Finger deformity.

I had a tendon transfer on my thumb in March. I had to wear a splint for ages. Now my thumb is more useful than it was, but the splinting seems to have affected my middle finger.

Life sometimes takes me 2 steps forward , and then 3 steps back.

My middle finger is stuck in a bent position. I can make a fist, but I can't straighten it anymore.

I feel a bit panicky. My consultant thinks a night splint will help, but my physio says it won't, but may make it worse, or stick it in a straight position.

Is this it now? Do I have to learn to live with this ugly deformed finger? I feel like a good cry, but that won't actually change anything, will it?

It really is so very distressing sometimes, isn't it!

[Luthien66]

Oh Phoebe.....I really feel for you...I don't have the finger deformity you have but there is a lump "growing" on my right wrist (which is my worst side). Even when the pain & inflammation has died down a bit I'm still left with the lump. Am hoping it will eventually go once Cimzia fully kicks in....will have to ask my rheumy nurse when I go back at the end of Aug.

I would have thought your physio would be better placed to advise you....my consultant once tried to make wear a splint on my wrist but that was so uncomfortable it actually hurt more! Where I work we have a masseur come in every month and he focuses on my hands & wrist.....don't know if it'll help long term but it does feel good!

It is all so distressing.....but don't despair...your not alone. xxx

[Hidden]

Thank you, you are probably right. The physio will probably know best.

I am seeing her next week. But I am not optimistic.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

My physio did help me a lot with exercises when my hands were really in dire shape. Now they don't fully grip and I just had to ask my OH to break off a piece of dark chocolate for me because they are rather weak but they will do and I can work etc. I remember getting really low about two of my fingers refusing to bend at all and you cheered me up a bit I think - but I can't recall how so I can't say the same soothing things back to you - I'm sorry. Once I even sat on my forefinger to make it bend - it didn't help at all but it does show how frustrated I used to get with it sticking out all the time. Finger exercises from the physio and a meeting with a hospital OT trained in hands really helped. Can you ask to be referred to a hand specialist I wonder? X

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Been sitting on my finger to make it straight!! Seeing Physio on Tuesday. Fingers crossed! Haha as if ...