Hand surgery

[Recycle]

OK, maybe this doesn't belong in commuting, but since it will affect my commuting, that's where I'm posting.

Sometime soon I will have hand surgery to correct Dupuytren's contracture (google it, apparently the vikings are to blame) which is affecting the ring and pinky fingers of my right hand. I have been warned that this will immobilise my hand stop me from cycling while the hand recovers. For how long I don't know.

I don't want to be off the bike, its my transport, there must be a workaround. Anyone know of bike adaptations that have been made to accommodate hand disabilities?

 

[PK99]

OK, maybe this doesn't belong in commuting, but since it will affect my commuting, that's where I'm posting.

Sometime soon I will have hand surgery to correct Dupuytren's contracture (google it, apparently the vikings are to blame) which is affecting the ring and pinky fingers of my right hand. I have been warned that this will immobilise my hand stop me from cycling while the hand recovers. For how long I don't know.

I don't want to be off the bike, its my transport, there must be a workaround. Anyone know of bike adaptations that have been made to accommodate hand disabilities?

from the experience of friends,

1. the initial discomfort will mean you will not want to look at a bike
2. you will have a surprisingly large bandage for 7-10 days that will make cycling impossible
3. the affected fingers will be splinted
4. the risk of permanently disabling the hand, if you fall on it in the early stages following the op, is high

I have bilateral Dupuytren's and will eventually have to have the op on each hand. I anticipate 6 week off the bike each time. when i had my carpal tunnel done 10 years ago, that was 6-8 weeks off the bike.

 

[Easytigers]

Sorry...don't have any advice but just wanted to say that I hope the surgery goes well and it's a very speedy recovery

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

you can get brakes where the levers both on the same side.. but first of all, what is your bike drops or flats?

(I have had a long term wrist injury that needed 11 ops over 15 years to sort out...)

 

[Recycle]

you can get brakes where the levers both on the same side.. but first of all, what is your bike drops or flats?

(I have had a long term wrist injury that needed 11 ops over 15 years to sort out...)

Flats on my foldup which is currently my commute bike. I think that PK99 advice's will probably prove to be right though.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Flats on my foldup which is currently my commute bike. I think that PK99 advice's will probably prove to be right though.

I was off my bike for 8-12 weeks after each and every op with extensive physio - I have major nerve damage issues in my wrist and hand (also affecting little and ring fingers) have had nerves severed permanently, some striped out and others freed up, bones removed that have died and other bones surgically shortened, ligaments and tendons replaced/removed or simply rearranged. even after recover has finished as far as surgical recovery takes it has taken time to regain strength and use of the hand... once you have a better idea after the op of how well you have healed etc and what your needs are, just yell here again... I have a pretty good coverage on what is out there to deal with issues etc as do one or two others I can always tag for you so they see this posting... best of luck for the op and recovery... do the physio religiously!

 

[PK99]

I... best of luck for the op and recovery... do the physio religiously!

wot he said

 

[midlife]

Best advice is to get a proper hand surgeon to do the op and not some jobbing orthopod who fancies his chances .......

Hope it all goes well

Shaun

 

[Recycle]

Best advice is to get a proper hand surgeon to do the op and not some jobbing orthopod who fancies his chances .......

Hope it all goes well

Shaun

On NHS so choices are limited but it is being done by a specialist hand surgeon fortunately.

 

[midlife]

@Recycle Glad it's been done by a specialist hand surgeon, that's the best predictor of a good outcome. Choices on the NHS are not really that limited if you are prepared to Travel. I'd plump for the Withington in Manchester if I needed any limb stuff. A bit of a trek from Cumbria but that's life........

Shaun

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I was at seen at Wrightington (near Wigan) when I lived on the Surrey/Hampshire border. It was worth it though despite the fact it needed 2 days off work each and every time I had an appointment. Ironically I lived in Preston when I first injured it and needed to move to Surrey to get the referral to Wrightington! Ahhhh

 

[GfromHull]

I had broken four fingers and a thumb at the same time, middle finger had two screws and a pin in the thumb. Was riding again within 3 months.
A year later I had a joint replacement in the middle finger. Was riding again within three weeks.

Best bit of advice I can give is, when it's time to get them bad boys moving again.....pop some pain killers and work them as much as you can. Keep pushing yourself. The more you work it the more you will have later.

 

[ColinJ]

wot he said

Or even wot she said!

 

[ayceejay]

Perhaps an early start on the trainer.
I have a similar condition and I get my pinkie caught in stuff because it doesn't follow the others. The doctor said "as long as you can make fist" I can and I can use it too but asked to see a specialist instead and he said "you don't need the pinkie for 60% of what you do with your hand" and then the confidence killer, "if I operate on your hand it could make it worse."
Health care is free in Canada and sometimes it is worth it.

 

[Recycle]

I have a similar condition and I get my pinkie caught in stuff because it doesn't follow the others.

I can relate to that, that's why I'm having the operation. I also can't make a fist any longer, or straighten the finger.