Flexor Tendon Surgery (FDP) 7 Week Update
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- Finally got it together to make an update about my flexor tendon surgery on the right pinkie finger. I hope this helps some other people out who've had this same surgery.
I'm in the middle of physical therapy and still have a long way to go but with the exercises I'm doing, I'm hoping to regain mobility and function of the finger.
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Here's a playlist of the whole recovery process: ua-cam.com/play/PLpmpssr45yfPYcLFY17ouccZZNdfvtH6I.html
I’m so thankful that I came across your video Mike💖
My middle and index finger has been cut smooth across the middle right at the point where they bend😢 cutting my nerves and tendons... I am in week 7 and I have been really depressed about this slow process. I am a woman that does her own hair and nails.. And also my career requires me to use both my hands. It’s been really hard for me. But I’m blessed to know I’m not alone! And looking through the comments seeing success stories and positive uplifting comments helped me out a lot ♥️ Thanks Again Mike!
It's hard but you are not alone, Vee. Try to find the silver lining in all of this. Take a step back and get closer to your family. Use this time to really meditate on your life and what you want out of it. Make it count.
how are you now?
@@MikeKincaid79 my reply is late… But thank you for encouraging me it’s not easy but I have be coping with it💖
@@saptab1344 I’m doing good… I have to have a second surgery to release my tendons from the scar tissue, but I have healed very well and I can bend my finger a little…💕
Healing takes longer than we think and forcing things usually ends up with undesired results. Believe it or not your attitude and feelings about it have a huge impact on the healing process. Patience my friend, I know it is easier said than done. I was told healing from Complex PTSD only had an 8-10 percent possibility and it would take 8-10 years... it took 12 and yes there are lasting changes that may not disappear but the wisdom and insight through the process were worth the residual that remains. Your body will not take as long, but there may be more than a scar as evidence to you. The emotional journey can help you gain much if you choose, and I believe you will make that choice.
I just have the same surgery on the 8th of February 2024 I cut both of the tendons in my pinky. And they had to go and fix it. I'm glad I'm watching this so I know what's to come.
Hey Mark. Came across your video series as I am dealing with the same, on the same finger. My 6 weeks cast was taken off two days ago, and although I can bend nicely, I really don't straighten my finger. On top of that I was studying abroad, with all the complications of dealing with this mainly alone. It's been an insanely hard journey - all for a pinkie! Seeing someone going through this has helped immensely (as well as made me cry a few times). I'm just happy to see some recognition and relatable part, thought it really is a frustrating injury. I hope that the acceptance part comes soon and that your life continues to be rewarding even with a crooked pinkie :)
LOL, it is definitely a difficult injury to go through. That's the crazy part, it's just a pinkie, but it debilitates you for a while. Hard to accept it in the beginning but time heals all. Good luck on your journey and I'm glad I could help you through this time.
Mike, you're making good progress. Keep up with the physical therapy and be patient. Results will come.
Just keep massaging the finger, rub what we have here in the UK called E45 cream. Spend a good hour every night at the same time doing you’re physio but don’t push to hard doing it. I had 2 of my tendons on the top of my hand as well as the out side of the top of my hand chipped by someone hitting me with a Rambo type knife. It all took a while to heal and start working properly again but in time it did, I’ve lost a bit of feeling on one side of my hand from nerve damage and this was 21 years ago. Keep you’re chin up and just take you’re time healing.
Thanks Darren, good to hear success stories with this surgery. My therapist recommended coco butter so that's what I've been using.
Mike Kincaid coco butter would be good as well, it really will all come back together again, it will just be nerve damage that you will notice like a numbness feeling. I know how you feel though, you probably keep knocking it or keep losing grip of stuff. Try and get plenty of sun on it as well.
Have you regained full use of your hand and did you have lots of scar tissue?
@@aaronbranchofficial I've found the scar tissue is just as bad from the surgeons scars as the initial damage.
I see that as a positive..
I've been told to massage around 4x per day,
never pushing the fingers back (I can't straighten my little finger so I'm taking the risk on myself with hyper gentle pressure but that's just me)
Swelling seems to be permanent at 6 weeks in..
Compression seems to help from my experience.
You've made a lot of progress, Mike. Wishing you continued improvement and a quick return to work.
The swelling does have an effect on the closing of the hand. You had a major surgery. It takes time for the swelling to go down completely. My surgeon said 6 months to a year for the complete healing of the tendons.
For the scar tissue you need to keep massaging it to help it loosen up and it will soften up over time and thin out till it disappears completely. Do not worry. Also i used vitamin e for the scar tissue and scars. Works really well. Massage it into the finger whenever you massage the scar tissue. Its frustrating because it takes time. Especially for those of us who use our hands on a regular basis.
The scar on the inside of my thumb is almost invisible. Unless you knew it was there you wouldn't notice it. Same cut as yours. Zig zag. One at the base of thumb is more noticable due to it being so long and a lot of stitches. 16 of them there lol. I had a lot of problems with extremely hard scar tissue at one section due to the stitches having been split and the wound ripping open there at the base of the thumb and wrist. Took little more than 6 months for me to get the scar tissue to thin down to the point i could flex the thumb and wrist normally without a lot of pain. The last joint for my thumb or top of metacarpal was stubborn like your pinky due to the swelling. Today a year 2 months later it moves normal rotation wise but is a little tight still at that joint. But that is because of the removal of the tiny bone that was removed at the end of the metacarpal. Texiera bone if i spelled it right lol. The space was filled in with another tendon that was cut from the inside of my forearm and brought down to fill in the empty spot. Also i am double jointed so the space between the bones had to be shortened so i would not rip it all apart again. It can be slow but it will happen. I was in pt for 3 1/2 months before they felt i made enough progress to the point where i could use the thumb safely enough without undoing everything that was done.
Get the vitamin e and use it with the massaging of the finger. It does work really well. Patience is a virtue..........
Thank you for that, Wendy! It helps so much to hear of success stories like your and keeps my attitude good. I appreciate it.
This is the worst plz help
@@susanvieira6227 ??
Recovering from surgery and going through physical therapy is always frustrating. No matter what it never goes as quickly as we would like. I had a 2 total knee replacement surgeries last year and was in physical therapy most of the year but at the end of that time I ended up pain free and more whole than I have been in 30+ years. It must be doubly frustrating with it being a hand surgery. Just keep on keeping on. You’ll get there!
Wow 6½ weeks looking good 👍 keep at it they take time. Prayers for full recovery.
I definitely hear you about the head games. At 57 on 21 Aug 2019, I had the last of several major heart attacks that resulted in emergency bypass surgery that also ultimately removed me from my chosen career as a home painter and handyman.
On a positive note, yours and another guy's gardening videos is giving me some ideas and motivation to get back into the gardening that I used to do prior to 2017.
We'll have to see if my now 60 y/o body can handle the exertion and Florida heat. I also have to use a cane these days.
Thank you 😊
Man I'm sorry to hear about your heart attack. Glad your still here to tell the story. Yep, gardening would be a great sport for you.
Hey Mike, just a thought, you might want to re-watch the first videos you posted about it, just for a retrospective on how you felt at first.
Very good point!
How are you doing now? I am finally having an extensive tendon transfer for my right hand because of my contracture. I am so excited! It will be rough for a while, but will be worth it. I have been wanting to have it done for several years.
Thank you for the videos I cut my finger in the same exact spot on the same finger I’m 21 yrs old and it was a scary experience and to watch your progress along side mine helped tremendously I’m 6 1/2 weeks into it with no surgery considering I only nicked the tendon and cut my nerve it was hard mentally just wanted to share my appreciation
Going through all this right now. Cut 3 tendons in my pinky finger and had surgery to reattach them but i have so much scar tissue build up that i try so hard to manage but no luck. Its been 6 weeks since my surgery and i still cant bend my other 3 fingers in a fist and my therapist said by now i should. I've cried so many hours because of this thinking im not making any progress but i came across your videos and it made me feel better to know that im not the only one who still cant bend their pinky in a fist at the 6 week mark. Watching your videos has helped me face all this in a better light thank you for posting about your progress! 😊
It's really hard emotionally. Sorry to hear about your injury, you may need a second surgery if you have multiple fingers that don't work. I'm curious, how did you cut yourself?
Has it healed up yet
Be positive Mike! Your finger looks great seriously! We love you! Remember that you have a beautiful family to continue fighting for! Praying for you 🙏👍
Mike I hope you keep your spirit up. Sometimes people look at me and think I am healthy but what they don’t know is the level of pain I get from being out shopping for my groceries then back home suffering. It’s been a long struggle not knowing if it will ever be better. My second surgery was to create scar tissue to fill a cavity that kept filling up with fluid. I was in to much pain to do physical therapy. Certain days I try doing different things to see how much I can handle sorta like you are doing... Your youth will be on your side because we do tend to heal better than us older people do. Please take your time and don’t rush because it might set you back. Patience is a virtue. And a few months from now this will heal. and hopefully just like a plant that needs a little more care because it is fragile as you do your magic on the plant it will get be beautiful!
I had my left ring finger amputated 5 months ago. Now, I am about to go through tendon surgery next month. Keep doing what you are doing and stay positive. On thing that helped me from my pinky curling under my middle finger, is to use a sponge or Styrofoam between your fingers. I actually use those foam things women use when getting a pedicure. Just a thought.
Thank you for doing an update! Mike, it seems like your finger is doing good. I know that it's very frustrating but just try to hang in there and give it time to heal. I believe when all that swelling goes down the movement will be a lot better.
Glad years have passed since your injury. Even at seven weeks the hand looks AMAZING. Great surgical work.
Yeah, it's been 4 years now. The end of the finger still doesn't work but I've gotten use to it.
Hang in there brother. I'm going through the same thing with my flexor tendon surgery; the unending swelling, the scar tissue impinging on the new tendon which pinches the nerve which then limits additional movement. Let's not forget the numbness..
Yep, sounds about right. I’m about 4.5 years out from the injury. Still dealing with tons of scar tissue and some numbness.
Going through this now and this was really helpful. Thank you for sharing your experience.
You're welcome, Ada. I hope you heal up fast and well.
KEEP ON KEEPING ON MIKE! My ring finger on my right hand locks up all the time. I am right handed and a crafter at heart. It can be frustrating but we adjust mentally and physically. 💚 STAY POSITIVE!
That sounds like trigger finger. I had that on one finger a while back. A fairly simple surgery in most cases...
Im going into week 5 for my index finger. Deep laceration followed by both flexor tendons repaired and a nerve repair at the middle joint and I can also barely actively move the finger. Even passive movement is tight. Its very swollen and frustrating. My tissue also feels hard even with lots of massage. Thanks for this video, it felt like perfect timing in my life for what I’m going through. Hope we all heal well in the future!
I know it's a tough thing you're going through right now but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Work the finger hard and massage regularily. You're in my prayers.
I also having this problem bro i cant touch it it pains on the tip of nail
Stay positive and just keep up with the exercises and flexing. I severed the Radu l and ulnar nerves in my arm and the tendons in my third and fourth fingers. I'm told it will take upwards of two years to get about 75% functionality back in my hand. I'm six months into the healing process and the amount of passive movement I now have, particularly in the last 2 months, is very pleasing. Just keep on with the exercises so that your joints don't become stiff and give it the time it needs to heal.
Looks like its coming along nicely, stay positive and I bet after all the swelling is gone you will have no problem. It really looks like its bending good to me. Maybe work it by grasping a round tool like a wooden dowel. Thumbs up Mike.
Time and patience (something ppl who use their hands physically hard daily) don't have, are the 2 things we need. I had a nerve unsheathed in my hand from wrist to index finger and it was the most frustrating 2 yrs of my life, and like you I pushed hard, but it will heal in its own time Mike, nothing we do can make it heal faster. I actually think in the time frame you have made great strides with recovery. The one thing we learn fast is how much we use our hands daily. Hang in there you are making good strides in your recovery.
Thanks Cindy!
So happy I stumbled upon this video. I just reached week 7 of a zone 1 tendon repair. I injured my index finger and got a nerve as well. It is an excruciatingly slow recovery! I’m also getting frustrated with the lack of mobility, swelling, and tenderness, but I’m also just trying to trust the process! I’ve felt silly with how attached and invested I am in one little finger, but it’s kind of important!! I can’t wait for this thing to heal up so I can get some more projects done. Thank you for your updates on your recovery so I know a bit of what to expect moving forward. Happy planting!!
Sorry to hear about your injury, Olivia. It's a long slow recovery as you know. You seem to have a good attitude and I think you'll do well.
Hi has your finger completely healed now? I ask cause I’m going through the same thing but on my pinky and ring finger
@@parsamoalemian5008 I'm sorry you're dealing with this, having it happen to two fingers is rough. On the outside my finger is completely healed, but I do still have some numbness/nerve pain so I find myself not using it very often. As for range of motion, I'm at about 70-80% and strength probably about 50-70%. Best of luck with your healing
On the positive side, should you ever have tea with the Queen she'll be charmed by your good form!
You'll get full movement back, it's just gonna take awhile. The frustration is the worst part.
She'll be very pleased.
I had the same type of injury when I was a teenager, and I've never regained mobility of that final joint. I consider myself lucky that it wasn't worse though.
Thanks for the tip on making a proper fist by using the ring finger to push the pinky finger down. Never thought of that one myself, but it works great!
Yep, I'm about 4.5 years out from the injury and have seen no improvement since a few weeks after surgery. It is what it is and I've grown accustomed to it now. Thanks for chiming in and glad to hear from a fellow finger destroyer, haha.
I had a severe crush injury at work (factory) damaging the flexor tendons to my right index finger. Due to the extent of tissue damage, surgery to repair the damaged metacarpal bone and tendons had to be delayed. I got the surgery done 4 weeks after the injury with the FDS from the ring finger rerouted to the index. It's now 8 weeks since the injury and my index finger just about flickers. My doctor and therapist say that's good enough... Your videos keep me going
I'm sorry to hear about the injury. They said the same thing to me, "it's good enough". It's not them who has to deal with it so it's easy for them to say. Just try to keep your head up and work hard on range of motion if your doctor has told you to do that.
Hi Waka, I had a cut Injury that destroyed my ulnar and median nerves from the wrist along with the tendons. 9 months and 2 surgeries later my index finger also just about bends. How are you doing now? Is your finger now what it used to be like pre injury ?
@@oracle8798 hello! Sorry for your injury. It sounds almost the same as mine (severe nerve and tendon damage). I had a tenolysis procedure done on the flexor tendon 4 weeks ago. I started therapy and active motion immediately after the surgery. The finger range of motion is now much better and I can actually grasp objects. Though still working on the strength. However the extension is limited and my finger is always on a "hook" position. But as long as I can flex and be able to pinch, I'll be satisfied.
I hope you get some results going for you soon and get as much function back as possible.
Remember to chart your progress. Each day you can improve a little bit physically, and a little bit emotionally. A sudden injury or illness puts our fragility right in our faces. It shakes our courage! But follow the PT guide and keep your spirit up. Glad to hear you are progressing! 🌿
It’s looking better and you will make it work. God bless, James
Praying for you. Thanks for the update.
its a slow slow way back have had tendon surgery from elbow to hand before, plus total replacement of right knee left hip and left shoulder takes a while to heal up but your still young and determined you will overcome this little bro, much prayers.
Thanks for posting this, I’m at week 8 after ring/pinky fingers chopped with table saw (through extensor tendons and bones) seeing your situation really helps me see my process is normal. No fist, those two fingers just hang out there 🙄 going to try bending splint on Amazon with little screws. Thx again bud for posting.
Wow, sounds traumatic. Yes, the healing process is long and arduous, more mentally than anything. Hope you heal up well.
I just had a work injury 3 weeks ago at my PIP joint in my middle finger. 6 stitches later. My swelling is still there after 3 weeks & it’s damn near impossible to move the finger at the PIP and DIP joints fully. Can move it at the MCP no problem. I am going to the hand specialist on Monday to see if surgery is needed or not. Your videos are really helping and relieving my anxiety
Sorry to hear about your injury and I'm glad these videos are helpful. It's a tough thing to go through an injury like this. I pray that there will be good news at the surgeon's office and you'll regain full mobility. Just the fact that you can move the finger a little is a good thing. If the tendon was no longer intact, you wouldn't be able to move it at all. Good luck.
Thanks for an update Mike. It would help a lot with swelling if you could put some CBD cream on it, at least twice a day. It does wonders for any joint. It helped me tremendously when I had a badly swollen knee last year from paddle boarding.
Trust me, it WILL get better in time, but you have to be patient and thing positive. Your mind set is very important.
Keep well Mike, God Bless
Thanks, Lela. That's been recommended now several times. Maybe it's time to try it out.
You are looking good for 6 1/2 weeks. I understand the “desperate” on lack of mobility! I started PT yesterday on my arm after 3 months....they say I MAY get 80% use back!! Ended up being damage to tendons, ligaments and nerves in elbow AND shoulder. So....
I know the frustration is BAD but continue following directions!! YOU WILL GET MORE THAN YOU HAVE NOW!!! Sometimes it takes a year or more...it will happen. Took a year to recover from foot surgery - and screws in joint!
Hey Mike, I just read your message and I will definitely look it up. I am playing pickleball with my left hand even though the doctor said I shouldn't be. I'll just be careful and I found out I'm pretty good with my left hand lol. You give me a lot of hope and I so appreciate you taking time out of your day to help me. I will let you know after I watch the documentary. And yes that gives me great hope if you can. Like you said deadlift and hold onto a bar I should have no problem with my pickleball paddle. I had my four week check up on last Friday and I have to be in the splint four more weeks but given I'm playing again with my left hand, as well as playing with the beginners and coaching. I can live with it. Apparently my tendon repair was more difficult because my tendon was so tiny. They could only put two sutures in and normally there's four which is why I think they're being extra cautious with me.
Hang in there Mike, healing takes time, it's ok to be Anxious, 🙏 for you
Thank you, Vera
Hi, Mike. I'm an RN too, man. We are tough patients! I am 60, I have terrible peripheral neuropathy from an auto-immune disorder and also my DDD, and DJD also doesn't help. A friend introduced me to CBD from industrial hemp. I educated myself. Because I didn't know about the endocannabinoid system in our bodies. Then I started taking it, faithfully, from a trusted source with third party verification of the THC Zero status. (Now, ten months ago, (before the cbd)I was out planting things and my son was helping me. We were working on the irrigation. I stepped on four nails coming out of a board that neither of us knew was there. I didn't feel it at all. I just wondered why that board was stuck to my foot! I never felt a thing. Even when my son pulled it ALL out of my foot. That was the end. The pain and the numbness was too much.) Four weeks ago, I was walking with my daughter and all of the sudden I had a sudden pain in my foot. A rock had gotten into my shoe. She was amazed! Me too!! Because she knows I don't feel my feet at all. In this last four weeks, the feeling in my feet has started to return. After less than a year on the CBD oil!! It heals neurological and tendon stuff! My tear in my achilles is much improved too. I say give it a go. Be faithful about it. Take it from a trusted source. ( I order from Green Horizon or HempWorx as they 3rd party verify no THC. As an RN, I can't do THC, ya know??? lol. Good Luck!!
Thanks, maybe I'll give it a go. Glad to hear it's working well for you!
SUPER! 🙌🙌🙌🌱🌿😺
You're doing great! This is incredible improvement. You have to be patient with yourself. And don't forget to work the muscles that open the hand as well as curling.
I've never hurt my hand, but I have had incapacitated injuries, you will overcome. It always feels worse before it improves
The hardest part of healing is being patient and giving yourself the needed time. Keep up the good work with your physio, it will come. Take care - Marcie
Oh, and those plants in the greenhouse look amazing!
Thanks, Marcie! I've got patience for the plants but I need to work on it in other areas, lol.
Hang in there Mike, it is early days yet and if you keep up your exercises as per the pt instructions I am sure it will improve a lot yet. Yeah scar tissue can be a real problem. Still praying for you. Oh, off topic, I think of you every time I go out to my potting room where my cuttings are. I am SO excited, I can see new growth on several of them but am not brave enough to pull them out of the potting medium yet to see how they are doing. Oh sorry, forgot to tell you what cuttings I am trying. Forsythia and wigelia (not sure of the spelling sorry) I also have taken some cuttings of a chrysanthemum I was given back in the spring. I have had a bit of die off but am still happy with the results so far. Thank you for encouraging me to give it a try. I have taken cuttings of different things in the past with minimal success because I didn't know the right times of the year to do them. I now feel more confident due to your teaching me what to do. Thank you again. Take care and stay safe and keep on keeping on with the pinky exercises. Sandie from Ontario Canada.
Thanks, Sandie! Glad I can be an inspiration for you and it sounds like you're getting this propagation thing down well.
Thank you for the videos Mike Kincaid. I had surgery for the exact same injury just 2 days ago. I'm starting therapy on Monday, which will be 5 days after surgery was completed. Not looking forward to the long road to recovery, but have to do it!
You'll look back in 6 months and think, "That went fast". Good luck in your recovery and get that finger actively moving as soon as the doctor lets you. You don't want scar tissue gumming up the tendon.
Mike, are far as your healing is concerned, it’s going to take whatever amount of time it takes. It’s as simple or a complex as that. At week seven, you are still in the early stages, even though your brain hasn’t accepted that fact. It’s possible the amount of dexterity you regain may never reach the 100% you had, but in time you will become used to the change, if any, and not think about it so much. That said, if it were up to us, your followers, as to how this would all play out, you would already be healed! Hang in there, it will improve.
Hey Mike, I just finished watching the Dawn Wall. Unbelievable. Definitely. If he can adapt to a missing finger I think I'll be good. But he was amazing. The perseverance, and having faith that his friend was going to finally get it like what an amazing human being. Thanks so much for the recommendation. Now I want to look up more information about him. He's such a cool interesting guy. Thanks again Mike. I'll let you know how I make out down the road.
That is so cool that you watched it. Isn't that just one of the most inspiring films. It really does show that anything is possible, and yes, that guy has the biggest heart for other people and great perseverance. That film impacted me so much. Glad you watched it!
Mike do they have you on Prednisone PO to reduce the swelling and inflammation in your finger? My husband is a nurse tore tendon in his thumb and they put a metal plate in it. Afterward he could not put thumb and forefinger together so starting Ivs was so difficult! Hang in there Nurses and Hosta fig lovers r TOUGH
0:38. No, Mike, I don't think it's all easy. I'm well familiar with PT and all that goes with it.
Take good care.
Thanks again for your guidance. I'm sending good vibrations. 🙌
Keep being consistent with the procedures at home, and be aware that soft tissue is slower to heal. Keep it up and never give up hope!🌟
Keeping the faith
I'm at 5 weeks with a full flexor cut and volar plate injury on my middle finger. It is frustrating and found your video looking for similar injuries. I hope it's much better for you now after 2 years...
All healed up now. The last joint of my finger doesn't bend, the finger is constantly bowed in due to shortening of the tendon, and there is a lot of scar tissue but I'm use to it now. It'll never be the same but the hardest part of dealing with these injuries is the mental part and learning to come to terms with it and accept the new you. Good luck.
@@MikeKincaid79 I watched your most recent update after writing this. I understand the result for you wasn't as good as you'd like. I do question if a hanging tip would be better though as I would guess a lot of grip comes from the tips, but who knows :) I'm glad you've come to grips (no pun intended) with the results.
I think I have good potential for good result. Even though I cut both tendons and the volar plate (surgeon saw directly down into joint) it's already pretty good. Range is still limited (especially grip), but it's steadily improving and I can clearly move both middle and outer joint.
This is the second time for me, I cut my right thumb about 20 years ago. The range of motion is not 100% but it never bothers me anymore...
Dang, twice in one lifetime! That sucks. Sounds like your on your way to a decent recovery. Best advice I have at this point is to keep actively moving your finger and prevent scar tissue gluing the tendon down.
Like you said, the only advantage to my surgery is that the finger is now stiff so it helps with gripping things.
I'm glad you're getting as far along as you are already . I hope it continues and gets to 100%. Hopefully it's mainly just swelling that's bothering you still.
I just keep praying that's all it is and not the scar tissue binding up the tendon. Time will tell.
@@MikeKincaid79 so if it is do they have to go in and try to clean the scar tissue off . And hope they don't make more scar tissue while doing it kind of stuff?
That's exactly right and that's what's got my most worried. I've still got a month of trying to get it working more before they consider that option. All the waiting to find out is what's killing me. I'm sure you can relate, lol.
@@MikeKincaid79 well I hope that doesn't happen . From dr. HVAC lol and I definitely understand waiting sucks . But the worst thing surgery wise that I ever had was a hernia surgery and had 2 kids under 2 and couldn't pick them up to play with them . But I didn't have the am I going to be able to move this part of my body can I thing going on at all. That's come along with my ankylosis spondylitis though. A good joke life can play 😂 .but I am really praying for you man.
I feel your frustration with going back to the gym. Well done with all you endured. We got this!!! 💪🏻👊🏻😄
We sure do
I'm jealous to be honest. 3 weeks ago I lacerated 6 flexor tendons completely in my index, middle and ring fingers in the bottom knuckle bend in my right hand. Currently trying to find a surgeon that doesn't require a huge payment before surgery, being a single college student with no health insurance. So I hope I find one before it's to late or else in SOL because they are just in the way and nothing but dead appendages right now.
Man Aaron, I'm really sorry to hear that. Just take a loan and get the surgery. You're so young, you need them fingers. I'm praying for you.
Good luck with recovery mate that's tough
Yeah, it was a rough one but I'm a year past it now and moving on. Thanks for the encouragement.
Mike, you described the same situation I am in, except I lacerated the 3rd metacarpal, the long finger. I work with plants as well and did it with a brand new Fisker blade. The tendon cut was immediate. Anyway 14 months out my middle finger looks like yours but a bit worse. Still swollen and a bit painful but tolerable. I continue to massage and stretch it out. I’m declining the. Tenyolysis surgery that was offered as it’s not a guarantee.
I just was looking to see other outcomes.
Thanks alot for these videos mate they really help to push through this recovery process that takes such mental toll on your health. I'm currently at the same week 7 stage and have the same problems you had here, the tendon has attached to the scar tissue and does not move above that last joint, this is after a second surgery after I reruptured the tendon so safe to say I'm well and truly over it! If you have any tips of what to do from this stage it much appreciated. Thanks again for this content who knows how many people you have helped with this journey 😊
I'm glad they're helpful. I had no idea how many people they would help when I made them. Sorry to hear you had 2 surgeries. I just think that the surgeons would be a little more forthcoming about the true outcomes of these injuries and help to keep expectations under control. My finger still doesn't work at the tip after almost 3 years but as you said, I'm over it too. Good luck on your healing journey.
Good to see you making progress Mike. Looks better than I expected. You definitely have patience, as we've seen you apply it to your gardening, so give it time.
After listening to your toe curling description of your accident it has forced me to have a good look at my garden and head off those accident waiting to happen.
I've bent over the tops of my metal stakes into gentle 3" bends so I can't impale myself if I slip and fall. I've got rid of all those useful panes of glass that are also a big liability and small things like blunt end caps on canes shorter than 6ft. So thanks for that. Keep on keeping on. All the best.
Haha, hope I'm not making you paranoid, but it's a good idea to clean things up for sure. Speaking of impaling, right after I had surgery I was at my dad's house with the girls and my youngest fell right on a piece of rebar that was sticking 2 feet out of the ground and impaled herself in the neck. I didn't even see it happen but we were lucky because it just broke the skin a little and glanced off but another inch the other way and it would have gone right through. There is definitely a God!
Baby steps and patience. Glad to see you are progressing. When do you plan on going back to work?
in about a month
i used a compression sleeve for my finger when i broke it. reduced inflammation a lot for me. GL
The therapist just gave me one the other day when I was at my appointment.
I actually think your finger has improved a lot! It is still really swollen so must be very uncomfortable and tight, but with some time I’m sure that will all get better. Keep thinking positive. I noticed you got a whole lot of good suggestions like soaking in Epson salts & trying CBD cream for pain hopefully this will help as well. Thanks for the pinky update. Healing takes time. Stay positive! 😊
All your fingers are swollen on that hand... I'm sorry - I know it's sometimes hard to be patient when you're used to working with two good hands!!!
I will pray you will be able to get more mobility in that finger & swelling will go down!
You are a very unique & special man & have a beautiful family! God Bless You & Your Efforts!
🍀🌹☘
Yeah, silly me 😆- I just now realized this video was months ago... like 1/2 a year ago. But, I will still say some prayers, & I hope things are getting much better these days ~ Peace!
Yeah, it's healed up now. Lot's of scar tissue and still a ways to go to fully soften and be pain free but It's not affecting my day to day life anymore. Thanks for the prayers, Nola!
Did thumb in 1986, still hurts and has never been the same.
Looking back, I'd have been better off not getting it done.
Hope you do better than me.
I said the same thing to the therapist yesterday after 2 months off work and multiple thousands of dollars of medical bills later. Everyone keeps saying the hand looks so good but it wasn't the hand that got hurt. The one area that got hurt still doesn't work. That was a big part of my frustration yesterday but I have to set it all aside and get my attitude in check and move forward with the expectation that it will all work out in the end. Thanks for the comment.
@@MikeKincaid79
Yeah, they will want to go back in to remove scar tissue that keeps growing, it doesn't end.
Much better fate to just have limited use, it's still going to be limited, but pre surgery had less pain.
I feel for you....
30 years and it still hurts worse than it did.
My advice, and forgive me -
Suck up the pain from a bad choice and ignore it as best you can.
Again, I apologize, but this is decade advice.
Wish you the best, hope you fend better than I did.
GEG
I cut my thumb pretty bad. Didnt need surgery. But limited movement was defiantly a hassle. Especially walking the dogs..
Keep your head up! 💙
Did it heal on its own?
I'm in week 5 of flexor tendon repair recovery. I had a zone 2 injury on my middle finger of my right, and dominant hand. I can't make a fist and my other fingers are hindered by the middle being so stiff. I can manually bend it some, but can't touch the palm. It's been very disheartening. I may need to have the second surgery to remove scar tissue. Thanks for posting this video. My therapist hasn't given me much direction on breaking up scar tissue.
In my experience, I try lymphatic drainage on myself. It helped me with my partial amputation.
It reduced the inflammation. Look on you tube for video.
Then when the inflammation goes down, work on the flexibility . The inflammation is restrictive and gets worse if aggravated.
Anti inflammatory are really important around this time for healing, even though I dislike meds. It does it’s job even with the side effects.
It is frustrating as you go.
It has been 1 year and 10 months. The thing I’m struggling with is the scar tissue and feeling.
I can’t see with my fingers. Any one that works with there hands in places you can’t look will know what I am talking about.
Hope it is a little helpful. Each problem is unique.
All the best with recovery!
Well said. Yes, each situation is different. That would be tough to have a job in which you need the feeling in your fingers and didn't have it. My scar tissue still remains 4.5 years later and the feeling is at about 60%. I've grown used to it and have come to accept it. Good luck to you on your healing journey.
Hi soo glad found your video. I had tendon transfer surgery on 3 fingers right hand. Pinky, ring n middle fingers. 1/31 I’m about 7 weeks post op. I had Vaughan Jackson Syndrome from my Rheumatoid Arthritis. There was soo much inflammation in my wrist that it shifted that big bone n ruptured the tendins of my 3 fingers. Surgery was a success but recovery is very hard. So many things movements I can’t do n the tightness is out of this world. I’m hoping that goes away. Finally got splint off. Do you ever get like a big sprain feeling in your hand. ? Sorry so long but thanks for the ear.
I don't get that feeling. Just the feeling like my finger is stuck in a cage and can't get out. It's permanently curled in and I can't straighten it all the way. There is a ton of scar tissue around it and the tip of my finger doesn't bend. The good news is that I'm use to it and it doesn't bother me too much anymore. Sorry to hear about your surgery and everything you're going through. It's a tough road to walk but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep your chin up.
hi mike: i think you are doing just fine. seems like your right hand is a bit swollen. you will get there man. i hope you are putting your whole hand in warm water also that the fluid and swelling from the pinky goes into your whole hand. better to have the pinky aesthetically there and partially usable then not have it at all. you will get there. if anything, after healing, cortisone shots into the scar tissue might dissolve the scar tissue and free the tendon. there's always a way to get it moving. wishing you well, carmine.
Thanks Carmine. Yeah, I've been soaking the hand in warm water morning and night. It's the only way to get it pliable enough to work with. I have faith that it will heal better and maybe I'm a little impatient but never been through something like this physically that took so long to heal.
mike: you know that i'm a stroke person and i could not feel my whole right side. i worked at it and the only part i can't feel is my right hand and my right foot. i'm glad it happened while i was asleep. time, take the time. take the pressure off! the mind is made to heal the body. with the creator's help, we can do all. cp.
All good things come with time. I definitely heard the frustration in your words and tone. You seem like a very positive person and that will work in your favor. Whatever the final outcome, I am sure you will be "Kincaid Strong." May God bless you in this process, as He certainly blessed you with a beautiful Family. Good Luck! I have been having successes with your rotting techniques, but sometimes I am impatient looking for those great roots:) Maybe I need some more patience?
Me to, haha
Easy tiger easy!! Take it easy Mike and it will recover in due time. Just carry one with your physio and it will get there!! Loving your videos. Graham 🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thanks for the boost, Graham. I keep telling my therapist that he should be getting paid to be a psychiatrist as well. He said his job is kind of like being a bartender, lol.
Patience really is a virtue. Considering what could have been....
I know it’s frustrating but it looks like you have come along way. You have youth on your side and your determined!
However.....I’m so distracted by your incredibly clean nails😂for someone who is always working in the outdoors!
Haha, I don't know why my hands always look so clean. I get that all the time. I could rub my hand in a muddy puddle and it would come out clean.
It can take months for the swelling.
Did they not tell you about "Epsom Salt"
Mine still don't move Doctor says it can take a year.
We're in the same boat, Paul. I haven't used epsom salt. Is that helpful for you?
@@MikeKincaid79 Helps with the swelling and some with the scar tissue. A hot Epsom salt bath can do good.
Thanks Paul, I think I'll try that tonight. I soak my hand every night to do my stretches and exercises so I'll just add the salt to the water. Thanks!
@@MikeKincaid79 Been used for soreness and swelling for at least hundreds if not thousands of years. Highly suggested by my surgeon.
@@MikeKincaid79 Epsom salts is the greatest! I used to put 2 cups of it in a bath when my RSD was active. The best thing going. Also used a salve to reduce inflammation. Now my son just got me "Chiro Care" boy does that take the pain away fast! It has arnica and cannabis in it. And that's cannabis without the THC??? Don't remember that correct initials --just means it doesn't have that "good" stuff in it. It's my first time trying it, I never would have bought it on my own but my son was kind enough to get it for me so I tried it. Within 15-30 minutes all pain was gone. It does need reapplication but this is the third day with it and my shoulder has improved. I'm using it more with less pain. Before the Chiro Care, I always kept it a guarded position. good luck to ya!
Oh Mike and to think you said in the beginning it’s just a pinky! Hang in there keep up the good work it will pay off! Prayers and thinking of you!
It's not JUST a pinkie anymore, lol. I WANT MY PINKIE BACK!!! (kicking and screaming)
Hopefully .......... your finger heals ......because Imagine if your unable to propogate ?!?.....what will we do without you? ......I think if you continue to massage, exercise, warm compresses......& letting go......don’t force the healing.......and let go....& divine intervention take care of it........with patience & time.....may help.....wishing you all the Best in the healing process. Hopefully you get 100% function back......sending you prayers & love🙏
I pray that everything you wrote happens!
Hey Mike, thanks for the update!
You are too impatient my friend! It takes at least 3 times as long to heal. Don't force it, just exercise it. You need to give it time, you don't want to complicate things!. Your body was in a shock as a whole, twice so give it time!
Also, maybe you want to eat some foods that help you with the inflammation. Turmeric is a good one. Research it! Help it along and keep the faith! This is a lesson in patience, not easy but it needs to be learned!
Hugs and love across the country! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!🤗🙏❣️
You're a sweetheart Camelia! At least I don't have to hear about the splint anymore, lol.
Thank you Mike! Hahaha Mike, rest assured that I still have an eye on you and if you are over doing it, I will let you know! 💞
Dear Mike Kincaid, Be Well, Do Good Work, and Stay in Touch.
Thank and thank you! Still have stitches in. Thank you for sharing your journey
You're welcome, Diane! Work hard during therapy and good luck on the healing.
Thanks for the video! I'm at about 6 weeks with the same surgery on the same finger and I have almost exactly the same mobility, it is very frustrating. Has it gotten any better after months of working it?
Regretfully, no. It's pretty lockup up but the good news is that I'm getting very use to it mentally. It's still frustrating from time to time but I've resigned myself to the fact that it is what it is. Sorry for that news. I hope yours heals up better than mine did.
When the swelling goes down you will be OK .great to see you again. Stay safe. God bless. Gerry
Thanks for the update
I know your pinkie is somewhat better now, but watching this makes me want to cry. I sorta know what you are feeling, I got bit on my forearm by a camel, all the way to the bone. It took 2 months for it to heal, it got infected with grass oozing out, it was awful. It still hurts and probably won't ever get completely better. Took out a big chunk of arm. But I have gotten used to it and I will be ok. Talk to you later 😊😁🤗
Wow, that's horrendous! I'm sorry to hear that. Now I'm curious of the story behind that one.
Just saw this video, I’m in week 1 for index finger. The amount of time and the this is going to need the arm brace and possible lack of results just seems so frustrating. Hope to break the record for recovery time of this injury.
Your hand looks good. Don’t like the swelling though. I’ve got that too. Maybe ice will help with swelling. I’m going to try. Thanks for this video!
It took about 12 weeks until I was able to start lifting weights again and at that time I was only doing light body weight exercises. I got back up to full strength within a couple months so it goes quick once the doctor releases you to use the hand fully again. My best recommendation is to do active range of motion exercises as soon as you can and as much as you can. Actively move that finger through it's entire range of motion to keep the tendon from gluing down with scar tissue. Good luck on your recovery! Oh yeah, by the way, it's been 2 years and the swelling is gone. That slowly got better over the first year. It's still a little bigger due to scar tissue but the swelling is gone. It just takes time and a lot of mental anguish.
Mike, I think you are expecting too much too soon. Be patient man, you will get it back !!!! ✌🏻❤
I think you're right!
Hey mike I appreciate all you have shared with you're pinky. I sustained almost identical injury as you did on my left pinky finger. I am exactly 22 days out of surgery, and have been going to rehab for about 2 weeks or do. The only thing that worries me is the tip feels really lose (as if its dislocated). It has no strength at all and am concerned that it may not be healing correctly. Any thoughts? Hope all is well mike!
Sorry to hear about your accident. My finger still doesn't work after 1.5 years. Just keep following your therapists recommendations and keep your head up. Time will heal your frustration.
My tip feels loose too what it an issue?
Thank you for posting videos about this!
My pleasure! I'm glad they can help others with the same or similar injuries.
Anti inflammatory aspirin. ice it for 10, warm water for 10. If you can feel the finger, you are ok. just exercise it with out help and with help.
Maybe adding epsom salt to your hot water soak would help. I remember when I fractured my pinky that the hot water soaks felt really good. I wore a brace on my finger all day so I could not use the pinky at all. It felt wonderful to get my finger in the hot water and move it at the end of the day.
I wish you all the best
I said it before the surgery i believe. Dmso gets rid of the swelling
Just had this exact injury yesterday, got surgery on Monday and i am absolutely shitting bricks for the aftermath after seeing videos like this. Any update as to your recovery and any tips/advice for best ways to manage both the physical and mental challenges that are heading my way?
I've got several videos throughout the past few years with updates at the 1 year and 2 year point. The emotional and mental part is the hardest but in the end just realize: 1.) your fingers/hand will never be the same, and 2.) life will go on. You'll get use to whatever the outcome is and it will bother you less and less as time goes by. You have to get through all the initial emotional stuff first though. It's a roller coaster so hang on but know that it will all work out in the end. My best advice is to do as much active range of motion, with your hand and fingers, as you can, as early on as you can and are allowed to by the surgeon. Movement and exercises early on is what will determine your ultimate outcome.
@@MikeKincaid79 thank you so much for such a thoughtful and sincere response, I appreciate you taking the time man you’re a top guy. I have caught up on all the related videos and I think I actually got off lightly!! I can still bend my pinkie at the base but the movement at the tip is gone - my laceration was nowhere near as deep as yours so hopefully my process won’t be as taxing as I am anticipating. Thanks again brother you’re a real one. Your videos are quality and you seem a genuinely nice guy, I wish you nothing but the best mate 🙏🏻👍🏻
Question..I have rooted six rose cuttings. I don't have a hoop house so I am thinking about how to over winter these guys. I plan on putting the rooted containers near the house, southern exposure with a plastic container to cover them for protection. The location is New Jersey, zone 6. The Farmers Almanac is predicting a particularly cold winter. Your thoughts?
You might be better off letting them go dormant and then moving them into a garage or shed where they are protected from winter winds.
Thanks for your positivity.
Always! I try to live my life by it
thank so much for this video. same injury right index week 4. nervous it failed.
Hang in there man. No matter the outcome your mind will adjust and it won’t be a big deal a year from now. Keep your head up and do the PT
@@MikeKincaid79 thanks bud. Subbed.
Hi how are you now?it is 4 weeks now I cut my 2 extensor index tendons and I can't move my entire hand or slightly make a fist
Ive had fdp and fds repair, little finger and ring finger. 3 tendons and 1 nerve completely severed. Im recovering at week 5 so i understand the frustrations. It is my dominant hand too. 😢
I pray you heal up well
Hello mike, i'm getting through the same as you and i foud your video making some reserch about the topic, i know thath is very frustating all the proces, it has been 4 week since my surgery and i´m kind of worry about the movility, i want to ask you how is your finger now and how was all the proces for you?
I've got videos of the process up to the 2.5 year mark. I talk about the recovery and everything that goes along with it.
I'm hoping my surgery 10/29. I found this video helpful
Good luck with your surgery
Patience is the key. Listen to your therapists! Looks like you're doing fine!
He's a great therapist and I'm hanging on every word that comes out of his mouth.