I'm weighing up surgery on my thumb joints
Posted , 148 users are following.
I have osteo arthritis of both thumb joints. I'm 70, still very active ( currently on a skiing holiday) and work full time in my business. My condition is getting increasingly painful. I get by with painkillers. I have seen a surgeon but I'm really concerned about the long recovery time.
Has anyone here had basal thumb surgery and if so would you mind describing...briefly...what the surgery and recovery like and any complication. I would be most grateful.
Cheers.
10 likes, 917 replies
diana05210 caringbah
Posted
this is exactly what i had done at Duke. i was in the soft cast for 2 weeks and then whet to a smaller splint . i just when back for my 6 week appointment . THEY MADE MY BRACE EVEN SMALLER and I ONLY NEED TO USE IT if I feel I'm going to be in a precarious situation or my hand is just tired, My hand and wrist are still a bit sore but mainly just weak.I HAVE NOT HAD TO GO to PT and have done all exercises at home!! SO FAR I AM thrilled with results and am looking forward to a complete recovery,
JohnBall diana05210
Posted
Thanks Diane,
I have an appointment in three weeks with a surgeon at The University of Kentucky just for initial consultation.
I want the tightrope, and I think this surgeon does it, but im not sure. Sounds like Duke was great, I'm glad you are doing so well. How did you decided on Duke and your surgeon?
gregory_02122 diana05210
Posted
Your experience is like mine. I am about 6 weeks out from the tight rope arthroplasty. I am still sore and weak in my hand and occasionally have a random sharp pain like the pain from OA. I am right on schedule and I am still in a small splint at work. I work in PT and I will be 63 on 24 December. I'm in my second career and I'm very active and I work 40+ hours a week . So far I am pleased with the results.
sheila34560 diana05210
Posted
where is Duke and who was ypir surgeon
sheila34560 diana05210
Posted
is this mini tightrope procedure. thanks Sheila
JohnBall sheila34560
Posted
Yes
peter34761 caringbah
Posted
peter34761
Posted
The scars are a mirror of each other when both hands are placed together they do curve around to the centre of the wrist, but that is hard to see in the image.
sheila34560 caringbah
Posted
very interested in mini tightrope results.
gregory_02122 sheila34560
Posted
Hi Sheila.
I had the arthroplasty with swivel lock. It's the most recent innovation in CMC surgery. I think thats what you're talking about when you say tight rope procedure.
My surgery was six weeks ago and so far I am pleased. My miserable arthritis pain is gone. I do have residual weakness and soreness but no sharp or intolerable pain like I had before the surgery. The post op pain didn't start until about sixteen hours after the surgery. I have to admit that the pain from the incision, which was completely numb until around midnight after the surgery. When the feeling came back in my hand the pain was bad enough to take the pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. But I only needed the narcotic pain medication for about 2 or 3 days.
I'm attaching a website about the surgery which you may have already seen. One free word of advice-unless you have a very high tolerance for visuals, I would advise you not to watch the YouTube videos of the surgery. If you have any questions I would be happy to respond with answers if I have them. I live in metro Atlanta, Georgia.
All the best,
Greg
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sheila34560 gregory_02122
Posted
i cannot take pain meds whicjh is why ive procrastinating so long
diana05210 caringbah
Posted
Duke is in Raleigh NC and I went to Dr Marc Richards. He is the head if the department and did three others the day I had mine done!!I am 70 and very active as well. So happy I chose this method of surgery. I can type, peel apples and can't wait to start gardening again!!
sheila34560 diana05210
Posted
how long was recovery and could i get thru it without pain meds. even advil mess with my ibs
sheila34560 caringbah
Posted
i am in Chicago so thats a hike for me. how would one follow up if coming that far?? also did medicare cover it. thsnks
diana05210 caringbah
Posted
Medicare paid 100%. WOW.
Visit 1- Initial Visit
Visit 2- Surgery
Visit 3- A:Two weeks after surgery remove stitches
B: First PT - build brace and give exercises
Visit 4- A: Six weeks after surgery check on progress
B: Second visit with PT cut down brace and give new exercises
Visit 5- At 3 months Check up and release
We drive 5 hours to Duke -- Worth every minute!!!!!
JohnBall diana05210
Posted
THANK YOU DIANA!
I am in Louisville, so the drive would be eight hours. After your experience, I think it may be worth it!! Thanks again and please keep the updates coming.
JohnBall diana05210
Posted
Hi Diana,
Your personal testimony and the fact that he was doing three others on the day he did your surgery convinced me. I have made an appointment with Dr. Richard for mid January. I will be flying, as my drive time would be eight hours.
Please let me know any comments you may have. Thank you.