Questions from a 32-Year-Old Woman Following SL Reconstruction Surgery
Greetings. I am a woman in my thirties, with a typical height and weight, a non-smoker, and a moderate drinker. To sum up my situation, I underwent a wrist reconstruction procedure where my ECR tendon was utilized to reconstruct my SL ligament, which had completely ruptured due to an accident. It’s been four months since my surgery, during which I had my K-wires removed in June. I attend rehabilitation sessions two times a week. Despite this, I continue to experience daily pain, and it feels like my progress has stalled. While my metrics—such as extension, flexion, and grip strength—are showing improvement, the pace has been gradual, and I’ve encountered several plateaus. I’m increasingly anxious about the level of pain I may have to endure once the healing is complete. I would greatly appreciate insights from anyone who has gone through a similar procedure. What should I expect as normal during recovery? Is it realistic to hope for a pain-free future? Thank you in advance.
Answers (1)
8/23/2025, 12:03:04 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's perfectly understandable to feel anxious about your recovery after wrist reconstruction surgery, especially when dealing with persistent pain. Let’s break this down into manageable parts.
Key Points:
- Pain Management and Recovery Timeline: Experiencing pain four months post-surgery is common as your body continues to heal.
- Expectations of Recovery: Recovery can be a slow and non-linear process with periods of improvement mixed with plateaus, which is typical.
- Future Pain-Free Expectations: While many patients do achieve significant pain relief and improved function, it's important to set realistic expectations.
Explanation:
After surgery like the one you've had, the body requires time to heal. Pain can stem from several sources during this period, including:
- Tissue Healing: The muscles, ligaments, and tendons that were surgically altered are still recovering, which can lead to tenderness and discomfort.
- Nerve Sensitivity: After such procedures, nerves can become extra sensitive as they heal, contributing to ongoing pain.
- Scar Tissue Formation: This can sometimes limit motion or cause discomfort, even if overall function is improving.
Next Steps:
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Continue Rehabilitation: Keep attending your two weekly rehabilitation sessions. Consistent, guided exercise is crucial for regaining strength and flexibility. If you feel you're plateauing, communicate this to your therapist—they may adjust your program.
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Pain Management Strategies:
- Use prescribed pain relief as directed, and consider discussing additional options like physical modalities (heat, ultrasound) with your physical therapist.
- Gentle stretches and mobility exercises, focusing on range of motion, can help alleviate stiffness, but do these under guidance.
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Monitor Your Pain Levels: Keep a pain diary to track your levels and activities. This can be helpful for you and your healthcare team to identify patterns and triggers.
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Set Realistic Goals: Understand that complete pain relief may take time. Many patients find that while they may not be completely pain-free, they can achieve a level of comfort to carry out daily activities. Focus on gradual improvement, setting small, achievable goals.
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Seek Support: Consider speaking with others who have undergone similar surgeries, perhaps through support groups or online forums. Hearing their experiences can offer insight and reassurance.
It’s important to remember that healing is a journey. Stay proactive in your recovery, and don’t hesitate to voice your concerns to your rehabilitation team. You're making progress, and with patience, you may find that pain decreases over time.
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