hand operation

[duckwing]

I had a trapeziectomy on my left thumb beginning March I still have a tender scar and the heel of my hand is numb and this part and the top of hand feels as if it has been scalded. Saw consultant yesterday says probably some nerve damage as its dificult to do this op without disturbing the many fine nerves in this area and he says I will just have to wait to see if it settles I see him again in 2 months time and he says he will refer me on if its no better.
My question is there any thing I can do to speed up the heeling. Can I use a TENs machine or a small hand held ultra sonic machine to help break down the scar tissue.
Any advice would be appreciated
PS when I researched this op online I found a site of a hospital in Sufflok that said the hand should have been in a removable splint for 6 weeks and hand excersises should have been given. None of this happened and when I asked if this should have been done I did not get an answer,so I wonder if this lack of support has made the condition worse.

[Heidi]

Hi
This is not an area I know a huge amount about, but I think your consultant is right that it is more than likely some nerve damage that will repair over time.
I can't recommend the use of ultrasound or TENS without professional advice and instruction on settings/times etc.

As for immobilisation, from what I have read I think this is the usualy protocol, for at least 3 weeks. Exercises should then follow yes. However it is impossible to say whether your persistent problems are down to this.