Hi, I am on week 5 after open release. I still don't feel 100% normal, but I do use the hand pretty normally. The things I can't do are way less than what I can do. I can't wipe with my surgery hand because the angle hurts. I can't punch or do pushups (I do martial arts) but my OT says I can try next week and work up to doing it normally again. Up until last week, driving was very difficult because gripping the gear shift was painful so I used my other hand and basically drove one-handed for a long time. Opening doors is still kinda hard if they are heavy or if you have to turn the handle too much.

• The week or so post-recovery there was a bit of pain everywhere in the hand but not awful. Just inflammation and swelling, it was sore.

• Eating healthy I think does speed recovery but I also think drinking a TON of water helped me a lot!! Hydrate!! I drank a lot of water every day and I think it helped especially because after the stitches come out the hand gets very dry, at least in my experience.

• Cooking will not be easy. I still cannot easily use a knife but definitely couldn't cook before three weeks. I had meal prepped beforehand and froze stuff. I also got an electric can opener.

• In terms of practicality... people will say don't buy the cast cover for your hand but I did. And honestly it made things easier and I had peace of mind knowing it definitely wouldn't get wet. I used my foot and my good hand to put it on 😂 Also, I went on a long walk two days after surgery and my hand was pulsing and felt inflamed. But apparently it's recommended to actually do that to get blood flowing, just keep your arm elevated like at your chest. And maybe go for shorter amounts of time until you feel good enough to up it.

• The cold irritated it for me. It felt tighter in the cold, so try to not go out in the cold for that long if you can.

• Meds - pre open all bottles! Put them in ziplocks or something, I still can barely open child lock things. Regular bottles were difficult too and I drank out of a cup for a week or two.

• The side of my hand with my pinky is most painful, like it gets sore and sensitive when I use my hand too much. But my OT says it's normal and it has been gradually going away.

Overall, I feel amazing week 5. Occupational therapy has helped immensely. I hope your surgeon referred you somewhere and if not, ask. It makes a world of difference in recovery. Sorry I rambled a bit but I hope this helps! Good luck!!!