Dupuytren's contracture

thirdcrank
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Re: Dupuytren's contracture

Post by thirdcrank »

It's not worked out how to sink sherbet
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Mick F
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Re: Dupuytren's contracture

Post by Mick F »

Went to Derriford Hospital yesterday afternoon for my right pinkie to be released.
I've formally turned down the full operations on my hands as each one will take multiple weeks in plaster/bandages/splints.
Two to do of course, so it'll be months and months before I'm free of it.

I can manage with crooked pinkies, and if either of them becomes and issue in the future, partial or full amputation is the preferred option. The specialist sort of agrees with me, as amputation is easier to heal.

Left pinkie was done in May, and although it's retracted a bit since it was done, it seems to have stabilised. My right pinkie was becoming a real issue, and it took the specialist quite a bit of tugging and bending, and as a consequence, the back of my hand is quite sore. The wound stings a bit, but it's fine.

This is my right hand at present. Going to change the dressing later this morning.
IMG_1623.jpg
Mick F. Cornwall
Jdsk
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Re: Dupuytren's contracture

Post by Jdsk »

I hope that heals as quickly as possible.

How about some photos of the one that was done first?

Jonathan
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Mick F
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Re: Dupuytren's contracture

Post by Mick F »

Plaster off. Feeling a bit queazy! :oops:
IMG_1625.jpg
Left pinkie as of now. Refer back up this thread for the gory details.
IMG_1626.jpg
Mick F. Cornwall
Jdsk
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Re: Dupuytren's contracture

Post by Jdsk »

Thanks.

Is that the maximum extension that you can get on your left hand?

Jonathan
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Mick F
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Re: Dupuytren's contracture

Post by Mick F »

Of course! :shock:

Why would I display my fingers unless they were out as far as they would go?
Mick F. Cornwall
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Mick F
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Re: Dupuytren's contracture

Post by Mick F »

I had an appointment with the specialist yesterday afternoon.

She and me had a good chat and she said that my fingers need the operation very soon. She asked me how I was getting on with them, and I said that I was fine and getting used to my pinkies being hooked ........... and not interfering with my life - or cycling! :D

I said that to have the op, my hand would be out of action for a quite a few weeks. She said I was correct and she explained what would happen and how she would do it and take a skin graft off my palm to patch up the open flesh. She added that I mustn't get the dressing wet or dirty, and that each hand would be done months apart.

I turned it all down, and she and I agreed that I should be discharged off the waiting list. The idea of being "without a hand" for a month or more is terrible. Also to repeat it for the other hand!

Future?
Amputation is my favourite option and she explained - as I already knew - that the operation would be FAR simpler and less restrictive and much easier to do and easier to get over. She said that the best way was to remove the whole finger and side of the hand, to "taper" the palm. The spare skin would be folded over.

Meanwhile I'll cope.
If they become a bad issue for me, I see my GP and get a referral back to the hospital for the amputation of each pinkie or at least the worst one - the left first methinks.
Mick F. Cornwall
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