The trip to the Clinic Friday was very successful. They unwrapped Linda's hand, removed the plaster splint and removed half of the stitches. We thought all the stitches would be removed but it turns out they need to keep half of the stitches in another week to insure everything holds together. Sounded good to us!
The surgeon was very pleased with the minimal swelling, her finger movement and the healing of the incision. He explained that Linda needs to progress slowly in getting her hand and fingers into shape. The two joints at the end of her fingers are exercised first and the knuckles are to remain stationary. Consequently she has a new splint. This one however allows her fingers some movement and physical therapy finger exercises have begun. This splint can be removed in order to change the bandages and clean her hand with alcohol. Other than that she needs to keep the splint on 24-7 in order to protect her knuckles as they heal.
Of course Linda had to raise the question of how soon the surgeon would do her other hand. He shook his head and said "Let's just get this one finished first." Fortunately, Linda persisted and assured him she would do everything a good patient needs to do but wanted to get on the schedule as it can take a couple months of waiting. She reminded him that she wants to be finished with the other hand in May. He relented and said "I know you are a good patient, that should work!" I'm certain getting on the schedule will be a topic for discussion Friday.
We will be going to Key West Wednesday to meet with the physical therapist that will be working with Linda. This therapist is only an hour away versus three hours to the Clinic. She will be taking measurements for a pretty elaborate splint that will be used to help bring her knuckles up to speed. Sounds pretty interesting. The physical therapy will continue in Key West.
We will return to the Clinic Friday for another visit with the surgeon and to have the remaining stitches removed. .
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| Before the surgery |
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| After the surgery Click on the video to see the marvelous results so far! |
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