Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by gingertea
Wow, I haven't signed in for a few days so I've missed a lot of posts!
First of all Happy Belated Birthday, Janet! Hope you had a great day. Glad to hear you are thinking of getting a second opinion on your hand. Let us know what you find out. Did you by any chance, get tested for carpal tunnel before your basal joint surgery? While reading about the two surgeries combined, I noticed many sites saying the two often go together and if you don't get both taken care of neither will work well. Just a side note regarding your walking routine....do you wear a sling? Under normal circumstances blood rushes to your fingers while walking. That causes swelling and swelling causes pain. I wear a sling when I walk to keep my hand elevated. I'm 3 1/2 months post surgery and I still have swelling in my fingers every day. I can't get my wedding rings on yet. I 'milk' my fingers about 2 times a day. Using lotion, I massage my fingers from tip to hand, then massage the hand up to the wrist and the wrist to the elbow. It redistributes the blood through out the area so it doesn't pool in your fingers. It's part of the routine my PT has me on. I'm also doing wall push ups to strengthen my wrists along with the usual fingers exercises and squeezing a small ball for strength. I can do all the exercises with no problem, but I still feel my hand is pretty useless. My triumph today was getting the key into the front door and turning the knob to get it open.
As I remember, I was not to do any exercises except wiggle my fingers until I was out of the brace that came after the hard cast. That was 2 1/2 months post surgery and at the same time I started PT.
At my 3 month visit, I was told by the PA that this is a serious surgery and can be compared to knee surgery as far as healing time. It would have been nice if they had mentioned that at the beginning.....I was thinking 3 months and done! I get so frustrated that I can't make my hand do what I want it to. I was playing with my grandson, working on a cut and tape project and
having a really hard time with coordination. I don't have much pain, just areas of numbness. The scar sites are sensitive. The thumb scar is tender to the touch but the desensitive exercise is helping. The carpal tunnel scar has swelling on both sides but the massaging is reducing that.
I guess it will just take time to get my coordination back. My right hand needs to be done, and I have to decide when to do that. I picked up a half gallon of milk with it the other day and it slid right through my grip and onto the floor. At least it was still sealed, and the carton didn't burst open on impact!
As they say, 'this too will pass'. I say thank goodness for PT.
Hi Gingertea,
Sounds like you're making progress. I love reading your posts. I can so relate!! Well, I don't have carpel tunnel as I've had X-rays before during and after surgery. I've been seeing this DR for years for shots for the pain. I'm making progress however. I still can't golf but I'm walking and putting. I'm still swollen but wear the black type splint (forgot what they call it), for golf and walking. I do swell after walking and use ice when I get home. I still can't get some rings on that hand. I really don't wear much jewelry anymore cause I can't clasp yet. I've been using weights and other strengthening manipulatives and slowly and I mean slowly I see a difference. Today I washed the mattress cover and bedding and was able to get it on by myself. That is huge. I still can't lift heavy things with my right hand but I'm very good now with my left. I still have some pain in my thumb and the palm where the scar is but it is better. I'm not sure if I'm just getting used to the pain or if it's just improving some days.
But we'll make it!! I think the older I get the harder this stuff is. Have a great day!
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Ginger, sounds like you are moving right along. Keep up the good work. I understand how you would like to be back to normal by now. I've always had a hard time being patient but his surgery is a good lesson for me. You'll get there. I think the idea that you've expressed previously about waiting to have your other hand done is a good one but will wait until I get several of the other surgeries out of the way first.
Janet, hang in there. Sounds like your hand is getting better. I hope your hand continues to improve. It's just too bad that it is taking more time. If you don't feel like you are progressing much I hope you will think about a specialist who specializes in difficult cases. It can't hurt to get another perspective. I sure can relate to how hard it seems to get as we get older.
I got my cast off yesterday. Whoopie!! My thumb is quite stiff, sore and swollen but it isn't bad. I was surprised how weak my wrist is. I have a thumb splint to wear for a month but can take it off periodically throughout the day. The doc gave me four simple exercises to do several times a day and he said I can swim carefully. I'm going to buy another splint to wear in the pool. My scar is minimal and does 't bother me to rub the lotion on it. All-in-all, I feel pretty good about it at this point. See the doc in another monh and then will have PT.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Hi Ladies! Hope all is as well as can be with your recoveries!
Janet, I'm sorry to hear your surgery is not healing properly. I don't know how you've managed all these months without using ibuprofen or tylenol. I can't even get my coffee before the first 2 ibuprofen go down!
I agree with you ladies.....the doctor talked like 3 months was the magic number and then your hand and thumb would return to normal. HAH! I liken it to a male doctor writing a book about menopause. How the heck can they write about something they'll never experience?!
My PT has been most helpful. He explains the internal workings of the hand so I understand why the pain and stiffness occur and how to exercise that area for pain relief and recovery. He uses ultrasound and TENS therapy and ends it up with a hand massage.
I had some strength & flexibility tests today and the PT will fax the results to my surgeon so he has them for my 16 week post-op appt on Thursday. I'm curious what the surgeon will have to say about operating on my right (dominant) hand. It is worse than the left hand was and is deteriorating quickly with all the strain on it.
My best to all of you! Haydena, are you counting the days until the arrival of your grandbaby? Do you live close to them? My 4th is due August 15.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by gingertea
Hi Ladies! Hope all is as well as can be with your recoveries!
Janet, I'm sorry to hear your surgery is not healing properly. I don't know how you've managed all these months without using ibuprofen or tylenol. I can't even get my coffee before the first 2 ibuprofen go down!
I agree with you ladies.....the doctor talked like 3 months was the magic number and then your hand and thumb would return to normal. HAH! I liken it to a male doctor writing a book about menopause. How the heck can they write about something they'll never experience?!
My PT has been most helpful. He explains the internal workings of the hand so I understand why the pain and stiffness occur and how to exercise that area for pain relief and recovery. He uses ultrasound and TENS therapy and ends it up with a hand massage.
I had some strength & flexibility tests today and the PT will fax the results to my surgeon so he has them for my 16 week post-op appt on Thursday. I'm curious what the surgeon will have to say about operating on my right (dominant) hand. It is worse than the left hand was and is deteriorating quickly with all the strain on it.
My best to all of you! Haydena, are you counting the days until the arrival of your grandbaby? Do you live close to them? My 4th is due August 15.
Ginger, hi,
I hope you will be able to have surgery on your dominant hand real soon.
Good to know that your left hand is healing & you're one the right road of recovery.
My daughter lives a 15 minute drive from me & yes we are all counting the days until mid-July when the new addition to our family makes her entrance into our world.
Wonderful that you too have something so exciting to look forward to.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Hello Ladies!
Hope you are all having a comfortable day!
Arthritis Pain, soft fleece is a good idea. I had just told thumbsup that I used several mini-pads adhered together under the brace I had to wear. Mine was the gauntlet type with the thumb spica so the pads were hidden under it. I was also told to use the ibuprofen/tylenol combination.
I had my four month appointment with my surgeon on Thursday. He was very pleased with the report from the PT and the condition of my hand. My strength is at 60% and my flexibility is at 75%. He checked out my dominant hand, and he looked at the x-rays and the report in my file. It is time to have the surgery done. He will combine the LRTI with the carpal tunnel again.
We set the date for July 18 and in the meantime he wants me to continue to see the PT twice a week for my left land. We want to be sure it is in the best possible condition. In the meantime I will also try to become adept at using my left hand for everyday necessities.
CSidney, your surgeon sounds heartless and I would check into the education of the PT. Is she a certified PT or a wanna be? Every visit my PT starts with an ultrasound in warm water. Then I get at least 15 minutes on the electrotherapy machine with my hand wrapped in heat. The last part of the visit I get my hand massaged. While he massages he explains why he is working on a certain area. The top of your hand has several small bones and they need to be manipulated so they don't freeze up from being confined so long. Both the surgeon and the PT said the scar area can be painful because of the web of nerves they cut. I don't know why she would tell you your pain is not from surgery! She's an idiot!
While I am not looking forward to another surgery, at least I will know what to expect. I asked the PT if there was anything I could do before PT to speed up the process and he said NO, just make sure the cast doesn't hinder movement of the fingers.
I am going to invest in one of the molded pillows that keeps your hand elevated this time, mostly to use while I sleep. Swelling was and still is the biggest problem for me.
I'll be back! I'll probably be asking why I was dumb enough to go through it again!
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by gingertea
Hello Ladies!
Hope you are all having a comfortable day!
Arthritis Pain, soft fleece is a good idea. I had just told thumbsup that I used several mini-pads adhered together under the brace I had to wear. Mine was the gauntlet type with the thumb spica so the pads were hidden under it. I was also told to use the ibuprofen/tylenol combination.
I had my four month appointment with my surgeon on Thursday. He was very pleased with the report from the PT and the condition of my hand. My strength is at 60% and my flexibility is at 75%. He checked out my dominant hand, and he looked at the x-rays and the report in my file. It is time to have the surgery done. He will combine the LRTI with the carpal tunnel again.
We set the date for July 18 and in the meantime he wants me to continue to see the PT twice a week for my left land. We want to be sure it is in the best possible condition. In the meantime I will also try to become adept at using my left hand for everyday necessities.
CSidney, your surgeon sounds heartless and I would check into the education of the PT. Is she a certified PT or a wanna be? Every visit my PT starts with an ultrasound in warm water. Then I get at least 15 minutes on the electrotherapy machine with my hand wrapped in heat. The last part of the visit I get my hand massaged. While he massages he explains why he is working on a certain area. The top of your hand has several small bones and they need to be manipulated so they don't freeze up from being confined so long. Both the surgeon and the PT said the scar area can be painful because of the web of nerves they cut. I don't know why she would tell you your pain is not from surgery! She's an idiot!
While I am not looking forward to another surgery, at least I will know what to expect. I asked the PT if there was anything I could do before PT to speed up the process and he said NO, just make sure the cast doesn't hinder movement of the fingers.
I am going to invest in one of the molded pillows that keeps your hand elevated this time, mostly to use while I sleep. Swelling was and still is the biggest problem for me.
I'll be back! I'll probably be asking why I was dumb enough to go through it again!
Have a great weekend......
Glad you seem to be coming along pretty well with your hand. I had carpel tunnel surgery several years ago and it wasn't bad at all. You will probably get most of the pain from the thumb portion of your surgery.
At the beginning of this thread I read how a lady had pinned two double bed pillow together and put rolled up towels inside them to keep her hand elevated. I used that method and also slept with my hand propped up inside the pillows at night and it worked great, and I saved the cost of the molded pillows.
You'll be surprised how fast your left hand will adapt. I sure was, and I need to have my left hand done one of these days too.
I am 6 days out from cmc joint surgery and carpal tunnel surgery on my dominant right hand. Had same surgery on left hand 2/15/12. I can't believe the same surgery was done on both hands. I know it's still early in the game, but my right hand after 6 days, feels better than my left after 4 1/2 months! Time will tell, but I feel very fortunate so far!
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArthritisPain
Glad you seem to be coming along pretty well with your hand. I had carpel tunnel surgery several years ago and it wasn't bad at all. You will probably get most of the pain from the thumb portion of your surgery.
At the beginning of this thread I read how a lady had pinned two double bed pillow together and put rolled up towels inside them to keep her hand elevated. I used that method and also slept with my hand propped up inside the pillows at night and it worked great, and I saved the cost of the molded pillows.
You'll be surprised how fast your left hand will adapt. I sure was, and I need to have my left hand done one of these days too.
Good Luck with your next surgery!
Hi Ginger,
Wow so happy you're doing your second surgery so quickly after the left hand. Sounds like you learned some good comfort ideas since the first surgery. Hope you keep improving!
I still am not that great. I've had two cortisone shots in my thumb in one month. They work for a short time. My Dr last week took more X-rays and said the arthritis in the other joints in my thumb along with the sesamoid bones are deteriorating and are rubbing on the tendons. I'm really at my wits end. The pain isn't that bad but I can't lift or pinch and my strength is minimal. I am going for another opinion as my Dr now says to do surgery and remove the sesamoids. I thought he was the best surgeon in town but now have my doubts. It's been 8 months for me!!!
Take care and rest. Happy 4th of July. I have 2 of my kids here and 3 grandkids so I'm happy!! LOL
Janet
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet20
Hi Ginger,
Wow so happy you're doing your second surgery so quickly after the left hand. Sounds like you learned some good comfort ideas since the first surgery. Hope you keep improving!
I still am not that great. I've had two cortisone shots in my thumb in one month. They work for a short time. My Dr last week took more X-rays and said the arthritis in the other joints in my thumb along with the sesamoid bones are deteriorating and are rubbing on the tendons. I'm really at my wits end. The pain isn't that bad but I can't lift or pinch and my strength is minimal. I am going for another opinion as my Dr now says to do surgery and remove the sesamoids. I thought he was the best surgeon in town but now have my doubts. It's been 8 months for me!!!
Take care and rest. Happy 4th of July. I have 2 of my kids here and 3 grandkids so I'm happy!! LOL
Janet
Hi Janet,
Good to hear from you again! I'm sorry your hand has not improved much. I'm beginning to realize my left hand isn't so great either. There is a tremendous difference between the 2 surgeries I've had for the same problem. My right hand feels so much better than my left ever did. I can do things with my right hand after 7 days that I still can't accomplish with my left after 4 months! (like pinching and strength) I see my surgeon next week and get a new cast put on. I'm going to ask about the difference....it seems strange to me.
I sure wouldn't want another surgery on my hand unless they know for sure what the problem is. All your diagnoses have been different...they could be doing surgery after surgery before they finally realize what the heck is wrong!
We are taking it easy today, no kids or grandkids. I don't think I'm ready for all that commotion! Even with the low dose of pain meds I'm taking, I still drift in and out during the day.
Enjoy your holiday! Keep me up to date on your hand....I think I may be heading down the same path. I didn't realize how bad my left hand was, until I noticed how good my right hand is, in such a short time.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by gingertea
Hi Janet,
Good to hear from you again! I'm sorry your hand has not improved much. I'm beginning to realize my left hand isn't so great either. There is a tremendous difference between the 2 surgeries I've had for the same problem. My right hand feels so much better than my left ever did. I can do things with my right hand after 7 days that I still can't accomplish with my left after 4 months! (like pinching and strength) I see my surgeon next week and get a new cast put on. I'm going to ask about the difference....it seems strange to me.
I sure wouldn't want another surgery on my hand unless they know for sure what the problem is. All your diagnoses have been different...they could be doing surgery after surgery before they finally realize what the heck is wrong!
We are taking it easy today, no kids or grandkids. I don't think I'm ready for all that commotion! Even with the low dose of pain meds I'm taking, I still drift in and out during the day.
Enjoy your holiday! Keep me up to date on your hand....I think I may be heading down the same path. I didn't realize how bad my left hand was, until I noticed how good my right hand is, in such a short time.
Happy healing!
Hi Ginger,
Great to hear that you have had your 2nd surgery & that you are revovering so well. Its best not to move your hand at all & allow it to heal.
Sorry I did not reply to you sooner, I had problems logging in here.
Rest & take good care.
Haydena.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet20
Hi Ginger,
Wow so happy you're doing your second surgery so quickly after the left hand. Sounds like you learned some good comfort ideas since the first surgery. Hope you keep improving!
I still am not that great. I've had two cortisone shots in my thumb in one month. They work for a short time. My Dr last week took more X-rays and said the arthritis in the other joints in my thumb along with the sesamoid bones are deteriorating and are rubbing on the tendons. I'm really at my wits end. The pain isn't that bad but I can't lift or pinch and my strength is minimal. I am going for another opinion as my Dr now says to do surgery and remove the sesamoids. I thought he was the best surgeon in town but now have my doubts. It's been 8 months for me!!!
Take care and rest. Happy 4th of July. I have 2 of my kids here and 3 grandkids so I'm happy!! LOL
Janet
Hi Janet,
I also have my doubts about your surgeon! When he operated on your hand howcome he didnt see that you had arthritis in the other joints??
You have made the right decision to see another doctor & I wish you good luck.
Please let us know what he will tell you.
Hang in there Janet.
Haydena
