Since many are asking–thank you–here’s another update.
Going to hand PT twice a week, as well as religiously doing my exercises at home throughout the 20-plus hours that I’m normally awake, and the results are fantastic. At this point, I have almost 100% movement, mobility and dexterity–the only thing holding me back is the tightness and restriction of the actual sutures.
A little more info on the actual surgery, since some are curious.
With the first two doctors that I saw, still not knowing what the problem actually was, both mentioned surgery via making the incision on the front of my pinky, meaning, if my hand was flat on a surface, facing up, the incision would be on that upside in the middle of the finger. One suggested a diagonal cut from joint to joint and the other suggested a zig zag cut, also from joint to joint. Of course, just the thought of surgery had me concerned, but regarding the ‘cut’, I had no idea what was better or best, right or wrong. And, as previously mentioned, I did not choose either doctor.
Cut (no pun intended) to my first day at PT, which by the way, I would like to sing the praises of Brian Spencer MS, OTR/L, CHT and his company Hollywood Hands! If anyone out there is having any issues from bicep to fingertip, this is the place to go. I cannot name [famous] names, due to privacy reasons and laws, but Brian has successfully worked on and rehabilitated many top musicians, actors and sports people, etc., and now me. And of course, you don’t need to be a musician, actor or sports figure, he and they work on everyone.
Anyway, I show up to Hollywood Hands, and as soon as they take the bandages off, the physical therapist calls Brian over to look at my finger, and he immediately remarks, “Looks like Dr. Kulber to me… you went to the best.” He then explained the technique that Dr. Kulber used on me, which was very different than the other two mentioned. Instead of making the cut on the front of my finger, which could have caused an issue with scar tissue on or over both joints, Dr. Kulber made the incision down the inside of my finger, leaving me with no chance of obstructed or prohibited movement. That surgery is a more intricate and delicate procedure, due to the proximity of the cut to the ulnar nerve, but considering my profession and what I do with my hands, it was the best choice and he pulled it off perfectly.
Stitches come out next week and I should be able to start playing the week following. Then it’s rehearsals and learning some new material for the next run.
Lastly, I firmly and unequivocally believe in the power of paw healing… it’s not to be underestimated!
Mover
Related Posts
