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I've put this surgery off for a while, it's now due.
Consultants said no driving for 6 weeks, no bike riding for 12 weeks.
How will I cope with only one hand?
How will I chop an onion?
Any insights???
mandolin..... No, not the guitar type one 🙂
Funnily though i do at times get a one-handed woman on Insta popping up and chopping veg etc.
That's an eye openner!
I am waiting to get an initial consultation but I never imagined that degree of one handedness.
Presumably the op is on your dominant hand?
I don't know how you will manage but good luck.
Don't worry. You'll quickly adapt and it's only for a short time.
Depending which hand it is you may find your daily ablutions can be a bit awkward and wiping can be tricky.
My right (dominant) arm was useless for about 6 months after my shoulder was rebuilt due to the operation and some nerve damage. It can be very, very frustrating but you have to accept that it is what it is. Don't struggle and risk hurting yourself. If you need help ask for it.
As for onion chopping: no idea, sorry. 🙂
I'll let you know. I am having my right hand done a week on Friday. I'm right handed. Its going to cramp my style that's for sure. What I'm most gutted about is that after a long lay off, I've got back into the gym over the last 6 months and made good progress. Still, it's not far off stopping me me cycling, motorcycling etc so I'm very glad to be getting it sorted.
I'm not looking forward to this. Both siblings have it, I have early signs of it.
My brother is much more advanced and just been told they need to look at surgery at some point. He is an architect and rider, both of which need his dominant hand to work well.
Yea it's my dominant hand, I might also have to move house during that period too and I live alone.
Buy some bags of frozen chopped onions. Or chop now and freeze.
Ask for an appointment with the department's OT (Occupational therapist). They will have some tips and ideas for bits of equipment that may help... like a chopping board with edges or spikes so you can use it with one hand. Lots of people living life with only one hand!
And put off the moving. You want to recover from this as well as possible. Hands are REALLY complex.
All the best with it.
Can you use the hand at all after the surgery or is it totally immobile? I had my right hand in plaster for six weeks due to a broken thumb, from the tips of my fingers and thumb to halfway up my forearm. You get used to it, basically, and adapt pretty quickly.
@IHN - I'm just out of a cast for a broken thumb. 5 weeks, plus no off road until at least December. My cast was only to my knuckles on my fingers. But couldn't touch first finger to thumb which effectively makes the hand useless.
It's pretty glum. My left hand was amazingly imprecise for most tasks. And it's surprising how many tasks require both hands to be fairly dextrous - using a knife for example - unless you can hold the vegetable very steady with the other hand you still can't cut it. I'm sure there are adaptations, and I was getting better by the end.
Relax into it and it goes pretty quickly. I caught up on some TV I'd been meaning to watch for ages (9 hours of Get Back), spent an hour a day on the Wattbike, read a bit. Took things a bit more slowly - walked around my local area (rather than riding). Sat in the park and read. A bit different.
Blimey, my mum has that contracture thing, started in her 80s. I didn't realise it affected us younguns (ahem)! Paranoid now
Mine started in my late 30s and has taken a long time to progress. I can still do most things and I am 70.
My mum had it, from her mid 70s, just lived with it. I have tell tale signs on the palm of my right hand, below ring finger, I'm (very) early 60s.
Hope the op goes well op, if it gives you back a good functional hand, the few weeks inconvenience will be soon forgotten!
I am really surprised by this 6 week ban for driving - what is reason for that, painkillers or cast?
Tried some manual therapy for my affected hand - had bit of a slip at swimming pool on vacation and smacked my my hand fairly hard. The bent finger was forced straight and beyond and it has been worse than before even if most of the swelling has gone away.
I've struggled for a short while, due to breaking my collar bone, though I was able to cheat, as my right hand worked but was initally immobilized. Having a very understanding partner helped me, though I'm still using my left arm almost as my domiant arm now (shoulder looks to be frozen), if anything too much, as I need to use the damaged side more.. Ablutions were a struggle to start with but managable after a while, electric toothbrush was a godsend, silicon scourer meant I could wash my working hand, while the scourer was held loosely by the other one. Lots of veg comes pre-chopped, though I wouldn't buy this at any other time, or a food processor can chop stuff up easily.
Oh and my car battery died from non use, maybe disconnect it, or run the car regualrly to keep the battery topped up.
..trying to think of anything else..
Probably the minor inconvenience of not being able to control the vehicle safely with one hand. Though somehow the muppets with phones glued to their hand manage it.
Post op pain relief is paracetamol only, so it won't be analgesia affecting driving.
To those whose parents have it, it is genetic, so if you find yourself with curly fingers, that'll be it.
Consultants advice is that I MUST put the finger through full range of movement regularly from day one post surgery, it will be painful, but must be done as everything in the hand has tightened over years and needs stretching back to normal.
Due to a rugby injury I’ve pretty much lost the use of my left arm. It works, I’m holding my phone in my left hand as I type this, but that’s about as useful as it gets.
TBH you learn to adapt very quickly. Getting dressed was probably the most difficult thing for me, for a couple of years my arm wouldn’t move, so I really was one handed. Riding off road is troublesome, 45 mins max on fairly gentle terrain. Changing tyres is a no no. I know other people with limited mobility can do it….but not me!
My mate had the same op last year and I don't recall him being off the bike very long to be honest. One of those times when a turbo is useful.
Did he have that fitted at the same time?
Hi
I'll be amazed if it takes 6 weeks.
I had the surgery a few years ago on my right hand pinky, and was working again that afternoon. Couple of weeks of not gripping tightly, but was generally fine with normal day to day stuff within a day or so.
Course, that's a pinky, rather than a finger used more often (but then one of the interesting snippets I've discovered with all this is that something like 33% of your grip strength is in your little finger.). Depends of course on what exactly you're having done. And whether your car is automatic.
Post operative - surely they should be providing a splint?
I was one armed for a month or so when I did my left shoulder in, fortunately not my dominant arm/hand.
Only things I remember being annoying were the inability to put my socks on easily and not being able to have a bath as I couldn't lift myself out.
Lack of driving wasn't a huge issue as I WFH and my wife drives, chopping stuff was okay as I have sharp knives.
Obviously missed riding a bike but did a lot of walking instead, which was kinda okay. Certainly better than staying indoors.
I use a Thai inspired shower hose, no wiping here!
Bloody immigrants vikings neanderthals.
I have the nodules under my left ring finger but so far no contracture.
I posted something on FB about my imminent Dupytren's surgery and the PITA of losing the use of a hand for a few weeks. I got a deserved shit-ton of abuse from a couple of veteran mates. One of whom is missing his right hand and one who is a triple amputee. Perspective restored, bloke back in his box and scoffing MTFU tablets!
You'll be OK OP, good luck with the surgery when it comes around. If I remember or if you remind me, I'll check back in on here after my Op (8th November) with any onion chopping/general coping experiences.
Lots of veg, including sliced onions, can be found in the frozen isle packs these days.
I lost use of my dominant hand for a few months after my Xmas '13 RTA, fortunately my better half helped me when I wasn't staying at Salisbury's Odstock Rd rehab unit Mon-Fri. My left hand quickly learned to do a lot of things it wouldn't normally do.
I'm going to have surgery for mine at some point, I'll be buying some pogies this winter as I can no longer get a thick pair of gloves on in under 20 mins.
hope it all goes well for you.
I worked with a guy who had no use of his left arm- it was impressive seeing him tie a shoelace one handed, but he’d had years of practice.
Yea it’s my dominant hand, ...... I live alone
Why is no-one else pointing out the most obvious issue?
I'm on the waiting list for my Dupytren's surgery...
It's for my left hand pinky finger, although the right hand has started now as well. Has anyone considered not going ahead with the surgery and just living with a bent finger? Mine actually doesn't affect me too much, beyond difficulty getting gloves on, so I'm not sure of the benefits of having the surgery and being out of action for several weeks (potentially stopping me from doing things I really enjoy - skiing, sailing, cycling etc). Also, I'm told that the Dupytren's contracture will almost certainly return at some point anyway...
I’m not sure of the benefits of having the surgery and being out of action for several weeks (potentially stopping me from doing things I really enjoy – skiing, sailing, cycling etc).
That's far better than the contracture stopping me doing those things permanently, which mine definitely will if I leave it much longer. It's already stopping me doing a lot of stuff I enjoy and it's only going to get worse. Perhaps yours isn't that bad? In which case that's a valid question for you. In my case though, rather than not having the surgery, I have considered (seriously) elective amputation of my little finger as another option. Hopefully the surgery will work. I know the contracture can come back, but the op can be repeated. In my Dad's case he got a good 15-17 years post op before it needed doing again. I'll take that.
I've had this surgery three times and I'm awaiting the fourth. No driving is a pain. I replaced it with taking the dog for very long walks. This helped to get me out and keep me sane. I found that I could do most things with one hand, however tying shoe laces and buttering toast defeated me.
I've had this surgery three times and I’m awaiting the fourth.
Interesting. Same hand? NHS or private? What was the interval between surgeries and the contracture returning? How long after surgery before were you able to use your hand again normally? Was there any loss of function after surgery - movement, grip strength etc?
Sorry to bombard you with questions! I'm just curious about the possible outcomes from my own imminent surgery.
My niece has no fingers on her left hand and a thumb with only 1 joint.
She can thread a Swifty bracelet and tie it off. You'll adapt, it'll take a little while.
You could always get a special knife hand attachment, you'll be fine as long as you don't come up against Bruce Lee. Thankfully he's now up in the big dojo in the sky. 
Do you have a local bowling alley you dont need to drive to?
In my case though, rather than not having the surgery, I have considered (seriously) elective amputation of my little finger as another option
After the contracture came back for my mum she ended up having this done. I can't remember now why they said she couldn't have the contracture surgery again. She was surprised at how much you use your little finger for day to day stuff, even a really bent one. She's adapted now though and its better than the dupuytrens was.
My brother has the starting of it as well. Fingers crossed (while I can) I don't seem to have it (yet)
Eight weeks in to being effectively one handed (pinned finger fractures that healed well but then a second op last week to investigate potential osteomyelitis in another, uninjured, knuckle). Even with hand out of a cast three of my fingers are now effectively 'stuck' (only really mobile at the knuckle joint with the hand - will only bend at the other joints if forced with my other hand*) so not much use. Following second surgery even the index finger which was OK is now stiffening up.
Luckily my affected hand is my non-dominant one. Even so, everyday stuff can be ridiculously frustrating but you just find a way or not do that thing. You quickly learn how prehensile your mouth is... At least with some use of the index finger and the stuck fingers free I can do more - riding is a way off yet though I think and I've even just bought a smart trainer...
Given the extent of my 'stuckness' I'm facing 6 months of rehab until I get anything like full movement and strength back. Was just starting to see some progress but then they threw the new surgery in so now set back about 3 or 4 weeks again.
* I'm finding this fascinating though - I know the movement is physically there as while I couldn't feel the discomfort under the regional block for the last surgery the surgeon crunched the frozen hand into a fist. Interesting how much of the stuckness is physical (tendons are obviously not working as they should) and how much is mental as I can bend the fingers using external force but they won't bend on command - feels like my brain/body have forgotten how to make the fingers move following the periods of immobility in the cast?
I'm sorry, but someone has to and it might as well be me.
"Username checks out."
Have a look at DMSO, maybe shows promise as therapy. As of Friday this article’s only up for 48 hours but these 2 days you can download a pdf free.
I have it and could share.
Yeah Dr. Mercola is considered contentious by some but there are some gems shared there.
.
extract:
“ “ Protein support — Uniquely, DMSO helps stabilize and refold misfolded proteins, offering hope for genetic disorders and diseases with protein build-up (e.g., amyloidosis, Dupuytren’s contracture, Peyronie’s disease). It’s even shown lifesaving benefits in challenging conditions like scleroderma”
Further to my previous entry. I've had surgery on both hands. Symptoms started when I was 40, now 53. Each time the recovery is 6 to 8 weeks. I've had no long term issues, or nerve damage. Hopefully this remains the case, but it's a real concern, for each operation. I'm lucky that I have health insurance to cover the procedures as the waiting times with NHS are long.
I’ll let you know. I am having my right hand done a week on Friday.
All done. Still spaced out on GA after effects but following my nutritional recovery plan diligently. Cast off in a week, stitches out after 10 days, splint at night time for 3 months.
Take solace from the fact this means you are a viking! Its a relatively recent ( in evolutionary terms) mutation that occurred in the viking population so you only get it if you have a viking ancestor.
Particularly living on your own then you do need an OT assessment. As above - there are gadgets that can help and an OT is the person to help
Thanks TJ. Mrs Bloke, currently driving me home is primed to help me. Sköl!!
When my dominant hand was in a cast for three months due to a very serious wrist fracture (among many others), I bought the recumbent trike to continue commuting to work 🙂 . The insurance of the at fault driver paid for it. It took a while to use the left hand for mouse and typing. And at least CTRL-ALT-DEL has finally gone! Hope you heal fast.
Take solace from the fact this means you are a viking!
My Chinese colleague is a viking? He'll be delighted as a first generation migrant!
tired - thats what I have thought it was - a chinese bloke getting it - thats weird.
I’ll cross my fingers for your recovery while I still can. Heal well!
OP. TD/LR life disruption is minimal, results are fantastic. 100% worth it for me.
I'm exactly 1 week post op and had my cast removed this morning. I have a light dressing on for a few more days and have the sutures out on Monday. I am really, really chuffed with how well it's gone. I've had no pain at all, even immediately post op. I already have nearly full movement back in my hand. My finger is almost completely straight, maybe 97 or 98%. All the sometimes painful nodules are gone.
The cast wasn't too bad. A bit uncomfortable sleeping and a pain having to wrap it up for showers. I had my thumb and two good fingers sticking out, so I wasn't completely one handed. From now, I'm encouraged to use my hand as much as possible. It'll be at least a month I reckon before I'm cycling. I have physio to do, have to wear a splint at night and need to treat the scar with E45. In my case the contracture was seriously inhibiting lots of stuff I like to do. The improvement, after just one week is remarkable. Big up the awesome NHS.YMMV, but for me it has really improved my quality of life with no downsides.
My hand now. To be fair, there is a very juicy scar under the dressing (pics available on request)! If anyone asks, I earned it in a knife fight in a Saigon bar in 76, - but I don't like to talk about it!
@qwerty - update. 2 ½ weeks post op. Hand almost completely healed, I've been driving for nearly a week, now riding a bike (road not MTB yet) and most other stuff. I'm back in the gym, though using much lighter weights for any hand/upper body exercises. I can do press ups again for the first time in a few years as I can now flatten my palm completely. All the above sanctioned by the physio.
So a few more weeks until I can start swinging kettlebells or doing any DH runs, but other than that, the disruption to my life has been minimal and I can do a lot more now with my hand than I could before. So don't let the worry of being out of action for ages stop you getting your hand fixed.
That's awesome recovery. Good stuff!
Just makes me jealous though. Still not back on the bike nearly 3 months post-injury (a month post last surgery) and with maybe 40% movement in three fingers - this is me trying my hardest to make a fist (ignore the weird pinkness - trying to keep the residual swelling down)...
Sorry to hear that @colournoise. It does sound like your condition is complex with multiple ops. I think you said earlier in the thread rehab would take 6 months. You've a way to go yet, so hopefully things will improve!
@blokeuptheroad thanks for the positive update
@colournoise making a fist is easy the challenge is extending my little finger and ring finger - my consultant was certain that I must start full finger extension from day one post op, regardless of pain.
Just had the op yesterday. Hope I get as good a result as you @blokeuptheroad. Think mine was a bit worse than yours and affected 2 fingers.
Best of luck for a great result and with the recovery @Oblongbob. I saw my consultant for a follow up review 2 days ago. He was pretty pleased with my progress, as am I. There are no restrictions now, I'm riding mtb again and basically using my hand as it was before the contracture started. I have some very minor numbness on the outside edge of my little finger, which may or may not improve, but otherwise it's been great.
Apparently a nerve in my pinky was nicked as it was caught up in the fascia, but the surgeon repaired and hopes it’ll heal ok. I can feel on the tip of the finger so hope that’s a good sign. A bit achy just now but paracetamol is enough to take the edge off. Haven’t needed the codeine they gave me. Dressing to be changed on Monday morning so I’ll get a look at the gore then!
So, I had my surgery today under GA with nerve blocks to keep the pain down over the next 48hrs, consultant said mine was pretty bad, unlikely to be fully straightened but will be better. Physio follow up in 5 days with consultant in 2 weeks, home with codeine which I aim too avoid unless absolutely needed. Hospital team were amazing 🤙🏻
I've had the surgery twice now on the same finger, left pinkie. First time in 2008 then again 2017 and it's just as bad again, it didn't take that long after the surgery each time to start contracting again. Given up with having it done again as it doesn't really affect anything, I've basically got used to it being like that!
Got lots of other nodules on both hands but they aren't affecting anything yet.
Both times after the surgery the physios said to get it moving ASAP, around 3 days IIRC, they said not to worry about the wound bleeding and stretch it as much as possible. I only had a couple of weeks off work so would have been driving and was back on the mtb once the stitches were out, albeit easy rides to start with.
Codeine helps me sleep. Only take it at night (different issues). No issues with bowl movements unless it's taken as prescribed, 4x a day.
I've a half slab cast fitted that has my fingers curled so no option to straighten until it comes off in 5 days.
Consultant thought I need a skin graft but I didn't get one which is good.
Nerve blockers still working 19hrs later but feeling gradually coming back .
I slept well last night without codeine.
So, 16 days post surgery and I managed a few miles along a flat cycle track on my folding bike.
My consultants not available to review so I had my stitches out at 14 days at my GP surgery, it feels much better with those removed and seems to be healing better.
My little finger is still really swollen which is inhibiting ROM and is still numb laterally and in the palm, time will tell if felling comes back as the swelling subsided or if it's permanent.
My little finger can straighten but I can't flex due to the swelling which is ironic.
Nearly at the end of my 24/7 splint, then it's 6 months of sleeping with it on.
6 months after my little finger surgery hell tackle my ring finger.
I had surgery in May. The palm swelling as gone down alot but is a little tender if using a screwdriver or something similar.
My finger is still a bit swollen and I can't use full grip with it. This is possibly because of some scar tissue?
@Bruce did you massage the palm / finger during rehab / physio?
I have been massaging my palm and finger since the wound healed using E45 cream. My finger still has a bend in it.
I have been surprised how little contact I have had with doctors throughout the process.
I'm 5 weeks and a few days in now, palm and little finger still have numbness in them, I seem to have a large amount of scar tissue that needs massaging and making a fist to break down.
I wore the splint continually for two weeks and now it's nights only for 6 months, my finger is straight in the morning but starts to curl a few hours after taking the splint off.
My palm still has a small 6mm bit of skin / scar tissue that needs to close but is resistant, this really impedes my ability to make a fist, I can just about clasp a handlebar diameter - I managed my first off road easy ride this week.
I'm a bit worried it's already trying to go back to it's previous shape, time will tell.
I had numbness for several months but it has gradually reduced until finger sensation is back to normal.
My finger is like yours quite straight in the morning and curls during the day.
I still can't fully bend my finger so I suppose there is some scar tissue.
I have enough grip now for cycling, sea kayaking , heavy furniture moving, scything and high grip diy activities.
Hopefully your hand will gradually return to normalish as well.
Good luck.
@qwerty it's still relatively early days for you. I had similar at that stage. I was religious about wearing the splint, massaging with E45 and doing the physio exercises for months. Mine still sometimes gets a little tight and starts to curl in ever so slightly, 9 months in. So I still stretch and massage a little every day, and that seems to relax and straighten it. So most of the time it is as straight as it was after the op - about a 5 degree bend as opposed to more than a 90 degree bend before. I can do so much more than before, it was definitely worth it for me. Best of luck with your continued recovery.
Thanks for the upbeat vibes both 🤙🏻