Newbie

villier

Hi

Just joined this forum I have to get a finger fusion on the dip joint on my index finger has anyone had this procedure done and what it entails will I be able to drive after the op? thanks in advance

Numptydumpty

Hi Villier, and welcome to the forum.
I have recently had a wrist fusion. I am in a plaster cast from just below my elbow to my knuckles, (and will be for two months), so obviously driving isn't an option for me. I have no experience of finger fusion, so I'm afraid I'm no help to you really. Could you speak to your consultant? I'm sure someone will be along soon who can help.
All the best,
Numpty

villier

Thanks Numpty sorry to hear about your wrist hope you are not in to much pain......villier

barbara12

Hi villier
Sorry I cant offer any advice, but I just want to add my support and welcome you to the forum.
Hopefully someone will be along very soon, only saying that it can be quiet on the weekends.
You take care x

villier

barbara12 wrote:

Hi villier
Sorry I cant offer any advice, but I just want to add my support and welcome you to the forum.
Hopefully someone will be along very soon, only saying that it can be quiet on the weekends.
You take care x

Thanks Barbara appreciate your reply.........tc..........Marie xx

Soretoe2

Hi villier, i've not had fingers done yet but have had two thumb fusions and may have a couple of fingers done next year.
For both of them I was in an open cast up to my elbow for about 10 days and then went into a plaster cast for a month. After that I was fitted with a small plastic cast that just covered my thumb until the bone had healed properly. This is removeable for careful washing.
I am not able to drive due to my disabilities but I would not have been able to when the two casts were on. I would imagine you could with the small plastic one though.
I'm not sure if fingers are treated in a different way to thumbs, you may find that you will not have the big cast on.
I found the first couple of days quite painful but after that it was fine. The occasional stab out of the blue and a bit of aching. This is the bone mending.
It is more the awkwardness of it all that is the problem rather than the pain. It's surprising how difficult doing some ordinary things becomes.
I would do what Numpty has mentioned and have a word with the surgeon.
The only other thing I can suggest is you google it.
I googled thumb fusion operation and came up with a rather gruesome blog complete with pictures that was very informative, so I knew what was coming. Luckily I'm not a wuss and still went ahead with it.
Hope this helps a bit, hopefully someone will come along whose had the finger job!

villier

Soretoe2 wrote:

Hi villier, i've not had fingers done yet but have had two thumb fusions and may have a couple of fingers done next year.
For both of them I was in an open cast up to my elbow for about 10 days and then went into a plaster cast for a month. After that I was fitted with a small plastic cast that just covered my thumb until the bone had healed properly. This is removeable for careful washing.
I am not able to drive due to my disabilities but I would not have been able to when the two casts were on. I would imagine you could with the small plastic one though.
I'm not sure if fingers are treated in a different way to thumbs, you may find that you will not have the big cast on.
I found the first couple of days quite painful but after that it was fine. The occasional stab out of the blue and a bit of aching. This is the bone mending.
It is more the awkwardness of it all that is the problem rather than the pain. It's surprising how difficult doing some ordinary things becomes.
I would do what Numpty has mentioned and have a word with the surgeon.
The only other thing I can suggest is you google it.
I googled thumb fusion operation and came up with a rather gruesome blog complete with pictures that was very informative, so I knew what was coming. Luckily I'm not a wuss and still went ahead with it.
Hope this helps a bit, hopefully someone will come along whose had the finger job!

Hi soretoe2 thanks for your reply, the surgeon mentioned something about a splint for 6-8 weeks at that moment I wasn't really taking much in as to what she was saying being gobsmacked that I was having to get this done, I need to drive as I don't have any family near me, I also have a neurological condition and need to get to hospital every couple of weeks for treatment, I have actually seen a video on youtube of a finger operation(hasn't put me of) but doesn't say much to what happens afterwards, thanks again.....tc...........Marie

stickywicket

Hello villier. Sorry, I can't help at all but just wanted to say welcome to the forum from me too.

elnafinn

Not sure if this will help, Villier but it will not take long to view:

http://www.eorthopod.com/content/finger-fusion-surgery

There is a section on post surgery and /rehab but no specific mention of driving.

Here is another website:
http://handtoelbow.com/finger-dipj-arthritis/

Here it states after 2 - 3 weeks you can probably drive again. I read this elsewhere too but best discuss this with the surgeon.

Elna x

villier

stickywicket wrote:

Hello villier. Sorry, I can't help at all but just wanted to say welcome to the forum from me too.

Thanks Sticky for the welcome.......tc.........Marie x

villier

elnafinn wrote:

Not sure if this will help, Villier but it will not take long to view:

http://www.eorthopod.com/content/finger-fusion-surgery

There is a section on post surgery and /rehab but no specific mention of driving.

Here is another website:
http://handtoelbow.com/finger-dipj-arthritis/

Here it states after 2 - 3 weeks you can probably drive again. I read this elsewhere too but best discuss this with the surgeon.

Elna x

Thanks Elna looks like I will have to phone the surgeon some sites say you will have a plaster cast but my surgeon mentioned splints.......tc....Marie x

frogmorton

Hi Marie

No experience, but just wanted to welcome you to the forums from me

I hope you will decide to stay and join us - we are a pretty nice bunch and very supportive

Love

Toni xx

villier

frogmorton wrote:

Hi Marie

No experience, but just wanted to welcome you to the forums from me

I hope you will decide to stay and join us - we are a pretty nice bunch and very supportive

Love

Toni xx

Awe thanks Toni great to know, have been feeling pretty crap past couple of days this was the straw that broke the camels back so to speak, to be honest the arthritis pain I can just about cope with it's the neurological pain on top of it I am struggling with thanks for your lovely welcome.........tc............Marie x