post op instructions...

In Reply to: fresh from surgery!! posted by Frank on March 27, 2004 at 04:49:33:

: Well I hope the worst is over (for now). I had open cts syrgery on 3/25 and it seemed to go O.K. The only problem I had was the lack of post-op instructions I was given before I left for home. Basically all I was given was a script for pain(endocet) and an antibiotic(zethromax) along with my follow-up appt. for 4/1. I have a partial plaster cast that stabilizes my hand and wrist underneath and then the entire hand up to my mid forearm is wrapped in gauze and ACE bandaging. The heal of my hand to my elbow hurts like hell when I move my fingers too far backwards or too far frontwards (thank god for the painkillers). The thing is is that I don't know how many stitches I recieved, how to minimize the pain other than the pills and I've had a heck of a time sleeping moreso because of where to keep my hand to minimize the pain. Alot of complaining on my part I know, are there any suggestions out there I'll take as many as I can get. THANKS111

Keep your hand above your heart as much as you can. Flex the fingers at least every few minutes or so while awake. I'm linking to my web page, where you can get some exercises. Only do the finger ones for the first month!! Unless dr says other wise, of course. the first exercise sheet is all you need for now. The rest comes after the incision heals.