Physical Therapy - post wrist fusion

My first PT was the same day (actually within the hour) of getting my cast off. I knew my fingers would be stiff and my muscles would need to be strengthened, but I did not realize I would lose my supination (palm up) function. I was told I would lose wrist function and maintain pronation and supination.

After being evaluated, the therapist determined I would only need PT once a week for now. Se measured my degree of flexing my fingers and supination. I was sure she was trying to make me scream as she bent my fingers and "massaged" my scar tissue. after torturing me,she gave me exercises to do for stretching my tendons and regaining supination. She also told me to perform scar massage (very uncomfortable to do on myself) - 6-8 times daily.

The picture shows me trying to get my palm to face up. This freaks me out that I can't turn it more. It's like it's stuck. I can't say it's painful to move because it just won't go any further. It feels really tight, like there is something holding it back. I sure hope therapy helps or I may never have a bicep on my right side! Freaking out!!! And doing constant exercises to improve my movement.

Wrist Fusion - 2 month reveal

So, Wednesday February 20th was my 2 month post op check. Yay! I finally get my lovely purple cast off. A day I had nervously been anticipating. I was unsure of whether I would be put in another cast and whether the bone fusing was actually working.

I had serious anxiety about how skeletal my arm was going to be after being confined for 2 months. The nurse that removed my cast was great. She had me shove a plastic stick in my cast (I guess some people think they are going to be cut by the cast saw) for my comfort. This was a challenge since it kept getting caught up in the nylon wicking stuff. She then made the first cut and used a plier looking tool to separate it and cut the inside lining. For the next cut I had to lay down and maneuver my arm so she could cut the underneath of the cast (I couldn't just move my arm to "palm up" position- it wouldn't budge). She pried open the cast and cut the inside mesh again and wha-la ... my skeleton arm was revealed. I anticipated my arm being smaller, but I had no idea I would have manly,dark black hair growth where the cast had been. It was freaky! I couldn't stop petting my new growth. Lol. Thank goodness it's already lightening up.

After giving my arm a soapy bath, I was escorted to X-ray. Oh, by the way, there was not any foul smells when the cast came off, nor was my skin gray or grossly discolored. Thank goodness for my waterproof cast!

Finally, the Dr.,and I'm assuming an intern, came into my room. He showed me on the X-rays where the fusing was taking place. Great news for sure, but I was anxious to see what he had to say about another cast. After some discussion, he agreed that I could wear a wrist splint for the next 3 weeks. Whew! Of course he stated I needed to wear it at all times except for showering and therapy. I am doing my best with it :). I was told I could only lift 2lbs. with this hand and he prescribed physical therapy 2 times a week for 6 weeks. And again, he told me I could NOT fall (like I have any intentions to).

To my surprise he had his nurse call and get me an appointment for physical therapy immediately after I left his office. On his way out the Dr. told me I made this look "easy". Ha! I took that as a compliment (if he only knew the daily struggles I went/go through).