Surgical options for wrist osteoarthritis
Posted , 3 users are following.
I have suffered hand/wrist pain for 14 months and have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. I am currently on 15 mg zomorph and oramorph when required. This is still under review to get the correct dose.
I am in extreme pain without medication, I can't grip or hold anything so much that I can't use a knife and fork! The movement in my hand isn't great however I can move it to some extent.
I am scheduled for surgery at the end of April. I have been advised that an osteotomy cannot be done due to the amount of damage to my hand and eventually I will need a full fusion. Can anyone let me know what procedure can be done that will remove pain without loosing movement in my hand?
Kind regards
Ashley
1 like, 5 replies
caringbah a32139
Posted
Hi a32, I was going to wait a few days befor I posted this. I have severe osteo arthritis of both thumb joints. I need painkillers to get by....I have had partial relief through the use of a topical cream which doesn't work for everyone but it works for me.
However, I have discovered something else which is very promising. I have had two full days without pain killers which I have NEVER had before. I wanted to wait at least 5 days painfree before posting, but when I saw your post I thought I would reply.
Its beef gelatin....you need the grass fed variety. If you Google it you'll find a ton of info. Here is an incomplete list of reported benefits.
Gut Health....beneficial for IBS, leaky bowel syndrome etc.
Joint repair for osteo...I took the gelatin for four days before the benefits kicked in....two days pain free so far....will report again after 5 days.
Sleep Aid...I take a tablespoon each night in hot water with Tea. Knocks me out in twenty minutes.
Kills appetite...makes you feel full. I'm trying to lose weight...aren't we all..so this is a plus.
Anti Estrogenic. Too much estrogen is bad for women AND men. Supposed to promote hormonal balance.
Thats just a few, but I have had minimal arthritis pain in my hands for two days. Early days.
wknight a32139
Posted
I have had 2 finger joint replacements and just under gone another procedure, they are all to stop pain which I think is priceless. The key is how much physio you are prepared to do, to get things moving.
In my experience joint replacement costs me movement, although I didn't have much before the surgery. BUT what I am is PAIN FREE and to me that is priceless and worth giving up a bit of movement.
The problem with waiting too long for surgery is that you can reduce your options and if you wait too long then the only option is fusion. Don't wait get it sorted now.
a32139 wknight
Posted
Hi, thanks for your reply. I'm due to see the surgeon at the end of march ri discuss the procedure. Pain has caused me not only physical but mental problems and I think I am coming round to the idea. I can't wait to be pain free and not taking morphine to get through the day. My worry about having a fusion is that I may not be able to drive? I agree with you, the longer it takes for surgery, the less options I have.
Cheers
wknight a32139
Posted
Of course you can drive. There are people with no hands who drive. I wouldn't worry about that
a32139 wknight
Posted
Hi, thanks for the reassurance. I've been panicking about how it will affect me. I know it may take a few months to fully recover but wasn't sure about what I would be restricted.
Ashley
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