HealthBoards - View Single Post - going through the basal joint surgery process

dajo · 03-07-2011, 06:33 AM

I wasn't very good about updating so that's probably why you couldn't find any.

I was in the hard cast for about 4 weeks instead of the 5 that my dr. initially told me so that was good. I went for a bright yellow cast and then my 20 year old son drew red flames on it. It was quite the conversation piece! I continued exercising although the emphasis was on lower body.

Once out of the cast, I began therapy two times a week for about an hour each. Starting out, I had no strength in my left hand. I was instructed to do various exercises bringing my thumb toward my palm, trying to touch the other fingers, etc. The thing I liked most about the therapy sessions was the initial heat wrap and gentle massaging and then the follow up ice pack after the "workout".

After a few weeks, I was able to do the movements noted above so they started having me grip "tweezers", using them to pick up various objects. Finally, I moved on to a putty like substance in which they had placed 10 bb's. By using my left hand only, I had to manipulate the putty to remove each bb. My hand would be sore after doing that but it sure helped. I also picked up change and buttons with my left hand to improve dexterity.

At 3 months (I had my surgery May 1) I was still weak and wondering if it was going to get better. At 5 months post I felt much better. At 7 months, my thumb started aching and I was worried that something was wrong. My dr. said that this was normal and that it would stop hurting. 9 months, the hurting was gone and my strength was greatly improved. I should also note that in October I was riding my bike and fell forward, catching myself by placing both hands on the pavement and then rolling over. I thought, great! I just blew out the tendon! However, the dr. x-rayed the hand and all was just as it should be. whew!

Now, I'm almost 11 months out and I am able to grip, lift, pull, etc. without pain. I do notice some aches when the weather turns cool but, overall, I am happy with the result. I will be interested to see how your surgery goes. I know that it will go well. Just be patient with yourself.

Good luck!

03-07-2011, 06:33 AM	#6
dajo Junior Member (female) Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: orlando, fl Posts: 42	Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story I wasn't very good about updating so that's probably why you couldn't find any. I was in the hard cast for about 4 weeks instead of the 5 that my dr. initially told me so that was good. I went for a bright yellow cast and then my 20 year old son drew red flames on it. It was quite the conversation piece! I continued exercising although the emphasis was on lower body. Once out of the cast, I began therapy two times a week for about an hour each. Starting out, I had no strength in my left hand. I was instructed to do various exercises bringing my thumb toward my palm, trying to touch the other fingers, etc. The thing I liked most about the therapy sessions was the initial heat wrap and gentle massaging and then the follow up ice pack after the "workout". After a few weeks, I was able to do the movements noted above so they started having me grip "tweezers", using them to pick up various objects. Finally, I moved on to a putty like substance in which they had placed 10 bb's. By using my left hand only, I had to manipulate the putty to remove each bb. My hand would be sore after doing that but it sure helped. I also picked up change and buttons with my left hand to improve dexterity. At 3 months (I had my surgery May 1) I was still weak and wondering if it was going to get better. At 5 months post I felt much better. At 7 months, my thumb started aching and I was worried that something was wrong. My dr. said that this was normal and that it would stop hurting. 9 months, the hurting was gone and my strength was greatly improved. I should also note that in October I was riding my bike and fell forward, catching myself by placing both hands on the pavement and then rolling over. I thought, great! I just blew out the tendon! However, the dr. x-rayed the hand and all was just as it should be. whew! Now, I'm almost 11 months out and I am able to grip, lift, pull, etc. without pain. I do notice some aches when the weather turns cool but, overall, I am happy with the result. I will be interested to see how your surgery goes. I know that it will go well. Just be patient with yourself. Good luck!