I'm weighing up surgery on my thumb joints

Hi I see my surgeon this morning ! I have had both done 12 or 13 years ago and I read where they maybe last 15 to 20 years ! I am so active and use my hands  non stop, that’s why I believe the cushioned tendon rolled in a ball & put between the two bones has worn out ! 

Good luck to you dealing with the pain !!! 

So sorry to hear of your situation Fblady. The reason that I am doing my damndest to avoid surgery is that there are so many reports like yours. I've been able to put it off for four years now....I'm waiting for something better to turn up. 

Remember that people always post the horror stories, but the vast majority are successfull land those people rarely post, ask yourself why? 

It can be too easy to read all the bad posts. Do you drive? Do you know how many people are killed or seriously injured on roads every day? Bet you don't even think about that when you get n a car. If you did, no one would drive or be a passenger because its mega dangerous. 

If you are in pain, my experience of the surgery and I have a third one lined up this month, is that I am pain free and have varying degrees of movement. That is priceless compared to a life of pain and fingers stuck in awkward positions. Also remember that there is  no guarantee that they could do any new procedure. once too much bone is gone you give them nothing to work with, so sometimes its not best to wait. 

Don't forget what I said next time you get in a car, its dangerous, but why do you do it. Best of luck

wknight - you are so right.  I haven't posted lately because I didn't want to sound repetitive; however, there are likely new folks here who've had the surgery since then.      May 4, 2017 I shattered my distal radius and broke my wrist near the thumb.  No surgery but cast was extremely painful near the thumb break.  When cast was removed, thumb was fused and extremely painful.  Add osteoarthritis to the mix and ortho offered no further treatment.  Finally went for a second opinion.  (Both of these doctors were hand specialists but as different as night and day.)  Second ortho said orthroplasty surgery should help.  During surgery bones crumbled and it took 3 hours and 3 pins to hold them together. Between the 2 events I had a splint or cast for 6 months and wondered if anything would ever be normal again.  Happy to say that after PT (which I initially declined), and the skill of the wonderful 2nd ortho, I am well on my way to at least an acceptable wrist and hand.  Fingers are still somewhat stiff & sore but most issues now actually stem from the broken wrist rather than surgery.  I can play piano again which was a main goal. .  Due to extreme arthritis (in both hands) I may have to have the other thumb fixed and if it comes to that, I will absolutely do it.  Like you, I've read that you can wait too long and surgery might not be an option. So even though things are not perfect 8 months later, they are greatly improved.  I would just remind everyone that healing does not come as fast as we'd think or hope.  A good hand specialist, therapist, and a whole lot of PATIENCE are key to recovery.  I'm 73 so if these old bones can heal, hopefully others will have the same good outcome.

I am 2 mos out and still painful. I believe we are looking at 3 to 4 mos for relief. I can sympathize. It’s awfully painful. Living on Advil or Aleve. 

No need to suffer, discuss with the surgeon to find a pain management strategy. You won’t heal quickly if you are in pain 

 I had my surgery on October 6, 2017 here in Rockford Illinois and Swedish American hospital. Dr Brian Bear from Ortho Illinois and his partner Dr. Joe’s diner did the surgery as outpatient. Extremely professional and awesome doctors. I was at the end stage of basil fun asked you arthritis. I was in several cast for about two months. I have been doing occupational therapy  since the middle of December. My OT will end in February. I was in a lot of pain in the beginning but now I take ibuprofen and outside of it acting up every once in a while I’m in great shape. I’ve worked to get about three force of my strength back in my film and hand operation was done on my left shop. They say it takes about a good year to get back about 96% of your hand . If you are holding off to do the surgery do not hold off. Go ahead with the surgery it will be the best thing you’ve ever thought of doing. Yes you will be in pain. Yes you will have to have occupational therapy. Yes you will have to do therapy at home. But you will get used back in your hand and close to 100%. Any won’t have to live in pain any longer.

have you looked into the stem cell therapy.  I know they are using it on knees but I haven't seen anything about thumb/wrist.

Hi Sheila, no, I haven’t. I’m still managing with arthritis gloves and arthritis cream. I haven’t had any gelatin for quite a while as I got sick of the taste...it does work however...for me at least. 

I’m still determined to avoid surgery at all costs. I can still manage my pain and when I read of all the post op tales of woe here, it makes me even more determined to avoid surgery....better the devil you know. 

I will look into stem cells more closely when it becomes apparent that my current measures are inadequate . 

 

However, last time I checked thet we’re doing it for thumb joints. PM me and I can give you the names of who I think are reputable.  There are a lot of Johnny Come lately types in the stem cell game who think that all they need is a centrifuge and a syringe and they’re in business. 

I have planned to attend seminar on the stem cells but seems they forcus on knees.  If it is done on thumb joint I'd love to know where. I've had my share of surgery and have stomach issues that prevent me from taking pain meds, even advil.

Hi.  I am having the surgery on my right wrist ( I am right handed) on May 4.  I have been googling everything I can to try to be prepared.  Some of it is terrifying and almost giving me second thoughts on having the surgery.  What little I’ve read on This forum, it seems more positive. 

What would you say is the “must haves” to be prepared once you are home?

When could you drive?

This may sound crazy but I have gel nails!  Wondering if I should have them done the day before (then would not need done for a month).   Will I be able to get them done in a month or is it better to just have them removed completely?

What things were you completely not able to do for yourself?  And for how long?  

I’ve been practicing using left has for eating, brushing teeth, etc.  and am getting pretty good at it.  But can’t even begin to start on how to snap the bra and (sorry for too much information) but wiping my butt.  

Were you able to do any kind of exercise?  I have an immune disease that effects muscles and joints.  I have found that I need to keep moving to keep pain at bay.   How long before you could take a brisk walk, or do treadmill/eliptical, or cardio workout.  

Any answers to these questions would be appreciated.  Or any additional info on when you felt “normal” etc.  

Please and thank you. 

Dear Donna:  First of all you can drive after 2 to 3 weeks. Second. No fake nail. No nail polish at all.  You won’t feel like doing any exercises for a few weeks.  It is a long and kind of painful procedure that takes a long time to heal. Make sure you have your physical therapy occupational therapy it is very important and you must have at least 15 to 20 visits to get strength back in your hand. I know you’ll have a hard time pulling up your pants you have to use your other hand for a lot of things. What  it is a long and kind of painful procedure takes a long time to heal. Make sure you have your physical therapy occupational therapy is very important and you must have at least 15 to 20 visits to get strength back in your hand. You will have a hard time pulling up your pants. you have to use your other hand for a lot of things.  It takes a while for your body to heal especially your hand. But once you’ve done the 15 to 20 occupational therapy is he will feel a lot better and stronger. You’ll be so glad that you did the surgery. I had my surgery done on October 6 of 2017. After my final occupational therapy all 20 sessions I am 100% use of my hand and my thumb. I have no pain whatsoever it was the best surgery I ever did. You’re down  Time will be long. From the time of my surgery which was October 6 until March 1st. that’s how long it took me to have no pain.   You’ll have to take showers wash her hair with the opposite hand.  A lot of things that you are used to doing with that hand he won’t be able to for a few months. I think the key to everything is take it one step at a time one day at a time. And the most important is getting your occupational therapy sessions and I did mine twice a week for three months all of December all of January and all of February.  I will pray for your surgery and your fast recuperation. Take care. 

It takes about 3-4 months

I had no numbness at all, maybe the surgeon damaged the nerve sheath when they did the incision, they have to be very carefull not to damage the nerves in this procedure.

I had numbness in different parts. I’m sure doc told you to massage the scar area vigorously.  Helps those severed superficial nerves that were severed with incision find each other and join up. 

I also had a knee replacement 16 mos ago and still have some slight numbness on part of skin. Don’t think I would worry yet. 

I had thumb surery back  on July 11, 2017, after surgery I was in so much pain, the doctor recommended a 2nd MRI,  2nd MRI revealed i had new issues with my hand. I had a second surgery on my wrist on December 26, 2017.  I have not been any better, constantly on pain, hand very weak and wrist very stiff.  I know everyone heals different, but i wish i never had this precedure done. 

Carmen. I am sorry to hear of your ongoing difficulties. The hand/wrist can be a nightmare. 

Just a thought. Physicians in then US either  graduate from a “medical school” or “osteopathic medical school”, and then go on to do their internships and residencies. I’m guessing your surgeon was an orthopedic surgeon who then sub specialized in arm/hand, which was my case. I don’t know if he went t to medical school or osteopathic medical school. The major difference is their approach to disease, etc. 

If I were you, I would look for another type of specialist called physiatrist. Most folks have never heard of that specialty. And if osteopathically trained, even better. 

I am a dentist and now only do medical mission trips, but have done close to 100, and have learned much about medical specialists, etc. 

I found a physiatrist because a neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, and neurologist searched for almost 8 years that the physiatrist figured out in less than a month. 

Just a thought. 

Good luck. 

Thank you, I will look into it.  

Are you having nerve pain? Or is it other problems?

Have you gone to Occupational Therapy yet? It really works for me. I had 20 sessions. Really helpful. Ask your doctor to refer you for Occupational Therapy. Hope this helps.