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Small surgery on finger still hurts after 4 months

Joint Replacements | Last Active: Jul 11, 2022 | Replies (6)
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@fredflorida

Thank you for replying yet again. 🙂 I have an appointment in a month with another surgeon, but just don't feel confident anything will help. The finger is swollen and the nail is discolored, and in near constant pain.
I wonder if this is normal healing or if the screw can be removed without my bones crumbling, having no support. Maybe it is because I am never sick that it seems so hard. My husband is often sick, but not me. haha.
I will just keep taking pain meds as necessary I guess until my August 17 appointment.

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Replies to "Thank you for replying yet again. :) I have an appointment in a month with another..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 11, 2022

Hello Mary, I am sorry to hear you are still suffering, but glad to hear that you made a second appointment.
In answer to your question, no this is not normal healing. I have not had this operation, but have had a handful of surgeries on my very arthritic hands. Healing takes a LONG time, swelling has lasted up to a year, but you should probably not be seeing discoloration and having so much pain at 6 months.
When you see the new doc, even if they don't recommend a second surgery, ask for therapy from a certified hand therapist. You may need to become quite firm and assertive and INSIST. They are the best qualified to help you learn to live with whatever the surgical outcome.
Are you comfortable becoming your own advocate?
Sue

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