Tuesday, April 26, 2016

1 year post-op

I figured I would add a final (probably) entry after one year.  Here's what I can tell you after 12 months of recovery.

My elbow will never be the same as it was prior to surgery.  No matter how much I rest or rehabilitate it, it just won't be perfect and I have accepted that fact.

A few months ago I ended up going back to my doctor.  I was still having soreness (kind of a pulling sensation), fairly significant, after some strenuous exercise.  Basically every time I played hockey.  My doctor's response was blunt.  He said (paraphrasing): you are pushing 40 years old and are playing hockey with two surgically repaired elbows.  If you want it to stop hurting, stop playing hockey.

That is something I refuse to do as it is one of the few things that truly brings me joy in life.

He suggested ice and ibuprophen after physical activity.  He hypothesized that the discomfort I was feeling was due to scar tissue that had built up in the elbow.  He also offered to send me for physical therapy but I refused because of previous bad experiences I have had with physical therapy.  I found it was a waste of my time and money.

And that was that.  Besides hockey, I have done practically nothing to exert my elbow.  So now that my season is over until June, I decided to start doing pullups and pushups.  I can handle about ten pullups right now before the pulling sensation in my elbow becomes too great.  Pretty good, I think.  Encouraging.  I hope I can continue to increase repetitions and work through that scar tissue, building strength...because that is something I truly lack now due to my two surgeries: strength.

I can still do just about anything.  I just have to do it in moderation or the pulling and soreness returns.  I have full mobility.  I can still pick up my daughter...although she is growing like a weed.  I can still do housework and home improvement projects.

So all in all, I really can't complain.  I can still do most everything I want to do.  I just have to deal with the minor inconvenience of soreness and lack of strength.  The latter I hope will improve with more time.
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78 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 18, 2016 at 2:22 AM

    Thanks for your post. As one ENT surgeon commented to me--We doctors are good at pulling things out of human body but not good to fix them. This is in regards to my sinus nose blockage operation done back in 1995. Here I am in 2016 scheduled for an Ulnar nerve transposition surgery in 6 days. I am not sure if this is will solve my 7 years of pain, tingling, weakness in the little finger. I am a stay home dad taking care of 8 month old and 6 year old sons.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. whalerjacketAugust 18, 2016 at 2:31 PM

      Thank you so much for commenting! When I started the blog, my hope was that at least one person could find it useful. You are the only person to ever comment so far. I'm glad someone found it worth reading! Good luck with your surgery. If you haven't seen them already, there are several other posts in this blog. I tried to document my recovery at regular intervals so other people having the surgery could compare and share. Your comment popped right up in my email inbox so if you have any questions for someone who actually went through it...twice...don't hesitate to ask. I will see it in my email and will definitely respond. -Anthony

      Delete
    2. cfoinfutureAugust 18, 2016 at 3:47 PM

      Anthony,

      Thank you so much for responding, I did not even imagine that you will see it as I did notice there were no comments but anyway, I am not worried about the surgery but I am worried about the scar tissue build up around the nerve. I do not do any strenuous exercises or activities like yours but day to day activities like cooking, cleaning, taking care of children. The irony of my case is my wife is a practicing physical therapist in US and she says surgery is not a big deal, its the rehab part I might screw up by not doing what a therapist suggests. Kindly advise

      Delete
    3. whalerjacketAugust 18, 2016 at 4:21 PM

      No problem. When I had my first surgery, I did a lot of searching on line and found mostly doom and gloom posts. So I decided when I had the second surgery that I would do this journal-like blog so anyone searching could find an honest account of someone who actually went through it. I did not have a therapist for either of my two surgeries. I simply followed what my surgeon said to do. Basically that meant keeping it in a sling for 2-3 weeks, then lifting nothing more than the weight of a half-cup of coffee until my three month follow up. I admit that after I got my sling off, because my arm felt so good, I unintentionally found myself lifting things that were heavier than my surgeon said to lift. But even with those occasional slips, I healed nicely both times. I actually should have posted again about 16 months post-op because right now both my elbows feel like they've never had surgery at all. So glad I decided to go through with it. Once I started working out more and got some strength back, I never really felt pain again. So I am obviously not a doctor, but if all you will be doing is light housework, I think you will be fine without therapy as long as you follow your doctor's rules for recovery. Your body will tell you if you are over-doing it, trust me. When that happens, you know you have to cut back and take it slower. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have questions along the way and I'll be glad to respond!

      Delete
    4. cfoinfutureAugust 19, 2016 at 7:09 AM

      Thank you Anthony for the detailed reply. I re-read your Tuesday April 26, 2016 post and your August 18,2016 comment--I am bit confused. In your post on April 26, 2016-- you mentioned

      My elbow will never be the same as it was prior to surgery. No matter how much I rest or rehabilitate it, it just won't be perfect and I have accepted that fact.

      August 18, 2016 comment:
      I actually should have posted again about 16 months post-op because right now both my elbows feel like they've never had surgery at all. So glad I decided to go through with it. Once I started working out more and got some strength back, I never really felt pain again.

      Are you 100% recovered with a normal human being capacity or still have the lingering pain and have to make adjustments to carry on.

      I am 39 years old and I am dreading as if my operation is like that I am going to the most dreadful prison on the planet, even though I never been to any prison. Please advise


      Delete
    5. whalerjacketAugust 19, 2016 at 3:35 PM

      I am 39 years old too. So I can relate! In the first post you were referring too, yes, I figured I would never be the same. And to an extent that's true. I still don't feel as strong as I ever was. My elbow makes an uncomfortable (but not really painful) pop when I do some motions like push-ups. There are still some numb spots in the area where the surgery took place. It is uncomfortable to rest my chin on my hand with my elbow on a desk. Oddly enough, scrubbing a kitchen table with a sponge causes some discomfort. And occasionally I have a weird tingling in my fingers and forearm. But it goes away after a few seconds. So in that respect, my first post still holds true. I don't foresee those little annoyances ever going away. My doctor even confirmed they probably won't. However, they have not restricted me from getting back to and enjoying a normal life. They are just annoying. There is nothing I have to avoid doing because I had the surgeries. Sports, housework, carrying heavy boxes. All good now. I'm not sure I want to try lifting weights again, but that's not something I feel I need to do. I went through years of pain. Now, nothing. Just very minor discomfort at times. I would do the surgery again in a heartbeat if I had to. It made such a huge difference in my life. So much relief. You basically will be completely "out of commission" for a few months. But in the grand scheme of things, that's just a bump in the road. Compared to things like torn ACL's and rotator cuffs, this is nothing. I advise you NOT to go on youtube and watch a video of the surgery. When I actually saw what my surgeon was going to do, I was really close to chickening out and just dealing with the pain for the rest of my life. It looks really harsh. But again, now that I have been through it, it is SO worth it. Shortly after I recovered from my first surgery, I started to feel symptoms in my other elbow. I didn't wait. I went right to my surgeon and asked him to do it before it got worse. So that should tell you something too. I was happy enough with the first time to actually request to do it a second time. 7 years of pain? That's double the time I suffered. I can't imagine how frustrated you must be. While I can't say it with 100% certainty, I believe you will LOVE the results. Shortly after the surgery, with your arm in a sling, you may not agree with me. But after a few months, it will be worth it!

      Delete
    6. cfoinfutureAugust 19, 2016 at 5:44 PM

      Anthony,

      So thankful for the encouraging and thoughtful reply. My final question is--My pain on a scale of 1-10 is 5 and my discomfort would be for the whole day if the pain flared at the elbow for some repetitive work I did in the morning--say stirring the stew pot for 15 times and playing tennis. It would go away once I sleep that night and when the Doctor has done the Nerve conduction test and the MRI --they said the nerve is inflamed and there is slight weakness in the two fingers..NO ATROPHY. what was your scenario like--fingers becoming very weak, atrophy or were you in the initial stages?

      Also I improvised my way of doing things on a day to day basis.. driving with left hand unless right hand was necessary, playing tennis by not swinging the racquet but just hitting a horizontal movement of hand, using a vegetable chopper rather than using knife to cut vegetables, brushing teeth with left hand etc..

      I promise this is the last question and won't bug you..thanks

      Delete
    7. whalerjacketAugust 19, 2016 at 6:39 PM

      Ask away. You are not bothering me one bit. That was the whole point of doing this blog: helping people. Glad someone is finally taking me up on it!

      Elbow 1: Bad shape. I had pain and discomfort pretty much constantly with movement. My ring and pinky fingers would go numb when my arm was bent at a 90 degree angle. I am also a tennis player (I've had a man crush on Andre Agassi since junior high) and had to abbreviate my strokes for a while until it got to the point where I couldn't play at all. Any resistance whatsoever was unbearable. Cortizone shots were given (originally they thought it was just medial epicondylitis) but that provided relief only temporarily. The second my hockey stick was held back by another player or I tried to lift something with some decent weight, the pain rushed back. Even washing my face. Anything with resistance caused pain. It was awful. I would have rated my pain level at about a 7. But then it actually got worse. The nerve actually started popping out of its housing somehow. When this happened, I had to literally push the nerve back into place with my finger. If I didn't and tried to move my arm, it would suddenly snap back into place and cause excruciating pain. Top 5 worst pain I have ever felt. Weird, terrible stuff. Even my doctor seemed stumped by it. I never had any nerve conduction tests on that elbow. Once that "popping out of the socket" symptom started, my doctor finally said that I just needed to go through with the surgery.

      Elbow 2: I had the second surgery just over a year after the first. I noticed some mild pain with resistance again. Pain level at about a 2, I'd say. That was the first sign. Then my ring and pinky fingers started falling asleep when my elbow was at about a 90 degree angle. Happened all the time while watching TV and even trying to fall asleep in bed. I knew that whatever happened to elbow one was starting to happen to elbow two. This time, just to be sure, my doctor sent me for the nerve conduction test. I tested positive. Sorry but I can't be more specific. I don't remember if it was inflammation, damage, or something else. But because I tested positive, my doctor agreed that I should have the surgery as soon as possible, before it got any worse.

      So in summary, it seems like my first elbow was worse than your situation but my second elbow was not as bad. It seems you are in between those two levels.

      Trust me, I know what you are going through. I am man enough to admit that I was in tears, 37 years old at the time, the night before the surgery. I thought recovery was going to be a nightmare. Like I said, there is a lot of doom and gloom out there on the Internet. The three months went by quicker than I thought they would. For the second surgery, I think the worst part was the shoulder pain I experienced from keeping my arm in a sling for so long. When you go back for your follow-up and are allowed to gently straighten your arm for the first time, it's like heaven!

      I don't know you, and I realize every person is different, but I'd like to say it's going to be all right. I can't imagine what life would be like right now if I didn't have my surgeries. I would certainly not be playing hockey and tennis, doing the home improvement projects I recently worked on, or completing simple tasks like washing my face...at least without major discomfort. Don't hold me to this, but I predict you will look back and be so happy you made this choice!

      Delete
    8. cfoinfutureAugust 20, 2016 at 6:41 PM

      Anthony,

      Thanks a million for taking time to write the reply.

      I can go postpone and carry on for one year because of the baby but come next year, we are immigrating to Canada and I need to start working and that is the factor which is weighing on my mind to go ahead and get this thing sorted.

      Ironically, I did not mention that I am experiencing the elbow pain in my left arm too for the last 8 months as I am holding my baby and most of my day to day activities are taken care by my left arm and my hand surgeon said--thats the way some people are--having ulnar nerve sensitivity in both hands!!!!!!

      I will update you in few days and request your guidance too.

      Thanks once again

      Delete
    9. whalerjacketAugust 20, 2016 at 8:00 PM

      Any time. Good luck!

      Delete
    10. cfoinfutureAugust 21, 2016 at 2:18 PM

      Anthony,

      After 8 weeks of surgery, what were the day to day activities you could do. Could you please elaborate on that such as cooking, driving, cleaning...

      Thanks

      Delete
    11. whalerjacketAugust 21, 2016 at 6:19 PM

      After 8 weeks you should be good to go for cooking, driving, and cleaning. I ignored the doctor's (and state's, I think) orders and drove a few days after my surgery. I probably should not have done that. I had one arm in a sling and drove with the other hand. I don't recommend doing that. I could have gotten in serious trouble if I had gotten into an accident.

      But you SHOULD be able to do all your normal routines by 8 weeks. I was immediately back to driving with two hands after three weeks of being in a sling. From what my doctor said, the key was not holding too much weight or causing too much resistance. The nerve will be held by a thin piece of muscle so you want to make sure that is healed. I think I mentioned this before but I kept catching myself doing things I wasn't supposed to do. One day I remember, perhaps at about 8 weeks post-op, I absent-mindedly grabbed a full pitcher of water. It didn't hurt or anything but I switched it to the other hand once I noticed. My point is that if the results of your surgery are anything like both of mine, you will feel so good that you will feel like you are able to do more than you should.

      My advice would be, at 8 weeks, to not lift anything heavy (which I'm sure your doctor will tell you). But driving and cooking should be no problem. Cleaning should be fine as long as you go easy with your repaired arm. No hard scrubbing as that will give resistance.

      Delete
    12. cfoinfutureAugust 21, 2016 at 8:09 PM

      Wow, I really appreciate you for giving the feedback and detailed answers. I am at peace now to go ahead with surgery. The blog might helped only me but it actually helped my family and I am thankful to you for your time. Blessings to you and your family

      Delete
    13. AnonymousJuly 18, 2017 at 12:37 AM

      Hi whalerjacket...so appreciate the info...shattered my arm... believe it or not at the avalanche/ red wings game 3/15 ... probably because I was banging on the glass for my hawks... lol... anyway... surgery already... plate.. screws...& bonus fun..i appreciate all the time & info you have shared... looking at ulnar nerve repair or relocation... dad is disabled & can't walk & my super hero but trying to "schedule" & figure out my surgery & kick ass recovery... to keep on helping.. lol.. right???... so I'm appreciating all the info & keep sharing... best to you & your family...moira... go hawks!!!

      Delete
    14. whalerjacketJuly 18, 2017 at 5:47 AM

      Well, your first mistake was attending an Avalanche/Redwings game. LOL! I hate those teams! But seriously, I am sorry to hear about your injury. If you end up deciding to have the surgery and have any questions, feel free to post. I still planning on doing a big update post soon...just haven't had the time. Take care. Thanks for reading. Go Jackets! (I can't say I mind the Hawks though!)

      Delete
  2. AnonymousAugust 18, 2016 at 2:23 AM

    Thanks for your post. As one ENT surgeon commented to me--We doctors are good at pulling things out of human body but not good to fix them. This is in regards to my sinus nose blockage operation done back in 1995. Here I am in 2016 scheduled for an Ulnar nerve transposition surgery in 6 days. I am not sure if this is will solve my 7 years of pain, tingling, weakness in the little finger. I am a stay home dad taking care of 8 month old and 6 year old sons.

    ReplyDelete
  3. cfoinfutureAugust 21, 2016 at 2:15 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. whalerjacketAugust 21, 2016 at 8:23 PM

    My pleasure. Good luck! Feel free to shoot me questions as you recover and I'll do my best to answer them!

    ReplyDelete
  5. cfoinfutureAugust 22, 2016 at 6:27 AM

    One more question Anthony, I have an 8 month old son. Considering that he is now 20 pounds and will weigh more in 3 months, when can I start holding him. I read your blog updates but could not find the data regarding weight.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  6. whalerjacketAugust 22, 2016 at 3:42 PM

    Hmmm. I don't want to give you the wrong information because I really don't remember. But I believe it will be the three month mark. At that point, my doctor said I could resume all regular activities as long as I could tolerate it. Again, I'm just estimating. At the three month point I was attempting (and succeeding...albeit a minimum amount) push ups and pull-ups. I weigh 155 lbs. So if my arm could support all that weight, I am assuming you will be fine picking up a 1 year old boy with two hands. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cfoinfutureAugust 22, 2016 at 7:43 PM

      Thats great that I can hold him from Thanksgiving time :)

      Also what do you make out of these discussions.

      http://www.healthboards.com/boards/neuropathy/659661-ulnar-nerve-transposition-surgery-recovery.html

      http://www.healthboards.com/boards/neuropathy/659661-ulnar-nerve-transposition-surgery-recovery.html

      http://www.healthboards.com/boards/neuromuscular-diseases/667509-ulnar-nerve-damage.htm


      In my MRI they found that my nerve is compressed, when they did the EMG -the report read:
      1.No evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome
      2. Testing is positive for RIGHT ulnar neuropathy at the elbow without denervation
      3. No evidence of peripheral neuropathy

      Right ulnar conduction across the forearm/elbow : 57/40 m/s There is a significant drop in conduction across the elbow: Drop is noted from 57 to 40 m/s which is significant - no denervation in the ulnar distribution. Compared to the study from 2008 in Michigan there is some increase in the drop in velocity across the elbow. Prior study showed a drop in conduction velocity but velocities remained in the 50 m/s + Range. The ulnar sensory latency is normal on the right.

      Anthony - this EMG was done on July 15, 2015 and my MRI was done in Feb 2016

      My MRI report states
      No elbow effusion, bicipito-radial bursitis, or olecranon bursitis.

      No osseous malalignment or marrow signal abnormality. No significant cartilage loss.

      Tendinous insertions of the biceps, brachialis, and triceps are intact, as are the common flexor and extensor tendon origins.

      Radial collateral ligament, annular ligament, lateral ulnar collateral ligament, and ulnar collateral ligamentous complex are intact.

      Visualized radial, posterior interosseous, and median nerves are normal in course and caliber.

      The ulnar nerve is thickened and edematous beginning at its imaged proximal margin just above the elbow and as it courses through the cubital tunnel, normalizing in size and signal intensity just beyond the cubital tunnel in the proximal forearm. There is no evidence of a neural tumor/mass along the nerve. No accessory anconeus epitrochlearis muscle, anomalous triceps tendon, cubital tunnel ganglion cyst formation or synovitis, bone spurs compressing the nerve, or evidence of abnormal thickening of the cubital retinaculum. There is no evidence of ulnar nerve dislocation as imaged with the elbow in the extended position. Note is made, however, of a flattened appearance of the nerve as it courses behind of the medial humeral epicondyle (series 4 image 5). Significance of this is uncertain, but it potentially relates to ulnar nerve compression at this site, particularly during flexion of the elbow.

      No proximal forearm muscle fatty atrophy or edema to suggest a denervation injury.

      What are your observations? Thanks

      My injury was on my birthday January 2009.

      Delete
  7. cfoinfutureAugust 23, 2016 at 1:37 PM

    Thats great that I can hold him from Thanksgiving time :)

    Also what do you make out of these discussions.

    http://www.healthboards.com/boards/neuropathy/659661-ulnar-nerve-transposition-surgery-recovery.html

    http://www.healthboards.com/boards/neuropathy/659661-ulnar-nerve-transposition-surgery-recovery.html

    http://www.healthboards.com/boards/neuromuscular-diseases/667509-ulnar-nerve-damage.htm


    In my MRI they found that my nerve is compressed, when they did the EMG -the report read:
    1.No evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome
    2. Testing is positive for RIGHT ulnar neuropathy at the elbow without denervation
    3. No evidence of peripheral neuropathy

    Right ulnar conduction across the forearm/elbow : 57/40 m/s There is a significant drop in conduction across the elbow: Drop is noted from 57 to 40 m/s which is significant - no denervation in the ulnar distribution. Compared to the study from 2008 in Michigan there is some increase in the drop in velocity across the elbow. Prior study showed a drop in conduction velocity but velocities remained in the 50 m/s + Range. The ulnar sensory latency is normal on the right.

    Anthony - this EMG was done on July 15, 2015 and my MRI was done in Feb 2016

    My MRI report states
    No elbow effusion, bicipito-radial bursitis, or olecranon bursitis.

    No osseous malalignment or marrow signal abnormality. No significant cartilage loss.

    Tendinous insertions of the biceps, brachialis, and triceps are intact, as are the common flexor and extensor tendon origins.

    Radial collateral ligament, annular ligament, lateral ulnar collateral ligament, and ulnar collateral ligamentous complex are intact.

    Visualized radial, posterior interosseous, and median nerves are normal in course and caliber.

    The ulnar nerve is thickened and edematous beginning at its imaged proximal margin just above the elbow and as it courses through the cubital tunnel, normalizing in size and signal intensity just beyond the cubital tunnel in the proximal forearm. There is no evidence of a neural tumor/mass along the nerve. No accessory anconeus epitrochlearis muscle, anomalous triceps tendon, cubital tunnel ganglion cyst formation or synovitis, bone spurs compressing the nerve, or evidence of abnormal thickening of the cubital retinaculum. There is no evidence of ulnar nerve dislocation as imaged with the elbow in the extended position. Note is made, however, of a flattened appearance of the nerve as it courses behind of the medial humeral epicondyle (series 4 image 5). Significance of this is uncertain, but it potentially relates to ulnar nerve compression at this site, particularly during flexion of the elbow.

    No proximal forearm muscle fatty atrophy or edema to suggest a denervation injury.

    What are your observations? Thanks

    My injury was on my birthday January 2009

    ReplyDelete
  8. cfoinfutureAugust 24, 2016 at 2:53 PM

    Anthony,

    I got my surgery done today. It was a transposition. Sorry if I irritated you last two days. Dizzy. Thanks for all the advice you gave me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. whalerjacketAugust 24, 2016 at 7:09 PM

      Congratulations! You did not irritate me at all. I was away from my computer yesterday so I didn't have a chance to respond to your last questions.

      I checked out the links you sent me (although I was only able to get the first one to work). My take: it seems a lot of those people who were complaining of pain and other issues were getting back to activities too quickly. I find it hard to believe a doctor would have indicated it was ok to do some of those things so early in recovery.

      As for the reports you received, I unfortunately cannot speak to those. When I had my EMG, all they told me was that I tested positive for a problem. I didn't ask for specifics because all I knew was that I wanted to get the surgery done as soon as possible before it got worse.

      Also of note...you mentioned your injury in 2009. My symptoms did not develop due to injury. They just started to happen. I was born with several other minor defects so I assume my elbow problems were just the result of something in my arms that didn't quite form correctly.

      So now that you have had the surgery, follow your doctor's instructions! Your dizziness SHOULD be gone by tomorrow. Feel free to shoot me questions along your road to recovery. I wish you all the best!

      Delete
    2. cfoinfutureAugust 25, 2016 at 9:51 AM

      Anthony
      I am on hydrocodone every 4 hours and there is lot of pain at the elbow. Is that normal. Thanks

      Delete
    3. whalerjacketAugust 25, 2016 at 2:20 PM

      Yup. It will be very sore for a while. All normal!

      Delete
    4. cfoinfutureAugust 27, 2016 at 2:15 PM

      Waiting for sep 27, to remove cast. Very uncomfortable to sleep, sit.

      Delete
    5. whalerjacketAugust 27, 2016 at 3:17 PM

      Interesting. I never had a cast for either elbow. Just a sling. Sleeping was always difficult for me too. I would take my arm out of the sling, prop in on a pillow, and fall asleep that way. I'm also surprised that you have to wait until September 27. That's more than four weeks. For both of my surgeries I was out of my sling at the week 3 mark. I guess all doctors are different with different recovery plans. I know it's hard right now, but think of the big picture. If everything goes according to plan, in a few months you should be back to your normal life without the pain and discomfort you have become accustomed to! Hopefully you have less pain now than the day after your surgery.

      Delete
    6. UnknownNovember 4, 2016 at 6:54 PM

      I just has the surgery 10-31-16. Thank you for the post gives me hope. In pain now but expected to be. I never had a cast just ace bandage and can not straighten my arm and never got a sling thought was weird my shoulder, upper arm and back hurt from holding arm up but go to the doctor the 9th for a check up and I'll see what happens then. Hope to have the same experience as you thanks for hope right now not thinking positive

      Delete
    7. whalerjacketNovember 4, 2016 at 8:36 PM

      Hi Amie! I wish you the best of luck in your recovery. My recovery (until I was allowed to resume normal activity) was three months. In the grand scheme of things, 3 months is just a bump in the road. You will be back to your normal life sooner than you think. Just follow your doctor's orders to a T! That does seem weird that you were not given a sling. And yes, the second time I had the surgery my shoulder was hurting severely. I was worried I was having "frozen shoulder." I think that may have been the worst pain in the recovery process. When you are finally able to straighten it, it is going to feel WONDERFUL! Good luck and let me know if you have any questions. -Anthony

      Delete
  9. cfoinfutureAugust 25, 2016 at 9:50 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  10. cfoinfutureAugust 29, 2016 at 6:34 AM

    I wish I can take a picture of my mummified arm but if I sit with sling- the arm pulls and fingers start swelling. One position is having the arm over 3 pillows and wait for 28 days more. I have the first post op check this Thursday

    ReplyDelete
  11. cfoinfutureSeptember 1, 2016 at 1:48 PM

    Anthony,

    I got my cast taken off. My surgeon said I am doing good, slow movement of arm but use sling for the next 3 weeks. He showed me the pictures of my open elbow surgery. The nerve was swollen. His name is Dr Hugh J Hagan III. I am glad now. Taking of stitches was painful though and sore little.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  12. whalerjacketSeptember 1, 2016 at 6:01 PM

    Awesome! You are officially on the road to recovery. I admire your bravery for looking at those pictures. I probably would have passed out or thrown up! Good luck. Take it slow and easy! You will be back to yourself in no time at all!

    ReplyDelete
  13. cfoinfutureSeptember 2, 2016 at 2:12 PM

    Anthony,

    Thanks. My arm is straight but very sore. Dr adviced me to gentle fold as much as my arm allows and looking to pass 2-3 weeks to start being normal. Have a great weekend

    ReplyDelete
  14. cfoinfutureSeptember 3, 2016 at 11:09 AM

    Anthony,

    I read your first month notes again and again. My doctor said no problem with bath whatsoever from Day 9 but I have pins and needles pain and soreness. If I try to do the gentle folding of arm, it hurts badly. I tried wearing sling and there was a sudden pain. I just rested my arm on pillow all day. Am all ok?

    ReplyDelete
  15. whalerjacketSeptember 3, 2016 at 2:24 PM

    I would suggest calling your doctor to ask about that. This is where our doctors gave different recovery instructions. I was told no baths, you were told the opposite. I was also told to keep my arm in the sling for three weeks. You had a cast. So those differences are making it difficult to assess what's going on. But from my point of view, I would say you are fine. You are going to have different degrees of pain at various times. I remember bumping my elbow, accidentally moving it, etc. The way my doctor talked, it would take a lot to actually do something to damage what was done surgically. But again, just in case I would call your doctor and ask. Even if it was just for peace of mind. I actually did that several times because I am a worry wart. Every time I called, I was assured what I was feeling was normal.

    ReplyDelete
  16. cfoinfutureSeptember 3, 2016 at 6:13 PM

    I did email my doctor's office today that I am uncomfortable in the sling - as I start having pain in 30 minutes. Doctor adviced on Thursday that I should use sling when I am on the go but use a pillow when sitting to rest my arm.

    ReplyDelete
  17. cfoinfutureSeptember 8, 2016 at 11:53 AM

    Anthony,

    I can straighten my arm without pain and even walk without sling for short periods.
    I can fold my arm only half way through which is completely fine but how long in your case.

    My 5 fingers are slightly swollen 🤕. The nurse said nothing to worry.🤔

    ReplyDelete
  18. whalerjacketSeptember 8, 2016 at 2:29 PM

    Awesome news! I think you are ahead of schedule...at least the schedule I was on! I could not straighten my arm until after my 3 week check up. As for folding my arm, I can't remember exactly. I wish I was more detailed in my blog entries! I am estimating here and not checking back through my blog, but I would say it was 2 months before I felt I had full mobility.

    ReplyDelete
  19. cfoinfutureSeptember 8, 2016 at 2:46 PM

    Thank goodness for your reply Anthony. So I don't have to worry too much as my better half insists on doing the stretching exercises and not baby it and I do the 5 minutes exercise every 1 hour

    ReplyDelete
  20. cfoinfutureSeptember 15, 2016 at 12:09 AM

    Anthony,

    Quick question- scar tissue- how did you manage it. I was advised to massage the scar tissue area once a day with vitamin E oil. How did you tackle this

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  21. whalerjacketSeptember 15, 2016 at 2:28 PM

    I did not do anything (no lotion, no oil, etc.) with either of my scars. In fact I do not recall my doctor ever advising me to do anything with them. This is going to sound weird but even if he made suggestions, I probably would not have listened! I think they look cool, tough, and manly and wouldn't want to improve their appearance! That's the hockey player in me talking. I've got some nasty scars on my chin from my high school hockey days. My wife suggested having a plastic surgeon consult for them but there is no way I would ever try to change them. I view scars as battle wounds! So I am probably not the best person to ask regarding how to take better care of scars! :) Sorry I couldn't give you any good advice with that one!

    ReplyDelete
  22. cfoinfutureSeptember 15, 2016 at 5:02 PM

    Hmmmm...

    Strange. I am surprised your doctor did not advice on this.

    The scar tissue if it is not massaged properly may have chances of causing problems in future.

    http://www.pijn.com/en/patients/cause-of-pain/diagnoses-per-body-region/upper-back-chest/scar-tissue-pain/

    http://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/scarred-nerves

    ReplyDelete
  23. cfoinfutureSeptember 27, 2016 at 9:25 AM

    Anthony,

    I had my appointment with my Surgeon and he said the recovery looks great and I am authorized to do light activities including holding my baby(who is 20 pounds) but watch for signs of sharp shooting pain and if it is take it easy. I got Occupational Therapy from next week. Cant believe that the 1 month passed so slow. TTYL

    ReplyDelete
  24. whalerjacketSeptember 27, 2016 at 6:22 PM

    Awesome! Glad you can hold the baby again! Time passed slowly for you, huh? Man, for me it went by so fast. Glad your recovery looks great. Hopefully you are glad you went through with it. Don't overdo it! That was one of my problems. My arms felt so great I would keep catching myself doing more than I should.

    ReplyDelete
  25. EddieOctober 29, 2016 at 11:55 PM

    Many thanks for a really great blog. I have just 2 days ago had the same operation on left arm and wrist. Moving fingers and can fully extend arm. Could be pain meds masking pain I should be getting. Will keep fingers crossed. No pun intended.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. whalerjacketNovember 4, 2016 at 8:30 PM

      Hi there! Glad you found my blog! Yes, pain meds can do that! Make sure you are following doctors orders. I am very surprised you are allowed to fully extend your arm since I was not allowed for three weeks. Be careful! Let me know if you have any questions! -Anthony

      Delete
  26. AnonymousDecember 16, 2016 at 6:18 PM

    HI! And thank you for sharing your experiences!! I'm going through this, I've recovered from cubital tunnel symptoms but still have some issues and ulnar subluxation, for which I'm being recommended transposition.

    Did you have subcutaneous or submuscular? And if it was the subcutaneous, do you know how they secured the nerve?

    Thx
    -PG

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. whalerjacketDecember 16, 2016 at 8:46 PM

      Hi PG! I had submuscular. It was explained to me that my surgeon constructed a "sling" of muscle tissue to hold the nerve in place. So far so good! Good luck!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousDecember 17, 2016 at 11:39 PM

      Any particular reason why you and/or your surgeon opted for the sub muscular method?

      -PG

      Delete
    3. whalerjacketDecember 18, 2016 at 7:39 AM

      Nope. Until I read your comment, I didn't even realize there was more than one method. Had to Google it myself to see what the difference was. My surgeon didn't present me with any options. He pretty much said "this is what we'll be doing" and I said "ok."

      Delete
    4. AnonymousDecember 19, 2016 at 6:39 PM

      Thanks for the replies. And your blog is refreshing to read and I'm glad you're having such good recoveries. Last question, what was your symptoms prior that convinced you to get surgery and how long were you dealing with it?

      -PG

      Delete
    5. whalerjacketDecember 20, 2016 at 2:41 PM

      Glad to do so. There was so much doom and gloom out there when I was researching it. I wanted to provide an honest account and help people. Even if just a few people ever see this, I am happy to offered something useful.

      I was dealing with the problem in my right elbow for 2.5 years. Pain and tingling (or feeling like my fingers were falling asleep). But mostly pain when I played sports or tried to lift heavy things. 2.5 years too long. But my doctor was convinced it was just "Golfer's Elbow." So I had many cortizone injections, creams, and physical therapy that just didn't work. I wore braces and did stretches. But then after a while, even those symptoms got worse. My ulnar nerve would somehow get stuck. It was like my arm would lock. I couldn't bend my elbow without first using my finger to physically push the ulnar nerve back into place. If I didn't, it would "snap" back into place and cause excruciating pain. That was the last straw. I sought out a surgeon (not just a bone and joint doctor) and he advised me to have the surgery.

      As for my other elbow, the first symptoms were my pinky and ring finger falling asleep. I knew I was starting to have the same problem as in my first elbow. I didn't wait. Even though I was having minimal pain, I called my surgeon and got it done right away before it got worse. I would say two months after I first started feeling the symptoms.

      Hope that helps! No worries about too many questions. Glad to answer them.

      Delete
  27. AnonymousDecember 20, 2016 at 7:47 PM

    Your blog has helped me and I appreciate it! I've encountered some of the doom and gloom too. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas.

    -PG

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2017 at 10:40 AM

    Just had surgery Wed 1/18/17. So far all seems well. Much appreciate your informative, objective blog compared to other older posts that seem mostly negative.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. whalerjacketJanuary 31, 2017 at 1:48 PM

      Glad to help! I hope you are well on your way to recovery!

      Delete
  29. SethJanuary 31, 2017 at 8:34 AM

    I had the surgery 9 weeks ago and felt fine until I started physical therapy. It's not bad but with use of the arm my hand gets cold and I get random little pains in my elbow that last for a second and then go away. I'm hoping this is all a part of the healing process as it's making me nervous as I make bagpipes for a living so I need my hands.

    Did your elbow feel stiff for a long time? mine still feels super stiff in the mornings and my hand sometimes feels a bit stiff too.

    Your blog has been very encouraging.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. whalerjacketJanuary 31, 2017 at 1:55 PM

      Hi Seth. I remember that I did feel a lot of stiffness, especially after exercise and in the morning after waking up. So maybe that's what's going on with your physical therapy discomfort? I tried playing hockey right at the 3-month mark and I remember my elbow was nowhere near 100%. I continued having minor discomfort a year after the surgery. All very minor stuff though. Much better than what I experienced before the surgery! And to my surprise, it got even better within the next year after that. So this type of surgery seems to have a very slow full recovery rate. I plan to post about that soon.

      Delete
  30. Allen PMarch 26, 2017 at 4:46 PM

    I appreciate the blog. I had submuscular 2 1/2 weeks ago. My doctor is quite aggressive with treatment and started therapy on day 6. By day 8 I had nearly full range of motion. Stitches came out day 16. Biggest problem I have had is the swelling and pain of the muscle area where the transposition took place. When I over do things I get tingling in the fingers but not nearly as bad as pre surgery. I am not permitted to start strengthening exercises until week 8. Hoping to golf by week 12 and ride a jet ski by week 15. We'll see how it goes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. whalerjacketMarch 30, 2017 at 1:25 PM

      Wow! That is aggressive! It is very interesting to read how treatment varies among doctors. Good luck with your recovery and thanks for sharing!

      Delete
  31. Allen PApril 7, 2017 at 4:24 AM

    Saw the surgeon yesterday for 4 week (2 week was canceled due to illness) post visit. He is happy with my progress. He said I can go up to 5 pound limit as tolerated. Strengthening still can't start until 8 weeks. Wants to see me at week 12 when he feels I should be able to resume all activities.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. whalerjacketApril 9, 2017 at 7:35 AM

      That's good news. 12 weeks seems about right for resuming activities...at least that's about what it was for me. Wishing you continued good luck in your recovery.

      Delete
  32. AnonymousApril 7, 2017 at 8:28 AM

    Hi, I just had the ulnar nerve transposition surgery and carpel tunnel release done on my left side on 01/25/17. it has been a little over 2 months since the 2 surgeries.I still have burning pain at the elbow, tingling and numbness in my pinky and ring finger. lose of sensation in my left hand. I also get hand tremors and spasms in my left hand . also it feels like a nail is in my wrist. The surgeon told me my Ulnar nerve was severely mangled, that this could be permanent or may take over 18 months to recover. I am doing hand therapy twice a week. they took me off gabapentin and put me on Lyrica and amitriptyline, hydroxyzine. They still have to do the same two surgeries on my right side. I guess its wait and see what happens. My right side feels like it's dead. Take care everyone...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. whalerjacketApril 9, 2017 at 7:33 AM

      My goodness! That sounds terrible. So sorry to hear. Good luck with your recovery.

      Delete
  33. UnknownApril 17, 2017 at 9:54 AM

    Thanks for the great posts, i had my surgery in november and was wondering when i would be able to get back to sports, i used to love climbing and was starting to worry i wouldnt be able to go back to it, your posts at 4 months and before are very similar to my own experience and looking at your 6, 12 and 16 month posts in the comments i feel really encouraged, im 23 and didnt want to be limited in what i could do in my life, thanks a lot and best of luck with the hockey.
    Tim

    ReplyDelete
  34. whalerjacketApril 17, 2017 at 1:47 PM

    Thanks for reading Tim. Although people heal at different rates, I don't think you have to worry that you will never live the sporting life again! My only advice is not to push it! I'm sure you are very eager to get back to it, but patience is a virtue! Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  35. UnknownApril 18, 2017 at 9:45 PM

    Thank you, i was planning on starting slowly when i can, after your surgery did you have a hard time sleeping on one side? I havent been able to sleep on my right side yet and was wondering how long it took for you to be able to sleep on your operated arm or if youve just got used to the feeling since both elbows have been done, thanks for the reply

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. whalerjacketApril 19, 2017 at 5:18 AM

      Absolutely. Sleeping was rough at first but to be honest, I don't remember having trouble 5 months after the surgery (which is where you are if my math is correct). My troubles were in the first couple of months. This sounds silly, but I put a volleyball shin guard on my arm when I slept sometimes. Despite my doctor telling me it wasn't necessary at all, I was afraid I would do something to it in my sleep. So I put it over my arm and it kept it less mobile. It also was a reminder to me that I should take it easy on the elbow and not put it in some weird position as I tried to fall asleep. But again, that was in the first few months. Sorry I can't give you any better advice. :(

      Delete
  36. KatieJune 11, 2017 at 7:10 PM

    I read your blog as well and found it helpful. I've been trying to find someone with similar symptoms as me and so far you're the only one who's come close. I'm about a week post-op and I still have pretty severe numbness. I can't feel my elbow or where the incision is at all and my pinky and ring finger still tingle and are numb sometimes. I am in a splint but I had to take it off yesterday due to an unbearable rash that I had developed. There's a real downside to having super sensitive skin. But now whenever I feel my skin getting irritated I just loosen the bandages and let my arm get some air put some antibacterial spray around the incision and then wrap it back up. I have my first post op visit in a few days and to be honest I'm kind of worried because I haven't seen really anyone else who has had ongoing numbness and pain as severe as I've experienced. But so far your blog has been the most helpful when I found so thank you
    -katie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. whalerjacketJune 11, 2017 at 8:43 PM

      Glad you found it helpful! I wish you the best of luck with your one-week post-op. If I were a betting man, I would be that the numbness you are experiencing is normal! To this day I still have patches of skin around where my incisions were that are numb. I can scratch it and won't really feel it. I distinctly remember my doctor saying that there my be some permanent sensitivity loss. Stay positive!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousOctober 25, 2017 at 8:57 PM

      Katie, unknown, june 11, 2017,
      HOW IS THE numbness now? I'm curious because I'm at 5 weeks post op and still have numbness in my pinkie and ting finger.

      Delete
    3. whalerjacketOctober 26, 2017 at 2:21 PM

      I still have the small patches of skin that are numb. But it's very, very minor. I hardly notice anymore!

      Delete
  37. AnonymousOctober 25, 2017 at 9:25 PM

    I don't so much have a question as I do an observation that matches yours. It seems doctors' instructions widely vary for post op care! I've commented here and there throughout your blog regarding those differences. I just find it interesting.

    My ulnar nerve transposition/cubital tunnel release was done 9/20/17. I was released at 4:30 pm and was told not to take any pain meds until the following day. I hurt like crazy all night, to the point of tears. I took meds for two weeks! I removed bandaging after 72 hours and was allowed to move my arm as I wished. No lifting. Stitches were removed at 2 weeks. Nearly full range of motion. No PT needed. Told i could do what i wanted. Still numb in elbow and in pinkie and ring finger. I'm at 5 weeks and numbness is still present. "Work site" is still sore and tender. I can handle the soreness. My only concern is the use of my hand. I can't cup my hand or grasp things correctly. I can't open a bag of cereal. I get shooting nerve pains in my pinkie. My 6-week checkup is next week. I'm requesting therapy for my hand. And I'm not having my right elbow done until I can use my left hand. But like you said, some people need PT and some don't. I don't need it for my arm, but I do for my hand.

    Experiences vary from person to person. But it's helpful to know yours so we can have an idea to compare to. And when something IS different, we can ask questions. So thanks.

    -Vickie

    ReplyDelete
  38. whalerjacketOctober 26, 2017 at 2:21 PM

    Thanks for your comments Vickie!

    ReplyDelete
  39. UnknownFebruary 1, 2018 at 6:50 PM

    I had my surgery last week, 1/25/18. Having some of the exact same experiences. Thanks so much for doing this blog. Extremely helpful!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. DanAugust 5, 2019 at 9:44 AM

    Hello, did you ever manage to fix the issue? I have had 2 surgeries and both failed.

    ReplyDelete
  41. whalerjacketAugust 6, 2019 at 6:52 PM

    Hi Dan. If you are asking me, yes. My surgeries were both successful. Not sure if you were referring to others who have posted here. I am sorry to hear yours were unsuccessful. :(

    ReplyDelete

Questions? I am not a doctor but this is my second time having ulnar nerve transposition surgery. I am happy to answer any questions you may have based on my experiences.

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