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LHobby
Posted Monday, March 29, 2004 7:38 AM


 

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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?
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Michelle in WI
Posted Wednesday, August 11, 2004 11:07 PM


 

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I see that no one responded to you message, I too am having a partial wrist fusion....any advice?
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Hope
Posted Friday, August 13, 2004 3:30 PM


 

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Hi,
I had a wrist fussion about 16 years ago. I was 16 years old. The pain goes away after the fussion. The only change I have now is I can not pick up very heavy things. And sometimes people try to bent the wrist. Other than that no problems. Good luck
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b
Posted Friday, November 05, 2004 4:44 PM


 

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I am having a partial wrist fusion next week. How did your's go? I am worried about limitations because I live alone. However, I am looking forward to playing the piano again and being able to type without pain! Any helpful tips?
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Thomas181
Posted Saturday, January 08, 2005 3:57 PM


 

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this surgery was also recommended for me 43 years old severe RA in my wrists , I to am very active , i work with my hands , artisically , a wood carver , pyrographer
wood working etc.
I turned the surgery down and live with medication and pain because i was afraid I might not be able to do those things .
Any information on this would be greatly appreciated .From someone who has had their wrist fused .
Email fcaam@lakes.com
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Theresa390
Posted Saturday, January 22, 2005 10:11 PM


 

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Hi....first time here...I am 41 years old have had RA since 25 and am a walking posterchild for surgery. I have my right wrist partial fusion 1992, left wrist full fusion 1993, triple arthrodesis both feet 1995, 1998, my right thumb is fused, my knuckles have been replaced on both hands and my last surgery in 2000 was left foot..removed metatarsal heads on all toes, fused big toe, and straighten the others. Surgery for me has been a blessing!! For any of you that know the pain we live with daily, I found that there is a distinct difference between the RA pain and the post-surgery pain. I no longer have the pain of constant degeneration of the joints and yes, I will not lie the pain after surgery lasted for some time...depending on the surgery up to 6 months. For me there was a light at the end of the tunnel. I would not change any of the surgeries that I have had and in fact only wish that I had done them sooner. I would be happy to share with anyone my experience or to give encouragement. I also have a lot of experience with preparing yourself and your home for post surgery tricks. Email me if you would like. Theresa...tinkepooh@cox.net
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ChrisNez
Posted Sunday, January 23, 2005 7:14 PM


 

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Hi, I'm 36, have JRA and I had MCP arthoplasty on both hands in 1991 and since then my wrists have been hurting, more & more as the years go by. My only guess is that being in a brace for 6 weeks & not bending them is what started it all. Now my right wrist hurts all the time, it even affects my sleep. My Rheumatologist says get your wrist fused but my hand Dr says that I'm too young to have my wrists fused. I think that I can live with it for awhile longer, and maybe the PIP fusion on 3 fingers of my right hand that I'm having next month will help some. I know that I've had to compensate with my wrist to get my fingers to point the right direction when I type. What is a partial fusion of the wrist? Does that mean no upward/downward movement, but still side to side movement? How long is the recovery for both partial & full fusion of the wrist?
Post #4095847
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Theresa390
Posted Monday, January 24, 2005 12:07 AM


 

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I was 26, 27 when had the wrists done...my partial fusion of my right wrist allows for some up and down motion, I would say 45 degrees more or less and allows for side to side motion of probably 45 degrees also. The RA had "eaten" the small bones in my wrist and erroded the head of my ulna and so it was removed. I had minor complications after the surgery mainly because the tendons to my fingers were rerouted to the top portion of my wrist. I had some scarring that scarred them down but through rehab it works awesome. There was a 6 mos recovery period of hand therapy. All of which seems like a pain in the butt at the time but will pay off in the long run....I can type like a maniac still at approx. 60 wpm. I use my partial fusion for more detail oriented work, writing, cooking, screwdriver etc. I carry groceries with either hand but find that I carry heavier bags with my left hand with the full wrist fusion. It required a piece of bone from my hip and the wrist is solid. I can rotate the wrist but have no up or down movement or side to side movement. I also have had the metacarpal joints replaced on both hands. Prior to surgery I had horrendous deviation of all finger to the outsides of my hands. I would suggest you find a surgeon that specializes in hand and microsurgery and that can also recommend a physical therapist that specializes in hand therapy. I thought when I was 26 I was too young to have a surgery that at that point , 15 years ago, I didn't know if it would work but I am so thankful I found a surgeon that helped me weigh the alternatives. Pain with more erosion and deterioration, versus surgery with pain...with an end in sight. I still have some pain in my right wrist only mainly because it still has room to move..but nothing like it was prior to having the partial fusion done. It was one of the scariest (1st surgery )and the best decision I ever made. I hope this helps. If I can be of more help let me know. Theresa
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Jeanne457
Posted Thursday, January 27, 2005 12:50 PM


 

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Hi
I had my wrist fused several years ago and it was the best thing that I did. NO PAIN Yipeeeee I can still type and do anything I want other than lifting heavy things.. I recommend it.
Jeanne
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Jeanne457
Posted Thursday, January 27, 2005 12:52 PM


 

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Thersa sounds like you and I have alot in common with surgery, isn't modern day surgery wonderful. My grandmother was a complete cripple with RA I wish she lived in these times now..
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Diane39
Posted Sunday, February 06, 2005 9:16 PM


 

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I have been advised by 2 hand surgeons to have wrist fusion on my right hand. I have RA. there is chance my tendons will rupture if i don't do it soon. I am terrified and have not scheduled it yet. the thought of a 6 inch plate in my hand freaks me out.
and imagining the pain after the surgery.
isn't there any alternative to this? it is supposed to be cutting edge technology but sounds so midieval to me.
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Theresa390
Posted Monday, February 07, 2005 12:49 AM


 

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When my left wrist was fused they took a bone portion of my left hip that was placed on what I would call the top of my wrist. The head of my ulnar bone was cut off and and "ground down" and placed back into the area where the small bones of my wrist used to be...they were pretty much gone from the RA. Then about an 11 inch metal rod which was inserted between my middle and ring finger knuckles and and extended up my arm was left in place for almost a year. It was then taken out...the wrist fused completely solid..the doctor also slightly cupped my wrist which helps with showering, bathing, holding cups, carrying things etc....glad he suggested it and I trusted him because at first I thought he was nuts. But when I had my other wrist partially fused, I was glad I could hold toilet paper if you know what I mean. :0) I can send you some pics of the wrist if you would like. It could give you some idea what mine looks like. It has been fused for 14 years now. I know the thought of pain after surgery is scary but for me it was not the same kind of pain from RA and it does go away but not over night. My thoughts are with you. Theresa
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NezChris
Posted Saturday, February 26, 2005 5:20 PM


 

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Oy, I had to change my nickname 'cause I forgot my password. Thank you so much for the information Theresa, I found your input on your wrist fusions very helpful. I wish I'd gotten on the message boards years ago, but I didn't know about them. I went back to my orthopedic surgeon & we discussed my wrist and he took x-rays and I'm going to have my wrist totally fused this Friday, March 4, along with my 3-5 fingers & thumb. The Dr said my wrist was very deteriorated and he saw the need to have it done & was surprised that I hadn't had it done before with how bad it is. I have to say that I've never been this nervous about a surgery. I just remember the pain of the surgery & OT I went through after my MCP arthroplastys and I know that this surgery is going to hurt too. I also haven't been sleeping good, partly because of my wrist pain, but also because I'm scared. Why did your Dr take out the 11" metal rod in your wrist? I was under the impression that I will have the plate in my wrist forever. I found the idea of cupping the wrist fascinating, I'll have to ask my Dr about that quick. My Dr has said that he is taking out the sticky up bone & breaking it up to fill in the gaps when he does my wrist. I've been told that I will have no OT after this surgery & will be back to work & typing after only 16 days. Do you use an ergonomic mouse? I just wondered how you use one with a fused wrist. I type on a computer all day long and it'll be fun relearning how to type with straight fingers & thumb again. Wish me luck in surgery, I'll write later when I can & let you know how it went & how I'm doing. Chris
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Lorna72
Posted Tuesday, May 24, 2005 11:37 AM


 

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Good luck on everybodies wrist fusions and decisions. I had my left wrist completely fused 4 months ago in January. Best decision I have ever made. The wrist is very strong and I have no problems lifting heavier things. My doctor too "cuped" my wrist...basically fusing it at a angle. The joke was that I could still use the bathroom and wipe with that hand...

I have a titanium dynamic compression plate with 8 screws that goes from my radius to my third metacarpal. I will get the plate out after about a year from surgery.

My doctor too said no PT, but I was having some tendon problems (everything was reconstructed) so we went ahead and did it. So far is is helping a lot!

If anybody else has any questions or wants to talk more about the surgery...I am here. it is actually good therapy (at least for me) to talk about it.

Lorna
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JA N152
Posted Friday, August 12, 2005 10:48 PM


 

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HI, I JUST HAD MY RIGHT WRIST FUSED AND I'M WONDERING HOW LONG IT TOOK YOU TO GET TO THE POINT THAT YOU COULD USE YOUR WRIST? I STILL TAKE PAIN PILLS EVERY DAY AND IT HURTS TO TURN MY WRIST (I HAD SURGERY ON JULY 21ST_ I AM SO TIRED OF FEELING SO TIRED AND HAVING SO MUCH PAIN. WHEN DOES IT GET BETTER? I STILL HAVE TROUBLE LIFTING ANYTHING HEAVY AND LIVING BY MYSELF AND DEPENDING ON FRIENDS IS OH SO HARD. WOULD YOU LET ME KNOW YOUR TIME FRAME.. I WOULD SO APPRECIATE IT....THANKS, JAN
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Stick5
Posted Friday, February 09, 2007 9:29 PM


 

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I busted my right wrist 2 years ago this 4/17/07. I have been on the O.R. table 4 times. many wrist joint bones have been removed and STILL having trouble. Pain drains my soul. I have had a long chat with my surgen and VERY SOON I will be back on the O.R. table for a wrist fusion. He says he will remove some bone from my right hip area to use for the fusion process. I have so much pain and I drive a HAZMAT Jet/gas tanker for a living. Hard to move 4 inch hoses with a jacked wrist. Can anybody tell be how long for recovery time? How many weeks of Springer with I have to watch? If you want to chat by phone, feel free to call me at 602--526--0108 Any help and advice will help me big TIME!
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Stick5
Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2007 6:09 PM


 

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Please anybody that has had their wrist fused, Please post your thoughts of having your wrist fused. Did it remove your PAIN? Getting approval for number 5 Surgery so my doc and fuse my right wrist
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BRIAN1
Posted Wednesday, December 12, 2007 11:30 PM


 

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BACK IN NOVEMBER OF 2003 I HURT MY WRIST FIXING CARS AT THE DEALERSHIP I WORK AT AND IN FEBRUARY OF 2004 I HAD A RIGHT WRIST SCAPHOID DONE AND REHAB AND RECOVERY WAS ABOUT 3 MONTHS . I REINJURED MY SAME WRIST IN APRIL OF 2006 FIXING CARS AGAIN IN NOVEMBER OF 2006 I HAD ANOTHER RIGHT WRIST SCAPHOID,RIGHT WRIST ARTHROPLASTY AND CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE AND THEY HARVESTED BONES FROM MY RIGHT ELBOW. WE WAITED 3 MONTHS AND I WAS STILL IN TREMENDOUS PAIN SO IN MARCH OF 2007 I HAD A FULL RIGHT WRIST FUSION THEY CUT MY BACK HAND OPEN 8 INCHES LONG TO INSERT A 6 INCH PLATE WITH 8 SCREWS NOW I LOST ALL MOVEMENT IN MY WRIST AND AFTER 5 MONTHS IN A CAST AM STILL IN PAIN FIND OUT THE PLATE IS CAUSING MY FINGERS TO NOT MOVE PROPERLY AND HAVE PAIN ALL THE TIME AND I HAVE TO TAKE PAIN MEDS I AM GOING FOR ANOTHER SURGERY TO GET THE PLATE REMOVED SHORTLY AND WILL HAVE TO BE IN A CAST AGAIN FOR 3-4 MONTHS AND THEN HOPEFULLY REHAB FOR 4 MONTHS THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON NOW FOR OVER ONE AND A HALF YEARS WRIST FUSIONS IS A TOUCHY SUBJECT I AM LIVING PROOF OF THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF THIS PROCEDURE NOW I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS WORTH IT TO STILL BE IN PAIN BEFORE SURGERY AND WELL AFTER SURGERY. IF ANYONE NEEDS MORE INFO OR WHAT TO EXPECT EMAIL ME AT BRIANLEBLANC08@COMCAST.NET
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Mickey1
Posted Tuesday, January 01, 2008 8:34 AM


 

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Brian, I had my right wrist fused back in '88 after 2 previous surgeries. Best thing I ever had done! No pain at all. I do think one of the 8 screws is sitting just below a nerve, because if I hit it in a certain way, its like an electrical shock going to the tips of my fingers, but, I'm not having it removed, since that is the only problem. My Dr. said unless there is a problem, they usually don't remove the plates.
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Geri2
Posted Friday, February 01, 2008 12:49 PM


 

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Hi: Does anyone ride a motorcycle with the wrist fusion?
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