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Posted 2/10/2011 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I am a new member to the site so please bare with me. I have osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia and have recently been told i have o.a in the base of my thumb. I have had pain for over a year , I have had cortisone injections that didnt work and have been wearing a splint for 3months that hasnt  made any difference. My consultant is saying it isnt bad enough yet to warrant an operation.How bad does it need to get,it is affecting my everyday movements.Has anyone elsehad this op and how bad was yours? Thanks confused
Posted 2/11/2011 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
I wore a splint for about a year and the pain finally subsided. I opted not to have surgery because of other medical issues. Surgery does not improve finction, just gets rid of the pain after the recuperation and therapy period. My aunt had both thumb joints [CMC] replaced and was happy she did so.

As to how bad it has to get - I guess that is the judgement of your physician. However, if your pain is so severe as to interfere with your daily life, then I would think that would be an indicator since surgery is done to relieve pain.
Posted 2/11/2011 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome,

I have OA of the base of my right thumb - (CMC/carpometacarpal ) I have had it for years and did have the cortisone injections which helped for awhile.  The Hand specialist explained to me I have bone on bone and surgery was scheduled.

My surgeon was going to  make a cushion to pad the space between the bones where the trapezium bone used to be. This cushion is usually also made from a tendon graft so that the base of the thumb rests on a pillow of your own body tissue, rather than on the rough surface of an arthritic bone.  A cast is then placed and as the swelling goes down the cast is replace. 

Long story short - I developed pneumonia several days before surgery so the procedure was cancelled.

I have not had the surgery yet and the thumb seems to be holding it's own pretty well.

Good luck with your thumb osteo.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 2/11/2011 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
thanks stkitt i have also had cortisone injection but didnt make any difference,and iv been wearing a splint since December but that hasnt helped either.Its realy  affecting my every day life now.I am seeing my orthopaedic consultant in Aprl so I hope to get another opinion from him. Thanks for your help.
Posted 2/12/2011 8:19 AM (GMT 0)
i had the surgery done on my right thumb last week. i have suffered for a few years, but it became much worse the past year. the shots worked the first time for three months, but never helped again on either hand.

i found this forum several months ago and it gave me the courage to have the surgery, after reading what others have posted. it also helps knowing what to expect in the coming months. i am still hurting and taking pain meds. i get a full cast next wednesday.
Posted 2/12/2011 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Dolly68

Welcome to HealingWell.  I am so glad to see you found us and that reading the forum has helped you. 

I am wondering how the cast is working for you and also remembering not to touch your thumb to your index finger ? 

Keep talking with us as it is good to hear how you are progressing after your surgery.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 2/12/2011 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dolly, I am in a quandry as to what to do next.I saw a hand consultant last week and he is refusing to operate on my thumb saying the o.a isnt bad enough and that I am too young to have it done I am 54. I have had the pain for a year have had injections that didnt work and have been wearing a splint for 3months. I was referred to him by my orthapaedic who has operated on my knees for o.a how bad does it have to be before i get the op?
Posted 2/13/2011 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
hi emilylee, i am sorry to hear your doc doesn't think you are a good candidate for surgery. i am 68 but i don't think age should be the criteria for surgery. i did not want the surgery for a long time, but could not tolerate the pain any more. time will tell if i made the right decision. i also have the problem in my left hand.

i am somewhat confused as to the mention of a 'pin' holding the tendon. i don't recall my doc mentioning that as part of the tendon replacement. i go next wednesday for removal of stitches and permanent cast. my hand is still quite swollen, but getting better each day.

kitt, the temporary cast seems to be okay. i've never had a cast so not used to feeling itchy underneath! not to worry about touching thumb to index finger; i could not if i tried.
Posted 2/13/2011 11:05 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Dolly x
Posted 2/13/2011 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Dolly for the info.  I think the surgeon just threw the pin in as occasionally some patients do have the pin placed.  It may be the decision is based on how things look during surgery.

It was the itchy cast that also caused me to hedge a bit.  Glad to hear you are tolerating all well.

emilylee,  you may want to get a second opinion from another hand surgeon.  Just a thought for you.  idea

Kindly,

Kitt

 

Posted 3/27/2011 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
cool  I, too am a new member to this site.    The posts, although somewhat freaky, thinking about the pain, are pretty helpful with what to expect.    I am scheduled for surgery the 26th of April.... cortisone worked for three months the first time, then only about two the last.   Both hands have the problem, but the right (my dominate hand) is the worst.     I am trying to get some meals made so my husband will have an easier time of it.  Any other suggestions?   thanx, and please keep us updated on how you are all doing.     
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