"Expert Hand surgery"

I injured my little finger with a bread knife in early December. I thought it was healing well, and didn't seek medical advice at the time. Then 3 days before Xmas I leant on it awkwardly and suddenly my finger wouldn't move on its own.

I went to the Minor Injuries Unit at RHH Sheffield and was assessed, x-rayed and referred in less than hour. The service was busy, but seemed very efficient, and there were clearly some very senior staff providing cover in the x-ray department, presumably due to COVID absences.

My referral was to a consultant at the specialist Hand Centre at NGH Sheffield, and I felt very reassured that it was for the next day, so no need for a long anxious wait. My finger was put into a splint to minimise the risk of further damage.

At the Hand Centre I was assessed further and was told I had severed the flexor tendon and would need surgery as soon as possible, to make sure I had the best chance of regaining use of my finger. I was given a less bulky splint, and booked in for surgery the following week. The options and risks were explained in great detail, and the doctor did not seem to mind all of my questions! I was also given lots of information to take away about my upcoming surgery. It was a bit daunting but I was relieved it was all happening so quickly.

On the day of surgery, I arrived at lunchtime for an afternoon slot. I was seen by the pre-op nurse, surgeon, anaesthetist and ward nurse. Each one talking me through the part of the process they were in charge of, and telling me who I would see and what would happen next. There were good sensible COVID precautions in place, including mask wearing, hand sanitising and spacing out of chairs/beds. Although no visitors were allowed that day, I was given an information sheet for the person collecting me after surgery.

Once it was close to my turn, I was asked to change into a hospital gown, and my dressing gown and slippers, and was walked down to theatre. The young man who walked me down was very jovial and kept my spirits up as I was a bit anxious.

Once I got to theatre, the anaesthetist and theatre team introduced themselves and explained what was going to happen. I was given an arm block anaesthetic, which took about 20 mins to numb my arm, and they checked lots of times to see if I could feel anything. Whilst we were waiting for my arm and hand to numb, the anaesthetist was very chatty, answered my questions, and even drew me a diagram of how an arm block is different to a spinal block - which I'd had before for knee surgery.

In theatre, again everyone introduced themselves, and explained what to expect. Although I was awake, my arm was now completely numb, and there was some nice music on and a lovely beach scene on the ceiling so I had something to distract me! The surgery took quite a while (maybe 40 mins), and I was comfortable throughout. I did feel a slight scratchiness at one point, and mentioned this to the anaesthetist, who was standing by, and they stopped to administer additional anaesthetic, checking again until I couldn't feel anything.

After the surgery was finished, my hand and arm was bandaged and a half plaster cast was put on the back of my arm, to protect it. The surgeon explained to me what to expect for the next few days and I was sent back to the recovery ward.

In the ward I had a cuppa and a snack, and a very helpful and patient nurse got me ready to go home. My arm was still totally numb and felt heavy. So I needed a bit of help with clothes. She explained to me in a lot more detail about how my arm and hand would feel for the next few days, and what I should not do, so as not to injure it. She gave me more information leaflets, and pain medication to take away, plus an appointment for a follow-up at the clinic a week later. My hand was painful, but this improved a lot within 48 hours, and the numbness gradually wore off.

At clinic, the following week I had my dressings changed and saw the specialist hand therapist who explained to me what to expect for the rehab period. The following week I was back again for stitches out, and a lightweight arm splint to replace the heavy plaster cast.

I was assessed and shown some exercises to start getting my finger and hand flexible and strong again. I've seen the same therapist right the way through, which is really good, as she's been able to see how my hand is improving over time. I've bombarded her with questions, and she's been very patient with me! I'm making good progress (about half way through the 12 week rehab), and feel like we're working as a team to get my hand safely back to normal.

Since last week my arm splint has been removed, and I've been given a small finger splint and compression dressings, which are much easier. With some new exercises I'm finally starting to use my hand again. It's still a bit stiff at the moment, but I'm seeing improvement all the time. The scarring on my finger and hand is already starting to fade, and should be almost invisible in time, as the repair was done using plastic surgery methods, and cuts were made along the natural creases.

All in all, it's been a really positive experience, and I've felt cared for, been kept well-informed, and given very fast, effective treatment, even though we are still very much in the COVID pandemic. I am incredibly thankful and relieved to have been treated at Sheffield Hand Centre. Thank you!