I just got back home from the doctor...
The incision from the surgery is healing nicely, so the doctor removed the bandages and sutures. I now just have a removable splint that I wear simply to provide some protection to the incision area for another week or two. The doctor said I have no restrictions on the use of my left hand, within the realms of common sense, as long as I don't try to push too far too fast.
Turns out that I have a benign schwannoma (also called a neurilemoma or schwannoglioma), which is a tumor of the nerve sheath. Since the tumor is extensively integrated into the medial nerve, the recommendation is that we just leave it, and keep an eye on it over time through annual MRIs and physical examination.
I am a bit confused about the diagnosis, because from what I've been able to find on the net, it would seem that by definition, a schwannoma does not involve the nerve itself, and as such, should be fully removable. So, either it is a schwannoma, in which case, why isn't it sitting in a jar of formalin somewhere, or if it has infiltrated the nerve fibers, is it not really instead a neurofibroma? I guess I'll ask the doctor when I see him in a month for my follow up.
If you want to see what a medial nerve schwannoma looks like (a much smaller, not mine version) look here, but be forewarned, these are medical photographs and not for the squeamish. Here's another, although as you can see, this is less than 2cm, whereas mine is ~5cm. One more, not a medial nerve, but good pics nonetheless.
The pain is tolerable, even without medication, and I've regained sensation in all but just a small portion of my thumb, so overall, life is good.
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Posted by David at November 13, 2006 04:45 PM