9 days post op. Still bandaged but feels as if stitches are pulling. Also feels kinda hot and throbbing.
It's probably OK. I was convinced my stitches were pulling and wanted them out. Actually, it's just the wound healing. Once you have the stitches out you can start giving it some air, moving it around a bit and rubbing some oil into the op site. I just used vaseline to keep mine lubricated. Even know if I flex my wrist I can "feel" the op site,but this is fading with time.
Thank you so very much for your reply
Surprised you've still got bandage on, I was told to take mine off after 4 days, stitches after 14days by gp nurse.
You should be moving fingers now, gently. Stretching them straight until it hurts a little, also Making fist, tho you won't get a strong one yet.
If throbbing is intense hold hand up above heart level, tho this should have been done for first 48hrs.
Stitches will pull as they are very tight. But you shouldn't be doing anything else or you will cause problems.
If you are worried you should have been given an emergency hospital tel numb to ring. I suggest you ring first thing. Or, go to walk on centre, it's possible your inner dressing may need changing.
Hi Yvonne
there are different schools of thought about how long to wear the big bandage. My Dr. Was of the 48 hours school and it was so much better without it. When are you due to remove yours?
in your position I would take it off and change the dressing underneath. I hope Andy is right with his reassurance but throbbing implies possible infection. It's worth having a look. When do your stitches come out. Mine were well ready and removed at 9 days as I was flying out to Dubai on day 10 and my wound had healed really well.
i have arthritis and leaving my hand in the bandage for any longer would have caused stiffness I my hand. I pestered the hospital physiotherapists on the phone in the first few days and although they gave the impression that CTR was hardly worth their attention I got good advice and support.
Do hope you make good progress, have your symptons gone? That was the joy for me and helped me over the days when I felt I would never be OK
again. It is very normal to have 'low' days but they pass.
like Andy says massage after stitches out, any cream will do. Also introduce the area to different textures, cotton wool, rough towel, toothbrush! It is very effective at getting rid of the sensitivity that you will experience and although it will 'go thro' you' it is well worth doing.
best wishes Elaine
I am so ready to come out of this dressing. It has definitely become very aggravating
Stitches and bandages are due to be removed on Tuesday. Still having some pain....still pretty uncomfortable at night
I was given some pads with mine incase they got wet i was told to take bandage off after 48hrs my stitches were dissolvable ones. I started physio a week later i was off work for 6 weeks im so glad i had it done though well worth it. Id remove the big bandage and just be very careful not to bang it good luck