3rd Specialist review & 2nd Occupational Therapy (11.4.07)

11 April 2007

Another month has passed. I have become highly addicted to SUDOKU these days... The 2nd and 3rd joints of my fingers are still swollen and I still experience pain at the fracture. Aching and numbness are getting more serious at the fingers, joints, knuckles, wrist, elbow, and at the fracture; especially when I am sleeping or while doing the finger exercises. Movement of my fingers are getting better, although I can still feel "clark-clark" at the fracture and my middle finger is still shaky...

3rd Specialist review (11.4.07)
Unlike the previous review, the registrar instructed me to proceed to the Radiology Department to have my X-ray taken first. 2 X-rays were taken today before I returned to Clinic B1A for my specialist consultation...

Dr Saiful is my specialist again. After examining the X-rays, Dr Saiful explained that recovery is good and I can had the cast removed. Dr Saiful also referred me to the Department of Occupational Therapy for a custom-make splint, which will protect my left hand. Unfit for duty, I was issued another 30 days MC till 10.5.07...

At the Orthopaedic Room, the yellow cast was removed. Bivalving of the cast is a terrible process due to the huge vibrating sensation. But being the 2nd attempt, I'm more mentally prepared. Firstly, the nurse placed the electronic saw on my right palm to let me have a feel of the vibrating sensation. It is only now then I realized that the saw cannot cut into flesh, thus ease my anxiety. The noisy vibrant removal process proceeded smoothly and safely. My left hand feels free after being casted for 2 months.

While wiping the casted area with antiseptic, large pieces of dried dead skin starts to peel off. As there are too many dead skins, I requested for another piece of antiseptic wipe from the nurse so that I can clean the casted area while waiting for the invoice.

Something very interesting is that dark long hair grows at the casted area. The hair are concentrated at the back of the palm and at the wrist. These dark long hair looks cute and I truly adore these dark long hair...


uncast


long hair

2nd Occupational Therapy (11.4.07)
At the Department of Occupational Therapy, my therapist Pei Fen examined my injury reports through TTSH intranet. For hygiene purposes, she asks me to wash my hands and more dead skins began to peel off. Washing my hands is such a refreshing moment. While waiting for Pei Fen, I continued peeling off dead skins...

After examining my injury, Pei Fen started moulding my splint. The purpose of the splint was to immobilize and rest my left hand to prevent deformity of my 3rd finger. I have to wear the splint for 24 hours, which can only to be removed for cleaning purposes or doing finger exercises. While waiting for the splint to be ready, I continue to peel dead skins off the casted area...


splint

After the splint was done, Pei Fen teached me 3 more finger exercises. The first would be simulating the 'squeezing the edge of the table' or 'holding a file' motion by bending the knuckles only. The next exercise starts with fingers straight, bending the knuckles and the middle joints only. The fingertip joints should be kept straight to touch the base of palm. I have difficult doing this exercise, but Pei Fen explained that this is an unnatural movement, so as long that I am able to bend the knuckles and the middle joints, it would be fine. The last exercise requires me to place my palm flat down on a table with fingers straighten completely and slowly lift the fingers off the table at the large knuckles. Pei Fen also modified the amount of repetition according to my feedback.

A special glove was given to me that will helps reduce swelling. After some Q&A, Pei Fen reassured me that my 3rd finger looks fine without twisting, even though it looks a little slanted. She said that by comparing my left and right hands, I would know if there is any deformity...

Finally, after 2 months of casting, I am able to take a full shower without any plastic wrapping... That feeling is really great!

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