HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

thumb fusion on my RIGHT hand!!! ahhhhh!

Support Forums
>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/20/2013 4:42 AM (GMT 0)
I will soon get the IP joint fused on my right hand....and am scared. I am right handed. From what I understand, this will prevent the bending of my thumb at the outermost joint, the IP joint.

Has anyone had this done? I am right handed, and am afraid that without the ability to bend this joint, I will be unable to put on makeup, brush my teeth, hold a fork/spoon/knife... etc.

If anyone has gone through this, please give me some insight...recovery time, and most importantly, will I be able to use my thumb and grasp with it?

(yes, I had a bad fall while riding my bicycle and landed badly on my right hand/thumb)
Posted 8/20/2013 4:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Michelle123 Welcome to HealingWell. I just wanted to welcome
you. somebody on here whom had this surgery should be able to
let you now about this type of surgery.
Posted 8/20/2013 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, thank you, and I hope someone can give me information about the end results after a fusion. as it is right now, I have very limited use of my thumb because I can't bend it at either of the two joints, and it is painful. Unable to bend my thumb makes it very hard to use for grabbing, holding, pinching. I have given up on using makeup as it it virtually impossible to apply it nicely without the use of my right thumb.

Post Edited (Michelle123) : 8/20/2013 11:31:14 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/21/2013 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Michelle! I have had this surgery on both hands. It is a bit painful during the recovery process but once you start physical therapy you learn how to adapt to do those things you're concerned about. It's true you won't have movement in that one joint but if you do your physical therapy I believe you you can be successful. I had such terrible pain in my thumbs that I was desperate to get some relief. I am very glad I had this surgery. I had/have an excellent hand surgeon and I trust her completely. I think that is also a big part of the process-trusting your surgeon's recommendation for you. My hand surgeon and my rheumatologist have worked together whenI have had my hand surgeries. P,ease let me know if I can help you anymore or answer any specific questions for you.
Deborah
Posted 8/22/2013 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
thank you very much for the comment, Deborah. so in your opinion, I will be able to one day grasp the eyeliner, eye shadow, lipstick, etc etc AND have enough control to apply it nicely? and gripping a fork and using a knife also give me terrible trouble and cause me embarrassment in restaurants.
Posted 8/22/2013 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Definitely! I had the surgery on my right hand the end of November, started therapy after Christmas and my thumb is doing well. The only thing I still have trouble with is opening jars and the reason I think that is because I had two knuckle joints replaced at the same time. I was having difficulty with all the things you mentioned and I don't have any trouble with those things now. I'm thinking it was maybe early Spring when I noticed things were really improving. I really wish you well. It is a painful surgery but for me, it was well worth it!
Posted 2/7/2017 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
Anyone know what Angle they took with the fusion?
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply