De'quervain's Surgery -- scheduled for 10/22

[dragnfly4444]

I am having De'quervain's surgery on Oct, 22, 2009.  I have had this problem since January 2009 after the birth of my daughter on Thanksgiving 2008.  I had a cortizone shot in Feb 2009 it lasted until June or so and the pain came back.  It has progressively gotten worse each day since the pain has made its reappearance.  My question is, after the surgery, how long is recovery and what can I expect?

[Rhettsmom07]

Had the same surgery( along with other surgeries) I can honestly say that, that is the only part of my hand that works like it should now. I still have some pain in that area but I think it is because of the other pain in my wrist.(radiating)


After Surgery
Rehabilitation is more involved after surgery. Full recovery could take several months. Pain and symptoms generally begin to improve after surgery, but you may have tenderness in the area of the incision for several months.

Take time during the day to support your arm with your hand elevated above the level of your heart. You should move your fingers and thumb occasionally during the day. Keep the dressing on your hand until you return to the surgeon. Avoid getting the stitches wet. Your stitches will be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery.

Therapy
You will probably need to attend occupational or physical therapy sessions for six to eight weeks. You'll begin doing active hand movements and range-of-motion exercises. Therapists also use ice packs, soft-tissue massage, and hands-on stretching to help with the range of motion. When the stitches are removed, you may start carefully strengthening your hand and thumb by squeezing and stretching putty. Therapists also use a series of gentle stretches to encourage the thumb tendons to glide easily within tunnel.

Strengthening
As you progress, your therapist will give you exercises to help strengthen and stabilize the muscles and joints in the hand and thumb. Other exercises are used to improve fine motor control and dexterity. Some of the exercises you'll do are designed to get your hand working in ways that are similar to your work tasks and sport activities.

Your therapist will help you find ways to do your tasks that don't put too much stress on your thumb and wrist. Before your therapy sessions end, your therapist will teach you a number of ways to avoid future problems.