finger joint replacement post op

Fuschia

Hi, had two finger joints replaced 10 days ago. Doing all my physio etc, but one joint is still quite swollen, though not sore or infected. Does anyone know how long it may take for the swelling to go down? Many thanks,

Fuschia

skezier

Hi Fuschia,

Well done on having the 2 done and hope it will soon settle down. I don't know about finger joints and how long to the swelling goes down but as a general for ortho surgery its very early days and it can often take a good 3-4 weeks for the area to get back to normal. hang in there and if its really swollen maybe it would be a good idea to run it past your team?

Hope it will soon ease. Cris x

stickywicket

I've no experience with fingers but plenty with other joints and I agree with skezier - two weeks is early days. Mostly mine have been reasonable but, after one hip, the foot below it was so swollen Mr SW had to buy me a pair of slippers cos I couldn't get a shoe on - some of those slippers that open right up too. I guess it's the usual - rest and exercise. Let's know how you get on.

dreamdaisy

Firstly, well done on having that done and I hope it helps in the long run! Secondly, in view of what has been done I agree with the others viz the swelling: it may well take longer to settle than you may want but I am sure it will. Keep up with the physio - gently - rest your hand too and I hope that things soon begin to settle. If they don't, however, then a word with your GP or surgeon may be in order. I wish you well. DD

Folara

Wow I didn't know you could get fingers done. How fascinating and how hard must that have been to do. Sorry Fuscia, but that's just brilliant and well done for having it. I am not surprised its still swollen, it can take a while for that to go down and settle. When are you due to see the surgeon again? Give your doc a call and ask him about it, he should be able to reassure you.

Incidentally (and cos I'm nosey) was it done under a general aneasthetic? You can tell me to mind my own, I won't take offense

Fols x

stickywicket

I've just remembered That I knew someone who had all her knuckles done in the very early years of finger joint replacements. (I emphasise that because I don't want to scare anyone - this was back in the 1970s.) They worked well except that they locked up when they got really cold so, every time she took a bottle of milk out of the fridge, she was unable to let go of it for a minute or so until she'd warmed up again.

barbara12

Hi Fuschia
Sorry I cant offer any help, but I really do wish you well with it, when you feel up to it please let us know how you are doing.xx

Fuschia

Folara wrote:

Incidentally (and cos I'm nosey) was it done under a general aneasthetic? You can tell me to mind my own, I won't take offense

Fols x

not nosey at all I did have a general, but I was given a choice. The op took around 2.5 hrs and they used pyrocarbon joints. Pretty painful for a couple of days, but then eased off as the days went by.

Thank you for all the replies. It's nice to know the support is out there
I will be seeing the physio on Wednesday, so unless things get worse I will wait and see what she says. Maybe I have been overdoing the exercises!

Fuschia

skezier

Hi Fuschia

Its easy to over do things flower but glad your being seen on wens. Am up for pocket duties if you need and I hope it will go well. Cris x

Fuschia

Saw the physio today and all is well. The middle finger is bending really well, though still quite swollen. The ring finger has little bend, but is now being encouraged to play the game :shock: :? More physio on Friday.