I will loose part of my finger after AVR

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Susan BAV said:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for a Delayed Frostbite Injury
Posted 01/19/2006

Brian F. McCrary, DO, MPH; Timothy A. Hursh, MD, MPH


"Abstract and Introduction

Abstract
Hyperbaric oxygen is an approved therapy for 13 pathologic entities. Treatment of frostbite with hyperbaric oxygen is still considered investigational in the United States. Improvement in tissue survival following treatment has been favorably demonstrated in published case reports. This is a case report of severe peripheral frostbite injury in a hiker who presented for hyperbaric oxygen treatments 22 days after her injury. Initially, it was thought that amputation of her fingertips would be necessary. After receiving 21 treatments over a 5-week period, the patient made a complete recovery with only superficial sloughing of skin. Photos document her progress with daily hyperbaric oxygen treatments. A discussion of case reports on the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for frostbite is provided, followed by proposed therapeutic mechanisms of action.

Introduction
The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) currently recognizes hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) as an approved therapy for 13 pathologic entities.[1] These are conditions for which HBO has substantial scientific support demonstrating therapeutic benefit. Hyperbaric oxygen is currently considered a primary treatment modality for carbon monoxide poisoning, cerebral arterial gas embolism, osteoradionecrosis, decompression sickness, and clostridial gas gangrene. It is also considered an adjunctive therapy for acute exceptional blood loss anemia, acute thermal burns, compromised skin grafts or skin flaps, crush injury, compartment syndrome, necrotizing soft-tissue infections, non-clostridial gas gangrene, radiation tissue damage, refractory osteomyelitis, selected problem wounds, and intracranial abscesses.[1]Treatment of frostbite injuries with HBO is considered experimental in the United States. In several published case reports, patients with frostbite appear to have had a favorable clinical outcome in comparison with the expected course of their condition.[2?7] Case studies point to reduced tissue loss and enhanced healing when HBO is used as an adjunct to standard therapies. The authors describe a case of severe peripheral frostbite injury in a hiker presenting for HBO 22 days after injury..."


Susan, that is a good thought to ask about.I know a little boy who's whiole hand turned black from a blood clot after heart transplant surgery, he had other problems too and didn't make it, but one the the things his doctors were talking about to try to save his hand ot part of it, was the hyperbaric chamber.lyn
 
I am very sorry to hear this is happening to you. As other have said, I would definitely seek additional opinions on saving the finger. If I were in your position and could figure out exactly how this happened, I would consider a malpractice suit. That's just me though. Good luck with everything. I am glad to hear that the surgery went well otherwise.

Brad
 
Tina, this is just awful......I would also recommend to get a specialist from another hospital to assess your damage. And take pictures, just in case anything comes of this; to lose a finger tip is a big deal, especially when it can be attributed to your surgery.
 
I agree with Brad. You should be taking good notes and photos now in case there is a reason for a malpractice suit. Just start a little notebook and write down all your conversations, with dates, and your sypmtoms with good descriptions. This would be a good idea particularly since you use your hands for your occupation.

That said, please do not worry too much about losing the tip of a finger. You will adapt. You will always have a story to tell.

I know a surgeon who is missing half of his middle finger. He seems to have made a very successful career for himself, regardless.

When I was a child (I'm in my 50's) when cars were made of heavy steel, a visiting friend clipped off the tip of her finger shutting the door carelessly in our 1957 DeSoto. Ouch! She was an accountant, and after healing, never seemed to miss a beat.

If the worst happens, and you lose part of that ever important index finger, it's okay...you will adapt.

Please take care and keep us apprised of the situation. Best wishes!

Marguerite
 
Sending

Sending

Tina, I am so sorry about your finger! Know that you have been, and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending a nice gentle cyber hug. Brian
 
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