Arthritis Foundation Forum / Surgery and Arthritis / Health and Arthritis Research News

OA knuckle, Needs to be replaced

Denise Delgoffe — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:55:59 GMT

I saw an orthopedic hand specialist today. He said I have to have a joint replacement of my middle finger knuckle of my right hand, related to osteoarthritis caused by trauma. Has anyone here had that done, could you please tell me a little bit about it. Thanks.

When to have total shoulder replacement surgery?

Kimberly4 — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:09:01 GMT

I am frustrated. 4 months ago, my dr. cleaned out my shoulder and at the time he was shocked at how bad the arthritis was. We have tried to do physical therapy - on good days I may make progress, but usually I am going backwards in my movement.
The dr. gave me a steroid shot in the shoulder - it did not good.
Now today I saw the dr. and he said it is going to have to be up to me when I need to see him again. And at that point he is going to send me to the shoulder specialist in their office. My problem is I cannot lift my arm above 80 degrees in front and hardly all to the side. I have pain the majority of the time. Is there anyone else out there who has had the shoulder replacement surgery and how did you know it was time to look into doing it?
Thank you,
Kim:unsure:

Thumb Joint Replacement

Wanda1956 — Wed, 28 Jul 2004 21:00:42 GMT

Hi!!! I have osteoarthritis in my right CMJ thanks to my repetitive job of 20 years. Joint replacement surgery is recommended. Although I am in pain daily I cannot decided what to do. I would like any information about the recovery from this surgery...time?, pain?, life of new joint? From everything I've read it will take approximately 2 or most likely 3 months before I will be able to return to work. If anyone has any info please reply. Also is my other thumb sure to have the same problem eventually? Thanks!!!

CMC Arthroplasty with Artelon Spacer

KeaC — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 10:03:43 GMT

Anyone out there who's had this fairly new surgery with the Artelon spacer? I'm having this surgery on Tuesday, and wondered if anyone else on the board has had this surgery, and has any bits of advice to share.

This surgery is starting to replace the one where the wrist bone (trapezium) is removed and a tendon replaces it. The Artelon (manufacturer's name) spacer made of some sort of woven fabric which is formed into a "T" shape. This is inserted between the thumb and wrist bones, then screwed into place. Both bones are sculpured a bit before insertion so that the spacer fits nicely. Recovery includes: a week of post-op bandaging, then 6-8 weeks of a cast, then 6-8 weeks with removeable splint, followed by 9-12 months of PT. One of the advantages of this procedure is that it leaves the option of having the trapezium removal surgery later, should the joint need attention years down the road.

Read a few of the related topics, and just want to thank everyone for their insightful advice. Great board!

Tornier "Salto Talaris" Total Ankle Replacement

KDavidMcKee — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:05:47 GMT

I am in appeals with Insurance on my right to have ankle replacment surgery. I need testimonials of success or failures of using the Tonier "Salto Talaris" anatomic ankle replacement.

Knuckle replacement

starshine — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 15:11:45 GMT

I have RA and my right hand is the worst. The rest of my body is in good control with medication. I had my knuckles replaced on my right hand with pyrocarbon joints by Ascension about a year ago. I did not have a favorable outcome. My fingers are more swollen, more stiff and have less range of motion than before the surgery. My pain is finally better but I still experience pain on a daily basis. My surgeon wants to replace the joints with silicone joints. Has anyone had a similar experience? I am very apprehensive. I went to another surgeon for a second opinion and he said that he has not had good luck with the pyrocarbon joints also. He advised having the surgery. Any advice? Thanks for your help. Barbara

Subtalar/Talonavicular Fusion

craig power — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:11:36 GMT

I was told by doctor that my left ankle requires a subtalar/talonavicular fusion. This is a result of a crush injury almost 2 years ago. If anyone has had the same procedure I would greatly appreciate your input on pros and cons. I am only 32 and really struggling with the decision to have this surgery. I understand that it is irreversible but I have degen joint disease and I'm afraid that if I opt out it will cost me in the long run. Please help!

Reasons for TKR

AuntieLeela — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:44:05 GMT

I just saw a young knee surgeon at a prestigious clinic who told me, "Total knee replacements are for pain relief only and do not improve function".

This sounds like bull cookies to me. Has anyone else heard this, that TKRs don't improve function? Was this guy just blowing me off for some reason?

I'm asking around because after 15 years of orthos telling me I could have a knee replacement anytime, I finally go to Dr. FancyPants at Schmancy Clinic and he tells me the exact opposite! It was like a Twilight Zone episode. :blink:

Need help for my daughter - Synovectomy at 9

Thopper2001 — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 10:55:35 GMT

Hi my name is Theresa, my daughter (who will be 10 in October) is scheduled for a right ankle synovectomy on September 18th. She has had a total of 17 joint injections (over 8 years) within her ankle and subtalor joint and her pain and swelling has not diminished at all since March of 2005. She has other affected joints due to her JRA, but the ankle is the "stubborn" joint and the only one that Remicade has not significantly helped.

I need feedback on the synovectomy; I can't find many testamonials at all on the ankle and have found NONE in regards to children. Even if it wasn't your ankle can you please share with me your story... how the procedure went, hospital stay, recovery time? How quickly were you back up and around??

I am pretty scared about all of this and just would appreciate walking into this with a little more reality.

Thank you!
Theresa

Rheumatoid nodules

AudreyH — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:10:38 GMT

I have had RA for 5 years, pretty well controled with Enbrel and Methotrexate.

Does anyone have really painful rheumatoid nodules. I have them in my feet, hands and the worst in my elbows. I also have olecranon bursitis in my right elbow. Anyway I would really like to get rid of the nodules but have heard that they can come back after surgery. I wonder if I rubbed the nodules with a raw potato and then buried the potato during a full moon.....

Wrist Fusion

Heather77 — Tue, 25 Oct 2005 14:48:24 GMT

I'm new here. I'm 28 and I was diagnosed with JRA at the age of 2. My knees, hips, hands, thumbs, and right wrist are affected. My wrist is by far the worst, the joint has deteriorated severly over the years and has mostly fused itself. What little movement I have left causes non-stop pain. A month ago I saw an Orthopedic surgeon and he's booked me for a complete wrist fusion - I will likely get in for the operation sometime over the next few months. I'm wondering if anyone has gone through this procedure.. if it is successful.. and what can I expect? I'd love some advice/support from someone who can relate. I'm pretty nervous and unsure right now - I'm still fairly young, and I have 3 kids - is this surgery really the answer? If anyone can give any advice/information it would be greatly appreciated.

wrist fusion

LHobby — Mon, 29 Mar 2004 07:38:00 GMT

I am 42 years old and was diagnosed with RA about five years ago. Due to the pain and erosion in my right wrist, I am having wrist fusion surgery in 2 weeks. I'm a very active person and agree with my orthopaedic surgeon that this is the best surgery option for me. However, I worry about how this surgery will affect my life. Does anyone have any advice or comments?

Big toe joint replacement

Kelly Barron — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:36:33 GMT

I have large bunions on both large toes with osteoarthritis. The right foot is the worse and my Dr wants to do a toe joint replacement. Has anyone had this done? What are the pros & cons? How long were you off your feet? Did it help the pain? I'd appreciate any comments!
Kelly

Advise needed total wrist fusion

Becki Vickerstaff — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:47:04 GMT

HI All

First time poster so please be gentle!

Im after some advice. I am 29 years old and since the age of 14 I have suffered with horredous wrist pain, resulting in not being able to write without pain. I have seen god knows how many surgeons etc….but a brief history:

At 15 I had an athroscopy and they found a baggy ligament so they tried to mend it. I have had two further operations to try and sort it, seen 4 pain clinics, had a denervation where they burned the nerves off (they reknitted), further arthorscopies and more recently they found one of the wrist ligaments had torn completely and was bone on bone rubbing resulting in a unstable wrist. To try and sort this last november they took part of my arm tendon and then threaded it through my wrist bones to pull the wrist back and try and stablise the wrist that way, it wasn’t guareteed to work. However I tried it and had long period of getting used to it (now have the equivilant of a partial fusion in temrs of movement). However the pain is worse and it hasn’t worked so after 6 operations they have decided the only thing left is to fuse it.

I am pretty terrifed but I cannot go on being on tramadol, etc and high based pain killers forever, id rather have limited movement.

I am seeing surgeon next week where he is going to put a rigid plaster cast on to simulate a fusion for me but I want reviews, I want real experience from people.

What can I expect? Recovery? Pain etc?

I have tiny boney hands so I reckon the plate will effect things?

I see surgeon next week so I am getting some questions ready but really looking to hear from people who have had a total fusion?

Thanks I advance

Bex

CMC Anthroplasty Artelon Spacer

Cindy Camp — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:04:52 GMT

The purpose of this poll is to determine an overview of the success rates of the CMC Anthroplasty Surgery using the Artelon Spacer.

Falling arch with severe arthritis

Sue Combs — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:44:21 GMT

I have a falling arch and severe arthritis in my right foot. I have tried orthodics and a walking cast to rest the foot, to no avail. I still have to work for a living so this is hindering my employment. What I would like to know is has anyone out there had a foot fusion for this problem and what was the outcome? Is this type of surgery usually successful?

wrist fusion - I'm scared!

Karen58 — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 10:15:56 GMT

Hi everyone-

I have been searching the web looking for as much information I can find on the outcome regarding total wrist fusions. My hand surgeon recently indicated that I may want to consider a total wrist fusion now. It is definately inevitable for me it is just a matter of how long I can tolerate the discomfort. I don't have RA, but I do have degeneration of my wrist joint that was caused by Preiser's Disease. Last July I had a procedure in which 4 of the small carpel bones were removed. The doctor felt that although drastic, this procedure would remedy the problems I was having with my wrist. Unfortunatley, a recent MRI indicates that my wrist continues to deteiorate. I have pain, but this has been going on for so long that I have gotten used to the discomfort to a point (I have a very high threshold for pain). I'm curoius at what level of pain were you or any of the other folks at when you had wrist fusions. Sometimes at night my hand throbs, and often makes it difficult to sleep, it often bothers me to type and play the piano yet I tolerate the discomfort. I think I have forgotten what it like to me free from discomfort. Anyway, the thing that really gets me is that I used to be an avid mountain bike rider. I've ridden all over the county on what I would describe as expert terrain. My husband and I used to think nothing of riding 75 miles off-road. This past weekend I, for the first time in a year and a half, got on my mountain bike. I was disheartened at the realization that I will probably never ride like I used to (9 miles was way too much for the wrist, with a splint). This is a big deal because my husband and used to cycle together regularly, now we can't. Plus, I crave the physical activity!! I had hoped that after my most recent surgery that I could return to biking in time. What I am getting at is do any of you think that a total wrist fusion allow me to get back on the mountain bike and ride the way I used to? Is there anyone else out there who can report returning to piano playing, weight lifting, mountain biking or any other aggrevvise activities? Also do you think that the elimination of range of motion is a ressonable tradeoff for the elimination of pain and stregnth? Most days I would rate my pain anywhere from a 2 to a 9 depednging on my activities. Typing, piano playing, gardening, weight lifting are all activities that I love but aggrevate my wrist. Most of them I only do on a limited basis in order to aviod irritating my wrist. I don't want to have to think and live my life this way, I want to be able to do the things I want to to withough being goverened by my wrist. Will the wrist fusion do this for me?

I'm sorry to be so wordy, but I am really scared by the idea of the fusion. However, the change in range of motion may not be too drastic for me becuase I only have about 15 degrees extension/flexion and maybe 5 degrees of radial/ulnar deviation.

Also, when you speak about having your wrist "cupped" or fused at an angle, was that flexion or extension?

I would greatly appreciate any feedback that any of you are willing to offer. I am scared to death by the idea of a fusion, especially since this will be my 4th wrist procedure. I had hoped that the other 3 would have resolved this....I can't help but to worry about agreeing to have a metal bar permenantly inserted into my wrist that will eliminate my range or motion forever.

Thanks for listening, and I apologize for the lengthy posting.

- Karen

Great Toe Surgery for Joint Fusion

FlaCarol — Sat, 15 May 2004 06:38:00 GMT

Hi...My name is Carol. I had surgery to fuse the joint in great toe. After waiting 5 months, the joint did not totally fuse. It's a real bummer. I understand this is a rare complication. So now the Doc wants to to it again. It will be somewhat more complicated of a proceedure this time and it still has a 10% fail rate (like the first surgery) Can anyone out the relate to this?? And what did you do next? Thanks!

Ballon Kyphoplasty

Barbara433 — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 21:43:06 GMT

I was wondering if anyone has ever had this type of surgery before. My doctor wants me to have this to fix a compression fracture at the lower part of my back.....
thank you
barbara

Anyone have arthroscopic surgery on knees?

RAsucks — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:48:42 GMT

It looks like I will be having surgery this summer to remove a baker's cyst, drain fluid and scrap down some inflamed soft tissue, I go for my consult at the end of the month. I was curious to know what anyone's experience has been regarding recovery, physical therapy, what kind of anesthesia you had (i've read that some people only receive a spinal block instead of being put to sleep) and any other info you would like to throw my way.

Thank you!

Big Toe Fusion and Removal of Metatarsal Heads

Reta — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:14:53 GMT

I am 63 and have had numerous foot surgeries due to RA. My right foot has had removal of RA nodes, a bunionectomy, and hammetoe surgery as well as removal of neuromas with RA nodes. Due to foot pain and difficulty finding shoes that I can wear I have visited several podiatrists and surgeons. The orthopedic foot specialists have recommendd fusing the big toe and removing the metatarsal heads. The podiatrist just wants to remove the metatarsal heads. The top foot surgeon who is a teaching professor who trains fellows wants to fuse the big toe and remove metatarsals because he says otherwise the big toe will continue to deviate and cause more foot problems. I am trying to decided whether or not to have this surgery. This surgeon is one of the top guys in the country but he makes the surgery sound very successful. He states success rates in the high 90's, walking in a sneaker in 8 weeks, and no follow up surgeries or need for orthotics. He says I'll be able to walk, bike, kneel, and dance but I won't be able to wear shoes with a heel higher than 1 1/2 inches.

I'd like to hear from anyone who has had this surgery as to how successful you feel it was for you. How does it feel to walk with a fused toe and removed metatarsal heads. Are shoes comfortable? Can you wear shoes other than sneakers? Has the foot pain gone away? How long did it take? The doc said I could wait and wear a molded orthotic to help with pain. The foot might get worse and the surgery might be more difficult. I'm concernced that if I wait, I'll continue to get more painful neuromas because of the foot deformities. Right now I am wearing only sneakers with a wide toe box and they still bother me. Toe of my toes are dislocated and they feel as though they are on top of each other although they are not.

Base of Thumb Surgery-Trapeziectomy

Peter Callen — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:28:40 GMT

I think there is some confusion about the surgical procedures done for the thumb. One of the more common joints affected with arthritis of the thumb is at the base of the thumb (just up from the wrist crease). The surgical procedure which is often done is removal of one of the small bones in the wrist (carpal bones - specifically the trapezium) which articulates with the thumb metacarpal. Once the bone is removed the surgeon can either put a 'coiled tendon' in the space left, or put in an artificial bone (artelon spacer). I actually had the surgery done 8 weeks ago and am doing well. My surgeon used the tendon replacement. I was in a cast for 5 weeks and have been doing therapy twice a weeks since. The pain was bad for just a day, but the swelling was significant for about a week after surgery and then slowly went down. I am early in the healing process but so far I am very happy.

Peter

Young person considering MCP Joint Replacement

Emeka Banor — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:38:21 GMT

I am 21 years old now and I've been living with post traumatic arthritis on my right hand. I had a basketball injury in 2006 and ever since then its been complications. I have severe arthritis on my index and middle finger, i also have arthritis on my wrist and thumb base. This has made life very difficult for me especially being that my parents are not around. I've already had 4 procedures done to my right hand and now my doctor is thinking that a mcp joint replacement should be done to my index finger because the joint is completely worn out, there is no cartilage in there at all. after this surgery he will tackle my wrist next with a fusion and then my middle finger will also be replaced. I want to know if there is any one out there who has a wrist fusion with a mcp joint replacement. if any please reply my message, i need someone to talk to, ive been feeling hopeless and i just want to know if there's someone going through a similar situation that i can relate to

Gentle Water Therapy for Pre and Post Operative Needs

Sharon Female — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:34:58 GMT

San Diego, CA (Mission Hills)
New Support Group in San Diego for Fibromyalgia:
www.meetup.com/San-Diego-Fibromyalgia-Support

Watsu/Aquatic Bodywork Sessions,
Water Therapy Classes for Pain Relief and Gentle Exercise/Movement.
www.AqOasis.com
www.WaterChiTherapy.com
www.SharonPlache.com

Private Warm Salt Water Pool.

Come join us.
Blessings,
Sharon

Hip replacement

abyfromgreece — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 13:20:44 GMT

Hello !
I ' d like to find a yound adult having had a total hip replacement. My daughter, age 26, is going to have one and I am looking for some support for both her and me
Thank you all
abyfromgreece

Considering Joint Surgery?

AF Dude — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:35:28 GMT

Find the information you need to make the right decision in our Joint Surgery Center. Find out what you need to do to prepare for surgery.

[url=http://www.arthritis.org/joint-surgery.php]Joint-Surgery[/url]

Celebrex after surgery?

Karren Lobby — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:24:02 GMT

I have had knee replacement surgery for arthritis of same. Pain has been ongoing for 4 months, tired of taking painpills, Doctor gave me Celebrex to ease me over the last of the pain, or at least I hope it is.

Can someone tell me are there withdrawl symptoms after discontinuing Celebrex, as I have never used any NSAIDS for pain relief previously, am curious about this drug.

So far, after just a very few day, I feel great relief, but do not intend on relying on this forever for relief, want to get back to the real life is possible.

Thanks to anyone that can lead me in a direction for an answer.:P

thumb joint replacement

tiredmomof4 — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 08:03:50 GMT

I had my left thumb joint replaced 7/20/07 using the Artelon (?) spacer. Initially, I thought I had a great result, but after the cast came off I am right back to square one. The doc has recasted the hand, which has alleviated some of the pain but not the pain in the joint. There also seems to be some nerve entrapment (odd sensation but not painful.) Now he's talking about redoing the surgery but using a tendon. Right back to square one. I'm a single mom with 4 kids and a full-time job and a 79-year old dad to care for. Right now I have very little use of the left hand (movement is fair, but can't do simple things like button pants, tie shoes, snap bra, etc. Can't put on jewelry.) My biggest worry is the constant pain (which varies from minor, dull ache, to very intense.) I am still taking pain meds ranging from 800 mg. Advil to Tylenol 3 to 2 percocets every 3 hours depending on pain level. Any suggestions. I'm 45. The doc has also talked about fusing the thumb, but I probably wouldn't be able to work (I'm a court reporter). Thanks for any suggestions. (The surgery was done by a hand specialist who was highly recommended. Now I feel he is taking this too lightly, just kind of oh, we'll just redo the surgery.) I'm not any better than I was before the surgery, maybe a bit worse. I know this could be worse, but I want to make an informed decision on what to do next. (I'm also supposed to have the right thumb done as well but I'm afraid after having the left one done.)

subtalar fusion in ankle

CindyGordon — Tue, 26 Aug 2003 11:44:00 GMT

I am 35 years old and I have been diagnosed with arthritis in my subtalar joint of my ankle to the point I have no cartledge left. Because of this I have very limited motion in the side to side movement of my ankle because of the pain and swelling that is involved. After dealing with this for five years and being told I was crazy in my home state. I finally found a Dr. out of state whowould listen to me. That was when I got news that I have arthritis in my subtalar joint.. He says that I am at the point where I should consider having the subtalar joint fused so that I can resume a semi normal active life style. Has anyone out there had this problem and how did your surgery go? I am looking for any infomation on this Surgery. Thank You Cindy

peroneal groove and ankle fusion surgery

kristine lipartito — Sun, 17 May 2009 20:00:01 GMT

Hello,
My situation is rather involved but I will try to summarize. I had surgery in January of this year to address degenerative issues associated with cerebral palsy which I was born with. I had an achilles debridement, toe flexor release, FHL transfer, and a calcaneal osteomy. I am now in a permanent non-articulating afo or leg brace. I am having severe peroneal tendon subluxation; the tendon snaps back and forth across the ankle bone, ouch! I saw my doctor last week and we decided to repair the peroneal tendon with a groove surgery and to perform ankle fusion. I wonder if I can ask what the recovery will be like. My doctor said that if he can't do both surgeries at once because of time constraints then he would do them six weeks apart. This is my last option so my decision has been made to go forward with the surgeries. I want to know if I'll be able to walk fairly normal afterward, to wear normal shoes? I don't have unusual expectations, I just want to know what I can expect from start to finish. Thank you for any input you can offer.
Kris

Ins. co. denials for TAR

Milo Lloyd — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:35:55 GMT

I've been denied by my insurer for a Total Ankle Replacement, does anyone have any help they can provide such as what worked to get approval after initial denial? I am at the stage where I need to approach an Independent Review Organization (IRO) has anyone had any experience with these organizations i.e., which ones tend to approve these surgeries and which ones tend to deny?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated

Splint

Ann32 — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:14:09 GMT

Day 16 since surgery and am uncomfortable today, my skin is so tender and the splint is rubbing everywhere !! No discomfort from the pins thank goodness. They may be removed a week from this Tuesday. I was told to keep splint on most of the time, before I could take it off frequently, so I am not a happy camper today.:w00t:

Wrist Replacement in the UK - 26 Y/O

Luke Fogarty — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:45:17 GMT

Hi all,

Great forum you have here. I have learnt in alot so far. I have had rheumatoid arthritis since probably about the age of ten (I'm now 26) but lately have been considering either fusion or a wrist replacement. It was suggested I could get my wrist fused when I was about 15 but didn't want to go through with it. My movement range is very low, maybe 5-10 degrees down and 0 degress up, some slight movement across. My wrist is also very weak, I struggle to left 4kg (8Lbs) without giving me pain. I work in IT so the ability to lift heavy objects isn't important and never will be (I can't lift much now anyway!). I have learnt to live with it over the years as I have had it for so long, but have decided I would like to do something about it.

For some reason wrist replacements aren't all that common in Australia (Where I'm from) and finding a surgeon to perform one may be difficult, but not that I have tried. I moved to London last year and I'm currently covered through Bupa through my employment - Is wrist replacement something that would be covered? Can anyone recommend surgeons in the UK (I'm happy to travel throughout the UK to get a good, experienced surgeon).

What else do I need to be aware of? If the replacement doesn't work out I can always get the wrist fused? Is that correct?

Do I sound like a candidate for this surgery? Any other information would be appreciated.

Regards,

Luke

knee scope

Sandy Drescher — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Just had a knee scope 3 days ago. Had a tear and knee cap tilted. MRI showed 20 percent OA but after scope was told 40. Does the percent really mean anything in terms of more surgery? I am suppose to return to work tomorrow and am still needing regular pain med to get by. Usually can get by with little or no pain med. The first day or 2 wasn't too bad but muscles through whole leg are getting difficult to deal with. Is this normal healing?

Fusion or Joint Replacement?

Ronnesha Gross — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:34:31 GMT

I am 22 years old. I have had 3 bunion surgeries on my left foot. Now I have arthritis in my toe joint. I am in a lot of pain. My doctor said the only thing that would help is a fusion. I have done some research and I could be laid up for up to six months. Does this sugery work? Is a joint replacement better? Could someone please give me some advice.

ankle fusion

Jeanne1 — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:39:54 GMT

i am interested in hearing about ankle fusion results if anyone has had this surgery? thanks

CMC Arthroplasty with Ligament Reconstruction

JoyNett — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:59:12 GMT

Hello everyone! I just stumbled across this forum and am so glad to have found it! :)

I had surgery 12/16/2008 on my left hand. Fortunately, that's not my dominant hand although I've come to find lots of activity that is very difficult - if not impossible - without my non-dominant hand.

I'm reading here that a lot of folks who had this surgery, or a very similair surgery, had a cast for quite some time. I only had the half cast with all the thick bandaging for the first 2 weeks. (?)

I enjoy motorcycling with my husband and riding my own sidecar rig. In fact, when the pain got so bad that I couldn't ride without popping the clutch, that's when I decided that I definately needed a permanant fix to the problem. I'm only 44 and had been dealing with increasing pain for more than 4 years. Has anyone here had this surgery that is involved in activities requiring lots of stength and mobility on your hands? How long after surgery before you could go back to those activities?

Thumb surgery

ow!ow!ow!ow! — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 14:42:24 GMT

I've had pain in my rt thumb for about 2years. For the longest time my Dr treated it as tendinitis. She finally sent me to an ortho when both hands began swelling and became too painful to open jars, cans, etc. Turns out it's severe arthritis. The ortho injected both thumbs and I walked out a new woman.

Well, here we are 4 months later and my thumbs are hurting a lot. They've been hurting for 2months. So today I had one thumb injected--ortho didn't want to do both this time. He suggested surgery, for the second time.

my dilemma is this--I'm allergic to advil, really allergic, like call-911-allergic. So all I can take is Tylenol. the pain isn't excruciating. Its about a 2 all the time, with some days 3-4. Unless someone grabs my hand--then I'm immediatley at 7-8. My thumbs are stiff and swollen all the time. Its hard to open cans & jars, hold a book open hurts, anything with pincer grasp is hard.

I don't want to rush into surgery. And I dn't want to look like a weenie either. When did you know you had had enough?

patial or full wrist fusion

Donald Male — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:19:33 GMT

I am getting a partial wrist fussion and very concerned wondering if total fusion is more successful. anybody know or experienced with this.

PIP finger arthroplasty

Tracy Matthews — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:58:14 GMT

I am scheduled to have a 3rd pip finger joint replacement soon. Can anyone offer any advice? How was your experience with this procedure? Is it worth it? Would you do it again? - Thanks