I am having a Trapeziectomy on my right thumb this coming week. When I spoke with the surgeon he said he used Percocet 5/500 for the pain but his nurse phoned in Norco 5/325. Isn't Percocet stronger? Will the Norce be strong enough for the first few days or do you think I should discuss this with my surgeon at the surgery center prior to surgery? I tried to speak with him this week but the nurse just said everything will be fine. I don't want to take anything stronger than I need but I don't want to hurt unnecessarily either.
I really would appreciate it if those of you who have undergone this surgery would share with me what you were given for pain.
I am having a Trapeziectomy on my right thumb this coming week. When I spoke with the surgeon he said he used Percocet 5/500 for the pain but his nurse phoned in Norco 5/325. Isn't Percocet stronger? Will the Norce be strong enough for the first few days or do you think I should discuss this with my surgeon at the surgery center prior to surgery? I tried to speak with him this week but the nurse just said everything will be fine. I don't want to take anything stronger than I need but I don't want to hurt unnecessarily either.
I really would appreciate it if those of you who have undergone this surgery would share with me what you were given for pain.
Thanks!
Hi, I'm assuming you have aleady had your surgery. I had my surgery
2/15/2012. I had two types of pain meds and neither of them could be called in by the nurse or doctor. My husband had to physically take the prescriptions to the pharmacist to have it filled because of the strength of the prescription. I don't know if different states have different laws on what drugs can be phoned in and what drugs have to be presented in person. I wish I could remember the name. I took the first prescription till it ran out, but I didn't need the step down prescription. After the first week regular ibuprofen worked just fine. There is a post with over 300 entries regarding this surgery on the arthritis board. It's called 'basal joint surgery, my story'. It has a wealth of information....much more than you get from your surgeon or any website. The people writing in have actually had the surgery and you can get a lot of questions answered. I hope you are doing well, it's not the easiest surgery to deal with!
__________________
Ginger Tea
The Following User Says Thank You to gingertea For This Useful Post: ArthritisPain (04-21-2012)
Thanks! I will go read all the posts. My surgery is this coming Monday, it was postponed for a week. I spoke with the surgeon's nurse and she is sending him an email. She told me to remind him before I go into surgery about the pain meds as he must write a hard copy that has to be taken to the pharmacy, as you mentioned.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
I am having a Trapeziectomy on my right thumb Monday. I've been reading the posts and they have been so helpful. WendyRay's advice about making a hand elevator with pillows was great. Hubby read it and put it together while I was reading the posts that Ginger recommended. Thanks Ginger! I'm going to order the Traumell cream, have plenty of reading materal, loose blouses and made several casseroles. I think I am ready and not too nervous yet. Guess that will come tomorrow.
I am having my dominant hand done, then in 4 mos. after the surgeon releases me I am having the first of two knee replacements. After I get through those I need both shoulders replaced and then will go back and have the left thumb taken care of. I have severe, bone-on-bone arthritis and already experience pain daily. Sometimes I feel totally overwhelmed but am trying to take life one day at a time. But hope down the road I will emerge from all the surgeries pain free.
It seems that everyone here has had physical therapy. My surgeon says he doesn't send patients to PT unless they ask; he provides a list of exercises. I know I don't have to worry about PT at this point but I'm thinking I should keep it in mind to ask for when my hand is ready.
It's great to be here and read all the shared experiences.
Lyn
Last edited by ArthritisPain; 04-21-2012 at 04:39 PM.
The following user gives a hug of support to ArthritisPain: Janet20 (04-22-2012)
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArthritisPain
I am having a Trapeziectomy on my right thumb Monday. I've been reading the posts and they have been so helpful. WendyRay's advice about making a hand elevator with pillows was great. Hubby read it and put it together while I was reading the posts that Ginger recommended. Thanks Ginger! I'm going to order the Traumell cream, have plenty of reading materal, loose blouses and made several casseroles. I think I am ready and not too nervous yet. Guess that will come tomorrow.
I am having my dominant hand done, then in 4 mos. after the surgeon releases me I am having the first of two knee replacements. After I get through those I need both shoulders replaced and then will go back and have the left thumb taken care of. I have severe, bone-on-bone arthritis and already experience pain daily. Sometimes I feel totally overwhelmed but am trying to take life one day at a time. But hope down the road I will emerge from all the surgeries pain free.
It seems that everyone here has had physical therapy. My surgeon says he doesn't send patients to PT unless they ask; he provides a list of exercises. I know I don't have to worry about PT at this point but I'm thinking I should keep it in mind to ask for when my hand is ready.
It's great to be here and read all the shared experiences.
Lyn
Hi Lyn,
You also need to buy 2 ice packs. Keep one in the freezer whilst using the 2nd one. The pack helps reduce the swelling & pain. Ice & later Traumeel saved me.
It was at my suggestion that the ladies here buy Traumeel, so I take credit in that!!
Yes, you sure will need to be seen by a physiotherapist when the time comes & I advise you to ask for this service. Reading from a sheet of exercises is not the same as being taught by a physiotherapist sitting next to you.
You need to have your arm raised at all times above your heart as this enables the blood to run back to your heart.
You also should sleep with you arm raised above your heart.
Dont forget to drink as much water as you can so you flush the toxins of the anaestetic (pardon my spelling) out of your system.
I wish you the very best of luck for your surgery on Monday. Please return to tell us how you are doing as soon as you can.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Hi Haydena,
I've copied a number of your suggestions. You have been such a wonderfully helpful member and an inspiration to all on this thread. I should have thanked you for your suggestions in my first post. I will go out tomorrow and get the ice bags and will remember to drink a lot of water.
I am definitely going to ask for PT - thanks!
Thanks,
Lyn
Last edited by ArthritisPain; 04-21-2012 at 07:04 PM.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArthritisPain
Hi Haydena,
I've copied a number of your suggestions. You have been such a wonderfully helpful member and an inspiration to all on this thread. I should have thanked you for your suggestions in my first post. I will go out tomorrow and get the ice bags and will remember to drink a lot of water.
I am definitely going to ask for PT - thanks!
Thanks,
Lyn
Hi Lyn,
Thanks for your kind words.
You need to buy ice packs, not ice bags. Ice packs contain a special blue liquid that can either be heated in the microwave or iced in the freezer.
Ice bags are to make small pieces of ice for drinks.
Good luck for your surgery.
Haydena.
The Following User Says Thank You to Haydena For This Useful Post: ArthritisPain (04-22-2012)
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
HI Haydena, Thanks!
I got a couple bags of ice and large bags of peas. Ordered the cream, packed a pillow in the car, laid out loose clothing and slip-on shoes since I have to be at the surgery center at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. Now all I have to do is silence the horde of butterflies that have taken up residence in my stomach.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Haydena, Thanks!
I've got a good case of nerves this evening but I've got everything I need and put a pillow in the car for the morning. Surgery is at 9:15 a.m. tomorrow.
Will report back afterward.
Lyn
The following user gives a hug of support to ArthritisPain: Janet20 (04-23-2012)
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArthritisPain
Haydena, Thanks!
I've got a good case of nerves this evening but I've got everything I need and put a pillow in the car for the morning. Surgery is at 9:15 a.m. tomorrow.
Will report back afterward.
Lyn
Hi Lyn,
Because of the time difference between us I only read this after your surgery!
You are going to be fine. Its quite normal to be nervous before any surgery.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Hi Lyn,
Been thinking good thoughts for you this morning.....you are probably in surgery right now! Don't forget to take your pain pills on a regular schedule whether you think you need them or not. I had a nerve block administered during surgery that kept my arm numb for a day. I didn't take a pain pill until I felt my hand coming back to life......too late. Have to start before you feel any pain or it's a game of catch-up!
Let us hear from you when you feel like being at the computer.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Hi Lyn,
Hope the surgery went well. We're all rooting for you. Yes, take the pain pills in the beginning and keep the ice on it an and elevate your arm. Our thoughts are with you!!
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArthritisPain
HI Haydena, Thanks!
I got a couple bags of ice and large bags of peas. Ordered the cream, packed a pillow in the car, laid out loose clothing and slip-on shoes since I have to be at the surgery center at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. Now all I have to do is silence the horde of butterflies that have taken up residence in my stomach.
Lyn.
Hi again Lyn,
I got confused & thought your surgery was today, Monday. I see now it will take place on Tuesday. Sorry about that.
You have prepared yourself very well indeed. I hope you have the plastic arm cover which you will need when you shower. If not then simply wrap a large
plastic bag over your arm & hold it up high whilst you shower.(This is not ideal,but it will be sufficient for your first shower.) Sorry I realize now I forgot to tell you to buy this.If you dont have the arm cover, ask someone to buy it for you as you will really need it. Also for the left hand when you have that ''fixed.''
You may also need to buy a sling to keep your arm raised. Ask your surgeon about this.
You are not having major surgery & from what I have read on the internet you wont be staying overnight in hospital. As soon as you wake up take the pain meds & keep taking them at the appropriate times.
When you have pain use your ice pack. Remember to keep your arm raised at all times.
Its not as bad as you think & you will be pleased with the outcome.
I am rooting for you & wishing you the best of luck.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
i has surgery last Tuesday. i see the doc tomorrio to get a cast. I am sore but 2 tylenol helps. I am having walking and with me knee and shoulder problems can get up the stairs. I feel really down about that. the riight. I having trouble typing o will stop for now
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArthritisPain
i has surgery last Tuesday. i see the doc tomorrio to get a cast. I am sore but 2 tylenol helps. I am having walking and with me knee and shoulder problems can get up the stairs. I feel really down about that. the riight. I having trouble typing o will stop for now
Hi Lyn,
Good to hear from you & I appreciate the effort you took in typing your last post knowing how difficult it was for you.
Also good to know your surgery is over & that you return tomorrow for your cast.
When you have pain remember to use the ice pack as it will help with the throbbing & swelling. You can take the pain killers every 4 hours.
Let us know how you are doing when you are able to.
Speedy healing to you Lyn.
Haydena.
The Following User Says Thank You to Haydena For This Useful Post: ArthritisPain (05-03-2012)
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArthritisPain
i has surgery last Tuesday. i see the doc tomorrio to get a cast. I am sore but 2 tylenol helps. I am having walking and with me knee and shoulder problems can get up the stairs. I feel really down about that. the riight. I having trouble typing o will stop for now
Hi LYN,
I'm glad your surgery is behind you and you are getting the cast. Just relax during this time with the cast on. Not much you can do. Once the cast is off, you'll have exercises. You'll improve each day. Thanks for letting us know how you're doing.
Janet
The Following User Says Thank You to Janet20 For This Useful Post: ArthritisPain (05-03-2012)
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArthritisPain
i has surgery last Tuesday. i see the doc tomorrio to get a cast. I am sore but 2 tylenol helps. I am having walking and with me knee and shoulder problems can get up the stairs. I feel really down about that. the riight. I having trouble typing o will stop for now
Hi Lyn, It's good to hear from you. I'm sorry you are feeling poorly, and can certainly sympathize. Hopefully every day will get a little bit easier. It's normal to be feeling down, but it's probably more so for you since you are facing more surgery. Take it easy and let yourself be pampered by others. Sending good wishes and fast healing thoughts to you!
__________________
Ginger Tea
The Following User Says Thank You to gingertea For This Useful Post: ArthritisPain (05-03-2012)
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Thanks janet, ginger and Haydena. I sure appreciate the encouraging words. The cast was put on yesterday and the man really squeezed my hand to mold the fiber glass - ouch! But now I have pretty purple cast with orange barber pole stripes. I'm having some swelling so am keeping my arm raised with ice. The knee surgeon moved my appointmrnt out two weeks but that will give my hand a couple extra weeks to heal. The hsnd doc warned that it will br painful using the walker after knee surgery. I do not type so well with my left hand so will say thanks for listening.
Last edited by ArthritisPain; 05-03-2012 at 01:42 PM.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArthritisPain
Thanks janet, ginger and Haydena. I sure appreciate the encouraging words. The cast was put on yesterday and the man really squeezed my hand to mold the fiber glass - ouch! But now I have pretty purple cast with orange barber pole stripes. I'm having some swelling so am keeping my arm raised with ice. The knee surgeon moved my appointmrnt out two weeks but that will give my hand a couple extra weeks to heal. The hsnd doc warned that it will br painful using the walker after knee surgery. I do not type so well with my left hand so will say thanks for listening.
Hi Lyn,
Good to hear from you again. Your purple cast sounds divine!!
Great thinking to give your hand more time to heal before your knee surgery.
I was able to fully use my (left) hand 2 months after my surgery. I still marvel at my speedy recovery.
Wont you be able to just use your left hand for the walker after your knee surgery?
Bravo to you for keeping your arm raised as this will keep the swelling down. Icing it is the best you can do.
Wishing you painless days of speedy healing & full recovery.
