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Okay the short version is, this afternoon my Pa is going in for an op to have his little finger and the side of his hand down to the wrist removed.

Sounds a bit gross but this is a hand that was crushed to smithereens about 15 years ago and has left him disabled from the shoulder down ever since. The idea is get rid of the parts that do not function at all, rather than save them as they initially did for aesthetics, to give him increased mobility / motility.

So, any suggestions for gentle ways to encourage healing and recovery would be great, he suffers from depression and is slightly worried that this - all be it temporary - inability to us his other arm is going to get him down.

So I thought that if we could persue some positive steps towards getting him better, he would be approaching it from a better angle.

I already have some topical bits and pieces for once the bandages and stitches are removed, but I would be interested in food / herbs etc, which could help give him a boost when his body need it the most.

He is otherwise fit, a little arthritic but has no sentivities to anything as far as we know.

Any suggestions gratefully recieved.

Lorna x

I believe oats are said to be good for depression, a big bowl of porridge every morning could help and be very tasty too!

Good luck to him getting through the op and I hope it helps him in the long run.

I can't help with any pick me ups but sending good vibes to your dad and hope he will recover quickly and that the op will help the problems he had before.

He's home and now has his 'simpsons' hand!

He says thanks for the vibes MMM

Lorna, it may be a little too soon, but have a look at Bio-oil.... for the scarring.

My youngest (stupidly) followed the so-called trend a few years ago & cut her arms - unfortunately, she did this on her forearms & until last year, wouldn't uncover in public because she was mortified by the scars.
She's been using Bio-oil for a few months now & the difference is amazing!

Anyways, just a thought - send him our very best & I hope he has a speedy recovery

Take large doses of Vit C and fish oil before and after, and take some zinc suplement after. also Vit E topically and internaly may help.

Vitamin C is definitely worth taking and ask them about PB7 (Zinc Paste bandages) as they work wonders to help things heal, I had some on my leg after it wouldn't heal for months and it healed most of it up in a few days and is still healing now!!

It's basically a Zinc Paste on a bandage which you can put over the wound under another bandage to keep it in place.

Hope he heals up soon!

Fore mild to moderate depression check with his GP if he can have St John's Wort, it's great for depression!

Today a friend recommended that I rub lavender oil onto a facial cut (when it's healed a bit) to reduce scarring- maybe that's worth a try? plus it smells nice and is calming. (any aromatherapists please please feel free to correct me if this is wrong!)

Hope he's healing well

Arnica is amazing for bruising/swelling. I used it after giving birth and I was really mobile afterwards.