Vol Fan has been having some trouble with his hand. It started several years ago with a knot on the palm of his hand. We just thought it a cyst developing from using his hands so much in his work. He dealt with it as best he could. Finally it was to the point where he could not straighten his fingers without pain so we made an appointment at Vanderbilt Bone & Joint Clinic in Franklin, TN.
After an x-ray, the doctor took one look and knew exactly what he had - Duputren's Contracture. It is a genetic condition that affects the fascia which is the layer between your skin and your muscles/tendon/etc. It usually flares in the hands. The fascia sends out 'roots' that attach to the skin and to the muscle which keeps it from moving freely. The 'roots' then start to shrink which pull the fingers toward the palm. This was where Vol Fan was and it was causing him pain while he worked. So surgery to remove the roots was the answer.
Since my procedure was scheduled for Wednesday, I was positive that within a day or so I would be back in full form. I know several people that have had the same procedure and definitely within 3-4 days, they were feeling fine. Just to be on the safe side, we asked Vol Fan's mom to come down and stay with us for a couple of days. So we scheduled his surgery for Monday of this week.
I still wasn't feeling tiptop so my Dad showed up at 5am to drive Vol Fan to Franklin for the surgery. He arrived at the surgery center right on time and within 10 minutes, he was headed back to the prep area. Two and a half hours later, I received a call from a very groggy Vol Fan - he was fixed and on his way home! A friend joked that it was so fast that the doctors must have used a Skil saw! Thankfully, the doctor said everything went just as he had planned!!
I love a great doctor! So a plug for Vanderbilt Bone & Joint Clinic - if you live within driving distance to Franklin, Tennessee and are in need orthopedic care, this place is fantastic! They did the surgery on my shoulder several years ago and rebuilt my ankle in 2009. They also did my step-mother's back surgery. The doctors are talented and every possible thing is done to ensure patient needs are met!
And then the fun began...
5 comments:
Sounds like a great clinic. Glad VolFan had the surgery---and of course, I'm glad you had yours also... Sorry about your return trip to the hospital though... Glad you are home tonight. I pray that both of you will heal now... Do what I don't do very well: Be Patient...
Hugs,
Betsy
I don't care if it's withing driving distance or not. If we have need of them, we're going to Tennessee! Thanks for the referral..
They sound great! I have an orthopedic surgeon here that I really like - he did my knee surgery in 2004 and was fantastic!
I'm glad to hear that Vol Fan's surgery went well. It sounds as if a trip to Franklin was well worth it to get such great care.
So happy VolFan is better...could you two have spaced this out a few weeks more?? I suppose when it rains, it pours!!!
Sounds like your family keeps that surgery center in business!!!
Post a Comment