Reattached finger. How to manage the pain? It doesn't stop.

Hi @greet, so sorry to hear that. It's hard for someone to suddenly lose body functions. I am well aware of the psychological effects this can have on someone. It's one of the toughest battles anyone can go through.

If I may, can you describe his pain (physical/mental) in detail?
Do you know what medications, or treatments your husband has?

He's not alone!

Regards,
@Martin_Lemieux

Hello Martin,
My husband thinks it's a tendon that pulls every time and that causes the pain. The pain is sometimes unbearable. It is difficult to describe though. Maybe he's not alone, but that is what we want to find, other victims with maybe a solution? ;(

Hi @greet ,

Tendon's are definitely nothing to laugh at, that's for sure. "Tendinitis" type conditions are manageable. My son has had problems with his leg tendons for most of his life, there are a lot of home remedies he can try.

Ironically, I have this article bookmarked, which I've used over and over:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tendinitis/basics/treatment/con-20020309

Inflammation:
Your husband may not have "Tendinitis", but the similarities with your description of his pain offer some solutions within the article. I find a good stretching and massage regiment helps best. Inflammation is a person's worst nightmare when it comes to pain. I've unfortunately dealt with pain for most of my life and in most cases, I've found that inflammation is worse than the pain itself. With tendons, inflammation is usually the culprit. As the link mentions, over the counter anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Aspirin), or more potent prescribed medications like "Naproxen" can help to relieve the discomfort.

I myself take Naproxen daily, without it I would be in a great deal of discomfort and pain all the time. The only draw-back to Naproxen and other anti-inflammatory meds is that they often are very hard on the stomach. To counter the effects of Naproxen, I must also take "Tecta 40mg" x2/day which help to protect my stomach and always make sure to take them after I eat.

Has your husbands doctor talked about inflammation? Do you know if your husband takes anti-inflammatory medications? Alternatively, has he requested to go to a pain clinic?

There might be a local "Mayo Clinic" near you that can help, click on the "REQUEST APPOINTMENT" button on the top/right corner of this section.

Ice packs are a good real-time solution for tendon's. I usually like to buy the "ice gel packs" which are good hot or cold and wrap them with a thin hand towel. Very important not to put the ice pack directly on the skin which can cause all sorts of problems.

I have no doubt you will find other like minded people here who can offer more solutions for you, or simply connect with you. Feel free to post questions here. The more we talk about it, the more it will attract like-minded individuals I have no doubt.

Take care!
Martin

the fact is that it is not exactly tendinitis. The pain comes from a tendon that always pulls and it gives a tortional finger. He think if you can cut the tendon that the pain will stop ? 🙁

Hi @greet,

A good friend of mine has the exact same issue. His hand clenches together due to pulling tendons. I know he's had multiple surgeries. Next time I see him, I will ask what he does to relieve the pain and what surgeries/treatments options are available.

What medications/remedies/treatments does your husband take currently?

Martin

Hello Martin,
It is always interesting to hear some other cases with the "same" problem. But did your friend also had an amputation?
The only thing that my husband takes is inflammatory and painkillers. And a sleeping pill for the night. We go to see his surgeon the 18th feb to discuss the problems again. But he told us that this is a complicate situation ;(. In fact we don't have too much hope ......

Sorry about your husband's struggle and pain. As a person with severe nerve damage, I know all too well about his pain. Unfortunately there's no escaping the pain. It does lessen over time. Medications are a waste of money . Lyrica was the closest thing to dulling the pain. Sorry that I couldn't give you much hope but staying busy does help block out the pain.

I had Calmare therapy (aka:Scrambler therapy) at Mayo Clinic last summer for chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy with very positive results and they told me they were finding it was also working for phantom pain in amputees. It may be something to try. Good luck!

I am happy for U ..

Thank you for your reply. I've never heard about calmare therapy? I don't know if they have it in Belgium though ? Are you aware if they have this therapy somewhere else?