Journal entry by Katie Vecitis —
Ryan got out of surgery around 1:30pm and we got to visit him around 3:30pm. Overall, Dr. Hoben said his tendons look really good mostly due to the hard work he has put into therapy and just being generally pretty healthy and young. She was happy with how everything went and we are excited to start recovery.
Dr. Hoben updated us in the waiting area before we went and saw Ryan. They did not end up going a tendon transfer for his wrist extension. They ended up just shortening his current tendon by about 3 cm. which should be get him his wrist extension. At this point Dr. Hoben only sees his wrist extending up to about 30 degrees.
They did end up doing the transfer for his fingers and thumb. She did say the thumb had some joint contracture so at this point a full thumbs up also might be a little tricky.
There was one complication where the nerve that goes into his palm was cut due to it being tied up in scar tissue. They repaired it using a nerve that goes to a joint that is actually commonly removed to help with wrist pain. She does think that it could be 6 months to a year before that starts to normalize.
He does have a pain pump and a drain for his wound that will be changed 2-3 times a day until probably Tuesday when he checks in with Dr. Hoben again. His arm is currently in a heavy splint that will go into hard cast on Tuesday as well. He will most likely start his 3 weeks of "hand jail" before he gets to start therapy again.
Right now, the key is elevation, elevation, elevation to keep his swelling down. So, if you see him in the next couple days he'll be sure to wave at you ;)
Ryan is doing OK. He's a little uncomfortable but in good spirits. He'll stay overnight tonight and be discharged tomorrow AM. Currently, watching Taken. So... thank you Dr. Hoben
...for your very specific set of skills, skills you have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make you a hero for people like Ryan.
Dr. Hoben updated us in the waiting area before we went and saw Ryan. They did not end up going a tendon transfer for his wrist extension. They ended up just shortening his current tendon by about 3 cm. which should be get him his wrist extension. At this point Dr. Hoben only sees his wrist extending up to about 30 degrees.
They did end up doing the transfer for his fingers and thumb. She did say the thumb had some joint contracture so at this point a full thumbs up also might be a little tricky.
There was one complication where the nerve that goes into his palm was cut due to it being tied up in scar tissue. They repaired it using a nerve that goes to a joint that is actually commonly removed to help with wrist pain. She does think that it could be 6 months to a year before that starts to normalize.
He does have a pain pump and a drain for his wound that will be changed 2-3 times a day until probably Tuesday when he checks in with Dr. Hoben again. His arm is currently in a heavy splint that will go into hard cast on Tuesday as well. He will most likely start his 3 weeks of "hand jail" before he gets to start therapy again.
Right now, the key is elevation, elevation, elevation to keep his swelling down. So, if you see him in the next couple days he'll be sure to wave at you ;)
Ryan is doing OK. He's a little uncomfortable but in good spirits. He'll stay overnight tonight and be discharged tomorrow AM. Currently, watching Taken. So... thank you Dr. Hoben
...for your very specific set of skills, skills you have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make you a hero for people like Ryan.
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