Considering Unnecessary Surgery in India
Hello everyone, here's my story. I'm a 23-year-old male. Three and a half years ago, I suffered an injury to my hand where a section of my fourth extensor digitorum tendon protruded from its sheath. Surprisingly, it reattached itself, functioning alongside my third extensor digitorum tendon, but it ended up sliding into the third sheath instead. At that time, I also experienced some minor shoulder discomfort. Regrettably, I didn’t pursue further investigation into my tendon injury since the initial doctor assured me it wasn't severe, prompting me to concentrate on my shoulder issue. Over the years, I’ve noticed a gradual decline in my physical state, which has led to compensatory issues across my body—affecting my pelvis, neck, face, and severely diminishing my quality of life. Three months prior, I committed to a comprehensive approach to restore my posture, incorporating diet changes and peptides, and was pleasantly surprised by the results. At times, it felt as though my body had returned to its ideal alignment. However, it was during this process that I became acutely aware of my hand; it appeared to be stuck in a lock-like position, hindering my ability to stabilize my forearm and achieve proper stretching and contraction. It seemed that all my posture improvement was thwarted by this issue in my forearm, causing me to revert to my previous compensatory habits. Filled with optimism, I believed I had pinpointed the solution to my troubles. Unfortunately, after consultations with two orthopedic specialists, both indicated that surgery wasn’t necessary. However, I am not fully convinced by their assessments. Their reasoning seemed to hinge on the fact that my hand functions adequately, and the approach to surgery is generally conservative in my country. Additionally, there’s no straightforward evidence to demonstrate that my hand is indeed the root of my compensatory patterns, leaving me uncertain about how, or if, I can substantiate my concerns to them. Despite the specialists’ views, I firmly believe that addressing this issue is crucial for my overall recovery. I’m reaching out to seek your opinions before I take any significant steps forward.
Answers (1)
9/6/2025, 3:40:58 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand your concern about the ongoing issues with your hand and how they may be affecting your overall health and quality of life. It’s clear that you’re committed to improving your physical state and have made steps toward better posture and wellness.
Main Points
- Surgery May Not Be Necessary: Both orthopedic specialists have evaluated your condition and deemed that surgery may not be needed right now, focusing on functionality rather than just pain or discomfort.
- Understanding Your Body's Feedback: The sensations you are experiencing, including the restricted movement of your hand, may be related to compensatory patterns from your previous injuries rather than a direct surgical issue.
Explanation
Your situation appears complex, with a history of compensation patterns potentially stemming from multiple areas of your body, including your hand. It’s common for people with physical injuries to develop compensatory habits that affect other parts of the body. While the specialists are suggesting a conservative approach, it's essential to address your concerns and feelings about your hand’s functionality.
Next Steps
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Physical Therapy: Consider engaging in a structured physical therapy program focused specifically on your hand and forearm. A physical therapist can assess your movement patterns and create a targeted rehabilitation plan that may alleviate your symptoms without the need for surgery.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting any specific activities that aggravate or alleviate your discomfort in your hand and other parts of your body. This information can be valuable for any future consultations.
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Seek a Hand Specialist's Opinion: If you remain uncertain, consider seeking an opinion from a hand specialist who may have more tailored insights about tendon injuries and their role in overall body mechanics.
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Explore Holistic Approaches: Since you've mentioned successfully improving your posture through diet and other changes, continue these positive lifestyle habits. Consider incorporating specialized exercises that promote mobility and strength in your hand while focusing on alignment.
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Stay Open to Adjustments: Your body may need time to adapt to changes. Stay patient and open to adjusting your approach based on how you feel and your progress.
If you have further questions or need clarification on any aspect of your condition or potential treatments, feel free to reach out again. Your health journey is important, and taking informed steps is key.
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