Seeing that the'' basal joint surgery, at least my story by Janet'' has been closed
I am replying to Cassie's post # 132. I hope this works & I have not gone against the board's rules.
Hi Cassie,
Great to hear that you are post surgery & you are on the way to healing.
For the irritation & burning of the incision & thumb you need to rub some non-perfumed cream onto that area as the skin & incision is very dry.You need to moisturize that dry skin after your shower & whenever you feel the need. This is a sign of healing so dont worry about it. Its all about the skin on the incision coming together. You can also rest your hand on an ice pack for the burning.
Arnica is for swelling & pain. It can be found in a drug store that sells homeopathic remedies. Traumeel made by the German company called ''Heel'' is even better. It contains the highest amount of arnica available.
My surgeon never gave me an xray after my op & also didnt touch my hand.
He did look at it though. The less the healing hand is touched & moved the better.
If you would be in terrible pain, it would mean that something is wrong. You dont seem to be in such pain, so if I was you, I would'nt worry.
Be patient with yourself & give yourself time to heel. Always remember we all heal at our own pace.
Great that you found the correct medication to relieve the pain, you will notice as the days go by, you will need less pain meds.
Good to know that you are managing with your little son. Its amazing what we women are able to do when we have to!!
I wish you a happy new year & good progress with your healing.
Please let us know how you are progressing.
Haydena.
The Following User Says Thank You to Haydena For This Useful Post: Cassidy06 (01-03-2013)
One thing I found helpful post cast removal:
a friend of mine sells a product "Sensaria". I have never bought anything , but use the free samples she sends me. Anyway, there is a mineral salt scrub product that i put on my hand and arm after the cast was removed. It is great! I use it in the shower...i rub it on, then rinse it off with a wash cloth. I has helped my skin so much. it exfoliates all of the dead skin and even cuticles from my fingernails. I highly recommend any kind of salt scrub like this.
Thanks, Haydena! I have been using lotion after the salt scrub, but i still have surgical tape over my incision that , hopefully, will fall off soon. I have a few different hand lotions at home that i will try. How have you been feeling?
Happy New Year and take care! Appreciate all of your help!
-Cassie
Hi everyone!
I'm so glad to hear you are doing well Cassie-you are a week ahead of me in recovery and it is good to see what is coming up and learn from your experience and from Haydena's. I am due to have my cast on tomorrow, so I will have to bring something along so the next two weeks with a cast will be more comfortable. Haydena, thanks for starting a new thread so our discussion and support for each other stays alive.
Linda
The following user gives a hug of support to margarita889: Cassidy06 (01-03-2013)
One thing I found helpful post cast removal:
a friend of mine sells a product "Sensaria". I have never bought anything , but use the free samples she sends me. Anyway, there is a mineral salt scrub product that i put on my hand and arm after the cast was removed. It is great! I use it in the shower...i rub it on, then rinse it off with a wash cloth. I has helped my skin so much. it exfoliates all of the dead skin and even cuticles from my fingernails. I highly recommend any kind of salt scrub like this.
Thanks, Haydena! I have been using lotion after the salt scrub, but i still have surgical tape over my incision that , hopefully, will fall off soon. I have a few different hand lotions at home that i will try. How have you been feeling?
Happy New Year and take care! Appreciate all of your help!
-Cassie
Hi Cassie,
We have the Dead Sea minerals & salt here made in Israel & I know the mineral scrub is fantastic for the skin. Just dont rub it onto your scar when the surgical tape is removed !!
I am due to see my surgeon on Sunday which is a workday here. When my (right) hand hurts, I take 25 mg of voltaren. I try not to take more than this amount & definately not every day.
Hi everyone!
I'm so glad to hear you are doing well Cassie-you are a week ahead of me in recovery and it is good to see what is coming up and learn from your experience and from Haydena's. I am due to have my cast on tomorrow, so I will have to bring something along so the next two weeks with a cast will be more comfortable. Haydena, thanks for starting a new thread so our discussion and support for each other stays alive.
Linda
Good luck Linda for tomorrow when you have your cast put on.
I hope all goes well for you. Get someone to draw happy little pictures on your cast in bright colours !!
Good news from the OS, he said my thumb looks great and that the swelling was down much faster than normal-about a week ahead of schedule. So I am in my royal blue cast and two weeks away from a brace. When they did the x-rays and I moved my hand and also as the doctor put on the cast my thumb had absolutely no pain- so hurray!
He set my thumb way out, almost at an L, so although it is smaller than the dressing,I only have one coat to wear that fits over it and it is not warm enough. So tomorrow I will be out trying to find something cheap to wear for the next few weeks that I can cut open the sleeve and get my hand through.
We have had temperatures from 0 to 15 degrees F. at night and not much warmer during the day this week, and it will get worse as January continues. Who knows, maybe we will have another day off soon. My surgery date ended up being a snow day at school and we also get a day off when the temperature dips below -25F. Its too cold for the little ones to be out in the wind walking to school and the high schoolers that I teach (along with the faculty) would have a hard time getting their cars started after a day outdoors.
Good news from the OS, he said my thumb looks great and that the swelling was down much faster than normal-about a week ahead of schedule. So I am in my royal blue cast and two weeks away from a brace. When they did the x-rays and I moved my hand and also as the doctor put on the cast my thumb had absolutely no pain- so hurray!
He set my thumb way out, almost at an L, so although it is smaller than the dressing,I only have one coat to wear that fits over it and it is not warm enough. So tomorrow I will be out trying to find something cheap to wear for the next few weeks that I can cut open the sleeve and get my hand through.
We have had temperatures from 0 to 15 degrees F. at night and not much warmer during the day this week, and it will get worse as January continues. Who knows, maybe we will have another day off soon. My surgery date ended up being a snow day at school and we also get a day off when the temperature dips below -25F. Its too cold for the little ones to be out in the wind walking to school and the high schoolers that I teach (along with the faculty) would have a hard time getting their cars started after a day outdoors.
Brrrrr! Sleep warm!
Linda
Hi Linda,
Wonderful to hear your very good news. You are one of the lucky ones to be healing so fast without pain.Maybe its because of the cold weather you are having now?? (joke)
The L-shaped thumb setting is the norm. My hand was also set like this.
Hope you will find a warm coat to wear whilst your hand is covered with the cast & then with the brace.
Dont forget to keep your arm elevated above your heart, even whilst you sleep.
I don't think it's the weather, but I'm being very good about icing and elevating-I bought one of those foam cubes that someone recommended in a thread here and it is a lifesaver. When I use it at night there is no chance that my arm will go down and start to swell in my sleep. I have had a lot of experience with surgery and I don't mess around with my recovery. I want this hand to be perfect.
I went out today with my husband and bought a coat with a larger sleeve today, so I'm going to be much more comfortable outdoors now. We have snow coming tomorrow, so I got it just in the nick of time.
Have a great weekend. I look forward to hearing from you after your appointment.
Linda
The following user gives a hug of support to margarita889: Haydena (01-05-2013)
I don't think it's the weather, but I'm being very good about icing and elevating-I bought one of those foam cubes that someone recommended in a thread here and it is a lifesaver. When I use it at night there is no chance that my arm will go down and start to swell in my sleep. I have had a lot of experience with surgery and I don't mess around with my recovery. I want this hand to be perfect.
I went out today with my husband and bought a coat with a larger sleeve today, so I'm going to be much more comfortable outdoors now. We have snow coming tomorrow, so I got it just in the nick of time.
Have a great weekend. I look forward to hearing from you after your appointment.
Linda
Hi Linda & all the ''thumb'' ladies here,
When my surgeon looked at the xray of my right hand this afternoon, he said, ''yes'' when he pressed the joint & it clicked, he said, ''yes''
My surgery date is for Monday 28th January providing I get all the results of the tests I need to have done. If not then it will be 4th February.
Linda your hand will be perfect because you are doing exactly what you are required to do.
Enjoy wearing your new large sleeved coat! I happened to have found a coat with large sleeves in my reserve cupboard yesterday which I will be able to wear when I have the micro-plastic splint on after the original bandage is removed from my hand. My surgeon does not use casts. I will tell you all about it as I go through it (again)
I'm glad you have you date set so soon. You have just enough time to get everything ready ahead, but not an excessive wait to sit around hurting. Here's hoping your tests come back on time.
I expect I will have my left hand done this summer. It is bone-on bone as well, but not as bad as the right until now. I am left handed, so doing it during the school year would be too difficult. I am really beating it up these last couple of weeks with the extra work it has to do. This week I am going to try to get an appointment with my rheumatologist for a cortisone shot to hopefully settle it down. It is really painful to hold a pen and term exams are on the 16th. I would like it doing better before I have to do all that correcting.
I'm glad you have you date set so soon. You have just enough time to get everything ready ahead, but not an excessive wait to sit around hurting. Here's hoping your tests come back on time.
I expect I will have my left hand done this summer. It is bone-on bone as well, but not as bad as the right until now. I am left handed, so doing it during the school year would be too difficult. I am really beating it up these last couple of weeks with the extra work it has to do. This week I am going to try to get an appointment with my rheumatologist for a cortisone shot to hopefully settle it down. It is really painful to hold a pen and term exams are on the 16th. I would like it doing better before I have to do all that correcting.
Good healing!
Linda
Hi Linda,
I was thinking about you having to correct those term exams. Do you need to write an explanation why the answer is wrong? If you only need to tick
(correct with a pen mark) could'nt you buy one of those stampers. I dont know the exact name, but they are used by doctors & other professionals, to sign their names etc. All you do is press them down on the paper. This would save you holding a pen & writing whilst saving yourself from the pain you get.
I have never had a cortisone injection & I know their effect is not long-lasting.
My surgeon never offered me this shot. If he would have I would have declined.
No way am I sitting around!! I dont carry heavy stuff in my right hand but do almost everything with it.
I am using my right hand as much as I can so that I dont loose too much muscle at the bottom of the thumb. My oesteopath told me when there is muscle loss, the healing process takes much longer.
Thanks for the suggestion' but I have to write more than that. And I'm afraid holding a stamp would be just as bad-my thumb hurts just holding a pen, not just when I write. I will be getting a cortisone shot on Friday morning before school. My rheumatologist put in an extra appointment before his regular hours to fit me in. This will the first shot in the left and I have generally had good luck with them, at least the first one. The first one in the right gave me a year of relief.
No, you don't sound like someone who ever sits still, just like me, I meant the annoying waiting in pain when you really want to have it over and done and start to heal.
I have a new task for tonight-filing down my cast. When the cast was put on it was with my hand up, but when my hand is down the thumb of the cast rubs on the healing scar from the cut. So I called and the nurse gave me an okay to do a little adjusting. What an exciting evening (not!).
Linda- Glad to hear you are healing so quickly! I hope the cortisone shot brings you long-time relief! I had about 10 days of relief (basal joint) when they gave me the shot. I had cortisone shot in my wrist last year and that is still working fine.
Haydena- Wish you well on your upcoming surgery! The 28th is when I (finally) see my ortho. will be thinking of you!
Last Saturday, I was able to put my wedding rings back on! I guess the swelling is completely gone Also, today I was able to put on earrings with both hands. I actually held an earring backing in my left hand using my thumb! As much as I try not to use my left hand for anything, i find it very difficult. If they didn't want me to use my hand at all, then they should have put me back in a cast. Even when I feel like I have overused my hand, I feel fine in the long run. Sometimes at night my hand will throb, but I really don't take anymore pain relievers. So far, I am satisfied with my progress. There are still some tasks that are frustrating...folding laundry, doing dishes, removing dinner from the oven, etc...but I really shouldn't complain. Still wearing the splint at all times except when I shower.
I was just sitting here at the computer and I became a little chilly. I took my brace off so I could put on a fleece jacket. While my brace was off, I looked at my scar (still covered in surgical tape and purple ink). I ran my finger along the edges. I just realized why I still have a burning sensation in there: The pin they used to fuse my bones together is rubbing against my skin which is pressed and rubbing against the splint. Hmmmmm.
-Cassie
Ouch!
Sounds as if its time for you to put in a call and get that looked at before the 28th. I would think that would hold back the healing a bit. Do you have something to pad that part of the brace with for right now?-some moleskin might work. I hope to hear they got you right in and got that brace adjusted for you very soon. With you making such great progress right now you don't want a delay. I go into a brace next week and start PT, so I will be looking forward to hearing from you again soon.
I was just sitting here at the computer and I became a little chilly. I took my brace off so I could put on a fleece jacket. While my brace was off, I looked at my scar (still covered in surgical tape and purple ink). I ran my finger along the edges. I just realized why I still have a burning sensation in there: The pin they used to fuse my bones together is rubbing against my skin which is pressed and rubbing against the splint. Hmmmmm.
-Cassie
Hi Cassie,
''Ouch'' from me aswell. Linda is right, you need to go asap to your doctor to have your incision looked at. Something is wrong there.
Cassie dont wait, just go back & let make your more comfortable.
Let us know whats happening with you.
Haydena.
p.s. Thanks Cassie for your good wishes for my upcoming surgery.
Thanks for the suggestion' but I have to write more than that. And I'm afraid holding a stamp would be just as bad-my thumb hurts just holding a pen, not just when I write. I will be getting a cortisone shot on Friday morning before school. My rheumatologist put in an extra appointment before his regular hours to fit me in. This will the first shot in the left and I have generally had good luck with them, at least the first one. The first one in the right gave me a year of relief.
No, you don't sound like someone who ever sits still, just like me, I meant the annoying waiting in pain when you really want to have it over and done and start to heal.
I have a new task for tonight-filing down my cast. When the cast was put on it was with my hand up, but when my hand is down the thumb of the cast rubs on the healing scar from the cut. So I called and the nurse gave me an okay to do a little adjusting. What an exciting evening (not!).
Have a great tomorrow.
Linda
Hi Linda,
I am giggling here after I read your post & picture you(in my mind) sawing away at your cast!! I hope you managed to file it down & are more comfy now.
For some insane reason my right hand which needs the surgery is less painful.
I really dont know why as I am using it as much as I can. Maybe I am getting used to the pain? (no need for an answer!) I am still able to lift & hold my 5 month old delightful grandbaby girl, of course using both my hands.
Great that you were able to get an appointment with your rheumy for Friday.
I didnt know that a cortisone shot lasts 1 year, I thought much less.
Went in this morning at 7:15 and got my shot. He really loaded in the anaesthetic this time-even at 1:00 I can still feel it working. Now hopefully in the next day or so the cortisone will kick in and I will have my hand back again. Its been to the point that my sleeve brushing it was painful and there was pain at night, so some relief-even if it is not complete will be welcome. Only a few days now until I get the cast off, so that will take some pressure off my left hand as well as I move into PT and using it bit by bit. And my cast is perfectly comfortable with a divot out the thumb and one out to let the knuckle of my index finger have more room. It looks like quite a sight!
Have a great weekend!
Linda
Last edited by margarita889; 01-11-2013 at 10:59 AM.
Went in this morning at 7:15 and got my shot. He really loaded in the anaesthetic this time-even at 1:00 I can still feel it working. Now hopefully in the next day or so the cortisone will kick in and I will have my hand back again. Its been to the point that my sleeve brushing it was painful and there was pain at night, so some relief-even if it is not complete will be welcome. Only a few days now until I get the cast off, so that will take some pressure off my left hand as well as I move into PT and using it bit by bit. And my cast is perfectly comfortable with a divot out the thumb and one out to let the knuckle of my index finger have more room. It looks like quite a sight!
Have a great weekend!
Linda
Hi Linda,
By now the cortisone shot you got on Friday should have kicked in & I hope you are more comfortable. Pain is a horror.
I changed my surgery date to 4. February to give me some breathing space to get all the test results in on time. I feel relieved now! I have an appointment with the ''knock-out' doctor (I can never get the spelling right!) 1 week before my surgery, when I need to bring him all my test results.
I found a file loaded with notes about my previous (left) hand surgery. I kept a diary about the physio routine & will use this when I start my physio. My surgeon's physiotherapist only gave me 15 minutes of her time which I thought was'nt enough. I found a highly trained private hand physiotherapist, who came to my home 3 times for 70 minutes each time. She reassured me & gave me back the confidence to use my hand, by telling me, ''you can't hurt your hand.''
Linda, when you start your physio, one of the best things you can do for your hand is to place it in a large bowel of warm water & move your fingers & rotate your wrist, slowly. Cream your hand well, each time afterwards.I did this religiously 3 times a day.
I was also told to use a rubber ball, the size of a tennis ball. Place ball in palm of hand & gently bend only the tip of your thumb & slightly squeeze the ball with the rest of your fingers.
Your thumb will be very stiff, your wrist less stiff. Dont worry about this because as the days pass the stiffness vanishes. You may also get a tingling sensation & the feeling of pins & needles in your thumb. Again, dont worry about that, as it passes within time. If your thumb, wrist or incision feels itchy,
use a good non-perfumed cream for relief.In fact you need to hydrate your hand as much as possible.
By the time your cast comes off (YAY) your thumb & incision may still be swollen. I suggest you buy ''Traumeel'' ointment or cream, which has the most amount of arnica in it. This is a homeopathic remedy used for swelling, bruising & pain. Traumeel will reduce the swelling real fast & I swear by this cream.
Traumeel is a German product made by ''Heel" (of Germany) I have been told that it is obtainable in the US.
If you have any questions or worries about the next stage, dont hesitate to ask me.
I wish you good luck for the day your cast comes off & continued healing.
Take care.
Haydena.
The following user gives a hug of support to Haydena: margarita889 (01-13-2013)
The Following User Says Thank You to Haydena For This Useful Post: margarita889 (01-13-2013)
I am so delighted-my left thumb is pain free. Hurray for cortisone! I don't know how long it will last, but at least I will be able to do my correcting for exams.
Your suggestion about the warm water is appreciated. I have regularly used heat to soothe and relax my hands and when I had hand therapy 4 years ago when my thumbs started to go they used a hot wax bath. It felt so good that I bought one and although it is messy it feels fantastic.
I agree with you on the arnica- I have used it my last 4 surgeries. I also take bromelain-an extract from pineapple- to help with breaking down cells damaged during surgery. There was an article in The Lancet on a study that showed it sped up healing after surgery. I always hear from my OS that I heal faster than normal-my swelling is down a week ahead of expectations- and I believe the bromelain makes the difference. It is taken as a digestive aid by many people, so it is safe. You might want to check out the study and ask your doctor. The nice thing is that it helps from day one when you can't use the arnica because of the dressing.
I'm hoping to get into therapy right away- I know I will have a lot of work ahead to loosen things up. One of my friends who is a massage therapist and athletic trainer will help me get things moving as well. I see her every day at work, so my hand will get all the stretching it needs. I have great hopes of a speedy recovery because I have been doing exercises daily for years to keep my hands loosened up and strong as the joints slowly got worse. I will look forward to trying out your suggestions soon as well.
I am glad that you have your date for certain. It will give you the luxury of taking your time and maybe even get some of the usual spring projects done before surgery rather than in March.
I am hoping to go to Florida in March to see my mother who went into a nursing home in December. We own the house she was living in, and I would like to get it in shape to rent if possible. Our big work trip and visit is in June, but the "snowbirds" usually rent for the next year in the spring. So my hands will definitely get a workout and will need to be ready.
I will let you know how things go on Wednesday. I will have to be very specific as they shape the splint-I won't be able to file that one down so easily! I have had custom splints in the past, and if the thumb isn't perfect any swelling(and I like my potato chips ) is painful. So wish me luck!
Re: Basal Joint surgery 
