Trigger finger release recovery - normal?

I had trigger release surgery 2 weeks and 5 days ago. I had 10 days of bandages which I loved - no pain at all! It got worse after the bandages and stitches were removed as they I had to move my finger. I am having physio once a week and we are working on straightening my finger before starting strengthening it. I have been warned I will be starting scar massage in two days which will be interesting as I cannot touch the area yet as it just far to painful - it feels such a sharp, hot, burning pain where the tendon sheath was cut and the scar is a lumpy sore mess. My hand is still swollen and bruised even though I am icing is three times a day. My little finger alternates between numb and pins and needles.

My main problem is work. I am a medical secretary. For 7 1/2 hours a day I type medical reports (this is why I needed the surgery it was so painful at the end of the day). I have been off work since the operation. I just cannot type. The little finger was operated on but the finger next to it is also not working for typing. The pain and tugging is just impossible to ignore plus I am missing keys. I feel so bad being off sick because I have a poorly little finger! My physio has warned I may not be ready for my estimated return to work later next week as we are still at the straightening stage. A secretary who cannot type or write is pretty useless.

I had no idea the recovery would be so rough. I had no idea it would be a month off work. Everything I read on line implied have surgery and back to normal life in a week. My physio says I am being impatient and the wound is healing normal for a not yet three week old wound.

Any experiences of recovery post surgery? Am I being a wimp? I am dreading having to tell work I may need to stay away for another week but I know am just not ready. This short time typing (mostly finger typing) has just caused so much pain.

Hi Chloe, I'm in a similar situation but I had open carpal tunnel surgery. I had no idea the recovery would be so painful. Be patient and follow the recommendations of your physio person. I've been going twice a week for about 6 weeks or so. My surgery was July 6th and I'm finally going back to work but with significant restrictions. Scar massage is painful but stick with it and you'll see results. Are you able to go twice a week? I don't know how I would have recovered properly if I hadn't gone to OT. They did tell me every patient is different. Some are good to go after a couple of weeks and others go for 3 months. My pinky finger is a trigger finger now from the scar tissue and inflammation. The pinky and ring finger have been so hard to rehab back but I've been doing my hand exercises every night and they're so much better. Hang in there! It will get better with time. I had all of the same thoughts as you.

Hi chloe, so sorry to read how your surgeon acted. Believe me, you are not the first to encounter something like this with a surgeon. A lot of surgeons have the attitude once they do surgery the patient should be just fine & not have any residual problems. I really do not think its because NHS is paying his bill. We see this so much with private insurance.

I still think once a week with the physio is not enough. If you are comfortable with the physio at some point if things do not appear to be improving, you might ask if he can recommend another surgeon for a consult. Right now is probably too soon to be checked by another one. You should obtain a copy of the op report which you can get from the facility where your surgery was done.

Again, keep in mind do not compare your surgery to someone else's. Everyone heals differently so don't let that be an influence what you read online.

Keep us posted.

Thank you again for the replies. It is so difficult to ask for extra sessions on the NHS. I am seeing him again tomorrow so will ask. Just fed up and bored stupid being off work for so long now.