I'm weighing up surgery on my thumb joints

Hi Killogrange. I've not had the surgery...none planned. I'm coping with painkillers and a pain relieving cream that I use. There is a process that looks promising that involves stem cells that you should check out. I can't mention the name here but if you Google...stem cells and thumb joint arthritis you should be able to find it.

Surgery will be an absolute last resort for me. 

Theres also a surgeon in the US who does keyhole arthroscopy repairs of the thumb joint....they claim good results with a one month recovery time...there's a you tube video on it. 

Cheers 

Just for info mate, been using the cream for a fortnight non stop and it has had zero effect, what a bummer...

I'm sorry to hear that Peter. It was worth a shot. I'm willing to try anything (almost) once. My experience with this kind of thing and supplements is that everyone reacts differently. 

I would seriously consider the stem cell approach before I had surgery. Surgery would definitely be a last resort for me. 

I'm an active 76 yo male. Have issue with both thumbs. Had surgery on left, non dominant hand about 3 months ago. Whole procedure went smoothly. Was sedated. First 2 weeks in surgical bandage to elbow with fingers free. Stiches were removed and hard plaster cast to mid forearm replaced surgical wrapping. Two weeks later the cast and pin were removed and I began PT. I see surgeon next week. Says if XRays are as expected,  will be cleared to engage in all former activities. Found had no problem driving several days after surgery

I had the traditional surgery where tendon from forearm is split and used to make base of a joint. In PT met guy who had same issue but who had stem cell treatment. His recovery as significantly faster than mine, so you might investigate that treatment. Am told concern is that it may lead to only short term recovery. May not be long term solution. Only time will tell

 

i had my left thumb done in aug and my right on friday. 3 months is when you can start using your thumb. i am glad i did it but i recognize it is a long recovery

 

Hi Jack, I was quoted $800 to have one thumb done or $1100 for two. That's Aussie dollars here in Sydney. They say that most people experience at least 50% pain reduction for 18 months. 

From memory I was quoted about $5000 to have one thumb surgically done. The stem cell approach could be cheaper even allowing for repeats.  

I had my left thumb done 10 years ago and it has been The best surgery! No more pain, no swelling, wonderful! I just had the right thumb done today. It feels good. Even tho I'm in a cast, only the thumb is immobilized. I can use the other fingers to pick up stuff or leverage items for my left hand. This surgery is like a miracle! I am a professional piano player and canceled my gigs for January but I think I'll be practicing by by mid January. I highly recommend this surgery. I had a great outcome on the left and can't wait to recover the right!

There are various operations offered for thumb osteoarthritis, some better than others.  Similarly different sugeons have different success rates.

I had my first hand down Nov 22, 2016 - 'Trapezium & Trapezoid Arthroplasty'. From my research incl talking with people who have had thumb surgery I am confident that this was the best option for me.  

Personally I will not consider keyhole procedures.  I found many disatisifed patients after keyhole carpel tunnel surgery, because, basically, the surgeon lacks adequate visibility of what is happening. CT surgery is nowhere near as complicated as thumb surgery.  I have had two CT's and one thumb surgery, and quite frankly have not found the "open cut" method painful or scarring.

In my case, surgery was a breeze.  A 'blocker' in the upper arm/shoulder area worked well.  From a practical point of view I could eat until 8:30 am, clear fluids until 11:30 am, then evening meal!  Recovery time was simply waiting an hour or so until normal feeling and use of arm/hand returned.  No general anaesthetic sickness etc.

Surgery generally takes around 45 -60 mins (in my case longer due to lengthy cleanup of extensive arthritis on various bones.

My surgeon (who is a hand surgeon only rather than the more common cosmetic surgeon) insists on a splint for one month.  Not all surgeons use splints, but firends who have had them seem to be more satisfied with the outcome than those who didn't.  The splint was an inconvenience, but I still had use of the fingers.  The thumb was basically imobilised - but with "wiggle" room.  I continued to (awkwardly) type, mow the lawn etc.

The splint came off on 20 Dec.  I have full movement of my hand and write and type nromally, Strength is limited but improving - pain is a good guide as to where the limit is.

On the subject of pain:  I have been blown away by the abscence of it!  I took panadeine forte for two or three days (mainly as a precaution), then panadeine occassionally for the rest of the week, and then just my usual osteo panadol.  A couple of times I've over done things with very painful reminders, but that's my own fault.

I see the sugeon late Jan (6 weeks after cast off) for a check before physio to regain strength.  I am very pleased with everything and intend having the other hand done asap.  My thinking is about 9 months between the two ops to give the first hand maximum recovery time first.

Please note that I am recording my experiences, supported by those of a number of other peoples'.  What has /hasn't worked for us may or may not be applicable for you.  IMHO I think it is worth paying a little extra and using a hand specialist. 

Kieta

 

I had thumb basal reconstruction surgery with tendon as a bone replacement 1 yr ago on right hand. I regret it everyday. Thumb does not bend, I can not cut my food, zip my pants, tie my shoes etc.. I had a mini typrope put in to see if it would help. It did not.. don't have unless you have no other choice. I'm only 57 yrs old and permanently disabled now.

I'm sorry this happened to you. Mine is very stiff as well and they assure me it will get better with time. I hope that for you as well. Surgery was a last resort for me, the pain was unbearable.

Gosh Teri042458!  that's a terrible result and a bit depressing.  However  I have to try and hope I am one of the one's the surgery works for.  There is no other choice.  The painkillers damage one's liver and I cannot risk that.  Can't live without the liver.  It's unfortunate it didnt work for you , I think the positive replies far outweigh the negatives so I'm going to go ahead.  Thanks so much for your reply.

Hi Kieta,

It's been awhile since I was online but thanks so much for your reply to my post.  You have helped with my decision.  I will have my left hand done on 11th March and my guy is a hand specialist so that is good.  I hope my result will be as good as yours.  No date for the right hand, I will see how this one goes.  Thanks again.  Can't imagine being able to use my hands without pain.  Cheers.

Thanks Michelle,

I am going ahead with surgery on 11th March and hopefully will be as satisfied as you are.  I just have to put up with the lengthy recovery.       Time passes whether we like it or not !   

Cheers.

Thanks  jack08604,

I am actually looking forward now to having some relief from this problem.  I just have to accept that recovery will take a while.  I have no patience with being dependent on others but I will just have to get over that.  Surgery booked for 11th March.  Hopefully I will be happy with the result.  

Kill O the Grange.      

 

Please post an update on your status, I am interested. 

My husband actually calls me "Patience" because I have none. LOL

I had the left hand done in Aug and the right in Dec. It has been a bit of convenience but having my life back a little more each day and pain-free for the most part. I am 9 weeks out and they cut my splint down this week to free up my wrist. I can see that a full recovery is going to take about a year. I look at it like weight loss. If I don't do something now...in a year I would still be fat...maybe more so. The pain was intense and I knew if I didn't just do it and get it handled it would be worse in a year and I could have been through it by then.

New short cast at 10 weeks

That is a nice cut down effort.  I am out of mine all together except for sleeping. Loads of exercises which are testing to say the least.  My left thumb is now knackered well and truly as it has had to do all the work, so I now have one improving and the other getting worse. So when do you get rid of the splint/cast altogether?

I am now 7 weeks out and have the removable splint that runs to my mid arm.  I can take it off when at home, or not using it at work (how glorious to take a shower without a bag).  still no lifting or grasping, but doing some stretching exercises on my own several times a day.  I go back to the surgeon in 5 weeks -  seems to get better every day.  I am using the arthritus cream from Germany after my exercises.  Agree with you Peter, my left thumb is battered and bruised.  I will have that one done in Sept.  Spring and summer time in Minnesota is very short, and I need to take advantage of the good weather while I can.  Although a very slow healing process,  I am confident that it will be worth it!  Good luck!

I am just a little behind you judith 98909. I will be 7 weeks out next Tuesday. Things have gone really well. I had the right thumb done several years ago and it was difficult, but this go round has been a little easier. I am still a little sore of course, but am pleased thus far. Good luck!

wonderful - good luck to you as well!