb afgelopen 8 weken meerdere keren per week fysio therapie gehad om spieren in knieën sterker te maken, ook hoorde daar thuisoefeningen bij onlangs zijn er verschillende soorten scans gemaakt met contrast,afspraak bij orthopedisch chirurg (die ik zelf uitgekozen heb omdat zij de nodige ervaring en kwaliteiten in huis heeft met dit soort operaties) is gemaakt en het is nou echt tijd geworden voor kunstknie.
Ik heb er goed over nagedacht en ga ervoor,wil nog een beetje genieten van het leven zonder pijn en weer kunnen fietsen en normaal lopen.Heb me goed laten voorlichten en weet dat ook een nieuwe knie niet altijd blingbling is maar probeer op mijn manier positief te blijven denken en hoop op betere tijden.
Wens jullie fijne Paasdagen met mooi weer!!!
Liefs,Ger
Dat
Lieve Ger,
DeleteNee, zeker niet en ik ben ook blij dat het zo ver achter me ligt nu. Heel jammer inderdaad dat het resultaat niet dat is waar ik me zo voor ingezet heb. Hoe dan ook, ik kan er mee leven en of het nog ooit soepeler gaat worden zien we wel.
Jij zelf weet er dus ook alles van als je ook naar fysio therapie bent geweest i.v.m. de artrose in je knieën. Dan is zo'n beslissing to operatie voor een nieuwe knie niet niks. Mijn Moeder had ook één nieuwe knie en na de therapie ging het goed. De tweede knie kon niet meer vanwege haar nier probleem, had wel gemoeten want ze had last van dat knie. Zo'n dageljkse pijn tast inderdaad je hele levensstijl aan want er zijn zoveel dingen die je niet of nauwelijks nog kunt doen. Zelfs het uren in de keuken staan is moeilijk. Een lieve vriendin die enkele jaren ouder is als ik heeft enkele maanden geleden ook een kunstknie gekregen en het gaat weer goed met haar. Dan kun je inderdaad weer genieten van het leven!
Goed dat je alvast een goeie selektie hebt gemaakt in het kiezen van een bekwame orthopedische chirurg. Veel geluk ermee en inderdaad; altijd positief blijven want dat helpt het meeste onder alle omstandigheden.
Liefs en ook hele fijne Paasdagen; het weer hier is voor jullie begrippen bijna tropisch, vandaag 29°C en erna iets minder warm.
Mariette
Dearest Mariette,
ReplyDeleteIf I need in your index finger ime time..My friend had hand surgeon with right hands two of ok.
I had my right hands would feel the distance and contal the stroke.and putting are pointing my finger's OK.
Have a Lovely Easter with all your family!
Michiko
Dearest Michiko,
DeleteWishing you and your loved ones also a very Happy Easter!
Hugs and love,
Mariette
dearest Mariette,
ReplyDeleteWhat a rough time you have had and such an ordeal and a costly one. So sorry for you and it is such a shame you were not able to see the specialist you wanted and knew.
Wishing for continued healing. Yes, hospitals aren't the nicest of places to be - I remember after Victoria was born I was freezing and had my own hot water bottle and asked could I fill it - apparently they would not allow them.
Happy Easter to you and Pieter.
Blessings and hugs
Carolyn
Dearest Carolyn,
DeleteWe stay positive and life goes on, it could be a lot worse.
No hospitals are not nice places to be at and for a price much higher than an expensive resort area with all its luxuries! They keep the temperature low on purpose I guess, for controlling somewhat the infection level but why would the filling of a hot water bottle not be allowed?! Guess it just depends on the person on charge... At least I did enjoy my down duvet and it got lots of attention as most people are not so used to this European style bedding.
Happy Easter to you both and sending you blessings and hugs,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette, you say it was not painful, but you have certainly gone through a very difficult time!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope everything will be fine from now on and that you will not have to suffer again from your hand!!!
Take care of you and enjoy your Easter weekend!
Many hugs!!!!!
Marie-Anne
Dearest Marie-Anne,
DeleteWell, I am a rather tough bird and can endure a high pain-level and don't like to complain. It was not easy and it seemed like everything came together. Let's hope that my hands do steer clear of any problems for a long time to come.
Happy weekend to you and lots of hugs,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette
ReplyDeletePoor you.
It's very debilitating when not a finger or hand work.
It swelled significantly after surgery - really hope you get it right now and you do not have pain.
Hugs to you
Kajsa
Dearest Kajsa,
DeleteIt was rather tough for getting through those weeks when I hardly could use my hand but by now I function very well and I accept this stiff and crooked finger for what it is. No more pain involved so don't worry!
Hugs,
Mariette
Thank you for posting such a detailed blog with pictures. I have 3 fingers affected just like yours. It's been over a year for me. I appreciated your photos of different treatment contraptions, I use all but two, and have found them all by myself without help from docs and therapists in Canada who have not been helpful. I'm practically disabled in my left hand - 3 fingers don't straighten and don't bend. I watched it all progress over the past year as I desperately looked for help (I was 39). Who has fashioned the finger bender white cloth band for you? Is it for sale anywhere? Also can you give more details of the whirlpool "At +OrthoGeorgia I started out each time with this Whirlpool treatment. Ground up corn cobs, an inert medium, are being circulated by hot air inside." Perhaps my hand clinic has something similar. They have provided a night cast for me that I wear at night to prevent accidentally bending my fingers (pain) which is like my security blanket allowing me to sleep in peace again.
ReplyDeleteThank you and I wish you full recovery,
Dee
Dearest Dee,
DeleteThank you for your visit and comment.
The white finger bender is just a simple piece of elastic strap, that you could buy at any WalMart or store for sewing notions. You just cut off a piece and staple the two ends together. Figuring out the correct size, cut it longer so you can adjust it and tighten if needed to. To me that looked genial and so simple. Wish they had shown me this right away when my finger probably could have healed completely.
As for that Whirlpool treatment, there is not much that I can add. This was just used as a kind of warm up, for making muscles more supple and pliable I guess. You could ask at your clinic if they have something like that.
Good that you got a cast for wearing at night so you can rest peacefully without having to worry that you hurt your fingers by accidental bending.
My hand is not causing me pain but I cannot bend that index finger at all. That does restrict you in a number of things but life goes on; it could be worse!
Wishing you well, especially at such a young age.
Hugs,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your reply and comments. I will try to fashion something similar for my left hand to help my fingers bend. I am also thinking of seeing a surgeon to see if maybe the tendons need to be extended or maybe he can help my tendons glide better. Thank you again,
Dee