I am 5days post op from this surgery, I want to thank you so much for this video., it is very helpful.

@shube3103

5 ай бұрын

You are so welcome. I searched for a video like this before my surgery and could not find anything, so I decided to create this one with the hopes it would help others. I am surprised by how popular it is. Anyway, hope all goes well with your recovery. Take care!!

@timwenell63

4 ай бұрын

I just had this done yesterday. It’s nice to see what to expect in the next few weeks. Thank you .

@indiscriminatethoughts6269

Ай бұрын

How’s it going!! I was just told I have to have this after already having two prior surgeries to the same wrist due to a fracture. I’m devastated.

@katlewis1

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this video. So helpful. Still not a lot of videos like this about the procedure. I’m having this surgery tomorrow. I can update anyone on my progress if needed. I had a previous surgery for broken wrist and now this

@emilesanchez2616

10 күн бұрын

@@katlewis1 I'm having it mid-July. How's yours going? I also broke my wrist 4 years ago, got two screws in the radius, and the tendon just popped a few weeks ago.

Im 4 weeks post surgery: i had an injury while cutting steel with a grinder: ripped of my EPL left my thumb immovable . surgical cast removed at 2 weeks: replaced with a splint, my therapist removed my splint today; thumb movement already significantly improving. looking forward to further improvement. Great video

@shube3103

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Paul for your progress report, it looks like you are well on your way to recovery. Take care!!

I am scheduled for same surgery next month and am so nervous on the recovery part . Your video on recovery and therapy is very helpful and makes me feel better now. Thanks for doing this video and sharing it.

@shube3103

4 ай бұрын

I am glad my video was helpful. Hope all goes well with your surgery. Follow all orders from your hand therapist and you will be surprised how fast you recover. Take care!!

Very happy I found this video. I'm 5 days post-op and already wanting out of my cast. I see my surgeon at 2 weeks for suture removal and a different cast. He told me I'd start PT at 4 weeks. I think my age (76) might be a factor. Still, it's good to see what to expect in my future and to see how well you progressed. Thanks for doing the video.

WOW...thank you so much! I will be having this same surgery on Thursday and needed to see your video. Now i'm not internally freaking out like I have been. So happy yours went well and hope you're still doing great!

@shube3103

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for your kind words. I hope your surgery goes well for you as did mine. Follow all orders of your hand therapist. Take care, keep us updated on your progress.

Thanks for making this video, Jeff. Very insightful and very thoughtful of you!

@shube3103

6 ай бұрын

You are very welcome, I hope you found it helpful.

Hey Jeff - Thank you for these videos. I'm scheduled to have the surgery in a couple of weeks. Your video documentation really set me at ease and also helps me to be mindful of the work ahead. With much gratitude and a future with many thumbs up! - Michael

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

Michael, Thanks for kind words. Prior to my surgery I searched high and low for a video of what my recovery would be like and I was unable to find any, hence the reason for my video to help others. Good luck with your surgery and be sure to follow all instructions your hand specialist's advice for a speedy recovery. Take care...

Thank you so much for this video! Having the surgery in 10 days and it really helps to know what to expect. Had nothing on the calendar, due to Covid, so recovery and PT it will be! Very helpful! Knowledge is power!

@ahpong

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, very helpful. This video gives me relief from anxiety. Going to have my surgery Aug 20, 2021. Jeeze, I have to go through months of cast wearing and painstaking rehabs.

Thank you for sharing! I lost the use of my dominant hand when I was fifteen due to a Neurological condition. I haven't been able to use my hand in over twenty years. Going in August for another Ortho consult for the tendon transfer. It would be such a blessing to have more function and less pain. I'm also a manual wheelchair user and it would make it so much easier for me to push with more function. Glad that this worked for you.

Thank you for this! I had this surgery 4 weeks ago and just got out of the hard cast. Looking forward to being where you are now with your range of motion! Thanks again!!

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Brittany for your kind words. Follow the directions of your hand therapist and you will be surprised at how fast you will recover back to pretty much normal other than some scars. Take care...

I had this done 4 days ago. Thanks for making this video to show the recovery process.

@shube3103

4 ай бұрын

You are very welcome Tim, I hope all goes well with your recovery.

Thank you so much for this. Having surgery tomorrow. This was so informative.

@shube3103

Ай бұрын

You are very welcome, I hope all goes well with your surgery. Take care!!

Thanks for doing this video. It's been helpful for me while discerning if i should go through with this surgery.

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

I searched youtube for a video like this before making my decision to have the surgery and I was unable to find any like it. That was the sole purpose of making this, to help others. Thanks for your kind words!!

I underwent this surgery today and am typing this status by way of illustration. My thumb is completely immobilized but my index finger and rest are unaffected. I was able to play 9 fingered piano. The pain is minimal. Lesson: Forego oxycontin - Tylenol or Motrin is more than enough. I appreciate this thread. Very good intel.

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Allegra, by the time I read this by now you are well on your way to recovery. I play guitar and I mostly fingerpick the strings. I am fully recovered to where I am back to playing the guitar just as I was able to play before surgery, hope your piano playing is the same. As for the advice on the Oxy, I agree...

Nice video Jeff 👍🏼

About to undergo this surgery and your video is super helpful and encouraging. Thank you!

@shube3103

3 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome Denise, Hope things go well for you. Take care!!

@deniseanderson4305

3 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 thanks! Almost 4 weeks post surgery and all is as well as can be. Still watch your video to get an idea of what's next.

Thanks for this!!!!! My surgery was 12/27/2019 - this was/is SO HELPFUL!!!!

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Traci, I hope your surgery went well, not much of a Christmas gift huh...Anyway, make sure you adhere to all the advice your hand therapist gives you and you should fully recover. Glad I could help...

@rajupal5922

2 жыл бұрын

How is ur thumb mam right now?

Wow thank you for this Jeff. I know it's a while since you made the video, but I'm having this surgery next month and it's been really helpful to know what to expect. Take care, best wishes from the UK.

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

L S, Thanks for your comment. I hope your surgery goes well. When you can, read through some of the comments left by others who have had this surgery and my replies. Take care, keep me posted on your status.

@lois.skilleter

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jeff, I have read through and am finding it all very reassuring. Also good to see other people in my position whose tendon rupture was due to a radius fracture. I'm hoping my husband can fix up the computer so I can dictate rather than type while immobilising the thumb, I'm hopeless at left-handed typing! But yes, will keep you posted, thank you.

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

@@lois.skilleter I feel your, "pain." I too spend a lot of time at the computer and left hand typing sucked. Good luck with your recovery!!

@lois.skilleter

2 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 I'm now 3 1/2 weeks post surgery. My hand therapist is giving me very small movements to try and do most hours, my thumb is weak but I'm sure it is improving. Interestingly my brace is at the front of my forearm whereas yours is at the back: is this a British/US variation I wonder?! Thanks again for the video.

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

@@lois.skilleter Could be the way they are having you heal, hope things inprove. Prayers for a speedy recovery.

Thanks Jeff for sharing your recovery. Not all Drs follow the same protocol so I thought I'd share mine. My hand surgeon told me that recovery from this surgery is 3 - 6 months. I had the same surgery on November 16, 2018 due to a cat bite on the top of my wrist that happened in May. I also had cellulitis after the bite which caused scar tissue resulting in 1 of the 3 incisions being much larger than expected. I am now a almost 13 weeks post op and still recovering. My recovery was a bit longer th a yours, 2 weeks in a plaster splint and sutures removed, 2 weeks in a fiberglass cast, then 8 weeks in a static splint 24/7 and 6 weeks in a dynamic splint 3 x a day to exercise the tip of the thumb. My therapy started 4 weeks post op. Now I only need to wear the splint when I go out or feel I need to. I still have limited motion of my thumb and wrist and I still am going to therapy once a week for at least another month.

@karinbogue5702

3 жыл бұрын

Linda,thank you for this information. I wish they had put a plaster split on my wrist for several weeks to slow me down. I'm trying to be so careful but little things bring pain. I'm so afraid of doing damage and having to do this again and this is not something I want to ever repeat. Thank you for sharing and I hope you are continuing to do well.

Hello there. I'm jaafar. I had a surgery EPL tendon repair on my left thumb. It's been a 3 weeks and today remove my splint. Thank you for sharing your recovery journey. So I'm gonna start my therapy this week. I can use your therapy session as guide for my recovery process👍

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

Best wishes for a speedy recovery Jaafar. Thanks for you comments. Follow all instructions from your therapist.... Take care!!

Thanks for the video and so glad you have been lucky. After waiting 80 weeks I finally had my op. It failed miserably and it was re operated on three weeks later It has failed again. I’m so disappointed, the surgeon admitted that my tendon in my arm had shrivelled away to be over half way up my arm. I think I had just been left too long in the first place but no one is going to take liability for it.

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

I am sorry to hear this. I hope things work out for the better for you.

Thank you do much for sharing your journey. My EPL ruptured when I came out of a cast for my broken wrist. It's been six weeks now and I have a further two months on the waiting list for surgery. I can't wait to get the surgery done as the pain has increased and your video had put my mind at ease about the recovery process. Thank you 😊

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome DB. Sorry to hear you have further issues with your wrist after a break, Ugh!! Good luck when you have your surgery and a easy speedy recovery. Keep all of us updated on your progress. Take care!!

@dandelionbearartist

2 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 4 days post surgery now. In a half cast and very swollen but so happy it's done ✔️

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

@@dandelionbearartist Be sure to follow all guidance from your hand therapist and wishing you a full recovery.

@dandelionbearartist

Жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 hi Jeff, treatment post surgery is very different where I live. 2 weeks in half cast, stitches out and 4 weeks in wrist/thumb splint. My physio starts tomorrow at 7 weeks post op. Looking forward to physio as have no movement in thumb and no grip with fingers. Bit worried!

hola Jeffrey. Soy de Bogotá. hace 5 días me practicaron la cirugía para reparar el tendón extensor del dedo pulgar. Estaba en las mismas condiciones que tu , mi lesión tenia 5 días y espero que la recuperación me permita obtener buenos resultados. Tu video me muestra mi futuro proximo.. . Gracias.

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Samidj, Me alegra que hayas disfrutado mi video. ¡Buena suerte con tu recuperación! Asegúrese de seguir todos los consejos de su terapeuta de manos durante su tiempo de recuperación. Espero que las cosas te salgan bien. Te sorprenderá lo que puedes hacer después de la recuperación. Regresé a las funciones normales con mi muñeca, pulgar y mano.

Thank you Jeff, very informative video. I'm about to have the same surgery.

@karthikn.k9364

5 жыл бұрын

Hey hope you are recovering well after the surgery.. could you let know how much did your surgery cost

Thank you Jeff for this video. It is very helpful. Actually I did the same operation 4 weeks ago and will stay in cast another 2 weeks. Only after 6 weeks after the operation; cast will be removed and I will start with physiotherapy and exercises. I feel the stiffness of my hand and hope my recovery will be smooth as yours. You inspired me to make a recovery video and show the progress in order to help others like you did. Thank you!

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Hiyam. I am glad to see your recovery is going well. Follow your hand therapist's advice and exercises. I hope your recovery goes well. Please share your recovery video.

@rajanainar6941

2 жыл бұрын

Hi bro, how r u now, I'm also in same situation

@rajanainar6941

2 жыл бұрын

Please can u reply me.

Thanks for the info! Very helpful👍👍

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lisa, if you had this surgery, I hope your recovery went as well as mine did. Take care...

Thank you for this. I had surgery 4 days ago and was looking for recovery videos.

@shube3103

3 ай бұрын

You are very welcome Crystal, I hope your recovery goes well. Take care!!

@crystalsmith4968

3 ай бұрын

@@shube3103 Did your thumb ever come back to fully straight? I am out of the splint and doing physio and my thumb is kinked over like yours. Thanks!

@shube3103

3 ай бұрын

@@crystalsmith4968 It did not but only the tip of my thumb. The rest I have full range of motion but not being able to give a, "complete thumbs up" and able to continue my daily task without any issues, I can live with that. Thanks again for your question and take care!!!

Jeff, greatly appreciate your video. About to undergo the same surgery. Being a Harley rider, that thumb is pretty important to me! 😆

@shube3103

3 жыл бұрын

I play acoustic guitar so my thumb is important to me as well. Follow your hand therapist's orders and you should be Hog Ride'n in no time

Thanks again Jeff. After seven months of managing my thumb through the covid lockdown here in the UK, my orthopaedic hand surgeon was able to recommence elective surgery in a limited capacity and I was lucky to be called in for my EPI EPL tendon transfer a couple of weeks ago. Just out of plaster and into a brace and all good so far.

@shube3103

3 жыл бұрын

That is great news Victor. Glad to hear all is going well. Follow all orders from your hand therapist and you will do well with this. Take care, my friend.

I had the same surgery in Cinti, 4 weeks ago. Cast off in 2 days for the first look, I assume Pt will start then. Your video was very helpful in letting me know what to expect, thanks. Interesting no pain so far,

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Chef, I am glad to hear your surgery went well and you are having no pain. Thank you for your kind words about the video, I am glad it was helpful. Follow everything in PT and you should have a full recovery. Take care....

Thank you for this info. My surgery was 4/2/19.

@marioortega8468

4 жыл бұрын

Just Edna How did your recovery go

Hey Jeff, I really appreciate you making this video. I actually got this same exact surgery on Friday, due to nerve damage in my right hand. Being a 17 y/o kid with no movement/mobility in my thumb kinda sucks lol. This video gives me hope! Thank you.

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi G.Men, how did you surgery go? Make sure you follow your hand therapist recommendations and you should have a successful recovery.

I am on week two from surgery for an EPL repair that was severed from glass. This is exactly what I wanted to see, thank you. This is a difficult thing to go through, especially when you lose your writing hand.

@shube3103

5 жыл бұрын

Napalm, this is why I decided to do a video of my recovery because I was unable to find any similar and also to let others know of what I went through. Make sure you follow orders from the hand therapist and you will be surprised how fast and how well you will heal. Good Luck.

@frugaltraci

4 жыл бұрын

Same!!! I slipped on a step, and broke my wrist.... the cracked wrist severed the tendon.

Thank you so much for the video. I am waiting for surgery date for the same operation you had. Am very nervous. Your video was very reassuring

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Jo, I am glad you liked my video. I was nervous for many weeks prior as well. I never had surgery before and I did not know what to expect. My surgeon was wonderful and explained everything to me. At one point they woke me up in the middle of the procedure, they may do the same to you, to have me move my thumb to measure my movement. I took them by surprise when I told them I wanted to see my hand...lol. Hope all goes well. Please let me know how it goes for you. Good Luck...

@jo9984

4 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 thank you. Still waiting for the date ... this long wait is more stressful

Hi Jeff - this is very helpful! I'm a professional violinist, and recently fell and sustained a displaced fracture of my left distal radius. I had an open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture two weeks ago, and that surgery went very well. Four days subsequent to that, I had a left EPL tendon rupture. I will be having EIP to EPL tendon transfer surgery in two days. Needless to say, there isn't any hand injury or corrective surgery that doesn't have the potential to end a career as a violinist. Your video has given me a realistic idea of what to expect and how best to recover from this surgery, and that helps so very much. I have total trust in my surgeon and hand therapist, but hearing from a fellow patient is invaluable. It helps/doesn't help that I'm also an RN who has quite a bit of ortho experience both as patient and nurse! I'm hoping this 71-year-old can bounce back as well as you did, you youngster. Thanks for the video.

@shube3103

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Hilary, we musically have something in common. I am a veteran acoustic guitar player and some songs require finger picking. I worried I would no longer be able to finger pick my guitar after surgery. After complete recovery and back to full strength in my thumb and forefinger, I was able to finger pick my guitar just like I was before surgery. I hope this gives you encouragement after your recovery to continue playing the violin like you did before. Make sure you follow the guidelines your hand therapist give you completely. Good Luck!!

@hilaryhatch2594

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jeff. As an RN i work in a number of specialty offices, one of which is an orthopedic office (that doesn’t do hand surgeries, thus my ignorance about this procedure). I’ve had three hip and one knee replacements that have all been terrific, and I know personally and as a healthcare professional that if you don’t follow through with whatever kind of PT or OT you are given , you are asking for disappointment in the results of your surgery. I have high hopes, and I’m glad that you have regained full use of your hand!

@sjchildspdx

5 жыл бұрын

So how did it go?

Jeff; hello from the UK. Having watched your video I feel much more informed to make the a positive decision for elective surgery. I think I damaged my EPL when I fell on my outstretched hand. I thought nothing of it but a week later when the bruising came out, I went my local minor injuries unit for Xray, which confirmed no recent fracture but possibly an old scaphoid fracture. A week later I was referred to my regional orthopaedic department where a ganglion was initially suspected, as I had reasonable thumb articulation. I was referred for an ultrasound scan which revealed a torn EPL. I was offered either conservative treatment ( do nothing) and accept the long term loss of articulation or opt for tendon transfer. I was hoping to take my grade 5 ABRSM piano in September but my right (dominant) hand can now just about manage B Flat with my thumb on middle C so that's not good at all. I am also a motorcyclist so although I only use my brakes occasionally (lol) I have reduced throttle control and use of indicators. I am a much better biker than I am a pianist. Surgery is listed for March 19th

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Victor, hope all is well so far. You be be surprised how well your thumb will recover and you should be able to pass your grade 5 ABRSM with no trouble. I am a guitarist and I have no trouble playing just as well as I did prior to surgery. Be sure you follow all instructions from your hand therapist. Hope your surgery goes well. Keep us all updated on your progress. Take care...

@1VictorWright

4 жыл бұрын

Operation which was due to take place this Thursday 19 March has been cancelled due to Covid 19 contingencies. The hospital is converting the operating theatres into intensive care facilities. No alternatives dates available but realistically I expect no op in the next 6 months and possibly looking into 2021. Heyho; my grandfather and his brother both survived 2 years at the Somme and then recovered from "Spanish" Flu in 2018, so my torn EPL is of no consequence.

@ahpong

2 жыл бұрын

@@1VictorWright WoW, my accident was exactly the same as yours - falling on my overstretched left hand. The hand surgeon chose to fix the scaphoid first (internal screw fixation with vascularized bone harvested from pelvis.) Then 4 months later I got Palmaris Longus to EPL transplant surgery after the scaphoid was 95% healed. Hope your surgery went well.

I severed my ring finger extensor tendon in a workplace injury that occurred July 21/22 and just had surgery October 19 and now doing therapy. Just starting to wean me of my splint for range of motion and strengthening. Still very sore at times and Very slow recovery but getting there. One step at a time.

I am going to have an EPL surgery this Friday Aug 20, 2021. I am worried. Your video gives me huge relief. I have just recovered from scaphoid screw fixation and vascularized pelvic bone graft surgery. All these ordeals I am going through are the results of me falling with my left hand overstretched on the cement floor. Not quite a good year for me. Covid-19 outside, accident, surgeries, and rehabs. Thanks a million for your review. Yours is the best video on KZread from the patient's point of view. I think I should make mine similar to yours but in Thai and Chinese to help others who would suffer from this horrible injury. Greetings from Thailand

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

Ahpong, I am glad to hear my video gave you some relief. When able, let all of us know how your surgery went. Hope all went well. Be sure to follow all instructions from your doctor and your hand therapist. Wishing you a fast recovery.

@ahpong

2 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 Hi Jeffrey, it's been three weeks since the surgery. My hand surgeon finally took the cast off. The EPL surgery I got is a little different from yours in that the surgeon chose to use Palmaris Longus (PL) or PL to EPL transfer. A stainless wire was still left in my thumb instead of me wearing thumb cast. The wire will be removed in 6-day time. My hand is looking exactly the same as yours in Week 3. He told me the wire removal process doesn't have be done in operating room! A normal treatment room will do. I'll give you an update next week. In the meantime, I was told to exercise fingers and wrist gently as you demonstrated in the video. Best regards, ahpong. :)

I had surgery on my wrist at the end of December. I got a metal plate put in and I was in a cast for about 3 weeks. I got the cast off last monday in exchange for a brace. 3 days later I felt a pop and I couldn't extend my thumb fully. I'm going back into surgery in 2 days and I was having a hard time finding out what to expect. Thank you! Although my recovery may be slightly different to yours due to my previous surgery, this was very helpful

@shube3103

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comments Figgy. Good luck with your upcoming surgery, hope things work out for you. I made this video for those who are in need to know what to expect with similar type of surgery and recovery.

@StormyDay

4 жыл бұрын

Same thing happened to me. What a drag.

@figgynewts56

4 жыл бұрын

My surgery ended up slightly different than expected- during my surgery, they found out that the tendon they were going to use to repair my ruptured tendon was also ruptured. 1 osteotomy and a double tendon repair later... (with the dumbest cast in the whole world), I somehow passed my physics class without the use of my dominant hand, and ended up graduating. My cast was so ridiculous and I couldn't fit it through any jacket sleeve 😂 I still have a hard time using my right hand, but at least I can put weight on it, carry groceries, and write with it. I feel blessed after all of my hardships. 😁

@StormyDay

4 жыл бұрын

@Figgy Newts so sorry that happened! it will get better with time, I assume since you’re in class you’re young and your muscles will pick up the slack. Even for me at my advanced age, I’m 2 weeks after the rupture of the EPL and it’s actually improving. I can’t lift it or put the top of my thumb all the way back, but I can definitely do more. Sometimes it takes more than a year. Go to a therapist again if you can. It helps. Best of luck to you.

@figgynewts56

4 жыл бұрын

@@StormyDay Thank you! I am actually 24 right now and have had 3 wrist surgeries from one injury. My mobility is not great and my PT told me it most likely will never be the same as prior to my injuries or surgeries. However I am lucky to have a hand and fingers that work and can help me accomplish daily tasks. Although my dreams of being a potter will be more difficult to reach, I have other passions in my life that I have been working toward!

Very informative. My surgery is tomorrow 8/13/21

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

Good luck, hope all goes well. Report back on your progress. Take care...

Jeff, Thank you so much for this video. I am considering this surgery as a result an EPL tendon rupture from a wrist fracture. I would truly appreciate it if you would not mind answering a few questions. Did you ever get full extension of your thumb? Did you get strength in your grip/hand? Did you get better motion in your wrist? Would you do the surgery again if you knew what you know now? Why did you decide to repair the tendon? Did you feel very limited in your hand function? Anything I am not asking/considering? Would you recommend a 2nd surgical opinion? Thank you very much!

Hi Jeff, Are you able to make a thumbs up? I am having this done on Tuesday following a broken wrist last month. Looking at your video it doesn't seem like you have 100% success. I'm a bit scared.

I'll be having the same surgery on the 28th of this month. Very informative presentation, I was told 6 to 12 weeks off (I do lifting at work) so I'm guessing my recovery time will be very similar.

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

Hi Mike, Yes, it will take about that long although you will be surprised how fast you heal. Take care and good luck in your surgery/recovery.

Hey Jeff great info, just had the exact procedure 9 days ago very stiff and also still have swelling around my knuckles and numbness hopefully that will go away, Doc told me 6 weeks could maybe go back light duty we`ll see thanks for your video

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

Hello Philip, you are welcome for the video. You will be surprised how well your body recovers from the surgery. The numbness and swelling should go away within a few weeks. Be sure to follow all guidance from your hand therapist. Hopefully you will be back to, "full duty" in about 12 weeks, 11 in my case. Good luck and take care...

@philiprea8340

Жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 Thanks again

Hi, greetings from norway! did you ever regained the stretch in your thumb as you showed at 15:00 into the video? The ability to strech out the outer joint? I cut of my EPL tendon 1centimetre under the thum nail and have been at surgery but it seems that I've never regain that movement! Will deeply appreciate advice! Regards from Ragnar, Norway

Hi Jeff. Just to echo the comments here, this video is fantastic and a real comfort to see when diagnosed with an EPL rupture. I had an EIP to EPL transfer 4.5 weeks ago and am making progress. One question if you don’t mind, we’re you able to lift your thumb with palm flat on the table by the end? There remains little to no movement for me here..

@shube3103

6 ай бұрын

Hi Paul, thanks for your kind words about the video. I am unable to straighten my thumb but I have no motion issues other than that. Lifting off the table while palm is flat, I struggle with this but having full strength and full motion otherwise and no pain, I can live with unable to straighten the tip of my thumb. Hope your recovery progress goes well, I think you will be surprised how fast you will heal and much your hand will be back to normal even with the small flaws. Good Luck, take care.

Hi Jeff..Thank you so much for this video! I had this surgery ten days ago, November 10, 2021. Stitches come out next week. Thankfully it was my non dominant hand, my left..and my job is typing and and always have been a two finger typer. LOL.. I did not miss any work, was off five days for the surgery and it was a long weekend here in Canada. Your video really helped me understand the recovery process. I am getting my exercise on a stationary bike at home.When do you think one would be able to start weights. or exercise bands? Lightly at first of course. I actually have been pretty surprised so far it has not been much of a burden. Grooming and showering really the only issue with the cast. The pain only lasted a few days, only needed painkillers for three days or so. Wiggling my fingers alot really helps..Cheers!

@christateham4603

2 жыл бұрын

btw...i tore the ligament...get this...lifting a heavy die cast frying pan. I assume it was weak due to years of baseball, my glove hand, thumb bending back..and I cycle lots.

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

@@christateham4603 Hi Chris, I am glad my video was helpful. I actually tore mine while putting on a water ski vest. Although this happened after I spend a week fencing my back yard hammering several hundred fence staples. I am sure mine was weak too. Anyway, follow your hand therapist instructions. I was given hand grips to exercise not weights. Hope your recovery goes as good as mine did. Keep me updated on your process....Take care.

Hello Jeff, On Monday I will have the surgery and I am pretty nervous. Your video was the only one of the kind I could find and I am extremely grateful for this. Because I have an office job, I expect to go sooner to work. I hope everything goes well and in summer I am able to climb again. How are you right now? Did you recover all the range of motion and your strength? Any difficulties? Thanks again for the video.

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Liviu, I hope your surgery went well and you have little pain. Thank you for your kind words regarding my video. That is the reason I made this type of video because I too was unable to find any recovery video from this type of surgery. My hand and thumb are doing well I have full strength in my wrist, hand, thumb and fingers. I have full range of motion and no difficulties what so ever. Just listen and follow everything your hand therapist says and you should be back to full health before you know it. You will be amazed at how fast you heal from this surgery. Take care. ..

Jeff, just curious if you had stiffness/limited mobility at that first knuckle at the very base of you thumb. I’m 5 weeks post surgery - I can fully extend the thumb no issue - but the bending at the base is pretty limited. Thanks!

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

Michael, as far as I can remember, there was a lot of pain for the first few weeks after surgery with my thumb. When I was able to move the thumb, the pain and stiffness got better each week after. Follow you hand therapist orders and exercises and you should have more movement and less pain as time goes on. Take care...

Thank you so much for this video. I'm having this procedure in early May also on my right wrist. I am also having some arthroscopic repairs of my scapholunate and TFCC. I don't know how they will affect my progress, but your overview is helping my nerves. When were you able to drive?

@shube3103

3 ай бұрын

Hi Lynne, if I recall I was able to drive shortly after I got the molded splint. I am glad my video was able to help you in anyway. I hope all goes well with your surgeries. Keep us all updated with your progress. Take care!!

@LynneMayard

11 күн бұрын

@@shube3103 I'm 7 weeks post-op now. Because of my additional wrist surgery and the accompanying extra incisions, etc.(debridement of my TFCC joint), my recovery is a bit slower. The therapist has just started me on passive and active movements of my thumb and wrist. I have just been allowed out of my splint during the day and while at home. As you said though, once out of the splint, I have been using my fingers more so my range is improving. We will be starting strengthening exercises soon. Also-I did start short-distance driving circa 2 1/2 weeks after the stitches came out.

@shube3103

10 күн бұрын

@@LynneMayard Sounds like you are recovering well. Be sure to follow all of your therapist's directions. Good Luck!!

Hello thank you for your video. After the surgery and recovery does your thumb have full dexterity for say guitars or video games? Or does it limit your skills with your thumb?

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Shane, yes I have full dexterity in my thumb. I actually play guitar, mostly fingerpicking style, and play video games occasionally. Although my thumb doesn't extend as far as I would like, I have no issues with use and no pain. Great question. Take care...

Thank you this video has really helped me , I’m on day 10post op . How long was it before you could drive ?

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

Hi Lisa, I think it was about 2 weeks before I could drive. Although, the hardest part was mowing my lawn on my lawn tractor. I had to buy a steering knob so I could drive it. Thanks for the question. Good luck with your recovery....

Thanks for this video. Curious to hear from anyone... are you happy to have done this? I broke my wrist, just out of a cast, and have this surgery as an option as the MRI showed the EPL is torn. I seem to have reasonable movement and grip strength but definitely can't raise the end of my thumb. Yet it seems like you may have only had limited success with that even after the surgery. Wondering if it's worth it to have the surgery or if I won't be much better off??? Are there any side effects with movements you can no longer do? Or does the body adapt with the change?? Any thoughts appreciated and thanks so much for the video :)

do you have a problem on the movement of your wrist?? like, can you move it up and down???

Hello jeff thanks for the video it helps me alot but i wanna to ask about hyperextension of ur thumb is it back or still weak as i have extension lag i am in week 5

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

Hi Saad, I am unable to hyperextend my thumb back to its normal position but I have no issues with weakness while using my thumb. I can do more with with thumb than I could do prior to my surgery. Hope your recovery is going well. You will be surprised on how fast you will heal. Take care...

I have also undergone trapeczectomy surgery last month. Want to know some exercises as the thumb is very stiff, swelling n pain is still there.

Hi Jeff, I am about to have this surgery, and was curious how long it was between the surgery and your first day of therapy where they removed the hard cast and went to the molded splints?

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Stan, 5 days from the time of surgery until they removed the cast and the molded splint was made. Hope your surgery went/goes well. Take care...

Hi Jeff...thanks for this video. How long did it take before you were able to drive? I drive standard and by the looks of it will not be able to shift gears with the cast on. My surgery in on Nov 15, 2019.

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Wendy, my standard vehicle remained parked until I was fully recovered. Fortunately I had an automatic that I was able to drive to my 2nd physical therapy appointment. You will be amazed how quickly you will be able to do things within a few weeks after surgery. As soon as I was able to touch my thumb to my fingers, I was able to do many normal lifestyle tasks. Good luck with your surgery and make sure you do everything your hand therapist recommends.

@wendybert1922

4 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103...thanks so much.

Hi Jeff..hand therapist here (OT, not PT!)..did you ever get those final degrees of extension back and what did they determine it was due to?

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Kerri, I never did get the final degrees of extension back although I do not have any issues with the way it is.

Hi Jeff. I am very anxious. I have the same thing. I fell. Right wrist and radius injury. Plate installed on wrist, now, have stinging pain in thumb area. My thumb tip is the same as yours and I can't lift thumb off the table, as hard as I try . My surgeon is telling me that the tendon will eventually pop. I want to do something ahead of that time. Can you help me understand this reasoning? I see you had your surgery almost right after the pop.

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

Hi Tona, If I am understanding you correctly, you're asking the reasoning behind the surgery. If asking the reasoning behind the tendon breaking, that would be a question for your surgeon. I elected to have the surgery because, just as you, I had anxiety that my tendon broke. I wanted to make sure I was able to have full movement of my thumb, have strength in my hand to grip and be able to play guitar. Sorry to hear about your injury. If you elect to have surgery, follow all instructions from your surgeon and hand therapist. Take Care!!

@tonawhitaker3416

Жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 Hi Jeff. I am in Pennsylvania too. Thank you for responding to me. First, I am very scared to have surgery again. I do have a volar plate on my wrist. Your video was very helpful as I have watched it several times. My goal is to have as much hand/thumb function as possible. Are you able to lift your thumb up from the table if your hand is resting flat? How you are doing now?

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

@@tonawhitaker3416 Hi Tona, I am able to lift my thumb off the table but not as well as my left hand is. It takes a little more strength to do so. I have no pain or movement issues otherwise. I am able to type, grip, swing a hammer, softball bat and play guitar with NO issues. I hope things go well with you too. Keep in touch...

@tonawhitaker3416

Жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 Hi Jeff. Hope this post finds you well. I had an ultra sound recently. It is confirmed that my EPL tendon is ruptured completely with the ends about 4.6cm apart. I will need the same surgery, taking one tendon from the index finger and connecting it to the torn section of the EPL, I guess. I will see the surgeon this Thursday to get more exact on the procedure. Thanks for telling me that you can lift your thumb, somewhat from a table and letting me know what you can grip with your thumb etc. This information is very helpful for me. I am looking forward to regaining some strength in my thumb. We'll see. I'll keep you posted. Surgery is set for May 19th.

Hi Jeff. Nice to see that your thumb has recovered from side effects from the surgery, but is it true that this EIP to EPL Transfer method has not solved your extend problem of the thumb?

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

It has not fully solved my extension problem although at the time of my injury I was unable to fully move my thumb as well. Without the surgery who knows if I would be able to do the things that I can do now that my thumb has mobility. Great Question, take care...

Hi! I have to have this surgery, almost 6 months after a wrist fracture. So I get to go through everything twice! 😭 Thank you so much for this video! One thing, were you ever able to lift your thumb again with your hand flat on the table? Or pull your thumb back?

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Stormy, I am able to pick my thumb off the table with my palm flat. It is not as easy as my left hand although it does come up. I can't straighten my thumb out completely but I have no issues with mobility, strength, pain or flexibility in my right hand. Hope this helps.

@StormyDay

3 жыл бұрын

@Jeffrey Shubert thank you so much. I'm a musician so I'm far more terrified about the index finger. How is your index finger with only the one tendon? Do you notice any difference from the way it was before?

Hi Jeff. I was wondering if you ever got the ability to fully extend your thumb tip as in a "thumbs-up"? I had an EPL rupture and I can move my thumb freely except for no movement in the tip. If the surgery doesn't restore this movement, I'm not sure what the point would be for me. Thank you for making this

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

Hi WongWu, No I can not extend my thumb tip like I can on my left hand. Although I have more flexibility and motion with my thumb prior to surgery and no pain. Your question would be better answered by a hand specialist. Good luck with your decision, take care.

@wongwu

2 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 Thanks for that prompt reply! Sorry to hear you didn't regain full motion. What percentage recovery would you say your thumb tip made compared to before the injury?

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

@@wongwu The tip about 70% Prior to surgery I was unable to lift my thumb off the table with my hand lying flat. Now I have full motion with my thumb except fully extending the tip. I play acoustic guitar, mostly finger picking using my thumb. I have no issues with that or any other normal everyday task. Great question.

@wongwu

2 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 Good information and much appreciated. Stay healthy!

Thank you very much for your video. I’ve been on the fence about whether or not to have the surgery. My concerns are how it would effect my index finger and how much it improved the thumb movement? My next concern is the recovery time. It is my dominant hand and my job requires me typing all day.

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

Hi Dawn, I understand your concerns about getting the surgery. I will say though, I had no effect on my index finger after surgery. As for my thumb, although I can't fully extend the tip of my thumb, I have no movement or other issues. I spend a lot of time typing as well. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and he/she may give you more insight on your outcome. Whatever you decide, good luck and take care....

@ahkwl

7 ай бұрын

I don’t know how it happened on me, but I just had issue moving my thumb overnight, went few hospitals and gotten different diagnosis from doctor. In the end, i was diagnosed that my EPL seems torn from day one but it has been misdiagnosed even several scanning( 2 mri, 1 X-ray + ultrasound) have been done repeatedly, and now doctor is suggesting me to EIP to EPL transfer as my case was dragged too long and it’s not possible to repair (connect) it with original tendon Doctor told me that I might have issue lifting up my index finger post surgery, which really concern me, are u having any issue with index finger ? Really appreciate your comments

So,... I'm facing the decision now of doing the surgery, or not. Curious if you've had it noticed any deficits from the tendon the used in the harvest being gone from your hand?

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

Hi Jenn, I wouldn't say they harvested a tendon from my hand, it is actually a transfer of a single tendon from your pointer finger (which has 2 tendons) to your thumb to replace the one that broke. I have no issues with movement, strength, or any deficits from the surgery. Hope this helps. Have your hand surgeon explain the procedure and answer any concerns prior to making your decision. Good luck and take care....

Hi Jeff Thanks for sharing this video. It’s really generous of you to spend the time to explain your experience. My wife is deciding whether to get this surgery and her situation is much like yours was. Would you mind saying how you feel about it five years on please? Was it all worth it and do you now have full extension in your thumb 5:13 ? Anyway, I hope you are well and am pleased to give you an appreciative thumbs up! Thank you. Richard

@shube3103

4 ай бұрын

Hello Richard, I am sorry to hear you wife is in the same situation that I was in. After 5 years, I can hardly tell much of a difference when it comes to strength and use of my thumb or right hand for that matter. I am absolutely pain free and have been ever since my going through my therapy. Other than not being able to extend my thumb fully from the last knuckle, I have no issues. Whether it was worth it or not? Other than time off work and the inconvenience of surgery and recovery, I would absolutely do it again if that decisions arises. If your wife is still deciding, read some of my responses to others in the feed as I try to respond to most everyone's questions. Hope all goes well whatever your wife decides. Take care and of course, thumbs up given...

@rich666morris

4 ай бұрын

You’re are an absolute gem Jeff. Thank you again for the helpful insights. My wife is going to book up and get the EPL operation done.

@shube3103

4 ай бұрын

@@rich666morris I hope all goes well, keep us updated on her progress. Take care!!

@rich666morris

2 ай бұрын

Hi Jeff. She had the operation today and all went well. Hope to see a good recovery. Cheers Richard

@shube3103

2 ай бұрын

@@rich666morris Hope all goes well with her recovery, prayers...Take care!!

What precautions is to be taken post surgery and with surgical cast....its 2 days my 5 year old daughter had undergone with surgery

@shube3103

20 күн бұрын

My only advice is to follow ALL your surgeon and hand therapist's instructions. I hope all went well with your surgery and all goes well with your recovery. Take Care!!

Hello Jeff I had the same surgery about 5 weeks ago and I am having the same problem with the tip of the thumb straightening did this ever go back to normal thanks.

@shube3103

3 жыл бұрын

I am able to straighten my thumb but not hyperextend it like my left hand. After surgery it is much better then it was after my injury. Thanks for the inquiry

@chrisroscoe5511

3 жыл бұрын

Jeffrey Shubert thankyou for the reply and that’s the exact same with me the hyper extend won’t happen no worries at least it’s better than it was thankyou

Hey Jeff! Thanks so much for your help. Five weeks ago, I tore my EPL tendon and had a surgery a day after. No transfer was needed. Recovery has been going great, my splint is off and I am now on my fifth session of my physical theraphy. I can feel most of the movement is coming back to my thumb and even though I cannot straighten the tip of my thumb yet, I can lift it off the table when my hand is laying flat on a surface, which I believe is a good sign. But one thing that has been bugging me is unlike my healthy hand, I cannot see or feel my tendon on my thumb when I lift my finger off the table or when I move it. Is that normal after the surgery? Is there a chance that I retore my tendon if I am able to lift my finger on a flat surface? The thing is, I can feel the tendon moving on my wrist but I cannot follow it to my thumb for some reason. I am overall satisfied with the movement of my hand. Thanks for your answer in advance.

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Izgin, I am glad you are doing well with your surgery and recovery. NO, I am unable to see or feel the tendon that was transferred either, not sure why. I would not be worried that you re-tore the tendon especially since you can move your thumb off the table. Check with your therapist or your surgeon if you think this is a concern. Glad things are going well for you. Great question. Take care.

Thanks so much for this video, Jeff. I've just been told I need the EIP to EPL tendon transfer surgery (spontaneous rupture after radius fracture) and was trying to gauge how impaired I would be after the surgery. I have a couple of questions-1) what kind of work do you do that you were not cleared to work for almost 3 months? I am a school teacher and assumed as long as I do not use my right hand I can teach and be back to work within a couple of days of the surgery. 2) What was your level of pain on and off meds a week after surgery? The details about your PT were so helpful as well. Thanks again!

@hilaryhatch2594

5 жыл бұрын

Hi SJ. I think our cases are similar in that we both have a radius fracture to deal with as well as the EPL rupture post-fracture. I don't know if you had a surgical repair of your radius fracture or not. I was in a splint following my surgical wrist stabilization for a week and a half. That repair (done 1/17/19) was relatively easy to come back from as bone fixated with plates and screws heals much faster than soft tissues like tendons. The spontaneous tendon rupture was repaired on 2/1/19. My tendon transfer had three small incisions, one on the back of the wrist, one at the base of the index finger and one at the base of my thumb. The incisions were not sutured but glued. The wounds were dressed and a bandage wrapped around wrist and thumb over a hard splint. The worst pain I experienced was the night after surgery. I think the local anesthetic instilled during surgery wore off with a bang, and I was in a lot of pain that night (especially the back of my hand) and took Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and finally hydrocodone to manage it. Icing and elevating the hand above heart level are musts after a surgery like this to decrease the inevitable swelling and pain. I had been doing that faithfully from right after surgery but needed those pain relievers mentioned to get me through the Friday night after surgery and the following Saturday. My surgeon was very responsive, and after putting up with more discomfort in one area of pressure on my arm from my splint that I felt was healthy or tolerable, I had my splint removed the following Wednesday and an actual cast put on over the wound dressings. The cast was on for 3 weeks. During that time (and as you may have surmised from Jeff's video even after that), my operative hand was pretty useless. As I live alone, what I missed most of all was having the use of two oppositional thumbs and I had to devise many work-arounds for tasks - my teeth got a work-out gripping things instead of my left hand when two-handed tasks presented themselves, which was surprisingly frequently! (P.S. Elastic waistbands on pants are pretty much a necessity. Zippers and buttons are problematic.) After the cast came off, I saw my hand therapist who is very experienced. I was thrilled to have the cast off, but after my initial exercise session with her she created a removable splint that I wore all the time for a week except for showers and the 4 -6 times a day exercise sessions at home. After a week of that I was permitted to remove the splint when indoors, except for when I was in bed at night. I just last week got the go-ahead to live life without any kind of splint. Needless to say, after having a hand and wrist immobilized completely and then partially for 2 months, I was tremendously discouraged by my loss of strength and range of motion. I couldn't imagine ever being able to play the violin again. But i did as I was told, did my exercises several times daily, and little by little it has gotten me to a place where I am practicing and planning on joining my professional orchestra (Vermont Symphony Orchestra - VSO.org) for the concert at the end of April. I'm still not at the place I expect to be by the end of April, but the surgeon and hand therapist (who both know my goal to return to playing) are both really happy about what I've managed to regain. I think that doing my exercises every day and practicing every day will get me to where I'm as happy as they are. To answer your question - I'd take a week to baby your hand through that first period when having it in a dependent position or even in a sling will not benefit you in terms of swelling and options to deal with pain like rest, icing, and possibly narcotic analgesics. I'm an RN. I've had four joint replacements and I work sometimes in an orthopedic office.. It's worth the up-front investment to rest and then do your hand PT exercises exactly as recommended to get the best outcome. I don't know what Jeff does that knocked him out of working for three months. I could keyboard with a splint on, but couldn't manage a BP cuff to take a prissy or draw blood or do anything other than type that required two hands. So - for me, one month and three weeks from tendon transfer to almost full return to function. Still can't touch my thumb to my pinky and the grip is weaker than before, but I am still seeing my hand therapist and expect that all this will come with return to full use of my left hand and wrist. You're young - this might take less time for you to bounce back from, but there's nothing to be going what is physiologically a slow healing process. Good luck!

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

I work in law enforcement that's why I had to be off over 3 months. The pain was at minimum while on meds of course although I did not rely on them very long. Off meds, it depended on how I moved my thumb past my allowed range of motion at the time.

@allegracarpenter7458

4 жыл бұрын

@@hilaryhatch2594 Ms. Hatch - I had a right distal radius open reduction internal fixation 6 weeks ago in New Mexico. I really liked my surgeon. Because I commute between NM and VT, my therapy has been at UVM Ortho. Two weeks ago my EPL tendon ruptured. I've done a great deal of research including speaking with an Ortho PA at UVM and extensive discussions with my current excellent therapist. After full recovery from the wrist injury, I will need to proceed with an EIP to EPL transfer. The decision I need to make is whether to proceed with that surgery in NM and then have therapy in VT or whether to have the surgery in VT. I'll be seeing my NM surgeon in a week. I'd be very curious to get some more information from you regarding your experience at UVM, which providers you used, etc. Everyone wants the best outcome from an injury like this, but I need full functioning to make my living and am also an amateur pianist. That you are playing the violin gives me great hope. If you see this post, please feel free to email me at Allegra@AllegraCarpenter.com Thanks.

Hey Jeff just wondering how much movement you got back in your thumb I`m guessing not 100% I know for me it`s only been 16 days since my surgery but it sure doesn`t seem any different than it was before my surgery, anyway just curious thanks.

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

Hey Philip, I would say about 98% movement. The tip will not extend out which I have no issues with. As for the rest of my movement it is normal with no pain. Good luck with your recovery...Take care

@philiprea8340

Жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 thank you for your time I guess I`m just very impatient, but I`m guessing it will never be like my other hand.

Hi, I'd like to know how your thumb is now, I did not have this surgery but I had a tendon repair in my thumb, now its been ten weeks and I can't bend my IP much, I don't know if that's normal or I will never be able to bend it

@shube3103

3 жыл бұрын

Hi there, thanks for your question. I can move my thumb without any pain or decrease in strength. I am sorry to hear about you issue not being able to move your IP much. I would reach out to your doctor or hand therapist, if you haven't already, to see what they suggest. Good luck with this, I hope things work out well for you.

My finger is injured.. Same you injured .. How much surjury???

I’m having this surgery tomorrow. I’m curious...can you lift your thumb off the table? It looks like you have a good grip but I’m not sure if it fixed the extension. It was nice to watch this video as I’m wasn’t sure what to expect.

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Carma, I can move my thumb off the table but not as well as I could before my injury. Otherwise, I have no issues with my thumb, my grip and strength are good and after my recovery, I have no pain. Good luck with your surgery tomorrow, keep us all posted on your progress. Prayers!!!

@carmaflannery281

2 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 thank you for your reply. I had a distal radius fracture in early December and I think the epl ruptured at the same time. It took a long time for X-rays to confirm the fracture and even longer to get an appointment for an MRI…then another month to schedule with a hand specialist. I’m at the point where the pain is tolerable and it’s hard to think about having pain and lack of motion again. I keep wondering if the surgery is worth it.Do we really need to lift our thumb off the table? I do a lot of bike riding, kayaking, mountain climbing but I’m not sure this surgery has an advantage…unless not fixing it causes the thumb to eventually flex inward. I should have asked more questions. Again, I really appreciated you sharing your experience pre and post op, PT, and recovery.

How is the extension performance of your index finger after removal of the tendon? Does it operate like it was did before removal?

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

Hi John, yes my index finger has no issues. It works like there was nothing done to it. Thanks for your questions. Take care.

Hi jeff i had some elbow surgery 8 days ago and now can not extend my all 5 fingers. Doc said might have injured one of the nerve . But said tendon transfer would fix it dont know if tindon transfer work for all the fingers. What do u think about my situation? Brother i m dep ressed

@shube3103

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Suliman, you are in luck. I am currently in the presence of my neice who is a PA. She said that tendon transfer will not fix nerve damage. The pointer finger has 2 tendons therefore one can be transferred to the thumb. She advised you might want to get a second opinion asap. Also on occasion nerve damage will repair itself. Good luck my friend, keep your head up..

hi jeff, i had also a surgery on my right extensor pollicis longus because of an accident. and now it's almost 7months after the surgery but my wrist still had a stiffness like yours before. can i ask if what therapy of exercises you've done to totally remove or get rid to that stiffness. btw. thankyou for your response to my previous messages. and thankyou in advance. it helps a lot. godbless

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi again Jairo. The stiffness mention in my video went away on its own without any specific exercises. If your still having stiffness 7 months after surgery, that may be a concern. You might want to go back to your therapist and see what they recommend. You may want to check the internet for some wrist exercises to help as well. I coach girls softball and there is some wrist warm-up exercises we do before starting to throw to reduce stiffness and injuries. Hope this helps. Take care Jairo.

Your video is super informative and motivating! I had the same surgery and I'm on the 4th week of recovery, I'm able to touch all the fingers using my thumb and even able to extend the tip of my thumb. However, I'm not able to lift my thumb when I lay my hand flat on a surface, did you also face that problem? Also, thanks for the video!

@shube3103

9 ай бұрын

Hi there, thank you for your kind words. Be patient with your recovery. Only into it 4 weeks with several to go you will be surprised how well you will do. I can lift my thumb off the table somewhat just not as well as my left hand. I have full strength in my thumb after recovery. Take care and good luck.

@ahkwl

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for making this video, it’s so motivating. I’m having issue here and doctor is suggesting to perform EIP to EPL transfer surgery, and I was told that I might have issue to lift up my index finger post surgery, are u having any issue with ur index finger post surgery ?

@shube3103

6 ай бұрын

@@ahkwl No issues with my index finger at all. I have full strength and full motion. I also play acoustic guitar and finger-pick most of my songs with no issues with my index finger. Hope this eases your anxiety about your post-surgery index finger problems. Take care...

@ahkwl

6 ай бұрын

@@shube3103tq

Having thus plus plate and screw removal done next week. I’m so scared. Don’t know how to function with one hand :(

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

You'll be amazed how your mind and body adapt and overcome using one hand as you recover. Good Luck with everything!!

Hi Jeff I hope you are doing well. I wonder if you lift your thumb all the way up. Can you make a new video about that

Having the right hand affected is a pain. I have been waiting for the similar surgery for quite sometime now which is causing more pain on the whole hand and arm..

@shube3103

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I didn't wait to have it seen by a doctor for having the same fear of pain in my wrist and arm.

Hey Jeff, do you think the surgery is worth it? I don’t want to do my surgery because I don’t think I will have full motion after . please let me know. Thanks for the vid

@shube3103

4 ай бұрын

My opinion is that it was for me. I can't say either way for you. I would at least contact a hand surgeon and weigh in on your options. I have full strength in my thumb and no pain. Hope this helps making your decision. Take care and good luck.

@S1kdownshift

4 ай бұрын

@@shube3103 thanks Jeff my surgery is next week same one we urs a tendon transfer. Thanks for the reply

Hi Jeffrey! Thanks for posting this. I watched your video before I had the surgery, which greatly helped me understand what I was looking at in terms of recovery time. I am a musician (guitarist) here in Las Vegas and I was very concerned about my ability to play. I am also a former PGA Golf pro and still enjoy playing, so between those two things I was really concerned. I am just starting into my 5th-week post-op and things are going well, I am just concerned that I won't be able to get my last part of my thumb, where the nail is, that joint to straighten out. So far, it is very limited and they have given me a couple of things to work on....just wanted to see how you were doing with the tip of your thumb because you mentioned it still was not fully engaging and you weren't sure if it ever will? Thanks again! Tom

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Thomas, thank you for liking my video and your kind comments. I am a guitarist as well and had the same concern about not being able to use my thumb as I use the thumb and finger picking style of guitar playing. You are right, I am unable to fully extend the tip of my thumb as mentioned and I have NO issues with playing guitar by finger picking or using a guitar pick to play. I have played a few rounds of golf and several softball games since my surgery with no issues with my thumb. Hope your recovery goes as well as mine. Keep me updated, take care.

@ThomasRojasLasVegas

2 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 thank you for your response! Because it was my left thumb I may have different issues with both guitar and golf. I know I still have weeks of therapy and will know more at the end of this with regards to my thumb tip movement, and I am hopeful that my current status will improve as right now it would be hard to get my thumb naturally on the golf grip without having to assist lifting the tip up to take my grip. I think I will be ok with playing guitar! I am hopeful and again appreciate your response and information. I am really trying to see if there is something I can work on to improve this issue. Thanks again and best to you !!

@macism2

2 жыл бұрын

I’ll be 5 weeks post surgery Monday. Did you have any issues with stiffness in the base of thumb? The first knuckle that connects to hand? I can actually straighten my thumb, but have very little movement in that first knuckle. Curious if that goes away? Thanks!

Jeff and others who have had this surgery...I have noticed in reading more of the posts that many of you are musicians...so I can completely appreciate the absolute importance of a fully functioning thumb. For those of you who are not musicians, what motivated you to have this surgery and are you happy with your post surgery result? I ask this question because I feel I am pretty fully functioning without the tendon. Not being able to fully extend or lift the thumb only seems to have some impact in typing on a keyboard, some in use of scissors and some if cutting fruit between thumb and index finger.

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

HI Jackie, thanks for the questions. What motivated me to have this surgery was the fact that I had something wrong with my body. I have never broken any bones or been sick, so to speak. When I met the first time with the surgeon, he explained to me what happened and said, "I can fix it." That gave me the motivation to go ahead with the surgery. I just wanted it to be made right. Although I do not have 100% extension of the tip of my thumb, it does not hinder my everyday tasks such as typing, playing guitar or using scissors. My grip, motion, and flexion are 100% with no pain what so ever. Would I choose to have the surgery again if needed? Absolutely. Hope this helps.

@juliealviar5547

5 ай бұрын

Mine is on my dominant hand and i feel like I need full mobility.

Hi Jeff, I’ll be getting this surgery in a few weeks and my surgeon said to me that I won’t be able to extend my index finger as high as i would with both of my tendons. I saw ur comment saying that u didn’t experience any weakness but I thought it would be good to know if u experienced this? Kinda freaking me out to think I could lose a bit of movement in another finger after a surgery to fix the thumb situation!

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

I have no issues with my index finger. Full range of motion, I can type as I have before. No pain. I don't think my index finger is missing the tendon...lol

@callum760

4 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 oh great thx for your reply

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

@@callum760 Checking in 2 months after your surgery, how are things going and are you able to use your index finger as before?

@callum760

4 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 Hey Jeff, sorry I underestimated how long it would be until I get the surgery, I'm actually getting it in about a week or so! I'll fill u in when my recovery begins, thanks for your interest none the less :)

Thank you so much for posting this. I'm still shaking and on the verge of tears everyday as I approach the appointment with the doctor. I've been preparing my home and purchased voice to text software in hopes of being able to work sooner, as I type most of the day. I can change the sheets on my bed with one hand...LOL. Fortunately, the injury is in my non-dominant hand. Painful waiting. Here are a couple of questions for the group. 1. I'm a long distance walker. Does anyone have experience with being able to return to walking regularly after the surgery? 2. When could I use a couple of fingers to type on a keyboard? Again, thanks so much for posting. Feel more informed.

@shube3103

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Karin, I feel your anxiety while waiting for your doctor appointment and surgery as I had the same. As for long distance walking, my arm was in a sling until my 1st week of therapy, so long distance walking could be a challenge. That would be a good question for your hand therapist. As you can see from the video I had pretty much full movement of my fingers during recovery. I suspect typing may not be a real issue after a few weeks. This again might help with recovery and good exercise to gain more strength in your 1st finger. Just follow all instructions from your hand therapist. Good luck with this. Keep us all updated with your progress.

@karinbogue5702

3 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 Jeff, Thank you for the quick reply. I will be asking lots of questions. You have provided a great service to those of us wanting to learn more and be prepared. I am happy things worked out well for you and so grateful you and others continue to share.

@karinbogue5702

3 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 how long does the worst of the pain last? I'm at 28 hours after surgery and it hit me about 2 hours ago. I'm trying to stay as still as I can with arm elevated. I am a wimp. Have been icing.

@shube3103

3 жыл бұрын

@@karinbogue5702 Hi Karin, the worse pain I had was similar to your time frame of 2 days or so. But the pain was controlled by meds. I still had pain while moving my thumb for about 3 weeks. I recall when removing the white sleeve that I wore under my molded brace. When I removed the sleeve there was pain in my thumb. Your hand therapist should give you exercises to help with the thumb to strengthen the thumb to alleviate the pain. I don't mind questions, I will answer them when I can. Take care, get well.

@karinbogue5702

3 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 Thank you so much for all of your help. Today is day 15 after the surgery. I received my uncomfortable hard plastic partial splint this week and it looks a little different from yours. It has a thumb pulley that allows me to move the tip of my thumb just slightly and bounce the tip back and forth. The plastic thing is very uncomfortable and I'm glad to be going back to the OT to see if she can bump out a part that seems to be rubbing and hurting when my wrist hits it. I really wish they had put a hard plaster cast on it for a while because I tend to make unintentional movements that remind me that wrist hurts. However the doctor warned me that I will have pain where that tendon ruptured for a while. I am fearful of doing something that will make me repeat the surgery and that is something I never want to do again. Both the doctor and the OT said walking is one of the best things I can do so I am grateful for that. I just have to be careful not to impale myself on this metal pulley thing. I am using the Dragon software to write this message. I could not have returned to work without it, but I am still slower than normal and expect to be slower for many more weeks. Your video and comments give me hope that things will improve a little more quickly after four weeks when therapy starts. I cannot thank you enough for doing this video. Oh, I had a choice of colors for my ugly plastic splint so I did the typical woman thing and pick black because black goes with everything. :-)

By the way, how are things going now?

Recently had my EPL EIP surgery, and found this video very informative, and set my mind at ease. I am currently in partial cast which I find is now rather uncomfortable after a week, as I am constantly wriggling my wrist inside. My fingers are essentially free to move. So I am not quite a one handed invalid. Index finger a little tight, and I can also move my thumb slightly inside. Hope I am not causing any damage trying to moving it. The droop at the end of my thumb seemed more pronounced than yours appeared to be at the onset. It is also apparent you still cannot fully extend your thumb out straight. i.e. thumbs up. I expect to get the formed - removable cast - tomorrow. Be nice to start some therapy, wash my hand. Feels grimy. First day or two I used some Toradol, but didn't need anything after 48 hours. Did you question why there was no thumb therapy from the onset? Are they concerned for the stability of the repaired tendon? There is a video of the surgucal repair on youtube. It appears they actually braid the new tendons together, then stitch it up. Loos pretty solid.

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Anthony, I hope your surgery went well and now you are on your way to recovery. YES, they were adamant that I was not to move my thumb or start thumb therapy from the onset as my hand therapist wanted to give the tendon time to heal. In fact, you will not be able to move your thumb due to the pain. When you see me take my arm sock off to show my stitches there was pain caused just by doing that. While there is not continuous pain, there is pain if you try to move your thumb other then the tip for the first 3 weeks. Be patient (pun) and follow everything your hand therapist says and your recovery will go smoothly. Great question, take care...

@anthonymcgann459

4 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 Hmm - interesting and thanks. Moving thumb was indeed very stiff and sore between the two casts I got. I have been out of commission for 4 weeks essentially. Getting cast off today 02/25, and hoping to start therapy. Looks like I am out for another month at least.

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

@@anthonymcgann459 Glad to hear you are doing well after a month. You will be amazed how fast you heal after starting PT. Just follow all directions and don't move that thumb until you are told too. Take care...

I’m on waiting list to have this done on my index finger. And plate and screws removed from my wrist. My tendon rupture is in the wrist from screws irritating the tendon resulting in rupture . I’m terrified. My injury is 2 yo but my GP kept saying it’s arthritis. How bad was the pain ? And for how long ? I’m in Australia 🇦🇺

@shube3103

9 ай бұрын

Hi Andrea, my pain was intense for the first few days although it was controlled by meds and then eventually went away after a few weeks. The pain was mostly when moving my thumb when I did the exercises my physical therapist gave me. As I continued my PT, the pain mostly went away as I regained my strength. Overall about 3 weeks or so. Good luck.

@andreamoore367

9 ай бұрын

@@shube3103 Thankyou for your reply. Oh wow I’m dreading the pain. It’s very hard to get Drs to prescribe pain relief over here I live alone too so eeek. Going to be a challenge. Once again appreciate your reply. And Thankyou for the video 🙂🙏🏻

@shube3103

9 ай бұрын

@@andreamoore367 Just make sure you abide all instructions from your hand therapist, hope all goes well for you. You will be surprised how fast your body will heal. If you need anything else, feel free to ask...

@andreamoore367

9 ай бұрын

@@shube3103 thanks so much. I’ve had 9 joints surgeries so far but this 1 concerns me the most.

HI Jeffrey, thanks for the great video. Can you please tell if you are now able to extend your thumb fully, and how it feels, and what the range of movement is, compared to the healthy left thumb? You mention this very briefly in the video but IMO this was the very purpose of the surgery. So did it work out well for your thumb at the end of the day? Many thanks. Alex

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Alex, I can not extend my thumb fully as I could before but it feels no different than my other thumb. I have full range of movement and no pain what so ever. Prior to surgery, I did not have full range of motion. I coach a girls softball team, as well as play softball in a recreation league. I have no problems throwing or batting. Like I said the only thing I can't do is give a full thumbs up...lol. Hope this helps.

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

I Alex, I can not fully extend my thumb after surgery but that is about the only thing I cant do with it. I have full range of motion and no pain. I did not have full range of motion prior to surgery. I coach a girls softball team as well as play in a rec league. I have no problems throwing or batting. The only thing I can't do is give you a fully extended thumbs up...lol.

@fkuashum

4 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 Hi Jeffrey, thank you for replying. This is good to know, and it is great to know it worked out well for you at the end of the day, at least is sounds so ) Interestingly, not being able to give the full thumbs up is precisely the biggest visual difference in my thumb's performance as well (and I have not done the surgery yet). I am very curious to know exactly how much less you can extend your operated thumb vs. the other one. Could you please kindly post a photo if possible somewhere and provide a link? This is what my difference looks like: photos.app.goo.gl/DnfcZozN1T1jXSDv9

@marioortega8468

4 жыл бұрын

Alex Arefiev How were the results of your surgery, can you post an updated picture comparing your thumbs up ability

@ohlookitsseth1

2 жыл бұрын

@@fkuashum did you opt to do nothing? I am in a similar situation. Going in Monday to see if they can reattach. If they cannot, I am going to tell them "no" on EIP to EPL tendon transfer. Would rather just live life with the inability to give a proper thumbs up.

I did tendon transfer surgery 6 months back, they put very strong dressing for one month, now more than 5 month over, my fingers working only 50 percent, I visited many doctors, they are not telling correctly, if any experienced person is there, pls tell me how many months it will take total??

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Raja, Sorry to hear you are not healing as expected. I can't answer for the healing troubles you are having. I wish you well though.

Just had the surgery this morning and it's so swollen I'm dying from pain. Did you have that too? Hoping you can help me out 🙏🏼

@shube3103

2 жыл бұрын

I had pain when I moved my thumb. Swelling was a result of the surgery but went down a day or so later. I used harder pain drugs for about a day or so, afterwards just over the counter pain killers were used. The pain will subside in a few days other than when trying to move your thumb. Follow all directives from your hand therapist and you should be fine. Good luck...

@callsignprofessor

2 жыл бұрын

@@shube3103 thanks! We found out that the cast was very tight so it hurt like hell. It's q bit better now but can't move my fingers like you apart from the pinky. That spint was a nice switch, I'll check with my therapist if that's an option for me.

Hey...i need to do this surgery very soon. I have radial nerve palsy,im interested in feal in your finger after full recovery,will i be able to play guitar?

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

Hi Luka, I play guitar as well mostly finger-picking style. I have no issues with feeling in all my fingers or thumb. Hopefully, you have the same results. Take care and good luck!!

@lukaberak8244

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Jeff ❤️

Waiting for my EPL surgery date. How long does the surgery take?

@shube3103

Жыл бұрын

Hi Satara, great question. I really don't remember since it has been so long ago. I suspect about a little over an hour or so. I do remember that the surgeon woke me up in the middle of the surgery to have me move my thumb to check on the tension of the tendon and then I was put back asleep for him to finish. Whether your surgeon will do that or not, who knows. Anyway, good luck when that day comes....

@funnyman12731

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info appreciated. I was told no requirement to go ahead with the surgery because the splint is helping the rupture EPL to recover.

Has anyone had a partial tear of their EPL after a distal radius fracture and ORIF? I can feel the EPL tendon moving and see the muscle firing but cant fully lift my thumb off the table or give a full thumbs up. I really dont want to have a second surgery. Anyone not have the transfer and live with it?

@ahkwl

6 ай бұрын

For my case, I went to first specialist few days it happened, the pain subsided gradually but the condition of thumb is not improved, 4 months later & now I only found out that I was misdiagnosed after seeing 4 specialist during the period. I’m still able to move my thumb 60-70% but can’t lift my thumb at all while putting hand flat on table. Having mild pain 3/10 while doing certain things with my thumb. It’s not possible to repair EPL after so long so I’m in same situation either live without EPL or go for surgery to have EIP to EPL transferred.

Does anyone know the repercussions of leaving this condition untreated? I have been advised against getting this procedure due to the coronavirus pandemic, and I’m wondering if I could leave it til Christmas time? I suffered a right distal radius fracture in January and my thumb suddenly went limp with this conditions in March. I was misdiagnosed by physios with De Quervains Tenosynovitis for the past three months due to being assessed over the phone! I am an everyday cyclist and really don’t want to be in a cast over summer.

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Sorry, I don't have any information on that. I saw a hand surgeon and he said he was able to fix it so I had the surgery.

@prawnsandwich5001

4 жыл бұрын

Jeffrey Shubert I had an ultrasound and it turns out I only have a partial rupture. Apparently keeping it in a splint could let the tendon repair itself over time.

@karinbogue5702

3 жыл бұрын

@@prawnsandwich5001 Apparently, my tendon wasn’t ruptured after my fall in late March. I was in a splint for six weeks; however, the wrist never felt quite right. Unfortunately there was a lot going on with the coronavirus and an illness in my family so I did not seek medical attention soon enough. My tendon ruptured completely after using one of those twisty mops. Please be careful and do what the doctors tell you. This is not a surgery you want to have.

@prawnsandwich5001

3 жыл бұрын

@@karinbogue5702 thankfully my EPL tendon has recovered on its own through the splint I had to an acceptable level where I could start hand therapy. After a couple months now I’ve regained almost full movement and strength a month ago. I’m still doing hand therapy but the doctor discharged me a while ago and said the surgery is no longer needed. He was actually quite surprised with how well it had recovered on its own!

I will be having this surgery in the next few months. I need to be able to type - can you tell me at what point you were able to use a keyboard - even if just your fingers, not thumb.

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Allegra, thanks for your question. I type every day at my job. I was able to type pretty much as usual about the time I only had the thumb splint on and about the time my pointer finger was at full strength. Although I did not go back to work until I was cleared to do so by my therapist, only due to my work type. Follow all recommendations from your hand therapist including home exercises and you should be back to normal about the same time I was. Great question!! Let me know how things go for you.

I was hoping you would of showed us you doing the side by side comparison at the end like you did in the beginning. It doesn't look like you can pick your thumb back up off the table.

@shube3103

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Manny, I agree I should have shown a comparison between the two hands but rest assured I am able to lift my right thumb off the table. I appreciate your comment and suggestion.

Assalamoalaikum mera operation huwa nurve injuries thi wrist drop tha ductor ne mra treatment fcu to edc and pl to eip ka istemal kia koi bta skta mra hath thek hu jai ga ab ❤️❤️❤️

can you now move your wrist normally?

@shube3103

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Jairo, I can move my wrist just like I was able too before surgery. No pain, no loss in strength what so ever. Hope this helps.