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Wow, have I been mislead?

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Posted 5/16/2012 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
nono  After reading all of the post regarding recovery after trigger finger surgery, I think I may have been mislead by my doctor. I am having surgery tomorrow on my middle finger, right hand. I was told that I would be bending my finger normally immediately after surgery and that as soon as the stitches were removed my finger would be normal again. Wasn't told about any PT. I mentioned that I am going on a trip at the end of the month and they said "great! Everything will be back to normal by then." I take care of my 84 yr. old mother and only made arrangements for someone else to care for her the day of surgery and figured I would be able to do everything starting the day after surgery. Wow, I hope my doc is a miracle doc and can do all that he promised, RIGHT!  I am glad that I read all of the posts so I won't be shocked when I find out my doc isn't a miracle doc but speaks with forked tongue instead. Thank you everyone and will update at a later date.
Posted 5/16/2012 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the boards...

Unfortunately....there is not a surgery in the world where someone is "perfectly" normal the day afterwards....

I've had many different surgeries from removing a Morton's Neuroma from my foot....to 2 laprascopic knee surgeries....to 4 abdominal lap surgeries for cysts....adhesions....and appendix removal...To the major ones for my cervical fusions...

But even in the "small" surgeries...it takes a few weeks to start getting better day by day.

The "best" recovery for me was the appendix removal as I was in my 20's....and within 7 days I was at the beach playing volleyball...The only real pain by then was accidentally getting hit with a ball in the stomach! Ouch!!

But the first few days were awful because of the trapped air/gas....

I haven't had the specific trigger finger surgery...but just stating that you should never believe any surgeon who says that you will be 100% in 24 hours....That is just not possible.

Obviously it's too late to get a 2nd opinion.....and of course...everyone is different in their recovery and those of us on this board have chronic pain...So there are thousands of people who have had this surgery and others and are doing great...out living their lives...and don't have anymore pain or issues...They aren't going to post online about that..

The internet is usually filled with more "negative" than positive and this goes for anything in life from this to buying a refrigerator...Someone will come online to complain about an issue..

So...try to have a positive outlook...And go ahead and ask the Dr. about PT....Say that you want to have every opportunity to heal quickly and appropriately and you would like to have some at home exercises to do...Especially to prevent a lot of scar tissue....

And just know that it will get better....but day by day. Do NOT try to do too much....listen to your OWN body....So regardless of what the surgeon says....take it slowly.

Good luck and we look forward to an update..
Posted 5/16/2012 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
The doctor who performed my hip surgery in 2006 told me that I would be able to drive and get back to work in 3-4 days. It took 3-4 months before I was able to move my leg from brake to accelerator.... and so I had to have someone drive me to/from work all that time.

It seems surgeons are notorious in this regard.
Posted 5/16/2012 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
Start looking into PT and call around, maybe your pcp could give your a good PT program..
Make sure the splint doesn't stay on for long...and if your at all ill at ease then cancel the
appointment and get a second opinion...as they do have many hand specialist out there go and find
the top one in your area...If it was me and I felt duped like your feeling and not getting
good answers then I'd cancel and try another doctor...
Posted 5/19/2012 10:22 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Snowbunny.

I had my surgery 2 days ago. I am happy to report that all went great. I am not 100% back to normal of course but I have to admit my doctor must be excellent because I am hardly sore, no pain at all unless I bumped something hard, but overall my finger is 100% better then before surgery. I can't make a complete fist yet due to the swelling but almost and I can almost straighten it completely out. I go back in 1 week to remove the stitches and the doctor said that if I had any stiffness at that time he would give me some simple excercises to do at home that would take care of that. I was suprised that I didn't have to wear a badage after the first day but the incision is healing nicely. To all of you that are having so much difficulty and that are still in pain, my heart goes out to you. I happen to be one of the lucky ones and I think my doctor is great. Thanks for all of your support and good luck to you all. smilewinkgrin

Posted 5/19/2012 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad it worked out for you. Hope it continues to go good for yoy.
Don't over do things, but make sure you do use you hand, so it won't be
stiff. Many more well wishes...
Posted 5/19/2012 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Yippee! I love to hear great stories:) As mentioned...just keep taking it slow and one day at a time...

I guess my main point was that a surgeon should never "promise" something like that...but recovering quickly and healing beautifully is something we should all "hope" for...

Because yes...those of us on this site are the one's where it hasn't gone smoothly and we end up with chronic pain.

And it sounds funny to say that we hope you get so much better that you don't have to be on here! LOL...

We do, however, appreciate the updates to know how you are doing:)
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