I'm weighing up surgery on my thumb joints

Hi Peter

Really pleased that you've got your hand back, sympathies though for having to go through it again.

14 months is a very long time.  Do you mind me asking how long it was before the pain, swelling and stiffness went.  How long before you were driving and back to work?

Many thanks.

The swelling was at its worst for the first week and gradually subsided. As far as pain goes it was quite tolerable really, had the occasional spasm, but a far cry from the arthritic pain I had before. It was probably around 3 months when it really started to come good and dribs and drabs since then.  Considering the amount of people who probably have this procedure, we only get to hear from those who have had issues here, so really I believe that they are most definitely in the minority to be honest.  Dont get me wrong it was a bit of a shock to the system those first few days, but my surgeon had me at the hand therapist 2 days after  the procedure, and I believe this was a contributing factor to my relative easy time of it. Yep the exercised hurt a lot but it was worth the final result.  I tried all the stuff that Caringbah suggested, none worked for me in the slightest, but it was worth trying, one never knows!  The most pain I felt was when the surgeon removed the sutures, and one somehow would not come out and he really had to put a lot of force to get it to release.

I was basically driving the next day but mostly one handed.  I am retired, so work was not an issue. The had therapist got me to do a pinch test after a couple of weeks and it was quite weak compared to the left thumb, but within a month or so it was as good if not better, now it is probably at least 90% as strong as it was before all the arthritic episode. Having said all this, one still has to realise that it is never going to be the same as it was 30 years ago and I have to do things with care otherwise it lets me know in no uncertain fashion that it is not the same as it was when I was younger. The arthritic pain is definitely gone and that was the prime objective.

Hi Susie, I am also same time post op on my left thumb. Funny how everyone experiences the op differently. I can't take any opiodes because of alergic reaction as in full body itching. So it was panadiene forte for me. Have a similar splint that was fitted ( Hand Therapist) 1 day after the op and been doing exercises since that day. can touch all fingers with the thumb, but stretching the bonds of friendship to get to small finger. The first week it looked as though I was wearing a boxing glove the hand was so swollen, but that has gone completely. Still quite a bit of pain at night, but all healing ok. Sutures removed last week. the scar on top of my for-arm is "puckering up" a bit, so I will have to see what is going on there. If this ends up as good as the right one which was done 14 months ago, it will be an excellent result.

It sounds as though you are well on your way to an excellent result as well. I can tell you that it is imperative to do the exercises, even though they do hurt, obviously one should not get over enthusiastic as the pain will kick in big time. I know one tends to hear horror stories here about this procedure, but if it is performed by a specialist, I believe there should be minimal issues. I suppose a forum is where one tends to vent if something goes wrong, and not many people who have had a successful op report.  In my opionion, That is probably the case here. As I have said in previous posts, I tried a heap of suggested "remedies" but none even came close to helping, and as far as cortisone injections, they were just too damn painful to repeat in my opinion and they were just a temporary bandaid anyway.

Susie,

Glad to hear all is going well.  Definitely go to therapy as soon as you get the green light.  It will help SO much.  I only took prescription meds for a day and a half post-op then switched to Advil gel tabs. Still take them for the other hand on a bad day but the doctor was kind enough to give me a cortisone shot in the right hand when he did the left-hand surgery.  I am thrilled with the results of the surgery and will do the other hand if it gets to that point.   A GOOD hand specialist is key! 

Continued success in your recovery.

Linda

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. 

Hello Donna.....I had LRTI with thumb fusion on my right hand(and also right handed) February 20. Like you I did a lot of research before hand but most of it out there is very negative and will scare the tar out of just about anyone. Most of all don't watch the stuff on youtube. Anywho with that being said...I prepared for the worst and amazingly it hasn't been bad. I stopped taking pain meds on day 2 after surgery. I was able to drive short distances by the next week. The bulky cast was the main issue. I would suggest getting gel nails taken off completely. My preop orders were to not have any nail polish on at all...they need to be able to see that you have blood floor in your fingers. Make sure you get pump bottles for your shampoo and bathroom stuff....it made things a lot easier. Make sure you get or have shirts with large arm holes especially in the beginning when you have the big splint/cast as well as easy pull on pants. I was able to start walking about 1 1/2 weeks after surgery. I've been back running for a month now. Be prepared to not lift anything for at least a month. It gets frustrating but you'll get through it. I'm 8 weeks out and I'm pretty much able to do everything....do my hair, makeup etc.just still have to be cautious of lifting anything too heavy. Trust me I was extremely scared before my surgery especially because I am extremely independent and active but you will adapt. My pain is significantly less that before. Physical therapy is a must and make sure yours specializes in hand therapy. Good luck and I hope all goes well!!!

 

Hi Donna, I had right thumb reconstruction end of Sept. you’re wise to prepare by practicing with left hand, *practice, practice, practice, it will make it much easier; I’ll need to get my other thumb done next year and have absolutely no hesitantcy; Dr. said to drive when I felt it was safe, so depending on cast or splint, it’s your call; I don’t have gel nails but had to remove all polish from both hands; was not able to handle knives safely, heavy objects, hair blower & brush simultaneously, anything needing both hands; replaced bras with camisoles (very freeing!); had plenty of ice packs on hand to rotate frequently, butt (see * above); was able to take brisk walks within a few days but I wasn’t on any painkillers (that might make a difference); did not get on any machines which required using both hands. That’s about it. Am sure others on this forum will have more good suggestions.   My advice is follow the post-op instructions to the letter for the best results. My recovery was quoted at 3 mos. and it was exactly that; it seems like a long road but it was really not that bad, after the initial surgery and post-op period you will begin to get a little bit better each day. The body is amazing and the doctors are as well. Good luck, you’re in good hands...so to speak! Keep us up to date on your recovery.

Dear Casey: All of the information you wrote is 100% correct. Do you have the surgery and recuperation right on. I had surgery on October 6 on my left hand. Started physical therapy and occupational therapy December 1 through February 28.. you have the surgery recuperation right on. I had surgery on October 6 on my left hand. Started physical therapy and occupational therapy December 1 through February 28.  I have no pain anymore in my left hand my hand 100% usage. It was a tough surgery recuperation but I’m 64 years old is the best thing I ever did thank you for being so honest hopefully many other people will be reading our sites and not be so scared to have it done.. 

Debra!  I'm having my right thumb done on 6/19.  I noted that you had yours done about three weeks ago.  I am so nervous.  I play the flute and I have been unable to hold my flute for any length of time.  I can still write and drive but I really want to get back in the orchestra - but I'm worried - is this surgery so bad that it's not worth it?  I have pain in both thumbs and they need to be done but I'm coping pretty well w/o surgery.  

When can you go back to work?  My job involves sitting and talking to folks all day.  And taking notes.  That's it.  How many days were you home before returning to work?

How's it going? 

Thank you for posting!

Thank you so much. Not sure when I will have op but you have calmed my fears!!!  Good luck to you may you soon be full repaired.  Positivity really is half the battle.

Is it really a piece of cake?  Because my MD said "You won't be glad you had this surgery until three months have passed."  

So of course I'd much rather hear the piece of cake part! 

When could you go back to work?

How is SLEEPING at night?  I don't sleep well in the first place.

And how is working on a computer?  When can i type again?

TY for your comment.

I'm as nervous as a cat on hot bricks.

xo Yerkes

I don't think any surgery is a piece of cake but it is much better than before the surgery.

Im  66 and as soon as I got the 1st cast off I had more use of my fingers.  I could type and take your pain pills as perscribed and you should have not have much trouble sleeping, in fact it may be better!

I was back playing golf in 3 months.  I worked hard on my therapy and still do a little everyday at home.

I believe in getting things fixed as soon as possible.  The longer you wait the harder it is on your body.

Hope this helps some.

 

Yes very helpful indeed!! I am oing to be hitting the big 70 in November and want as much fun as I can every day, so yes I will have the surgery!!  Thanks!!  Enjoy your golf!!

 

I was nervous also but when it was over, I couldn't believe it went so smoothly. You have no pain because of the block. You can sleep because if the pain pills which I didn't even get. I don't like taking drugs. They give you Norco. You can't do any with the thumb for months. It will be in a hard cast to protect it but it gets better every week. To me it was a piece of cake. I have had several surgeries. I would do it again if needed.

Compared to the 24/7 pain I had for several years, the surgery was a piece of cake. I had very little pain post-op, took only 6 of the heavy Rx .  There is the “dead” arm for a few days, awkward sleeping to keep arm vertical, inconvenience of the cast, immobility, and trying to work one-handed, etc. but IMO, well worth the surgery. I’m 76, 7 mos. post-op, now have 98-99% use of my hand, and will not hesitate to have other done when it reaches that point.

Thank you Kathleen - amazing recovery for you, I do hope I am the same, but I will go by the book for sure.  Keep pain free!!

which surgery did you have?  I hesitate as I cannot take heavy RX.  I have too many stomach issues

Thanks

Sheila

Shelia, I had, what they call, LRTI Procedure on right thumb (ligament reconstruction tendon interposition). In addition, had to remove the severly damaged trapezium (first bone in wrist which connects to bottom of thumb bone). I also had a history of stomach irritation so tried braces, creams, etc. to not much relief. However, was always holding an icepak and the strongest med I took pre-op was naproxen, probably every day for I don't know how long, certainly more than a year. Post-op was prescribed heavy Rx but only took 6 and was off them within 48 hrs. They made me woozy and I was more afraid of falling so stopped and just took a naproxen for a few days.  Per Dr. instructions, which I followed "to the letter", was elevating my arm and icing, so attribute that to hardly any pain at all and minimal swelling. The only other pain I've had with hand was, of course, doing the therapy but I would ice or heat, whichever felt more comfortable. Therapy ended in early January and my hand, I would estimate, is back to 98-99% use, almost like new (the thumb is a bit shorter!). But I have to say, I was a stickler with the instructions, both post-op and therapy, and that gets credit for my success. I couldn't be happier with the results, much better than I expected.

sounds terrific, well done you! Can I ask where y0u are? I'm in the Uk, having (in remission) underlying vasculitis (remission) & my thumb hurts 90% of the time but an anxious that surgery won't achieve less pain & better mobility...which is the object! 

I think US/Uk different (ie) on this. I have a brilliant physio who has helped enormously post-op half-knee replacement end o August 2017. 

I guess that's the bottom line here. Since half-knee op was 'only' end of August (31st) last year, and while the op will be useful (longer term than now), should I do it? I'm still in some pain post-op knee. 

Hi.  I had my surgery 5-4-18. You are a month ahead of me.  Just wondering if you or anyone else reading this, has any insight on what I’m feeling. My forearm where the tendon came from continues to cause me a lot of pain.  I’m still in the immobilizing brace so though I’m feeling some soon at surgery site, it is not bad. 

Thanks for any info you have 

That's normal. It itches a lot too. Once you start therapy they will massage it a lot. I had my surgery on 4.9.18 and I am out of the hard brace using my thumb now up to 20 lbs.

Thank you.  I noticed how many typos or auto corrects in my message, sorry!  I’m glad to hear that is normal.   About a week after surgery while still in the cast type thing, I twisted my arm and had excruciating pain for several minutes.  It seemed like a spasm or something tore or ripped.  Ever since it’s been this ongoing gnawing pain. I don’t go back for another two weeks.  Thanks again 

Hey Kathleen- did you have spasms in the forearm where they took the tendon?  Im post op 6 days and my arm KILLS but i confesss i keep trying to use it.  arg!

Hi I do love this site btw - yes at one moment I thought I had tried too hard and had ripped my tendon!  My surgeon never spoke about the tendon, anyway I will see him tomoorow and ask him!!

 

Yerkes, yes I did have spasms in the forearm and the hand but I figured it was part of the healing and after all the pain I had gone thru the 2yrs. before surgery, it was no big deal. The spasms didn’t last very long, maybe once in a while for a few weeks. I’m 9 mos. out from surgery now, have no pain other than a little twinge now and then and the normal stiffness in these 76 yr. old hands. The first weeks are the painful ones but, you will reach a week and think, “last week when I did that it hurt, this week it doesn’t” and that keeps building so by 3 mo., you’re pretty much home. Be patient with your body, hang in there, you’ll be there before you know it!

The tendon site continues to hurt and gave spasm ls 6+ weeks after surgery.  I’ve told Dr and OT, no one seems to be concerned.  

6+ weeks later, my tendon site still burst and has  spasms. 

Thanx for your post! I’m a guitarist so anything positive is great !