Request post-operation guidance
Dear Dr Bland,
On 26 Sep 18, Dr Ponraja operated on my left wrist/hand. On 12 Sep. he removed the sutures. He advised that you would contact me for a post operation test/examination after approximately 12 weeks. He advised that by that time any improvement would probably be complete. I am now coming up to 4 weeks after op. I am concerned that the considerable swelling in the finger joints is preventing me from using my muscles to do the recommended physiotherapy. I can move the joints, but not fully, with my other hand.I cannot lift anything with my left hand. The hand is also painful to touch. The thumb and first 2 fingers are completely numb from the final joint, as they were pre op. Dr Ponraja advised that the swelling was probably causing the restricted movement, as well as the cold temperature of the fingers (restricted blood supply). He forecast that that the swelling should be gone by now. I am worried that I will reach Week 12 and be told that I should have taken earlier action. I would appreciate reassurance that I need not take any action. But better, I would welcome your guidance once you had seen the hand. I could come to Canterbury on any day except Wednesdays. Regards. John Elliott.
Dr? Nick gave me advice and further exercises to do. The incision has healed well but I would like to take up his suggestion if the swelling had not improved to come again tomorrow (Tues 16 Oct) lunchtime. He said I should just turn up but I thought I would let you know. Hopefully, I will take up only a few minutes of your time.
You have given me an appointment for Tues 30 Oct at 1130. I regret I cannot make it. For that week, I am available Mon (29), Wed (31), Thurs (1 Nov) up to a finish time of 1pm, and Fri (2). For the following week I am available Mon (5), Tues (6) and Fri (9), Sorry to be difficult.
Not difficult at all. I'll see what availability we have when in the office in the morning. JB
The only morning slot free in either of those two weeks is Thursday 8th at 10:30. We can do Monday 29th October but at 4:30 pm. JB
Mon 29 at 4.30 would be fine for me. May I accept that appt? John Elliott
Yes that should be OK. I'm out of the department today but I'm pretty sure that spae will remain free. JB
I have received a second appointment letter but it has the same date/time as in the previous letter, ie Tue 30 Oct at 1130. I assume an admin hiccup. I plan to come on Mon 29 Oct at 1630.
Yes I've been out of the department and won't be able to actually alter it until tomorrow morning. JB
Given the severity of the CTS before surgery I'm not surprised by the numbness being slow to improve. Visible swelling of the finger joints however is not usually a feature of CTS so that is a bit odd. I don't think the physio is really critical. If you are free to drop in at 1:45 tomorrow (Tuesday) we can take a look - it's hard to assess the fingers without seeing them. JB