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basal joint surgery of the thumb

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Posted 3/27/2011 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
cool    I'm having the surgery on the 26th of April.    The posts are interesting to read.  It helps me know what to expect.   Please keep updates coming.     Also did you stay all night in the hospital?   Most sites show that most people do, however, my Dr. does this as an out patient.  Thanx for all the info.....
Posted 3/27/2011 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
My surgery was done in a surgical center and I went home as soon as I woke up.
Posted 3/29/2011 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
My surgery was done as an outpatient, however I think I should have stayed overnight. It was very uncomfortable trying to sleep and quite scary for the person looking after you. Good luck with your upcoming surgery....be very patient with your recovery, it takes time!
Posted 4/2/2011 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck with your surgery.  I am a candidate for this surgery but so far have not scheduled it.  At our facility it is done in day surgery and you are expected to go home. 

If you have severe pain or complications then you would be admitted to the hospital probably just overnight.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 4/4/2011 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Bon Sue
I was a day patient and am now 3weeks post op and although still in a fair bit of pain I go to see a hand therapist this Wednesday to be fitted for plastic splint which is on for another 6 to 8 weeks. During this time I will also be having physiotherapy. I am hoping it is worth it good luck

Maisiemouse
Posted 4/5/2011 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
cool  Thank you all for your replies.   Because of some previous posts, today I made a couple lasagnas,  a couple meatloafs, and some chili for the freezer.....   I hope you all keep me posted on your recoveries, it is honestly making me feel more at ease.    And I will post how things are going for me.   
Posted 4/23/2011 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
I am also having the thumb surgery on April 26. I work in a mail room running a machine and I'm concerned about being out og work too long. Anyone that does alot of labor work out there?
Posted 4/23/2011 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
I would like to hear from anyone who recently had this surgery.
Posted 4/23/2011 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
I am having terrible pain in both thumb joints. I have had shots twice, and this is a bone on bone situation. What is the surgery called and are there other options then fusing? I would be greatful for any all suggestions regarding this.
Thanks
Posted 4/25/2011 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Bonsue and Mail lady
Good luck with your surgery I will be thinking of you. Mail lady I am a registered childminder and need my hands luckily I have some help but after the first week of feeling very unwell I went back to work on the second week but just on a supervisory level to make sure things were getting done. Be prepared to be unable to do anything for a while and make the most of it. I am 6weeks post op and although my hand is still sore I am doing most things just very carefully and having physic also. I think that things are done slightly differently here in the UK as I was only 3 1/2 weeks in plaster now I have a splint, which to be honest is quite painful for. Good again and keep us posted.
Posted 4/25/2011 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Maisiemouse, I'm having my surgery tomorrow. I'm dreading it! I'm taking this week off and hoping to be able to do some office work for awhile so my hand can heal! Do you feel it was worth it? I don't see any other options. Because I think it will only get worse and more painful. I guess I'm validating my own decision!! ha ha I appreciate your reply. I will keep you posted of my progress.
Posted 4/25/2011 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Maisiemouse my husbands son lives in the london area. We traveled there last year for a visit. What area do you live in?
Posted 4/25/2011 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Maisiemouse my husbands son lives in the london area. We traveled there last year for a visit. What area do you live in? We are here in the state of Virginia in the US.
Posted 4/26/2011 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hey mail lady
I'm guessing you are getting prepared for your op. GOOD LUCK :-)
I'm hoping that the surgery is going to worth it but at the moment I'm having a few down days but this is purely because I'm very impatient and I don't like not being able to do things for myself and relying on other peoples help, but that's just me !! But as you say what other option was there I was in so much pain and then an accident exacerbated the osteoathritis and left me with incredible pain so only option was the surgery. I have a very good surgeon and trust him and I think that's also important . I live in West Sussex in a village called SELSEY google it and you should find it. Once again good luck and let me know how it all went.
Lots of hugs and best wishes. X
Posted 4/26/2011 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Maisiemouse, I am home now, they did a nerve block on my arm this morning for the surgery, so my arm is still completely numb! It's been 9 hours ago. I know that I will be like you and hate not being able to do things for myself!
I was having daily pain and my thumb had started to become swollen and was pulling down. I'm trying to be optimistic about my recovery. It will be nice to have people that are dealing with the same thing to talk too!
hugs and best wishes back yo you!!
Posted 4/27/2011 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Mail Lady
Well done you the worst part is over and as long as you are careful and do what the doctors say hopefully your recovery will be good (my husband has just said to me " it's a shame that I don't listen to my own advice !". Seriously though I hope that you have a good recovery. Keep us informed. I go to see the hand therapist tomorrow to see what my next step is but I think I'm doing well and hopefully some physiotherapy sessions and then all will be well ! Hope to hear from you very soon. Take care.
Hugs and best wishes. X
Posted 4/29/2011 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
hi maisiemouse, how are you? well i'm still very sore!!! having to take my meds every four hours or so. my fingers are somewhat swollen, did you have that problem? i go back to the doctor on monday!
i was among the millions watching the royal wedding this morning!! I always loved watching Diana.
Posted 5/1/2011 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Mail Lady
It's good to hear from you. Yes i was taking different meds every four, six, and eight hours I was rattling !! My fingers were like little fat sausages and very painful. I went to hand therapist on Thursday and my hand is still quite swollen but I haven't worn the splint all the time as it is really uncomfortable and also not wearing at night so she's not too happy with me !! It is so frustrating as am sure you are finding too, but don't despair I am glad I have had it done I just don't like this part. Yes I did watch the Royal wedding and cried most of the time I think Diana would be very proud. Good luck Monday let mE know how you get on I am back to hand therapist Thurs? Xx
Posted 5/2/2011 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Maisiemouse,
I went back to the Doctor today, he took off the dressing and cleaned the surgery site and wrapped it back up! It feels too tight!! I go back next Monday to have the stitches out and cast on. My hand and fingers are still very swollen, he told me to openand close my hand and massage to wotk out swelling! I did work half a day, I 'm hopping to at least work half days for awhile to keep myself busy. I really hate the inability to take care of personal needs, like putting a bra on! HaHa (hubby is very willing to help out!)
How is your hand? has thw swelling gone down? Sounds like hand therapy is going to be painful! I guess they say no pain no gain!! My daughter and her family usually come to my house on Sundays and I cook, so this past Sunday we went to her house and she cooked! That was a nice change. I just visited with the grandkids! Have a great week and let me know how you are doing! xox
Posted 5/12/2011 6:01 AM (GMT 0)
it's been three months since my surgery and my hand is doing very well. i am done with physical therapy and i am able to do almost everything without pain. i did 'pop' a tendon last week which was quite painful, but my doctor assured me it will heal on its own. i twisted my hand somehow getting dressed! i am cooking again and about 80% back to normal, except for the healing tendon.

i now have a new problem with my old nemesis, arthritis of the spine. i had fusion surgery about 10 years ago and i am having a lot of pain in my lower back and hip. MRI showed my spine has deteriorated considerably since the surgery. i was diagnosed with the problem in my twenties; however, it was in remission most of that time except for occasional flare ups. now, it's back with a vengeance. sometimes i wonder why me? i feel as if one problem gets resolved and another jumps in to take its place. i am so frustrated. the only thing keeping me going is strong pain pills twice a day. and, of course, they can become very addicting.

i don't mean to be such a complainer. i hope you all are doing well post surgery. masiemouse, i am so sorry you are still in so much pain. i think having the cast on longer is an advantage. the hand takes at least three or more weeks just to heal from being swollen, which is why my doctor didn't put the permanent cast on until that time.

dolly
Posted 6/26/2011 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
   I had surgery on 24 may 11 as an outpatient under shoulder block

and local.  Dr removed bandages and stitches two weeks out.  Had tendon

rolled up and placed in joint.  New plastic splint put on (removable) and told to massage scar tissue with vitamin e several times per day.  Two weeks later started therapy (one month out ).  Am still having pain and am

worried that it may never go away.  The pain the first week was almost unbearable, and the meds made me nauseous. 

Posted 7/12/2011 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
I had surgery on my thumb joint June 22nd.  They removed bone to get rid of the arthritis and used tendon to secure the thumb in place.  While in there they also did carpal tunnel surgery and removed a cyst.  This was all on my right hand and I am right handed.  So it has really slowed me down a bit.  The healing process is quite slow.  On day 5 I started wiggling my fingers and was taken out of the cast and fitted for a brace which I am still wearing.  The brace can be very uncomfortable at times..... I go back to the doctor August 5th and start therapy a week prior to that.  I wasn't really prepared for how long the healing process would be.  I asked before surgery...  "How long before I can start using the hand again?".  The doctor took me literally I guess and replied..."5 days".  What I should have asked was how long before it will be fully fuctional?  But you would think he would have addressed that.  Needless to say I was shocked when I found out just how long it would be.  I can see improvement everyday.... but it is a very slow process.  I had a block done on my entire right arm so I did not have alot of pain the day of the surgery.  I went home that day.  By late evening though and for the next 36 hours or so I really needed the pain meds they gave me and the ice packs helped.  After that I went to Advil when needed for a few days.   All I can say is that when this is over I really hope it will be pain free and fully functional as the doctor stated.  Before the surgery I was having difficult writing and using the computer... among other things....and those are two things I do alot of at work.
Posted 8/3/2011 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
hi i had thumb basal surgery 12th july.  it was a 2 hour op . they wanted to move the tendon to stabilize the thumb by drilling top of hand and pulling it through but when they went into my hand they couldnt do what they planned because the arthiritis is to severe so they just removed bits of the bone and done something to the nerves and moved the tendon over a bit. i was put to sleep and had the injection in the arm which does feel weird afterwards. i was put in a half a cast and bandage for 10 days then changed to a full hard cast till the 25th august my thumb is set away from my hand and completly covered by the cast the cast also goes halfway up my arm. i went to pyhsio last week she wanted to cut the cast so i could move my thumb and cut it near to my wrist so i had more movement but doctor said no as it needs to go up the arm. when i have the cast of in august i then have to wear a removeable splint for a few weeks and start hand therapy. i only had the first week of work as holiday as i dont get sick pay i only do 12 hours a week and overtime which i have cut out at the minute as i am right handed and it was my right hand i had done everything takes so much longer to do. doctor said i might need another op but the only way to guarantee pain free is joint replacement which they wont consider till i am 65 i am 43 now. i have three kids and we  just have to get on with things . its just frustrating not being able to drive while in cast and the long recovery period but as long as it helps the pain it will be worth. good luck to anyone having it done.
Posted 8/5/2011 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
krazzzy

Welcome to HealingWell !  Thank you for sharing your story with all of us and do keep posting as we would like to hear how you are progressing.

I can understand your frustration having your hand/arm in the cast and then a splint.  I am sending you many healing thoughts.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 9/21/2011 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
Greetings everyone,

I am a 65 y/o right handed male in So Calif with basal joint and bilateral knee arthritis. I am planning to have surgery on all three joints, the hand first. From what I have been able to read, I think Cleveland Clinic is the best place for the hand and Hospital for Special Surgery for the knees. Any advice? Thank you, Jim
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