Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Thanks for this post. You are right on the pain in my other fingers. I had some of that pre surgery and I do have arthritis in the other fingers. I'm probably where you are then. I'm going to get arnica cream. I use heat on my wrist all the time and it does help. I'm allergic to most pain killers except Tylenol and I stopped taking it as my liver counts were up in January. I took a lot the past 4 years. Thanks for talking me through this. I'm not ready yet for my other hand. It'll have to be really painful before I do this again! Take care.
Janet
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet20
Hi Haydena,
My daughter sent me Traumeel cream after I told her what you suggested. It has arnica in it. I do use it but maybe I should have gotten the real Arnica cream. I'm anxious now to see my Dr when I get home April 1st. Thank you for all the help on this board. It was helpful.
Janet
Hi Janet,
Traumeel is the BEST, I use it & used it on my thumb & wrist. I did'nt know you could but it in the US thats why I told you to get Arnica instead. Traumeel contains the most amount of Arnica that I know,so do use it at least 3-4 times a day.
My physio told me to place my entire hand in a bowel of hot water 3 times a day & do gentle hand & wrist movements. This helps ease the stiffness & tension.
Your pinkie could be hurting you from when you had the cast on just like my pointer finger was very sensitive.
The numbness you & Adkalady are feeling now does subside. Trust me, it really does. It just may take a bit longer for some. Dont worry about that.
Try your hardest to do your hand movements twice a day, it will help you.
Let us know please how you are doing & what your doctor tells you on 1st April. I may not answer you straight away as I will be away then for 1 week.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Haydena
Hi Janet,
Traumeel is the BEST, I use it & used it on my thumb & wrist. I did'nt know you could but it in the US thats why I told you to get Arnica instead. Traumeel contains the most amount of Arnica that I know,so do use it at least 3-4 times a day.
My physio told me to place my entire hand in a bowel of hot water 3 times a day & do gentle hand & wrist movements. This helps ease the stiffness & tension.
Your pinkie could be hurting you from when you had the cast on just like my pointer finger was very sensitive.
The numbness you & Adkalady are feeling now does subside. Trust me, it really does. It just may take a bit longer for some. Dont worry about that.
Try your hardest to do your hand movements twice a day, it will help you.
Let us know please how you are doing & what your doctor tells you on 1st April. I may not answer you straight away as I will be away then for 1 week.
I wish you continued healing.
Haydena.
Thanks so much Haydena. I can't tell you how much it means to have people who understand. Thanks again.
Janet
The following user gives a hug of support to Janet20: Haydena (03-11-2012)
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet20
Thanks so much Haydena. I can't tell you how much it means to have people who understand. Thanks again.
Janet
You are welcome Janet.
I am pleased to be able to be of help to you & do feel free to come here & ask about anything concerning your hand surgery, recovery etc. Because I have been through the same surgery or very much like it, I understand exactly what you are going through.
I also received loads of support from quiet a few members on this thread who helped & encouraged me so much that I am indebted to them.
In a few months you are going be be ''right as rain'' (a British expression) so
please try to keep your chin up.
Hugs,
Haydena.
The following user gives a hug of support to Haydena: Janet20 (03-11-2012)
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
I really shouldn't complain cause I've got a great husband. We've been married almost 44yrs!! He just golfs everyday!! We live on a course. But I leave notes with xxoo on the bottom with all the honey "dos". I do feel badly for women alone. This has been hard.
I did better at PT today. I do like the ultrasound. I'm doing desensitization exercises now. Something new each day!!
Thanks- Janet
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet20
I really shouldn't complain cause I've got a great husband. We've been married almost 44yrs!! He just golfs everyday!! We live on a course. But I leave notes with xxoo on the bottom with all the honey "dos". I do feel badly for women alone. This has been hard.
I did better at PT today. I do like the ultrasound. I'm doing desensitization exercises now. Something new each day!!
Thanks- Janet
What are desensitization exercises? I could sure use some today. I haven't ached as bad as I do today in weeks. I'm taking ibuprofen every 4 hours. Even tho the PT seemed gentle, it sure woke something up in my hand. I can barely do the simple exercises my hand is so stiff & swollen.
I ordered the Traumeel cream today. I was looking on-line for a lightweight brace for my hand. (The doctors PA said I should wean off the brace into something lighter.) I found a glove that crafters with arthritis use. The reviews were great, so I ordered one of those too.
Janet, your husband must be retired? My husband is in 'getting ready to retire' phase. We live on a lake, and he loves to fish! If fishing season were open I know that is where he'd be! He'd stay home from work to help, but I couldn't keep him from the dock or the boat! Priorities, you know.
Well, I'm going to soak my arm in a hot bath....I've been thinking about it all day.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Hi Ginger,
First, yes we are both retired. My husband does consult but does a lot of that from home on his computer. He volunteers a lot too. We live in a planned community and he's held every office. That is all good and he did put me first like I said for the first few months. But now that I'm doing almost everything, he feels his freedom again. Some of my kids and grandkids are on their way now. My son, wife and baby will stay the weekend and the two older kids the whole week. So I won't be resting as much as I should!
Second, desensitization was totally new to me as well. I'm having pain in the scar and fatty part of my hand plus the wrist is still stiff. The exercises help to decrease the hypersensitivity of the nerve endings in my hand and scar. I have to use various textures starting with soft cotton and rub the scar/area with it for 5 min 4 times a day. It's annoying at first then feels better. Or I can use rice in a bowl and swirl my hand in it.When it no longer feels abnormal, I have to progress to other fabrics etc. like flannel, terry cloth, etc. I know it sounds weird but seems to work. I'm willing to try anything at this point!! I have to gear up now to hold my one year old grandson and play with him today. Can't wait!
Janet
What you're feeling is so normal. I had all of the feelings and pain you have. You are just beginning so just do what they say. It does get better. I can't believe how far I've come. I just am longing to be 100%
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet20
Hi Ginger,
First, yes we are both retired. My husband does consult but does a lot of that from home on his computer. He volunteers a lot too. We live in a planned community and he's held every office. That is all good and he did put me first like I said for the first few months. But now that I'm doing almost everything, he feels his freedom again. Some of my kids and grandkids are on their way now. My son, wife and baby will stay the weekend and the two older kids the whole week. So I won't be resting as much as I should!
Second, desensitization was totally new to me as well. I'm having pain in the scar and fatty part of my hand plus the wrist is still stiff. The exercises help to decrease the hypersensitivity of the nerve endings in my hand and scar. I have to use various textures starting with soft cotton and rub the scar/area with it for 5 min 4 times a day. It's annoying at first then feels better. Or I can use rice in a bowl and swirl my hand in it.When it no longer feels abnormal, I have to progress to other fabrics etc. like flannel, terry cloth, etc. I know it sounds weird but seems to work. I'm willing to try anything at this point!! I have to gear up now to hold my one year old grandson and play with him today. Can't wait!
Janet
What you're feeling is so normal. I had all of the feelings and pain you have. You are just beginning so just do what they say. It does get better. I can't believe how far I've come. I just am longing to be 100%
Janet
I had that too. I told the therapist I was having hypersensitivity of the skin and she kept telling me it wasn't from the surgery. Well I know I never had this BEFORE the surgery. It hurts for anything to touch my skin there. Good to know I'm not crazy. I still have it but not as bad and not as often.
I also get these pains like I'm being electrocuted and only lasting 10-15 seconds.......... but very intense to the point I yell out loud. Hubby always comes running. I am also having a problem with numbness on one side of my thumb.
I just want to say that I get better answers from this board than I get from the people involved with my care. It's been so helpful. had it not been for this board I would have been so ill prepared for this surgery. It helped so much to know what to expect.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet20
Haydena,
Yes,I'm worried about Sidney as well. When i read her post, it bothered me. We are very lucky to have this sounding board. You are always so upbeat. I feel I may be turning the corner in another month or so. I so long to use my wrist and have more strength. I feel fortunate to have a great therapist.
You are so right with the fact we all heal at different levels. All of our surgeries were a little different. I think I'm the only one who had a hard cast for 3 weeks after the initial hard bandage I had after surgery for 10 days. I started the PT in 4 wks from my surgery.
Off to rub on some traumeel!
Have a good night1
Janet
Janet, hi,
I forgot to ask you if you feel the Traumeel is helping your hand?
Thanks, you have a good night aswell & enjoy your grandkids.
I am becoming a granny in July!!!
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Haydena,
The traumeel feels great just temporary! I use it often. I'm so glad my daughter sent it and I can find it in my grocery store as well. Love it.
I'm pooped from being with my grandkids but we're having fun. Congrats on getting a new grandchild soon. There's nothing like it.
Janet
The following user gives a hug of support to Janet20: Haydena (04-21-2012)
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Haydena
Hi Janet,
It really saddens me to know you are still suffering. Is this because you have tendonitis in your thumb? I never asked you why your doctor told you you had tendonitis. Did you pull the tendon in your thumb?
Did you order the MSM?
When I pulled the tendon in my wrist, many years ago, I had to wear an wrist gaurd with metal in it to keep my wrist from bending. I guess you cant wear a gaurd on your thumb & wrist now. It would prevent healing.
Once my cast & splint came off I never used heat, only ice packs. I also did not have any ultra sound on my hand. It just shows you the different methods
doctors use today.
Sending you hugs & faster healing Janet.
Haydena
Thanks Haydena,
I don't think they really know it's tendonitis. I didn't do anything that injured it. I did use it but thought I should. The pain there is better but still not complete and is so weak. My PT did make me a molded cast with velcro I wear when doing chores. It keeps the thumb pretty still. I did not order the MSM. I really have to. We have a huge nature center here and I keep thinking I'll run over to buy it. Thanks for the concern. Yes, doctors are all different and I wish I knew or they knew why mine is not healing. They tell me it's pretty stable but I can't squeeze or do much of anything with not strength in it without pain. I can take some pain just want to use it. I still feel numb and the scar and fatty part of my palm are numb. My therapist is really wonderful and is doing whatever she can to help me. I still go twice a week. Neverending!!! I see the Dr again the 31st. We'll see what he has to say. They use the heat first then I do all the exercises and end with the ice. She did tell me to use the ice more often around the house when I'm sore. I walked a5K today for breast cancer and it's very warm. It's pretty swollen right now so I'm going for the ice. Thanks Haydena for the concern.
Janet
The Following User Says Thank You to Janet20 For This Useful Post: ArthritisPain (05-19-2012)
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet20
Thanks Haydena,
I don't think they really know it's tendonitis. I didn't do anything that injured it. I did use it but thought I should. The pain there is better but still not complete and is so weak. My PT did make me a molded cast with velcro I wear when doing chores. It keeps the thumb pretty still. I did not order the MSM. I really have to. We have a huge nature center here and I keep thinking I'll run over to buy it. Thanks for the concern. Yes, doctors are all different and I wish I knew or they knew why mine is not healing. They tell me it's pretty stable but I can't squeeze or do much of anything with not strength in it without pain. I can take some pain just want to use it. I still feel numb and the scar and fatty part of my palm are numb. My therapist is really wonderful and is doing whatever she can to help me. I still go twice a week. Neverending!!! I see the Dr again the 31st. We'll see what he has to say. They use the heat first then I do all the exercises and end with the ice. She did tell me to use the ice more often around the house when I'm sore. I walked a5K today for breast cancer and it's very warm. It's pretty swollen right now so I'm going for the ice. Thanks Haydena for the concern.
Janet
Janet you should google tendonitis & see what you come up with.
At least you have a good PT who is trying to help your hand.
I suggest you ask your doctor on 31st when you see him next if you have tendonitis or if you dont. If you do, how can he tell?
You should not have used your hand after your surgery. I am surprised your doctor didnt tell you this.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Haydena
Janet you should google tendonitis & see what you come up with.
At least you have a good PT who is trying to help your hand.
I suggest you ask your doctor on 31st when you see him next if you have tendonitis or if you dont. If you do, how can he tell?
You should not have used your hand after your surgery. I am surprised your doctor didnt tell you this.
Hang in there Janet.
Hugs, Haydena.
Haydena,
I did google tendonitis here and there really isn't anything I don't know. I actually have less pain now just that I can't do much with the hand. Like I said it's still numb too. Believe me, I have questions for my Dr. I've considered going for a second opinion.
Thanks
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet20
Haydena,
I did google tendonitis here and there really isn't anything I don't know. I actually have less pain now just that I can't do much with the hand. Like I said it's still numb too. Believe me, I have questions for my Dr. I've considered going for a second opinion.
Thanks
Janet, I am pleased you have less pain now but it should not be numb after all this time.
I think your idea of getting a second opinion is a very good one. Go for it girl!
I am also surprised your doctor didnt tell you to have an xray to see what is impeding your complete recovery.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Haydena
Janet you should google tendonitis & see what you come up with.
At least you have a good PT who is trying to help your hand.
I suggest you ask your doctor on 31st when you see him next if you have tendonitis or if you dont. If you do, how can he tell?
You should not have used your hand after your surgery. I am surprised your doctor didnt tell you this.
Hang in there Janet.
Hugs, Haydena.
Haydena,
I did google tendonitis here and there really isn't anything I don't know. I actually have less pain now just that I can't do much with the hand. Like I said it's still numb too. Believe me, I have questions for my Dr. I've considered going for a second opinion.
Thanks
Janet
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Haydena
Janet, I am pleased you have less pain now but it should not be numb after all this time.
I think your idea of getting a second opinion is a very good one. Go for it girl!
I am also surprised your doctor didnt tell you to have an xray to see what is impeding your complete recovery.
I will go to google & see what I can find.
Take care.
Haydena.
My Dr did do X-rays in April and said the joint is healing fine!! Didn't know why the pain etc. He told me to take traumadol which I tried and hated!! Then he said to go to PT and see him in a month. I didn't use my hand after surgery. I did exactly as told for 2 months. I did the PT then went away and used it some to pack etc. But I really took it easy. When I got home in April I had terrible pain and thus went to see him again and here I am. I'm not sure why they said tendonitis. Honestly, I don't think they know why!!! GRRRR makes me angry cause I really did what I was supposed to do. I'm actually a little better today. I hate to say it. I went for a 2 mile walk and didn't wear my splint and it's fine. Wish me luck!! haha
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet20
My Dr did do X-rays in April and said the joint is healing fine!! Didn't know why the pain etc. He told me to take traumadol which I tried and hated!! Then he said to go to PT and see him in a month. I didn't use my hand after surgery. I did exactly as told for 2 months. I did the PT then went away and used it some to pack etc. But I really took it easy. When I got home in April I had terrible pain and thus went to see him again and here I am. I'm not sure why they said tendonitis. Honestly, I don't think they know why!!! GRRRR makes me angry cause I really did what I was supposed to do. I'm actually a little better today. I hate to say it. I went for a 2 mile walk and didn't wear my splint and it's fine. Wish me luck!! haha
Well maybe today is the beginning of something new!! Oh I do hope so.
Just remind me please when you had your surgery because somehow I dont think you need to be wearing a splint now.
The only time you should wear the splint is if you are using your hand.
My osteopath told me not to wear the splint 2 months after my surgery as it restricted my hand movements.
I searched google. What you need to do is to type in the search box, tendonitis after thumb carpometa-carpal surgery. There is a load of info there.
Ask your doctor why he told you, you have tendonitis, please. I'd love to hear his answer!
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Haydena
Well maybe today is the beginning of something new!! Oh I do hope so.
Just remind me please when you had your surgery because somehow I dont think you need to be wearing a splint now.
The only time you should wear the splint is if you are using your hand.
My osteopath told me not to wear the splint 2 months after my surgery as it restricted my hand movements.
I searched google. What you need to do is to type in the search box, tendonitis after thumb carpometa-carpal surgery. There is a load of info there.
Ask your doctor why he told you, you have tendonitis, please. I'd love to hear his answer!
GOOD LUCK Janet. Lots of it!!
Haydena.
I had my surgery Nov 16th!!!! 6 months ago. I have a very small one to keep my thumb still so the tendonitis doesn't flare up again. The therapist made me that. She wants me to use it but not until all the pain is gone. Thanks Haydena maybe this is the beginning to the end!! I want to hear his answer too. He's very laid back and does these surgeries all the time. But this is my right hand and enough is enough!!
I'll google what you posted.
Janet
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet20
I had my surgery Nov 16th!!!! 6 months ago. I have a very small one to keep my thumb still so the tendonitis doesn't flare up again. The therapist made me that. She wants me to use it but not until all the pain is gone. Thanks Haydena maybe this is the beginning to the end!! I want to hear his answer too. He's very laid back and does these surgeries all the time. But this is my right hand and enough is enough!!
I'll google what you posted.
Janet
Pardon me Janet, I had a senior moment there in forgetting you wear the splint for the tendonitis.
If you do have tendonitis then yes, thats the reason after 6 months you havent recovered fully.
Ask your doctor, if I was you, I'd start crying in front of him!! men hate to see women crying. Anything to get his undivided attention!!
Keep your hand raised as much as you can.
Agreed its a bummer not having the full use of your right hand.
Re: going through the basal joint surgery process - at least, my story
I just went on again and searched what you said. There are two women who are the same as I am. One is a year out and the other was 9 months. Both are in their 60's. I'm 68 today. One lady had both knees replaced and said this was harder!! OMG. both were from 2009. I'd love to hear how they are. Well, now I know I'm not the only one!
Last edited by moderator2; 05-20-2012 at 02:22 PM.
