Nerve damage since I was 5, claw hand, why me?

I personally wouldnt stare and Id never be so rude as to mention it. Unless you wanted to talk about it, it would be your own business and I have brains enough to assume you had some surgery and id buy you a cup of coffee.Sounds like you could have used a lot more physical therapy, though, while were on the subject, and its probably still not too late to improve your strengh and grasp.

Hi RamonC,

Sorry to hear this. It's hard to deal with injuries where your body changes as well as any pain as a result. I had a car accident in 2003. I had a number of different injuries. The worst was a compound fracture of my left knee cap, shattered collarbone and my tongue was severed at the end. Unfortunately my knee injury left me with a tear to the skin. It's not neat and even now it can't even be brushed gently as I feel like I'm being stabbed. Tried loads of things over the years but no one wanted to know. It seems trauma surgery is very different to elected surgery. It's often quick with main aim of keeping you alive they are not worried about the aesthetic look. Or what pain you can be left in afterwards. When I commented to the surgeon. He got defensive and said with the state it was in and muscle damage , i should be grateful I've still got the limb. I've accepted things over the years. But not this terrible nerve pain I have as a result. It's also a pain. Having to be one step ahead to make sure that part of me doesn't get knocked as it's a constant reminder

I often think same as you. Maybe there will be a cure in the future and if I could afford it could it be repaired. You never know what might be possible in the future. But it's also about acceptance

I've had these problems now for 15 years and you learn to adapt. It's part of your experience. The only thing that's different is that I can cover my scars. When I don't. I don't like the questions either. It hurts inside but I know I'm lucky to have survived and that makes you stronger. People only ask or look because they are curious not because it's horrible to look at. I've noticed I do it myself if I notice an amputee or something. I just think it's human nature. I think even if we could be fixed, it wouldn't solve all our problems as there would be other things that happen in life to think about. I think alot of my problems come from the reminders and pain. You can feel abit broken inside. I guess also surgery will have moved on and there maybe something that can be done for you. It might be worth seeing if anything cam be done. Then you will know for sure and if not you can get some closure on it. Wish you all the best.

I think the reply from Claire is spot on. I had an injury at aged 11 and this has affected my whole life. I had surgeries which made it difficult being at school, because in them days i had to wear askirt and i was self concious. My knee was left very deformed and was even noticable when covered because of the pernament swelling and deformity. I have never being able to show my knee outside only at a swimming pool. I am older now and i have learnt to live. My advice is be proud of who you are and if people stare ask them if they would like to know what has happened to you, they may just be curious. I know you want to feel better about yourself, try to be confident. People will see you in a different way and accept you if they see you are self confident. Accept yourself and others will too. I also suffer nerve pain like Claire. I cannot stand anything touching my knee, clothes, bed clothes etc. I am aware of my discomfort everyday in every situation. Nuropathic pain is not curable but i get some relief while asleep taking Pregabilin. Wishing you the best.

Speak to your doctor who will be able to help you.

Hi Ramon,  I think most people react out of kindness and their hoping you are ok with your injuries. Maybe welcoming their concern could become a support system to you knowing others care about your situation. Acceptance for all of our health issues is a must, be grateful for your beautiful mind, your sweetness, your kindness to others and for those people who care for you. Seek advice from your dr regarding reconstructive surgery they will direct you where to start and you wanting to improve the looks of your injuries tells me you are engaged in your well being and want to improve your situation! That’s wonderful, I hope it is possible, if not try to be proud of the strengths you have and get back to enjoying life bud, you deserve it. Hugs are incoming!