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thumb joint replacement Expand / Collapse
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tiredmomof4
Posted Saturday, October 20, 2007 8:03 AM


 

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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.)
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kieye1
Posted Saturday, October 20, 2007 11:11 AM


 

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tiredmonof4, Sorry to hear of your problems. I'm 8wks from surgery. I had a combo of the artelon spacer and a small piece of my tendon. Things are coming along.
I would seek a second and even a third opinion before I would go into another surgery. Fusion would be the last thing to consider and I would have at least 3 doctors stating it.
Kieye
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Donna
Posted Sunday, October 21, 2007 10:52 PM


 

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Hi there. I have been a RN for 36 years and I had both thumb joints reconstructed, using a piece of my tendon from the forearm; both VERY successful. One was done in 2003, and the other 1 1/2 years later. After the cast came off I went to Occupational Therapy for a few months. My surgery was done by an Orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the hand. I have been free of pain in these joints ever since. I agree with Kieye1, that you should get other opinions. Ask for referrels from hospital nurses (they see the REAL pros & cons) and Occupational Therapists. You really shouldn't consider fusion unless totally desperate. Check for other doctors first. I hope you have better luck and can find relief.
Donna
Post #4112204
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tiredmomof4
Posted Tuesday, October 23, 2007 7:45 PM


 

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Thanks for the replies. I go tomorrow to get the cast off (for the second time.) He thought recasting was a thought on getting the pain to quiet down. He has mentioned redoing the surgery with the tendon, and I guess that's the more tried and true method for success. He was worried that if that failed, I'd have nothing to fall back on. He is a well-recognized hand specialist. Although he wasn't keen on doing any physical therapy, which I thought a bit odd. But my movement and range of motion is pretty good. It's the strength and the pain that's bad. I have come to the decision that it is what it is, and I'll probably have to have something redone, either by him or someone else. I'm going to try to hold out until summer so I can be off with the kids and not worry about schoolwork, driving, etc.
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wren valentine
Posted Thursday, October 23, 2008 10:34 AM


 

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I had my thumb joint replaced with the tendon 6 wks ago.  Cast comes off today Hoo-ray.  Can anyone tell me what therapy consists of?  I'm so looking forward to being pain free!! 
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deborah dinsmore
Posted Sunday, December 21, 2008 7:48 PM


 

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I feel so sorry for you, I am 47, an RN and also suffer from severe O/A of my hands.I had both thumbs done by ligament reconstruction and parital fusion, my surgery was done by a plastic surgeon, and it was amazing, I required no therpy just home excersie and was back to full duties on celebrex in 3 months it has now been a year since my second surgery they were done 6months apart( the right april 2007 and the left Dec 2007) and no pain. You need several opinions before a redo
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ELLEN HAMER
Posted Saturday, January 17, 2009 4:55 PM


 

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Hi,

My name is Ellen, also a court reporter, also with arthritis of both thumbs...right far more severe than left.

Would love to hear more from you; how you're doing, did you have re-do; are you still reporting.

I'm desperate for any information from anyone about this.

Thanks so much.

ellen

Post #4179887
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ELLEN HAMER
Posted Saturday, January 17, 2009 4:57 PM


 

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Hi,

Just read your post.  I'm a court reporter w/arthritis in both thumbs...many cortisone shots, celebrex, ultram, etc., desperate to get more info and hear success stories.  I really cannot lose my career.

Please let me know how you're doing.

Thanks so much,

Ellen

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Adrianna Hurst
Posted Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:00 AM


 

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Hi there, i'm 35 mommy of 2 toddlers and will be having surgery next week to have my thumb fused..Will i no longer be able to use it?? my nail grows funny and is ugly and embarrising as well will it grow normal after this?? i too will be having an orth surgen do this and it will my second surgery from him, first time he just removed a tumor from the joint and had no relief  this was done in 06 now he said he's just going to fuse it???? HELP
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