Artist thanks hospital with personalised paintings after complex hand surgery

Artist, Ann Force, from Falmouth, Cornwall, was so thrilled with life-changing hand surgery at a local Plymouth hospital, that she has gifted medical staff with personalised cartoon illustrations to say thank you.

Retired Head Teacher, Ann, 67, recently underwent complex hand surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth, to treat effects of Dupuytren's, a genetic condition which can begin as nodules in the hands and feet gradually affecting dexterity and mobility. Until recent years, Ann was unaware of her condition. It was not until her brother mentioned he had been diagnosed, that she went to see her GP for an assessment was told that unless she was operated on urgently, she could risk the condition getting worse and affecting her quality of life.

Commenting on her recent surgery and return to painting, Ann says:

“My late father had a condition called Dupuytren’s in his hands which is a genetic condition. I am one of five siblings and had a call from one of my brothers who’d recently been diagnosed with the condition so I thought I’d better get checked out myself. I was quite shocked when my GP looked at hands as she said she’d need to refer me for urgent treatment on my right hand. I was referred to Consultant Surgeon, Mr Beardsmore, at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth, who said that if I didn’t have surgery then my dexterity would be gradually affected and I could lose the ability to paint and use my hand day-to-day.

“When I met with my surgeon, I was totally reassured, as co-incidentally he’d had the exact operation that I was about to have! I had been worried about the outcome of the surgery and being able to use my right hand, as I’m right-handed and I love painting. After talking to him and seeing his own scars and hearing about his recovery, I thought to myself, “he’s a surgeon and able to use his hands for intricate operations, so I’m sure I’ll be ok!”

“I was booked in within a few weeks of my consultation. I was thrilled at how quick I could have the surgery. The hospital is wonderful – so calming, with fantastic staff to help me. It seemed much quieter than other hospitals and was delighted I could still be treated here as an NHS patient.

“The surgery went well, but due to another condition I had that I wasn’t aware of - Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - my recovery has taken a bit longer than expected. However, every step of the way the physio team at Practice Plus Group, especially Darius, have been wonderful and I’m getting mobility back all the time.

“Straight after the operation in July, I couldn’t even hold a pen. My bandages were so big and I was in a lot of discomfort. I began to worry if I would be able to paint again. I was comforted by the team that it might take longer with the CRPS, but they would continue to support me much as I needed. I would only be signed off once I could make a complete fist.

“I was keen to get back to my art as quickly as possible – especially as just prior to my operation, I’d promised the Coast Watch team at Portscatho in Cornwall some of my illustrations! They’d seen me exhibiting my work at a fisherman’s hut there earlier in the year and asked if they could commission a picture. I don’t charge for my work as it’s a hobby, so was thrilled to oblige.

“However, when I sat down in August, to paint their picture, my hand was still quite painful. Thankfully the paintings don’t take very long to do – just a few minutes – and by then I could hold a paintbrush for eight minutes in total!

“Since then, I have had many visits to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth, to see the physio team. They have been so patient with me, really supporting me and reassuring me the whole way. As a thank you, I decided to design some personalised cards and a framed picture for the team. I felt it was nice to give something back. Everyone from the car park attendant all the way up to the surgeons create such a wonderful atmosphere at the hospital. I’d definitely go there again for any treatments – even if I had to pay next time!

“Since my diagnosis two of my other siblings have seen their GP too and each have been told they have the condition. Through my surgery journey, I’ve been able to support them in their own decisions whether to have surgery in the future.

“I’m still recovering but almost there – I hope to be able to make a complete fist early in the new year! I’m so pleased I had the operation; it’s made such a difference. ”

Sarah Fell, Hospital Director, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth, says: “Ann has been such a pleasure to have at the hospital and we are so pleased that our Consultant, Mr Beardsmore, could treat her successfully. Our physio team and staff members have been so delighted with her gifted personalised paintings – they have really captured us all well.

“Supporting patients with their goals to recovery after surgery is really important to us, and we’re glad that the regular physio sessions are starting to ease Ann’s recovery!”