Surgery Update: DeQuervian's tendinitis recovery(pics)

A pictorial. Plz excuse some of the pics, I have a hard time handling the weight of my camera in my non surgeried hand so some pics are taken by my daughters.

The surgery is a success. I do not have the pain I normally had prior to surgery near as much. The hurting I do now in that forearm is surgery recovering hurt, and when the weather changes my tendons still throb something fierce. The surgery didn't fix the inflammed tendons, but released the compartment holding them so they have more room. But on a non-weather related day, 95% of the previous pain is gone. On a weather induced pain day, I'd say surgery took away 75-80% of the pain

April 7th...surgery date. Sent home, hurt like heck



Day 1: still hurt like heck.

Day 2: bulky dressing comes off, little less pain (even prior to the dressing being removed) although the physiotherepist did not seem to enjoy me having less pain and made it so I was quite sore.





all that dressing for this???? LOL

But seriously, if I were to have moved my thumb within those first 2 days, I would have busted the internal stiches on the band holding my thumb tendons in place, and would have been screwed. There's still a small chance of that but not unless i was to do something incredibly stupid like carry 20lbs on my thumb.

I have never had stiches like this before. Hopefully you can see it well enough in the pic...normally stiches are tied on the top of the incision. Mine, the skin was pulled up, then stiched from the side so the skin itself actually sticks up about 1/8". Weird huh. But supposedly the surgeon has really good luck with scaring by doing it this way. (since I'm writing this after they've already came out I can say that I think the scaring from the stich holes will be more noticable than the incision)

Day 3:

Started range of motion (ROM) exercises yesterday when the dressing came off. I won't even begin strength exercises until 4-6wks post surgery. I do them 4-6 times a day.



still uncomfortable. Especially with the exercises and the incredible bruising I have which just makes it all the worse.

Day 4: the bruising REALLY becomes apparant.... slight increase in pain along with the swelling. I'll let the pics show it....the yellow is NOT antiseptic... compared the pic when the dressing came off which shows no yellowing, to these ones.







Nice eh.... makes me wonder what they were doing to me behind that screen once I was finally frozen LOL.

fast forward now to the present time.

2wks post surgery:

The stiches were removed a few days ago, which is great..... my hand feels so good to be in hot water. Plus I can shower on my own now... WAHOOOOO. and at the end of this week, I can go in my hottub again.

I'm still doing the ROM exercises, and as of Friday April 17, I've started scar tissue management. Which is massaging the incision itself.... ummmmm. NOT FUN, but it will stop the scar tissue from adhering to the surrounding nerves/tendons/ligaments/etc. I think because I still have swelling and bruising, that makes the massaging hurt even more.

I still can't do anything with that hand, have to keep a splint on it when I'm active (hate the splint, but can't fit in my custom ones yet from swelling). I can type with it (since I don't use my thumb on that hand for the space bar), carefully flip pages in a book...but nothing with any weight or pressure right now.





- bruising is going down finally
- I start regular PT today ( only thing different is that the PT will do some massage, and ultrasound. My exercises stay the same for now.)
- found a nice way to do my massage. You see, since my other hand is screwed up, it is awfully painful to press with that hand to do the massage.... so what I have been doing is using my hot rocks to do the massage. The heat helps soooo much, and I don't have to put as much force to get the same result.
- still have the numbness around parts of the thumb, which hopefully will go away but there's a chance it might not and I can live with that if I have to.
- I try to not wear the brace as much as possible...the days that I do have to wear it, I stiffen up so easily. If I'm able to keep the brace off, then I retain some flexibility in my wrist.
- driving is easier now because I can use my fingertips to hold the wheel as well.... still can't shut the door with that hand though. LOL
- still need to keep it elevated, especially if I'm going for a walk... I'm fine for bout 20mins, then it starts throbing so I put it on my head for a few mins till it eases.

So all in all, I am quite pleased with this surgery and would highly highly recommend it to anyone who has severe DeQuervians. For me, it will probally be at least 3mos recovery due to the severity of my tendinitis....although I've heard of people with light to moderate jobs going back to work 4-6wks after surgery..... it all depends on the initial impairment and how well you recover, of course some people don't do their exercises regularly which hinders recovery.... I do them every 2-3hrs, unless I'm out somewhere and forget but then I pay for it because I stiffen up so badly.

Anyways, thanks for reading my book, I hope someone out there in internet world can benefit from my experience.

Wow what an interesting read that was! Seriously though, it seems that everything is healing up quite nicely, and with a little help from other people you will be back to normal

Keep up the good work ,and thanks for the update!

Thanks guys

At first I was slightly impatient with the healing, but.... I would rather heal slowly and right, than try to push things and hurt recovery. As well, I've dealt with this issue for 2yrs, whats a couple months.

I will admit tho, I'm not looking forward to going to physio today but hopefully this one isn't as tortureous as the other one LOL.

I am tired of going to PT tho....was there for 18mos with my back, till they got to the best I'll ever be.....another year for my hands, been discharged for bout a year now.... and now I'm going back to living there again

It's neat though, in my time there, my physiotherapist has gotten married, had a baby and is currently off on maternity. The receptionist finally got engaged (she's been with her SO for 6 yrs or so) and they were married a couple weeks ago in Jamaica.

That bruising reminds me of how my wrist and arm looked after a cat bite back in '04. It was nearly to my elbow and people couldn't believe that was from all the swelling the infection caused. (Note to those reading, that was with immediate medical care for the bite. Always get cat bites seen by a doctor! )


DH has mild tendinitis. His is mostly caused by too much computer use. He did see a doctor for it who dragged his feet and never really did anything, and DH himself waited too long to listen to me about cutting back on his computer time. Now he can't use a normal mouse - he has an odd sideways one and can't use a computer for very long either or else he's in a lot of pain. Weather bothers him, too. I wonder if surgery for this is possibly in his future.


It is good to see that you're healing up fast and that your pain has improved. The stitches look kind of funky - but I've seen worse. My father shattered both wrist years ago and had to have screws and braces. It's really amazing what they can put back together and fix.

Originally Posted by strange_wings

DH has mild tendinitis. His is mostly caused by too much computer use. He did see a doctor for it who dragged his feet and never really did anything, and DH himself waited too long to listen to me about cutting back on his computer time. Now he can't use a normal mouse - he has an odd sideways one and can't use a computer for very long either or else he's in a lot of pain. Weather bothers him, too.

I wonder if surgery for this is possibly in his future.

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Which tendon?

I know exactly what caused my dequervians It was one specific task at work which required heavy weight on the thumbs and a specific wrist motion.

I've also had carpal tunnel releases done in both hands too. That was computer usage and cooking (home and job) related.

I also have both golfers and tennis elbow in both arms, which if all goes well should heal on its own, we're hoping (its been 2yrs already tho). That one I really don't want to have surgery on that one.

Weather sucks LOL.

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

Which tendon?

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I honestly don't know. The doctor never checked into it enough to try to figure that out. There is a hand clinic on the opposite side of the state - that's a 5 hour drive, iirc? I'm sure he'll eventually need to go there.

And that's a lot to have happened to you in so few years. You have been checked out for other issues haven't you? B6, B12, and homocysteine checked? That last one, if high, can cause damage to collagen/connective tissue. The reason that can be important is because it can also led to vascular and heart disease.

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

Which tendon?

I know exactly what caused my dequervians

It was one specific task at work which required heavy weight on the thumbs and a specific wrist motion.

I've also had carpal tunnel releases done in both hands too. That was computer usage and cooking (home and job) related.

I also have both golfers and tennis elbow in both arms, which if all goes well should heal on its own, we're hoping (its been 2yrs already tho). That one I really don't want to have surgery on that one.

Weather sucks LOL.

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So do you have other issues that make you more prone to tendinitis, etc? I ask because I've had deQuervain's (thank God, no surgery!), I have golfer's and tennis elbow in my right elbow (self diagnosed, LOL) and think I'm getting carpel tunnel. Oh. And I haven't been able to feel my little finger plus half my fourth finger since October. I think it is an Ulnar nerve problem...

Originally Posted by kluchetta

So do you have other issues that make you more prone to tendinitis, etc? I ask because I've had deQuervain's (thank God, no surgery!), I have golfer's and tennis elbow in my right elbow (self diagnosed, LOL) and think I'm getting carpel tunnel. Oh. And I haven't been able to feel my little finger plus half my fourth finger since October. I think it is an Ulnar nerve problem...

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I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks "gee, that's odd". But then you were diagnosed with RA/autoimmune issue (correct?) - which would make you more prone to such problems. The inflammation can easily cause nerves to become trapped. I'll occasionally get some mild inflammation in my elbows (usually not enough to do more than feel a little puffy and look a bit red) that will make the outer part of my hands go numb. A rheumatologist suggested it was my neck ... since that makes a lot of sense!
You have doctor problems too, if I recall, did you ever get that straightened out? Hopefully so or you will soon - you need to get that inflammation under control so you can get some relief before any serious damage is done!

Originally Posted by strange_wings

I honestly don't know. The doctor never checked into it enough to try to figure that out.

There is a hand clinic on the opposite side of the state - that's a 5 hour drive, iirc? I'm sure he'll eventually need to go there.

And that's a lot to have happened to you in so few years. You have been checked out for other issues haven't you? B6, B12, and homocysteine checked? That last one, if high, can cause damage to collagen/connective tissue. The reason that can be important is because it can also led to vascular and heart disease.

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Not sure about the homocysteine, but yes I've had full blood work done. Only issue was a slight iron deficiency.

The back injury was a simple overexeration....I did a maneuver at work that I've done many times before, and the best I can describe it was "something went" in my upper back. Technically, I have an upper thoracic(sp) muscle strain that will not or did not heal properlly and nothing will fix it. Good thing is, it is not too debillitating. I can deal with that one.

The hands/arms seemed to all go at once kinda. I had the carpal tunnel surgeries in early 2005. My back injury in May 2006, then my hands/elbows in Feb 2007 (but they were bothering me prior to that....Feb. 14th was when they finally gave up and decided not to move at all).

There's a simple test for dequervians called Finkelstein test. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00007 If you look at the pic of the test for it, that is the movement I was making repeatedly with bout 60lbs of weight held by my hands. (of course my thumbs weren't tucked in... my hands were outstretched holding stacks of plastic egg trays to go into the washer which was higher so I had to lift up, flick the wrists like the picture to drop the trays in the washer) my thumbs bore most of the weight when pushing the trays into the wash.

If your hubby has a positive test, look into the braces....they are just like CT braces only they immobilize the thumb... hopefully he can stop it from getting worse if that's the prob.

Originally Posted by kluchetta

So do you have other issues that make you more prone to tendinitis, etc? I ask because I've had deQuervain's (thank God, no surgery!), I have golfer's and tennis elbow in my right elbow (self diagnosed, LOL) and think I'm getting carpel tunnel. Oh. And I haven't been able to feel my little finger plus half my fourth finger since October. I think it is an Ulnar nerve problem...

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I don't think so. The carpal tunnel was to be expected....poor posture at the computer, ignoring the signs, lack of education. I spent hours on end typing, plus worked as a cook, lots of chopping.

The thumb issue, definate work related.

Elbows are a little more curious. We (myself and dr's and workers comp) are fairly certain it was because of the movements I had to make with a pressure washer at work, as well as the manuevering I described above.

personally, I think that even though I had strong arms, that they were not meant for heavy physical labour. If I had a desk job, I highly doubt I would have the probs other than CT.

My advice, if you think you have CT....go buy the braces (bout $20/ea) and start using em. (preventative measures, stop it from getting worse) My hubby (works in computers) was diagnosed with CT, and after wearing the braces at bedtime for 6mos, all symptoms are gone the the electro testing was negative

I have lack of sensation in my pinkies, and crappy circulation (perhaps related to smoking)....

Originally Posted by strange_wings

I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks "gee, that's odd".

But then you were diagnosed with RA/autoimmune issue (correct?) - which would make you more prone to such problems. The inflammation can easily cause nerves to become trapped. I'll occasionally get some mild inflammation in my elbows (usually not enough to do more than feel a little puffy and look a bit red) that will make the outer part of my hands go numb. A rheumatologist suggested it was my neck

... since that makes a lot of sense!
You have doctor problems too, if I recall, did you ever get that straightened out? Hopefully so or you will soon - you need to get that inflammation under control so you can get some relief before any serious damage is done!

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LOL! You remember better than my doctor! Yes, I have RA. Supposedly controlled, but...good point that if the inflammation were controlled I probably wouldn't be having these other problems. Since I don't have swelling, hotness or redness, I MUST not be having inflammation. riiiiight.

And yes, sigh, the doctor thinks I'm a drug seeker.

Originally Posted by kluchetta

LOL! You remember better than my doctor!

Yes, I have RA. Supposedly controlled, but...good point that if the inflammation were controlled I probably wouldn't be having these other problems. Since I don't have swelling, hotness or redness, I MUST not be having inflammation. riiiiight.

And yes, sigh, the doctor thinks I'm a drug seeker.

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I hear you on the dr. I've been on narcotics for the past 2yrs, that do little more than make me slightly dopey so it distracts me from the pain. He won't increase the dosage.

I don't have swelling, hotness or redness in the elbows. I had a nice red lump of swelling in my right arm (from the thumb issue) for about 6wks and that's it. But the hand I had surgery on, no swelling/redness/hottness and it is WORSE than the one with the lump.....and surgery proved I had a severe amount of inflammation... if it had kept going I would have started tearing the band holding the 3 thumb tendons.

so yah, anyone who says you have to have swelling/heat/red is full of it.

Originally Posted by kluchetta

And yes, sigh, the doctor thinks I'm a drug seeker.

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You doctor needs a swift kick to their behind. There's a lot of autoimmune arthritis where inflammation is not as apparent - especially those in the spine, it's simply an area that won't swell up and look red. Time to fine a better doc.


And my DH does have pain over that area, but he also has it along the back of his wrists. Referred maybe, or two years of playing WoW during his every spare moment and not properly supporting his wrists damaged more than one area. He does have braces that he wears at night though they let his thumbs move.

I still think that's a lot to go wrong with your arms and wrists in such a short period of time - work related or not. Maybe something minor was missed in blood work - something not normally checked for? Too high of levels of something or a deficiency can affect how well the body heals everyday wear and tear damage. Of course, so can stress.

Originally Posted by strange_wings

I still think that's a lot to go wrong with your arms and wrists in such a short period of time - work related or not. Maybe something minor was missed in blood work - something not normally checked for? Too high of levels of something or a deficiency can affect how well the body heals everyday wear and tear damage.

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Definately alot, that I fully agree with.

But the carpal tunnel was definately my fault and should have probally been checked out prior to when I did. I should throw in that the MRI on my left wrist showed that the carpal tunnel band + scarring has closed off the tunnel again and down the road I may need the release again.

You could very well be right tho. I will be the first to admit that I have not treated my body kindly. I think this is its way of paying me back But I haven't always eaten right, exercised right, gone to dr's regularly and just downright abused myself....

Whoa Chris!
The first few pics made me nervous but the last couple made me smile! Your wrist looks really GREAT! I'm so happy you can move it some (to type to us on TCS ) I'm glad it feels better and please keep your arm elevated as much as possible.


Thanks for the update

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

You could very well be right tho. I will be the first to admit that I have not treated my body kindly. I think this is its way of paying me back

But I haven't always eaten right, exercised right, gone to dr's regularly and just downright abused myself....

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We're all guilty of that! But you have another surgery coming up, so it's always a good idea to make sure you get some of these possibilities ruled out so you can heal better. If you have copies of your blood work that's been done, go through them and see what hasn't been done and look up your levels. Some labs are slow to change accepted levels (thyroid, cholesterol) or way behind other countries (such as what Japan considers healthy acceptable levels of B12 compared to other countries).

If you don't have copies of everything, work on getting them and alway keep a folder or two of you medical information at home. It can be useful if you go to a new doctor as sometimes things don't get sent between clinics like they should.
This is good advice for anyone reading, btw!

Wow, the way they stitched up is really odd! I think the stitch holes will definitely be more obvious than the scar itself. How weird...

Glad it's looking better now and you can start moving, and it at least lessened a majority of the pain!

well, that was quite pleasant. Not. Gotta love physio Not that I expected it to be painless, nothing is...but holy crow, so much for driving my daughter home from cadets tonight.

It was kinda nice to see the "ol' crew" again, at the clinic....at least I should only be there 6mos this time.

I'll be going 2x per week for now, possibly up to 4x/wk if I start having probs with the scar tissue.

My physiotherepist has seen those types of stiches, he said that they do that to keep it very tight and by the looks of things, the incision will probally not be seen easily once healed.

off to physio again today.

I hurt for a bit after last time, but after an hour or so my hand felt really good. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I have the same today.

Today I am 4wks post surgery, so I thought I'd update this thread.

It's more for me, so when I have my next surgery I can look back on this thread and see where I am.

For the last two weeks, I went to PT 2x week for scar tissue management, ultrasound therepy and ROM. This week I'm going 3x, and then next week we will attempt to start strengthening exercises.

The swelling has settled down for the most part, except when I go on walks. The bruising is finally gone. It is healing up quite well, and I haven't had any issues with scar tissue healing onto the surrounding tendons and ligaments

Pain level has decreased, unfortunately I still am stuck with the weather oriented pain issues

Last week I started using that hand again.... no weight, but simple things like tieing my shoes or shampooing my hair. I'm soooo happy to be able to do that myself. I also was able to do up zipper and buttons on pants as of the end of last week. THANKFULLY. I was very tired of having to depend on others to tie up my shoes or put my hair in a ponytail. (that one I learned how to use the elastic with my index finger and middle finger, instead of thumb and index).

My ROM is up to about 60-65% of normal, which is good and I finally have sensation back on the underside of my thumb. To do my ROM exercises, I still have to apply heat before I can do them, otherwise the ROM is about 20% of normal.

It is going well tho. I am anticipating that the next surgery will be in July or August as my surgeon will NOT do my right hand untill the left is at 100% for at least a month due to how dependant I will be on it. It is suffering now (my right hand) because I can't switch hands, so the pain level has increased on that one...but in total, the pain is still not like it was prior to surgery.

Anyone who has dequervians, I would definately recommend the surgery 100%. It has helped me so much.

I get frustrated at times, because I feel like it's been longer since surgery and feel I should be able to do more....but then I sit back and remember that I had a very bad case, and my recovery will be longer because of that, and that I'm only 4wks post surgery.... it just feels like longer.