Finger amputation need a hand hold.

[jmh740]

My cat bit me in August when I was trying to medicate her. Ive been on antibiotics since 28.8 but it was still badly infected. On Tuesday they told me the bone was infected and the surgeon wouldnt know how much unti he opened it up. I went into surgery for it to be cleaned out (for the 4th time) on Thursday. They hand is well bandaged and it looks like they have amputated between the first and second knuckle.
It was a real sock and I'm struggling to cope with the pain. Does anyone know what the future looks like for me?

How long will it take to heal?
What will I still be able to do?
What wont I be able to do?
Any tips and hints to aid recovery?

Im having the dressing changed tomorrow and a bit nervous to see it.

When you feel better, I would consider writing in, to highlight the importance of clear communication. And I say that as a hospital consultant. We have to do better as the NHS; pressure to discharge is no excuse.

We had minor surgery for my daughter in August, left same day. Doctor didn't come see us after as there were 2 kids after us, so instead we left that city where the hospital was after a couple hors post surgery and were called the next day by the main surgeon/doctor to explain what they found and what the treatment plan is. They wanted us out fast after a nurse observed her eating and drinking and the ga wearing off

Sending you best wishes for a speedy recovery

I’m so sorry to see that last pic. Wishing you a speedy recovery and for the pain to die down. 🌻

I smiled too when I read I read your title. Smile vanished completely as I began to read what you've been through.

Lots of love to the PP who listed all the people she knew who had fewer fingers than 10 and are coping just fine.

I smiled again when you said you'd thought about telling the kids it'd been bitten off by a shark. I'm so pleased you still have your sense if humour. Go with that and make sure to use it to illustrate every safety message you can, such as 'Always ask before getting an unfamiliar dog,' 'Stop biting your nails' and of course 'Keep your hands to yourself.'

It's a terrible experience you've been through but hopefully you are through the worst and once you are are fully healed, you can definitely have fun with it.

Wishing you all the best.

So sorry your worry was justified and it was more than just the tip. Once the swelling has gone down, please get a referral to hand therapy to learn how to deal with your new normal.

As for the nasty posters on this thread, I would hope they are suitably ashamed of their unkindness, but somehow doubt it.

@jmh740What an ironically brilliant thread title 🤣

OP you poor thing. What an absolutely awful shock. The VERY LEAST you should have expected was communication afterwards. Being sent home minus a bloody finger with no one telling you - it's outrageous.

As you said "at least" it's not your dominant hand, but you need some contact with Occupational Health now.

Cats 😡Fucking arseholes. Sometimes they really remind us they domesticated us not the other way round.

I’d put a complaint in through PALS. The way they’ve treated you is appalling. And to call that the ‘tip’ on paperwork too, is very wrong!

Oh goodness - that must be a shock and the communication has been woeful. At least you know now, and you will adjust. As another poster mentioned, it would be useful to ask for an OT referral.

"Tip" - my arse.
What a shock for you OP. I'm glad it's not your dominant hand. I hope the pain and swelling eases soon.

I once worked closely with a man who had very similar. I didn't even notice until he showed me directly. I think over the years he'd either subconsciously (by it not being as functional as the other fingers) or consciously adapted how he used that hand.

Awful story op but at least the infection is gone and tbh the hand doesn’t look too bad even with the swelling still present.

Given the surgeon could hardly wake you up during a GA, it’s likely you signed consent of removal “as necessary” and he’s done the bare minimum to clear the infection present in the bone.

Your diabetes will have been a huge factor in prolonging the infection.

It looks like the removal is just below the joint and will slim down substantially to look neat.

Unless youre left handed such a removal really will inconvenience you very little once it’s fully healed.
Good luck OP and shame on the detractors!

I second this.

I cannot believe you were sent home.without being told and just guessing by looking at your hand...more than just the tip as well Its outrageous!!!!! But you know what in a firm believer in trust in God in all situations...
Wishing you a speedy recovery and i hope physio will help with your finger being able to use it again.

Is your cat still hiding away?

Gosh that is an outrageous lack of communication. You absolutely should complain to PALS because its shameful that no one explained to you what had been done - yes you may have consented to it if necessary, but they still should have explained to you what action had been taken. The discharge summary is plainly misleading.

I hope your recovery is smooth now and the surgery is effective at beating the infection. Also hope your cat is ok.

I was asked to fill out a form giving my views about AI-aided consultation notes at an outpatient appointment following a fracture. There was a consultant who was apparently very keen on it. I was vehemently against it as I'd only just read a horrifying article about AI hallucinations in social-work assessments. I think they may have been quite surprised by the screed I wrote (with my uninjured but non-dominant hand!)

ETA - @jmh740 just caught up with your photo. Sending you my very best.

Now you know what you are dealing with, but yes, it's a lot to accept.

Another one here who cannot speak highly enough of hand therapists, do make sure that you are referred to them.

It wouldn’t let me edit and I was trying to make a bacon sandwich at the same time! Fuxache

Quite right. Well done for speaking up. It’s been imposed on us far too often and a lot of people aren’t aware of the issues around it .

I know she charged me full price last time.

@jmh740 I hope you heal well soon- you are being very brave being able to make jokes about sharks etc

Sorry to see the update but just to say a family member had a traumatic amputation over 12 months ago - now he is grateful that he doesn't have a mangled finger as he looks at my clawed hands that struggle to hold toothbrushes and says that the amputation doesn't stop him doing anything.

I liked the shark bite explanation - I just hope the shark was ok?! Good luck with the return to work - I suspect that as it is your non dominant hand the only help you will need is guidance on the most brazen responses to how you lost part of your finger.

OP I know you’re making jokes and I am sure it won’t hold you back in life, but I hope the pain dies down soon and you do get a chance to properly process all of this before moving forward.

I think the communication from hospitals could definitely have been better and I’d definitely mention it to them.

Probably not much help at the moment, but I have a friend who's leg was amputated just below the knee and he still competes in water skiing competitions!

My mum had a toe amputated before I was born and you would never have known if she didn't point it out.

Hi @jmh740 just wanted to wish you all the best for your dressing change today.
I hope you get some answers. Don't be fobbed off. This uncertainty has caused you extra stress.
But it does sound like the op was very necessary

I think you should take the opportunity at dressing change to ask what else the GP can do for you...

• if diabetes.. I had a cousin who was given a CGP - blood glucose monitor after an op...to help him control his blood glucose readings post op and help with the healing process. and maybe ask for diabete's check up now instead of waiting for your annual one.
• Make sure they book you in for some physio.
• Tell them how much you have on your plate, with caring for your DH (hope he is also on the mend) and ask for their suggestions about where you can get help locally.

No other advice other than to say whenever i've had surgery, I've found you spend the first day or two thinking how on earth am i going to cope with this, but each day brings a new leap forward in healing.. Hopefully things will start looking a lot better soon Best of luck x