Flexor Tendon Surgery (Pinkie Finger) Week 12 Update | Lots of Scar Tissue Build Up
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- Here's the 12 week update on my pinkie after the flexor tendon surgery repair. Still doesn't work and there's a lot of scar tissue. Now I'm faced with a decision, do I have another surgery to remove the scar tissue around the tendon and get the finger working again or not? Let me know your thoughts down below.
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Here's a playlist of the whole recovery process: ua-cam.com/play/PLpmpssr45yfPYcLFY17ouccZZNdfvtH6I.html
I have same situation in my left hand
If you have any advice about this please tell me
Hey man I have the same thing as you well I actually broke it by I have scar tissue
The hardest part is over, your so close to being healed you can’t stop now! You’ve got this! Praying for you!
You are young enough and still have a lot of healing energy in you. Sounds worth it to me.
HVAC doctor here I recommend that you do it. Don't jump off the ledge tho. Yes I believe it is worth it.
Thanks Dr. Mark 😂
I watched the whole video-You have your answer- I’ve heard nothing negative other than you got to spend some money and you got to take time off work but look at how many years of productivity you still have left
Makes me sad that such a terrific FOP (Friend of Plants) is going through this dilemma. You are an intelligent, reflective guy and you will make the right decision. Rock on Mike :)
GO for it!!! A little more range will make a huge amount of difference in your grip- My dad sawed off the tips of 3 of his fingers- when he drove himself to the hospital, the head surgeon just happened to be there. He repaired them and he was able to play the piano again, though the tips remained numb. You're still young Mike and you will always wonder what if I could have gotten it better???!!! GOOD LUCK!- Cindy (Boston, MA)
Nike quote, just do it!
Talkin about the scar tissue and how it is attached is analogous to my surgery that I had for trigger finger release when I cut through my tendon and it healed on my thumb. You can look that up I'm sure. The tendon is inhibited by movement of the scar tissue. From what I'm hearing, you need the surgery definitely. I had my surgery at the beginning of the year so any follow-up I could get done while my deductible and out-of-pocket was met. Get it done and get it done before the end of the year! That's my two cents Mike, free of charge
I would get the second surgery if I was you. I am glad you are getting more strength in your hand. Thank you for sharing.
I would also say get it done as it sounds like it would be the best for full recovery. Good luck!
I agree with K Isaacs, give it a wait. You can do when you have the sick time and what not so life at home and bills coming and going don't stress so much. You have lived with this 12 weeks. You can handle a wait to make life a bit easier even for the 3 to 4 week recovery at home. Have faith in what you decide an speak with your wife on the pro's and con's of waiting a year or doing it now that is what it is going to boil down to. Having income and down time is crucial for my husband and myself as we always have bills to pay and you have young ladies as well. So make your surgery based on that and not what someone else would do, its you an your family not us an what we would do as we wouldn't ACTUALLY know for sure unless it was us! Take care Mike and good luckto you an yours!
Yes, I'd go for the surgery, seems like it might be the only way to free up that scar tissue, then it'll work better. You haven't got anything to lose & hopefully get a great outcome! Save the pinky! Good luck Mike whatever you decide.. ♥️ Best wishes from Australia. 🇦🇺
Mike go ahead and have the surgery to remove the scar tissue. It will definitely be worth it.
I had to have scar tissue removed from my right wrist for the same reason plus the pain of the scar tissue pressing on a nerve causing lots of pain. As soon as the scar tissue was removed the pain went away and movement is 100%.
Well that sounds promising!
Tough decision Mike! I am 25 years older than you but I would do it even at my age. I would say "Get er done"
Yes do the 2nd one. It would be well worth it to get more movement
Yr talking about the rest of yr life. I think it's worth a shot. You've gone this far & yr so close. I'm concerned about the way it is now that it could get reinjured (oh god) NO. But yr active life 💯% would be the ultimate gift. Big decision Mike. God Bless 🙏
Do it Mike!! You are still young...wait til next year when you get your vacation time. (If that is medically prudent) Thank you for all you do, I have propagated my first plants because of how understandable that you make the process. Fix the Pinky!!!!
I would have it done. At your age, there may be a job change, hobby, or sport that you want to do in the future. At least you have options.
no surgery ..give it time...bless God you have your finger..I sliced my finger open 2 months ago with an utility knife..treated it myself with butterfly bandage..healed fine but touching it in a certain spot now & then hurts a little but it gets better with time..just keeping working with it
Finish the race and get the surgery. Like many things in life, it's a multistep process. You still have plenty of years ahead of you that you can be enjoying full mobility and most of the strength returning.
This gave me some hope thank you, ive been considering the same surgery as i severed my right pinkie tendon aswel.
If I could go back, I probably wouldn't have done the surgery
@@MikeKincaid79You wouldn’t get second surgery or first surgery? And why not?
Go for it. I'm 6 weeks out on total right knee replacement. I've met the deductible, I'm going for the left knee in three weeks. Will there be pain involved, heck yes. Will it be hard with one leg partially recovered and the other completely out of commission. Of course. However, my total recovery will be one year and two months, instead of two whole years. I'm 53, I've got grandchildren to play with, and a garden I would love to tend. I haven't been able to do these things for at least five years. These marvel's of medicine are going to give me my life back. I think 3 more weeks, to have what you want for the rest of your life is nominal.
The problem is that the tendon is never going to be able to let loose of the scar tissue without the surgery. I notice the pinky sticks out a bit, and that means a wrong move and it could catch of something and you could have a busted finger. I have problems with my hands and fingers (arthritis, bad) with some locked joints that can't be fixed. If I could fix something, I would. You are close to full or almost full mobility, so I'd go for it. That being said, see what happens at your doctor's appointment, and if anything about the situation or prognosis makes you say no, than don't have the surgery. Follow your gut. You're young enough to be my son, and that is the advice I would give my son. Whatever you decide, you have my full support. Pray about it.
Hi Jean my name is Kerry. I'm in N.J.. Over 15 years ago I developed bursitis in my shoulder. I couldn't pick up a cup. The small round bone on the top of my shoulder would swell and be very very painful. Someone recommended Solgar Shark Cartilage. I was in a lot of pain. I took 2 pills every day for 2 years and my shoulder totally healed. My mother Inlaw had rheumatoid arthritis for years. I put her on it, in 3 months she was closing her hands and able to grip better. I tried some other Shark Cartilage, but they didn't work. I find Solgar products have excellent quality. Just a thought as long as you're not allergic to fish. I swear by it.
Praying does nothing. Meditating on it helps.
Yes Mike go for it get the surgery. Finish what you started.
Tough decision, I went through a similar situation with my right index finger and additional surgery caused more scar tissue. If you can live with how it is now it may be best due to results are unknown. I cut both tendons and a nerve in my index finger. After three surgeries involving tendon repair and taking a nerve from the side of my foot to but in my finger I ended with 80% loss in my finger. Scar tissue from each surgery left me with the option of keeping the finger as is or simply have it removed. I kept my finger and joke around about having a claw, lol. I have learned to do a lot more with my left hand and only struggle with hunting now with a bum trigger finger. Good luck Mike, go with your own intuition and it will be the right decision. Take Care!
I appreciate hearing about your personal experience. Thanks, Justin!
I suggest you get the surgery Mike. You gotta love you man. 💯
Yes, do it! I had rotator cuff surgery and all of the painful rehab. A year later I still had pain and not total use of my arm. Same issue...scar tissue. I went ahead and had the surgery to remove the scar tissue. Had some shorter rehab and am now pain free and have total use of my right arm. Yes recovery IS way shorter and less painful. GO FOR IT!!! It's worth it.
Wow awesome!
The stories I've heard about people that go in to get the scar tissue removed end up with equal or more scar tissue after the fact. Based on my experiences, I would say to work with the therapy options and loosen it up that way. But that's just from what I've heard. After my tendon repair, I was in therapy a week later (they glued hooks to my fingernails and I had elastic bands that I pulled against every hour - 12 hours/day). So my experience was different... I think you've got to go with your gut, but what did the surgeon end up saying at the appointment?
I would go for it. You've ran the race, to not see it through is like stopping a couple of feet before crossing the finish line. Take your surgeons advice and go with what he recommends. Take care - Marcie
scar tissue wont go away by itself. winter coming, heal and rehab thru the winter. i've found that physical therapist is most valuable for advice.
therapist can give you exercises you can do forever to keep finger moving.
Mike my opinion is you need to have the surgery! If I could get the feeling, range of motion and strength back in my Pinky and Ring finger in my right hand I would most definitely do it. No question about it, and I'm old enough to be your mother! Of course, if your doctors say otherwise you need to listen to their advice.
Honestly with farming related jobs I would go through with the second surgery because as you said it has a lower gripping strength. Us farmers need that grip.
Be Well, Do Good Work, and Stay in Touch!
Hi Mike, if the doctor says it WILL help I would do it! I’ve written before about my being rear ended in my car & broke my fifth metacarpal and then developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)/RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy). Because of that now I am unable to make a fist with my left hand as I have lost the full range of motion in ALL of my left hand fingers. I was never told of or offered the surgery you speak of, but if I had been *I* certainly would do it, especially at your age & if you can AT ALL afford it. YOU are WORTH FIXING‼️My accident was five years ago. I have learned to live with it, and as you, I can do most things. However, I had no idea how frustrating it would be not to be able to bend those fingers. I still “work” them to try to maintain the flexibility I have, or even increase it but I don’t see a difference. But I know this is NOT an easy decision, and you have to make the right decision for YOU! God’s blessings be upon you! Looking forward to learning what you will do.
Hi Mike, i have the same injury in my right pinky. my cut is in the A3 pulley in my right pinky finger. its been 10 weeks since the operation. my finger is like a bow before and i cant straighten it because of the swelling and stiffness. i manage to reduce the swelling by putting metal (flat metal from a zipper) about 2 inches long 8mm W and 3mm thick in my finger then wrapp a 1cm cloth-like adhesive from tip (A5 pulley) to above MP joint(A2 pulley). i wrap it tight but not too tight to enable continous blood flow for around 2 weeks during my 5th week and 7th week. i do this every night during those times and the swelling is gone. sometimes i bend my finger and placed the adhesive to hold it at its bent position overnight for at least a week. this makes my finger soft and very flexible and easy to bend, but beware when you remove the adhesive in the morning do not bend it straight away cause its painful. Now i can go to gym and do some light exercises even though my doctor said that i can resume going to gym for at least 3 months. How is your finger now by the way?
Sounds like you're on the right track. For me, in the end, the part of my finger that I injured doesn't work but every body has a different experience so hold on to hope and keep doing the exercises.
Hay I had an accident when I was 4th grade I severed my flex tendon too and I never went to the hospital I didn't know it was serious then after a few months my pinky was stiff, I also was very ashamed of showing this problem, one day I was in with the bone doctor I showedhimmy pinky he said "you have to go to to a neurologist for this problem", when I talk to people or write or type somethings I forget about it.
Overall that's it thank you for your information.
I recommend you get the surgery or at least removing the affected tissue.
It's as good as it's going to get now.
Go about and live your life. Keep working it and it will loosen up over time
Im gonna go against the grain. You do have good motion. Im a mechanic cut extensor tendon on thumb at 35. Did surgery 3x to remove scar tissue. Still my thumb sticks straight out. Try to make a fist like that or start a bolt where you have to bend your thumb to get the rotation. Every time its opened opens another chance for staph. I can still type good. Get back to work😉
Your still young,I'd do the surgery scar tissue really hurts over time.
Pray and go for it Mike👊
I tore my tendon on the same joint but on my ring finger on my right hand. The joint is partially curved permanently but comes in handy when I make a fist. It looks funny but I have lost no function at all and I've had it for about 20 years. You lost gripping strength because you did not use your hand for some time. You will get all that strength back as the other muscles compensate. You can go either way. But, if there is a chance of getting full functionality back, do it. Either way you will be ok.
Is there some kind of time limit on this deal? Does the scar tissue get too hard to remove or something? If not just wait and keep doing the excercises for it see if it improves. I'm also wondering how you'll be able to bend it and exercise it right away if you have stitches ?
Do it! Can't lose now. So frustrating when you want your pinkie to do more and it can not. The tendon is ready to do it's job. You are too young to have a 70 year old pinkie. Prayers for you...
Hi Mike. Well, now that you have all the experts opinions, I'll give you my 2 cents worth. Not a nurse or Dr. but I would give it more time and consider all options. With a young family, 2 jobs, etc., etc. Lots of money paid out and time spent on the pinkie. Don't want to see you get in too deep cause other things can come up. Just be Southern, go slow and consider all the options. But don't stress yourself out over it. Good luck. You'll get it right.
Thanks, Linda!
Doesn’t matter what other people think ask yourself a question can I live with this figure the way it is or do I want it back to where it was but that new surgery is not going to guarantee you that you’re going to get full use of that pinky againLove you Mike keep up the good work you make the right decision
Decided not to do the second surgery. The finger still doesn't work but I'm use to it now and like you said, there's no guarantee it would work after the second surgery and all I would have to go through for it.
After you have discussed it with your wife and if you two feel that you can afford to do this, I say go. It has been a year since I had trigger surgery on my left ring finger (which was messed up for three years). I can not straighten it out completely but my strength and dexterity is back full force and I am still massaging and using the silicone sheets for scar tissue to continue to reduce the build up inside and out.
July 3rd, I had the same surgery on my right ring finger. I did not wait to get it done this time so, it didn't have years to get worse and worse. It has been 3 months and I have absolutely no problem with it at all.
Moral to story: I could afford the surgery and I wish I would have done it sooner on my left hand. If you can afford this, please consider doing it. But, it needs to be a decision that both you and your wife agree to. Just my 2 cents. God bless!
diane you mean you made this surgery on your right hand very early and got full range of motion back but in your left hand you didnt get the range of motion back because you waited a long time for the surgery there?
@@siro8472 Yes, basically that's what happened. Because I had to keep using my left hand, I kept getting shots until I couldn't get anymore. I taught at that time and had to wait about 6 months after I hurt my hand till I could get the surgery. While I waited, scar tissue built up that it was more work and a longer incision had to be made. It's now 2022 and it is much better because I keep working on the scar and the area around it to release the scar tissue. 🙂
@@dianehouse1441 what happened to your fingers and did you get a surgery for the right one before that second surgery for getting the rom back? so that the first surgery was the reason that you didnt get your range of motion back.
I am thinking so much as I do not have the Rom right now to make a fist on my right hand but i only had a dislocated dip join on the right middle finger and i think a very small fracture at the right ring finger. I didnt get a surgery and just 3 weeks splint and 1 week buddy tape but now i cant make the fist especially with the middle finger. the last bone doesnt hent currently like Mike's finger. The ring finger with the fracture can do more but also not fully yet. the swelling on the middle finger is very big. I seem to have no tendor damage.
I got these injuries from falling from the e scooter when i drove in the wrong direction in the night and fell with the right hand on stones.
and what massage you do and what with silicone sheets?
Wow...I’m in the same exact position as you. My pink had a tear of the tendon. It’s completely healed but the scar surrounding it is like a rock. I have more movement than you but I want my normal movement and none of the scar. Thanks for this
Sorry to hear about it, Michael. Unfortunately, it takes a long time for the scar tissue to soften.
Mike Kincaid I’m going to opt for removal by surgery in hopes that I can rid myself of this lump of scar and gain more mobility
I'm at 12 weeks today and have much less motion than you. I almost wish I never had the surgery at all, because it's 10x worse jow than before.
Based on what you’ve described I’d do the surgery-you’re losing a lot of power and you’re right handed
Mike, can you do it if you wait a few years? Or is a window for surgery going to close? I grew up with a father that lost his whole right arm at age 18, and he adapted with it very well. I never knew my father with two arms. Anyway, my point is you will adapt and you will get used to it. I think you are doing fine, it is not selfish to do it. My thoughts were to use an HSA account and wait until another year. Without the answer to the first question, I cannot advise. I love your healthy attitude about it. Steve
Thanks, Steve. Not sure of the time window but I have an appointment tomorrow and I'll find out a lot then.
I think I would do the surgery. I also would take counsel from my spouse. Pray and trust in your gut.
She supports me either way, although she says things are going to happen a little differently this time. For example: I'll have to take my pain meds, lol.
@@MikeKincaid79😱 👏😹🌱🌿🙌🙌🙌😺
I have a lot of scarring on thumb pinning down tendons after infection. Its been 13 yrs and it's no better. I hope surgery works.
I never had the second surgery and am fairly use to it now. The finger doesn't work right and will never be right but the brain adjusts.
I am 74 years old, and I would get the surgery done. It comes down to quality of life which to me is priceless. Please stay away from broken windows.
I'll try, haha
Maybe you should take Serrapeptase or a proteolytic enzyme blend - proteolytic enzymes will eat scar tissue from surgeries and remove swelling. I am recovering from a flexor tendon laceration on my left thumb - the digits can bend independently but the scar tissue in between them has made things stiff. I'm glad to know that I can have additional surgery if needed.
Thank you so much for this video. I am also wondering if I will have the second surgery..... It has been 5 months and hate the feeling of the pinky. I feel STUCK and the feeling is still uncomfortable. Hope all went well for you
It's a tough thing to go through, that's for sure. For me, it's been 5 years this summer and I have no intention on doing the second surgery. The first surgery came out so differently than I thought it would and I'm used to my crooked finger now.
I'll bite with my 2 cents worth. Get yourself a small squishy stress ball, warm up the little finger to loosen up the muscles either by soaking in a bowl of warm water or slather on some warming liniment and work that little finger as often as you can. Give yourself a full year before deciding on surgery. The surgeon is still gonna be there a year from now, give your body the opportunity to heal itself naturally. Ultimately though, deep down you know what you are going to do. : )
That's just it. I really don't know, lol. I like your plan though. It would be nice to get this thing working again without surgery.
@@MikeKincaid79 Looks like there is still some inflammation and swelling in the finger which with my injury took a year to completely disappear. Might be the time to delve into the wonders of medicinal herbs. I can attest to the efficacy of Arnica in a simple tincture to relieve Tendonitis completely. A Comfrey root salve AKA knit bone is useful in healing as well. Imflammation is the bodies way to pinpoint an injury to be worked on. There are no real quick fixes or guarantees and surgery comes with its hidden risks as well.
Hi Mike, So what I have learned about scar tissue is that each time you have surgery, and accumulate scar tissue you build up with more scar tissue. Personally I wouldn’t have surgery again unless I have a lot of pain from the scar tissue. I would keep working it and the scar tissue may break down. I have heard that scar tissue on the spine from surgery there are actually injections to break down the scar tissue. It’s something that may be worth discussing with the surgeon. Hang in there you are doing great.
Bro I'm in same situation. It is very frustrating pinkie getting in way. Doctor wants me to continue therapy but but think it's a waste of time going back in 2 months but I don't want to wait. I'd prefer doing 2nd surgery ASAP either I wait or see different doctor willing to do surgery ASAP.
You went to the doctor for help. Now you don’t like the help the doctor is giving. It’s ok to disagree and find another medical opinion but when you go off on your own and make your own medical decisions then it’s on you. I’d follow the surgeons advice since he or she did the surgery and has experience in this area. If you still want another opinion then seek that out while doing your therapy. If another doctor sees you not following the recommended therapy, they may wonder if you’re going to follow theirs. Just an observation.
Think you have to decide how much strength and dexterity you would get for all the trouble if 2nd surgery. Also need to ask question to doctor of percent of time this 2nd surgery will actually get you back to full use age. Sometimes the surgeries like this never pan out as described. You also have evaluate if you can afford the cost and being out of work long enough to recover from the time off for 2nd surgery can you afford it? Will pray for your decision hope my advice in deciding will be helpful
Hi there, you should crush some brown linseeds with a knob butter and boiling water, equal amounts of both volume wise. When cold wrap entire finger in this mix and leave for 8 hrs min.,. Repeat every night for at least 5 nights. Thus melts away any scar tissue and allows it to heal and muscles to get back to work.
So, several things. (RN here) You have probably met your deductible for 2019...? Don't put off the surgery if you are worried about meeting another deductible in another deductible year. Get it done in '19. But, is it tendon scar tissue, or is it really a neurological problem? The doc should be able to tell you what the issue actually/probably is before he gets a new Range Rover payment.....LOL I think surgeons are cut happy when it suits them but when it may not suit you. But, it sounds like a simple surgery. If you are not worried about a deductible in another year, I'd wait. Then you can build up sick leave again, do the surgery in the future, and have a chance to have the money coming in when off for recovery. That's what I'd do unless it is time sensitive vs the MD needing another BMW payment...lol
Lol. Trust me, it kills me to help make his payments. The deductible is one of the reasons I would want to get it done this year, the other reason is to just get it over with. I don't think it's a neurological issue as I can bend the finger a little and I feel the pressure I'm putting on it when I try to bend it. It really just feels like it's stuck. I keep hoping by some miracle that I'm going to get it working again on my own. I think the next appointment will tell a lot.
@@MikeKincaid79 Great luck!
for me I would do the second surgery, the time for it to heal is gone be about a month or a bit more, also i know that, the tissue, if you keep working out it will be discarded eventually by your body, it may take up to 5 months if you're 40! and this could be the reason why you're being discharged, so for now even tho i know both options will lead to the same outcome, i would recommend you wait for like 2-3 months and see if you get any improvement, you may think what if it becomes a bone issue, well my friend make an appointment for follow up and cross that bridge when you get to it.
IDK... I think I’d hold off on additional surgery. Are they in any way pressuring you to do it sooner, rather than later? Seems like if it’s just a matter of removing scar tissue, you should be able to decide in the future. I hate it when doctors try to rush-rush patients into procedures that can sometimes work themselves out on their own.
There's no pressure. I think if I decide to do it, I just want to get it over with. If the surgeon says there's a chance it will eventually work on its own then I'll probably wait.
Another RN weighing in here... My personal approach has always been to do what you can with out Physicians who would need to cut to repair. So my first thought would be to go it on your own with physical therapy and continued exercise after all it's only been 3 months!.
Having said that, each person has their own concept of what fits best with their life and lifestyle. In that case you may need to weigh for yourself the benefits or otherwise for surgery. Is there a guarantee that you will recover to the extent that you have now and then beyond!...
It almost sounds like I'm sitting on the fence but really I gave my preference as an RN and from my own personal experience to take the time and effort for focused physical therapy., but recognizing the fact that each person must weigh in from their own lifestyle perspective. It will be great to watch your progression either way! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the weigh in, I appreciate it.
I know exactly how you feel, stanley knife went right through the pinky and half way through my ring finger, im at 8 weeks, my movement is the same as yours, ive asked them from day 1 to cut it off
That sucks man. It's a totally frustrating injury cause every other part of your body is fine but that one finger takes you out. Glad you're at 8 weeks and getting on the other side of this. It gets easier and easier with time. Keep your head up. On another note, just yesterday I was pulling something with my left fingers really hard and felt something pop in my left ring finger. I think it was my A2 pulley. Finger is pretty much dead. I'm telling you man, if it weren't for bad luck.....
At the risk of what Mike pro’s and cons. Risk of infection and you also know every incision there will be more scar tissue some people are more prone to scar tissue! Pro... more use of your finger will you gain enough to make a difference you are a nurse what would you say to your pt? I am leaning towards No!!!! I would consider your self lucky at this point and count your blessings, but at the end of the day it’s your choice!!!! And you can try to make it better! No matter your choice I will continue to watch your videos!
I really value your opinion, Cyndi. Thanks for giving it. You're right, there are risks to this and I need to decide if it's worth the gamble, and what would the reward be. Thank you.
Hey man I found this video and subscribed while I was searching around about my own flexor tendon injury around the same time..any update on your fingers? its been a little rough and disheartening but my fingers are still getting a little better each day
Thanks for the sub, John. I just make a 1 year update and will have it posted soon. Sorry to hear about your injury and I hope it heals up well for you.
@@MikeKincaid79 Everydays a journey with the recovery, at nearly the 1 year mark now Im considering the scar removal surgery,havent talked to anyone about it since December though..
@@MikeKincaid79 Hopefully everything alright for you, I had the same flexor tendon surgery but after 6 weeks and 4 weeks of recovery the doctor told me that my finger need a second surgery as the first one didn’t worked well. It looks like the tendon didn’t stick. So I will have to go through the same process once again and they may open this time of only the finger but the whole hand cause the tendon may moved down. I’m really in a stressful situation. But even without the upper part working well, I got used to it so now is living my life as it is or having the second surgery and go through all the herdle once again.
I myself as an electrician at 40 would have lived with it. Now my 3 kids are out and at 62 I would do the final repair.
I also feel, I would wish I had done the last surgery. That said I have had both shoulders and knees reworked in my 20's 30's 40's I feel it every day, its life and not bad. The more I use them the less they bother me.
Rough call does scar tissue grow or add to future arthritis. Its blood flow that helps me so movement equals blood flow. Good luck Thank you
I have a feeling that arthritis could be a problem down the road. The knuckles already hurt all the time and I'm only 12 weeks into this. Thanks for your perspective.
@@MikeKincaid79 use those joints getting old is not for sissys best of luck
I’m 52 and I’m looking at total joint replacement knees hips shoulders. If it was just my pinky I would spend that money on hopphouse upgrade Bootstrap Farmer looks like the way to go wider frame and roll up sides. Invest in an asset and not a liability. Thanks for the videos always learning something new.
I opted to forgo any further surgeries and keep the money in my tight fist, lol. Good luck with the joint replacements but before you have them make sure to educate yourself completely on the subject. Go watch the bleeding edge on Netflix first. Scary stuff. I hope all goes well for you and things work out in the end.
As long as there's no risk or damage to the tendon I'd say do it. Good luck what ever you decide.
Mike, Buddie I'm 83 and the doctor told me that I had cancer in my first finger and I needed to cut the finger off at the first joint.Big decision but I told him, cut it off. I'm glad I did.No cancer now. I also had all my fingers operated on for trigger finger and I am finally getting all my feeling back after all these years. Make a good decision and I'll be praying for you.I really enjoy. Your program....Bill Lyman
Hi Mike Kincaid. You should think about how much dexterity you need for your hand and how it is inconvenient in your life for how you need to use it. It will be a much smaller incision and a quicker recovery physically and mentally. How much does this finger impair your life now and can you make it better by having the scar tissue removed, yes. God Bless. We planted the propagated Rose's your helped me learned how to do,yesterday so thanks. Love to the family.
I am a nurse practitioner and I would have the 2nd surgery.
Hi Mike, this is a tough call! I can not tell you what to decide, you have to do that on your own! Pray about it with your family and ask God to give you wisdom to make the right decision and to give you peace if it's the right one. If you have a slight doubt than don't do but if you are at peace than go ahead! With every surgery and anesthesia you put your body under stress and you know that, so you decide if it's worth it for you. Also make sure that your family (wife and kids ) are with you on the decision but more importantly, ask God!
Let us know what we decide in the end! 🙏for you! God bless you, hugs 🙅
Thanks, Camelia, I sure would like to give it more time and see if I can get it working on its own without surgery. Also pressuring myself to get it done and over with. I think Thursday's appointment will tell a lot. Thanks for the prayers!
You are right Mike! I for one don't like to be pressured, that doesn't go well with me...very stubborn when someone is pressing me.😊.
Be blessed 🙏❣️ Have a great week!
Now is a good time to do it...growing season coming to an end. It will be healed for spring. Would you really have to take 3 weeks off work? Is there light duty available? It will probably be more expensive if you wait...monetarily and physically.
I would have to take more time off until the incision healed closed. Also, if I did the surgery I'd be in the therapy office the next day and all that finger work would cause it to bleed pretty good with a fresh incision. I guess you have to keep working it even though it continues to bleed, until the incision seals up. Sounds like torture doesn't it. No light duty because the accident didn't happen at work, I looked into it.
@@MikeKincaid79 I had surgery on my foot and had a cast and pins. My employer arranged light duty. Three full weeks off for scar removal on a pinky sounds excessive. That could put you in financial crisis. I took five days off and was on light duty for five weeks following my return because it was a bone that needed healing and there are big machines and heavy objects at work. I guess six weeks heal time is the protocol for bones.
Yes you should try all you can do. I got my pinky in kinda the same situation with a drill. I can’t make a full fist either
Thanks, I opted for no more surgeries. I'm use to it now but yes, occasionally it bugs me.
i thank ypu for all your info and experinces if i was you never do that surgery again thanks my finger is exacly same as your finger after 9weeks stil geting red with pain and internaly geting hot
please tel peapol how you doing for tropy i can do it at home ? i have no mony to pay for going to tropy thanks again
You're welcome, and trust me, I'll never do another surgery even remotely like this, lol.
i think i had a bad doctor maybe. i have this currently at my middle finger after 5 weeks but my flexor tendon was never damaged. i just had a dip dislocation for which i got a 3 week splint and 1 week buddy taping. i think i should have started moving the finger already after 2 weeks.
Have a big plant sale and call it the pinky plant sale-You can make enough to cover the surgery
Personally, get the surgery done. The pros definitely outweigh the cons. This would probably the best time of the year to get it done, since most of the gardening things would be ramping down at this time of the year.
Do it!! I don't know why surgeons don't let patients know that there is a good chance of scar tissue problems after the surgery...(but most don't). Do it!! The scar tissue removal is easy peasy compared to the first, and I have no doubt you will be hammering the 'captians of crush' grip strength exercises afterward. Yep, the cost is prohibitive, but you need your grip. PS, sorry this is late, just watching your petunia video and got caught up in your update on the injury. I also am an RN who worked in med/surg for 20 yrs at one of the largest rural trauma centers in the country. Anyway, hope now that you did proceed with the scar removal procedure. You'll be glad you did!
Went back for my 12 week follow up and the surgeon wasn't optimistic about a second surgery. He requires that I wait 3 more months for the tissues to mature and said that it would be up to me at that point. He said I made so much scar tissue that he may have a hard time discerning scar tissue from tendon so there could be risks of cutting the tendon again during the surgery.
Sorry to hear that. I'm wondering what the advantage in waiting is? More scar tissue... Don't know Mike, but I'd have a lot of questions for the surgeon. I'd advocate for a scar tissue removal now, or at least open it up and take a good look. What he said about discerning scar tissue from tendon has made me question his assessment.
Go for it Mike! Nothing is impossible with God, He will restore your finger to its original use! Save it!
Plus you’re saying it’s a quicker surgery and recovery-it’s a no brainer Mike
You're selling me.
Hey there! Just came across your videos and was so nice to hear someone in the same situation! August 10th this year I severed 2 of the 3 tendons and had to have the sheath reconstructed in the exact same finger! Despite all efforts, it is stuck exactly like yours. I could completely sympathize with the things you say are different. Like writing! I’ve tried to explain to people that you don’t think about how your pinky affects how you do it! And using a knife. Ugh! Trying to cut hard potatoes without that pinky leverage.....i’m scared I’m going to cut another finger!!! Anyways, I decided to go ahead with a second surgery and actually go in to have it done in 4 days. Glad the recovery time isn’t the same cause that SUCKED. Curious as to what you decided to do!! Good luck on your recovery from all of this ❤️ There is a reason they call that zone “No man’s land”. Cause No Man ever wanted to try and fix it!!!
I went back for the final appointment and the surgeon didn't sound very confident in a second surgery so I've opted not to do it. Once I made the decision it helped me realize that that was it and I needed to figure out how to deal with it. It's been a couple months now and I'm getting more use to it all the time. Yes, it sucks not to have the pinky 100% but it sucks less and less all the time. Took me awhile to be able to write without scribbling too much but that's back to normal now. The biggest thing that bothers me is all the scar tissue. The finger is pretty stiff all the time and there is a massive amount of scar tissue built up around it. Sometimes I wonder if I'd have been better off just cutting off the end of the finger and not having all the scar tissue. I really hope your second surgery goes well for you and you get full use of the finger. I'm interested in your outcome.
So.....yesterday was a week post op and I can say it was worth it!! She went in and cleaned out what she called “a significant amount of scar tissue for a pinky”. It turns out the reason I couldn’t bend it was because the tendon actually adhered to the bone! She released it and also completely released the pully system in the middle section. She said that as long as the pully in the section that is attached to the Palm is in tact then the others are ok to be released. Before surgery the tip of my finger was basically stuck or healed at a 25 degree bend. I can now bend that top joint 60 degrees!!! It should continue to get further than that. Not gonna lie, it’s PAINFUL to do with stitches but I’m bound and determined to have a great outcome. I think I will forever have a fat little sausage finger now but as long as it moves, I’m ok with that!
Hi Rebecca,
It’s been 6 weeks from my tendon surgery and it’s looking pretty rough. I was wondering if your opinion regarding second surgery is still the same? Thank you
I think by what you are saying, you would like to have more use of your finger. As a nurse you will know how much you need the full used of your hand. I had lots of scar tissue in my ankle and was removed via surgery, now I have no pain where before it was painful to walk. When you can possibly do it , get it done. Keep using your hand s much as you can and not favor the finger if you can
I cut my flexor tendon on my right pinky at the crease of that middle knuckle so I only have the bottom one. I had my surgery about 2 years ago and have the same problem with it being glued. I didn’t do the second surgery. I’m unsure how it would of gone. But that grip strength is annoying! First time I swung a hammer flew out my hand lol
Haha, same problem here but I'm getting more use to it. It sucks but none of us are going to make it out of here alive, lol.
@@MikeKincaid79 sounds very optimistic haha, but its true
The ring and pinky fingers are the power fingers of the hand. Trust your gut. Yes, the surgery will cost but you are worth it. You are in your most productive years so be as whole as possible.
Go with the Drs advice. He's been very good so far hasn't he?
Just had the same exact injury. I’m at week 4 now. I did my pinky and ring though. Can’t wait for this to be over
I hear ya man. It sucks. You'll get through it though. Keep your head up and your sights on a couple months from now. Eventually, you'll look back and it'll just be a memory.
@@MikeKincaid79 any tips or things you would do differently
I hate having corrective surgery but glad after wards s im glad I did A bit of inconvenience and time ,Like you said you’re only fourty ,compaired to the rest of your life is so worth it. I think you’ll be glad to have it done. And as you get older things unfortunately stop working anyway so you want to start off with everything working right😆 and fourty, believeme, is not old. HOWEVER. Lol 6 g’s. Ouch
Dear Mike, I've been subscribed for more than 2 years and just realized you had a profundus tendon injury and radial digital nerve laceration. I am a board certified orthopaedic and hand surgeon for the past 36 years and have had lots of experience with your injuries. After going thru the later comments on this video, I realized you decided not to have the tendolysis (some call it tenolysis) surgery. I think that is a smart decision. You do not burn any bridges by waiting. By this I mean, you can still improve on your own and if you don't you have not lost any thing, other than time. Every patient who has a flexor tendon injury develops scarring which can limit motion. This is worse when both the profundus and sublimus (superficialis) tendons are lacerated in zone 2 You probably now know about the flexor tendon zones of the hand. Although your injuries were in zone 1, part of the repair involves the A-4 pulley thru which the tendon glides. This is where most of the adhesions lie. However, because your profundus tendon retracted,(based on your scars) It had to be retrieved back thru the A-2 and A-4 pulleys as well as thru the sublimus tendon split at Camper's chiasm. Just the process of threading the tendon thru these areas can cause scarring. I hope you can continue to improve on your own, but if you don't, surgery can be done at any later date without lowering chances for success. Kind regards, Craig
Well I really appreciate the feedback, Craig! Great to hear this from an orthopaedic surgeon. I was under the impression that there was a window of opportunity but I'm still learning about all of this. While I was injured I read so many articles and papers about hand anatomy and tendon surgeries. I learned way more about the human hand than I ever thought I would. At the time, I even had all the statistics for probable outcomes floating around in my head after reading many peer reviewed papers on the subject. Not sure what all that info did for me other than just put my mind at ease during a time when I felt very helpless about my situation. The thing that prevented me from doing the second surgery was the 12 week follow up with the surgeon. He was not optimistic at all that a second surgery would help and even seemed to steer me away from it by explaining that there was a likelihood of re-severing the tendon. He said that it can be hard to discern tendon tissue from scar tissue. I know that was just one opinion and I'm sure there is a surgeon out there that would be much more optimistic about it as I've also heard good outcomes with these procedures. It's been almost a year and not a day goes by that it doesn't bother me but I've come to accept it. The finger is 2x the size of the other pinkie due to scar tissue and it's usually sore after a short period of use. Feels like someone opened up the skin and pumped a bunch of concrete in there. I'm still learning but from my understanding, the scar tissue will always be there, correct? The tenolysis would just separate the scar tissue from the tendon? Sure wish there was a way to do this without creating more scar tissue. In my mind, I imagine a procedure in the future where a radiologist or surgeon would thread a long, thin rod (mechanical pencil lead thickness)through the end of my finger, under some type of guided imaging, and be able to separate the scar and tendon all the way through. Wouldn't that be amazing. I guess I'm holding out for that on my 60th birthday, haha. Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it!
@@MikeKincaid79 First , let me thank you for all of your videos, they are inspiring. The point of my comment is that the scaring could just be right at the repair near the original laceration or extend down the finger to the wound where the tendon was retrieved. Traditional repair teaching is that no metallic instrument touch the tendon or the pathway in which it travels. (i.e no forcepts, hemostats, etc) The tendon is brought back into place by fishing a very thin plastic tube down the pathway, attaching it to the tendon with a smooth nylon stitch, and then pulling it to the end of the finger where the 2 tendon ends are joined together. The repair consists of 2 polyester (very strong) core stitches placed in a way that they grab the tendon (as the tendonous fibers run lengthwise so a simple stitch technique would pull out), and then tidy up the fattened tendonous junction, with a 3rd nylon stitch run circumferentially around the repair to try to minimize the bulbous size of the repair. Nontheless, the diameter of every repair is always larger than its tunnel. My advice to you is to continue your blocking technique every day (maybe while the coffee is cooking), making sure your holding your wrist joint in maximal extension to proved maximal force to the profundus tendon to see if you can break up some of those adhesions. I have seen this occur, even with complex wood splitter injuries involving tendon and bone. There were some other techniques early on during your recovery that I employ, but not all surgeons do, but I don't want to get too technical about it unless you want me to. Kind regards, Craig
@@craigdreisbach5956 I love hearing the technical side of it. As a surgeon, you have a much deeper understanding of this but it It helps me to get accurate detail of the anatomy so I can understand what I'm trying to do. So I've just learned something new from you already. I had never been instructed to extend my wrist while blocking. I was always doing that with my wrist flexed. I just tried it with wrist extended and I'm feeling things I didn't feel before, even a little pain up and down the finger. I will continue to try this in hopes that I can free it up more. I guess I'm just hoping that one day I'll suddenly feel one big tear and the tendon will finally be freed up. I do have a question for you. At this point, when I block my finger, I've got very little movement (the tip moves about 1/8 of a centimeter). Now that I'm almost a year since the surgery, and I understand there are no guarantees, do you think it's too late to gain more mobility? Is there a time frame in which I will be past the point of no return. When I do the blocking exercise, I do it with so much force that the end of the finger turns red. In my mind, I imagine that if I can just use enough force then I'll be able to break the scar tissue. Maybe that's wishful thinking. Is this possible? I feel that I have nothing to lose as the end of my finger doesn't really work anyway. Could I be doing any damage to the tendon? I appreciate you taking the time, Craig.
@@MikeKincaid79 Absolutely its possible. Early on in the healing, the wrist is maintained in some degree of flexion so as to prevent stressing the repair. This was why you had the initial splint that you had.This is especially important during the first 6 weeks, but becomes less important as time goes on. After 3 months there is no reason to avoid extending the wrist as you perform flexion the finger with blocking technique. The strength of your finger flexors is greatest when your wrist is extended. This is for both the sublimus and profundus tendons. Think about it. When you try to remove the top of an unopened jar (pickle jar, jelly jar) what does your wrist naturally do to maximize the grip on the jar lid?...it automatically goes into extension. This is related to Blix's curve which describes at which length a muscle-tendon unit has to be at to achieve maximal force. For the finger flexors, it's with the wrist extended. For other muscles it varies. Try opening a jar lid (use you left hand for a fair comparison) with your wrist in flexion and in extension,...you will note the grip is far less than when your wrist is in flexion and your wrist will naturally want to go into extension to get the tight lid off. More to your particular situation...I have seen patients even at this late date free up the adhesions, You don't have anything to lose and a tendolysis can be done at any time with equivalent success as long as the passive motion of the end joint is maintained (i.e. when you try to wiggle the end joint of your right little finger using your left hand and your right hand is totally relaxed, it can flex and extend) I would also perform the blocking technique at both the dip joint (which you're doing now) but also at the pip joint as well to help with any adhesions that may have formed between the sublimis and profundus tendons. Stay positive. Craig
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I would look at how succesfull that surgery is from forums u can find online from people who have done it. I think it will get marginally better if you do the surgery. Or if you deal with it you probly wont even notice it after a few years. I had the same injury and we talked about already man. i cut all the tendons in my finger tho. They only replaced one. Cause it was to complicated to replace all 3 lol
My ring finger got broken in 3 places and I had the same surgery. Don't do the surgery it will only get worst. Not to discourage you, but I've had 4 surgery's and it started to do better, but got worst after it healed.
No intention of a second surgery, thanks.
I did something similar in December. I shattered the second bone on my middle finger on my left hand and in the process I severed the top tendon. I am in therapy but I probably will never be able to flex my end bone just like your pinkie. I probably will never be able to fully flex/extend my middle joint in the finger. All because of scar tissue. I don't know yet if a second surgery will be an option. Oh, and I am 41yo. I didn't have insurance so I have about 15k in medical bills from it. To answer your question with my question, would I have the second surgery? Hell yes I would. Even if it cost me another 15k I would do it. So yes, I say do it. I had no idea limiting the function of one finger would so drastically limit my life.
I know, it sucks. Way past this video now and decided not to do the second surgery after the surgeon didn't sound very promising. At the time that I made this video, I was hell bent on getting the second surgery but now that I'm 7 months into recovery there's no way in hell I'll have another surgery. My point is, you get used to it over time. Yes it sucks and yes I went through all the emotional garbage but time really does heal everything. Trust me, by this time next year, it won't even bother you. If it helps to hear this, my Dad cut the tendon on his middle finger on his left hand when he was a teenager, and he is left handed. They didn't have good repairs for it back in the 60's so the tendon never healed back together and he still has no control of that finger at 68. When he drives and has his hand around the steering wheel, the finger sticks straight out and it looks like he's flipping everyone off. He went through all the frustration too in the beginning but now it's a thing of the past. Hope that helps you get over the hump.
Hi Mike. Questions I am thinking of 1) could further surgery make it worse 2) would the surgeon do it if was his body? 3) If you delayed the decision by a year, could they still do the surgery and would it be as effective? If so what would you be losing by trying another year of physio, chiro etc...and the fact that your body I would imagine is still healing itself 4) is there any risk that they could damage the nerves 5) Ask a physio and or a chiro what have they seen to people who have experience with people like you? 6) Will the risk of pain later in your life whether it be surgery or arthritis or whatever be heightened or hindered by more or less operations? Surgeons have always said to me they would only operate if it benefits a patient significantly from it. So I wouldn't imagine the surgeon will operate unless he is convinced. Gosh I live in UK where all our healthcare is free with NHS, I never realised how experience surgery is in America!! I'm not going to tell you my opinion as I think that can only be yours and I don't want to sway you. What does your wife think? I really hope these questions help you. Take care love to all your family Natalie 😀
Thanks, Natalie! I had the final appointment and made my decision. Here's a video about it: ua-cam.com/video/3MJBflVv7Sk/v-deo.html
Scar tissue can be reduced by rubbing manipulation.
It is an old and time consuming therapy but I had it for my elbow and it was the only thing that helped.
A British trained women did the treatment.
Wayne,
Patience is a definite challenge for Mike. 😲 I, also, suggested a similar massage technique that he can learn from a MT and can do himself and his wife can learn, too! A certain amount of pressure is required and it must be done regularly to break up that scar tissue. Ideally, this would have been done from the beginning but all the medical experts seem to think not__however, I have applied this with great success on various body parts of many clients in the past (including a young lady with a broken neck from a serious car accident) and as you can relate, personally, you can vouch for it's efficacy, as well! Sometimes #÷=% happens and we think the most obvious is the 'lesson' to be learned. But my experience has shown me that many times it's the 'not so obvious' that is the important focal point of our awareness__in this case, "patience is a virtue"! Ok, in this case it could also be the obvious__keep over-zealousness in check, too! Sometimes that can be "an accident, waiting to happen", as we can see. 😳 In any case, I continue to send healing vibes for a full recovery! Glad to hear this therapy worked for you. 👏 🌱🌿🙌🙌🙌😺
The therapist has been rubbing the scar tissue from about the second week on and I still do it at home with coco butter. The scar tissue is still in a phase of growing faster than I can rub it away, lol.
Mike, so did you end up getting the second surgery? I watched your video after a year of your surgery but you didn’t mention there if you got the second surgery. Thanks!
No second surgery, just learned to live with it. I decided that I really didn't want to go through all that again.
Nerves can take a year or so to heal Mike.....don't give up. You will notice more changes in the coming months.
I sure hope so. In this case the nerve is for the feeling only because the muscle that operates the finger tendon is all the way down in the forearm so it's the scar tissue that's causing my problem. It's so bad that I can see exactly where the problem is because the scar tissue is so thick and built up. It would be nice if it softened enough over time to be able to bend it.
@@MikeKincaid79 hi man, are you sure nerve damage doesnt affect the movement of the finger, only the sensation ?
Heck yes. Have the surgery. I am right handed but I have a deformed right hand from birth and if I had the option of making it better with surgery, I would.
Hey Mike! I just want to say you should trust your decision making and based on what the doctor recommends. Your well being is important. You look at the costs and asked is it worth a small chance it will be 15% better then you have your finger now. Your life quality will be fine with the way you have it now. I think in my personal opinion you will only have this opportunity to fix this pinky. Your conscience will be at ease. You will want to say i did everything i could to make this pinky function as good as it could get. Financially speaking. i would say definitely make a go fund me page or patron page . You be surprised how much support you will receive from family,friends,and your fellow UA-cam subscribers. I would increase your production of plants and sell them. Follow Dave Ramsey to get help out debt.
Your worth it Mike!
What did you end up doing? I'm at week 3-4 right now trying to prevent the scar tissue by rubbing it every 2 hours. Did you rub/massage your finger 3 weeks after your surgery?
I've been rubbing and massaging the finger for over a year. I chose not to have the second surgery, although it can be done at any time now. The tip of my finger still doesn't work and there is a lot of scar tissue but the swelling has gone down. The finger is still much fatter than the other finger on my left hand and it's pretty gummed up with scar tissue. I've gotten use to it over time though.
Hey Mike, a quick question from me. I have a big problem with my compost this year and it makes me sick. I've got 2 tubs of compost that are over infested with the worms you get from fly larva. They are so gross. I didn't get them for the past 3 years why now and is it safe to use this compost or will all the maggots eat my crops? thanks
I'm not sure if all types of fly larvae eat vegetable crops but certain kinds can devastate them by eating the roots. Do you have chickens? You could spread the compost out on your garden and then let the chickens loose in your garden area at the same time. Those chickens would make quick work of the larvae and solve all your problems. I made a big move in that direction a few years ago and have found wonderful benefits of rotating chickens into the garden. They eat all the pests, weeds, weed seeds, and they till the first few inches of soil. They also fertilize for you. Gardens and chickens are a match made in heaven, in my opinion.
@@MikeKincaid79thanks. no chickens here. I have 3 dogs who I know will not get along with chickens. thanks for your help. good night