HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Thumb Fusion

Support Forums
>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/5/2008 4:20 AM (GMT 0)

Hi I am new to this forum but found it very interesting and hope I can also help others in the future.

  I will be having both my thumbs fused this year, my first operation will be July 15th 2008 and the second one is scheduled for September 16th 2008. I guess I am kind of lucky because both the joints that I have RA in are the first joints closest to your nail. I was told to expect to be unable to play any golf for at least 6 to 8 weeks after each proceedure. I mentioned golf because I am retired now and that was my only means of enjoyment in the summer. I do like wood working and computers in the winter months but because of the RA in my thumbs I am unable to do either. It is also very hard to get a decent nights sleep with out pain setting in around 2 AM. I will try and keep all that are interested in how I progress through these two surgerys. I already have had both knees replaced because of RA and they feel great now. Talk to you all later. Wish me luck.

Dr-Mudd  skull

Posted 7/5/2008 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Dr.-Mudd:

Love your name! Oh you lucky sonofagun...I'd give anything to have joint replacement surgery; however, all the specialists I've consulted throw me a big fat "NO" until I am at least nearing 50. (I'm 26)

Hey, BEST WISHES!!!!!!!! I can't cross my fingers for ya'...but...I'll go bang a gong for wellness & speedy recovery of your surgery!

 

I feel for how you are saddened by the hand thing with the RA.  My work depended on the skills & accuracy of hands...well you know the rest I'm sure.

To grasp a toothbrush is an achievement.

 

As a hobby now I have begun to oil pain again (like you know yourself, you start a project & then the thumbs & hands get so bad you have to put it down) for months at a time too.

 

So welcome to our little gang here at healing well.  we sure can empathize with you & we know where you're coming from.

Please write us back along the way to the surgeries & thereafter when you are able!

 

Cheers,

erin

Posted 7/5/2008 10:05 PM (GMT 0)

Hi erin

   Thanks for the responce and yes I wll keep you informed of my progress. I am just wondering when I get these thumbs fixed where will my friend RA pop up next? So far the golden years suck.

Doc

Posted 7/6/2008 6:48 AM (GMT 0)
just be glad that your not getting it in your 20's. Let us know how you do.
Posted 7/6/2008 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
Dr.-Mudd

I have had both my thumbs fused. The best thing that ever happened. My right thumb was fused Feb. 2006 and my left on Nov. 2006. I can use them with no pain at all. Before I had them fused I had a lot of pain and swelling . Recovery took a while. I also had 3 knuckle joints in my left hand replaced the same time as my right thumb was fused and when I had my left thumb done I had 1 knuckle joint replaced on my left hand.  You should be just fine. I dont regret it at all. RA has gone to my other finger joints in my right hand and 2 knuckle joints in my left hand. The doctor told me just because I had joint replacement I did not get rid of the RA. He was right cause it moved to the other joints. But at least my knuckle joints dont hurt. The damage the ra did to the ones I had replaced was pretty bad. Good Luck and keep me informed on how you are doing.

Dpete

Posted 7/29/2008 5:03 AM (GMT 0)

Well today I had my stitches taken out of my thumb and I found out that I only had 14 and not 18 stitches, I really thought it was going to hurt like hell but I only felt one. I still have to wear the brace for 4 more weeks and now for the good news. The doctor said I didn't need my left thumb done for a couple of years or until it starts hurting like the right one did. I can still bend the left one with not much pain and of course being right handed I don't use the left one that much so it should hold up for awhile. For all those who wished me well I thank you as it is all down hill from now on and I guess I will be able to play some golf in September and October if all goes well so the season won't be a total loss.  Thanks for all your prayers...

Doc

Posted 7/30/2008 1:48 AM (GMT 0)

Dr Mudd,

Glad you are doing well. And it was good to hear that you dont have to have the other thumb done right away.

You will be golfing soon.

Good luck

Dpete

Posted 7/31/2008 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Doc sorry to keep asking you all these questions. But will you be able to make a closed fist at all in the future with your thumb over your middle finger? The reason I ask you this is because I box and if I get my thumb fused will I have to stop boxing because I can't make a closed fists? What will be my thumb limitations with a fused thumb? thank you for your time confused
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply