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Wanda1956
Posted Wednesday, July 28, 2004 9:00 PM


 

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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!!!
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Donna
Posted Sunday, September 12, 2004 1:20 PM


 

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Hi, Wanda. I had reconstructive surgery on my right thumb joint July 30, 2004. With that a bone is removed & a tendon from the forearm is used to coil & line joint. It was very successful for pain control. Don't know about joint replacement. I was in a cast for 6 weeks, couldn't use that hand for 10 weeks, then had occupational therapy for several months. It takes a lot of time to recover, but was worth it. I have to have the same surgery on the left hand; but I don't think you necessarily will have the other hand involved. I wish you luck. Donna
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Wanda1956
Posted Monday, September 13, 2004 10:43 PM


 

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Thank you for the information Donna. This is the same surgery my doctor is recommending for me. My nerve tests came back normal, so all I need is a new joint. I told him I'm not ready to do it yet. I need more information. I have a job that I care about and after 20 years can't imagine doing anything else. But it does require constant repetitive movement of my right hand. Since the pain has gotten out of control I have learned to wear a thumb splint at work. I have also introduced my left hand to new things. I feel like it's just went along for a free ride all these years. Then again if I'd been abusing it too I'd probably need the surgery on it just as you do. Right now I'm icing when I get home from work, using pain patch's and a paraffin dip 3 times a week. Six weeks in a cast is a long time. How did you do without your hand for that length of time. Especially adding the other 10 weeks. When I have it I will need to be honest with my employer. I don't want to tell him I'll be off 2 months then end up not being able to come back for 6. Do you work? and if you do How did it affect your ability to return to the same job? It sounds like you are very happy with the outcome. I admit it's totally exhausting living with the constant pain and inability to use the hand in a normal way. Thank you again and I appreciate your responding. Wanda
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bigal
Posted Monday, December 06, 2004 11:02 PM


 

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I am considering a somewhat similar operation. However, my understanding is that the 1st Metacarpal is removed leaving only soft tissue. What is the name of the operation you had? Allan.
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DorothyFry
Posted Wednesday, December 15, 2004 3:44 PM


 

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Hi there
Your understanding is correct. I had that done in April of this year. They took the bone out and "Pinned" the hand for 8 weeks so the scar tissue could fill in the gap. It was on my right hand (I'm right handed) and I am so happy I did it. The small amount of pain now is only if I hit it or overwork it.
I am going to have to have the other one done, but have to wait for now-no insurance.
If this is your option I definitely recommend it.
Good Luck!
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bigal
Posted Tuesday, December 21, 2004 6:39 PM


 

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From other threads I understand that in some cases only the joint end of the 1st metacarpal is removed and the joint space packed with coiled ligament. I am apprehensive that if the complete bone is removed I will lose more post recovery utility/dexterity. Any coments would be appreciated
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mary+ann285
Posted Saturday, January 15, 2005 9:20 PM


 

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Hi Wanda,
My pain is in the second joint of both of my thumbs. The doctor says I have refered pain from the basal joint and recommends joint surgery with removal of the trapezium bone in my left thumb, which is the worst. I would also have the ligament from my wrist used to build a new joint.Where was your pain in your thumb ( which joint of the thumb?) I am afraid of the surgery, because the doctor said he can not guarantee that the pain would be totally gone after surgery. How is your thumb and is your pain gone? Do you play golf? I haven't been able to since having this arthritis.Mary Ann
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mary+ann285
Posted Saturday, January 15, 2005 9:28 PM


 

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Hi Donna.
My pain is in the second joint of both of my thumbs. The doctor says I have refered pain from the basal joint and recommends joint surgery with removal of the trapezium bone in my left thumb, which is the worst. I would also have the ligament from my wrist used to build a new joint.Where was your pain in your thumb ( which joint of the thumb?) I am afraid of the surgery, because the doctor said he can not guarantee that the pain would be totally gone after surgery. How is your thumb and is your pain gone? Do you play golf? I haven't been able to since having this arthritis.Mary Ann
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Wanda1956
Posted Wednesday, January 26, 2005 9:41 AM


 

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I decided to wait until I had more info before having the surgery. I also didn't feel comfortable with the surgeon. I was so afraid I would have to be off work for 3 months and maybe not be able to return to my job. But the pain has refused to go away. I'm consumed by it every single day. The surgeon wanted to remove the trapezium bone and do the ligament reconstruction. I have scheduled an appointment with a new surgeon for March 14th. I cannot tolerate this pain forever and if I have to change jobs...OH Well!!! Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply. I do appreciate your info. Wanda
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Nancy24
Posted Wednesday, February 16, 2005 10:25 PM


 

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I am told I am in need of joint replacement on my right thumb.
The type of surgery sounds different from you all. He wants to use part of my tendon to be threaded thru a hole he will drill and then re-attach the tendon back in place. I am a nervous wreck.

He said, I may never be able to pinch again, or lift heavy things, such as grandchildren, or open jars or put my thumb to my pinky...but to be without a constant pain in my thumb?

I had my left knee done 2 years ago and it still isn't perfect, but I asm pain free and I say AMEN to that.

Anyone hear for this type of surgery?
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Rose277
Posted Wednesday, March 02, 2005 8:59 PM


 

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I just had a basal thumb joint replacement done on 02-01-05. My disability ins co sent me back to work on 02-24-05. Not enuf time to recover. Oh well...today my doctor took the pin out. Thank goodness. I still have quite a bit of pain in the hand, but I haven't started therapy yet. That begins next week. At least I don't feel the pain in the thumb anymore, only the surgery pain. I have great hopes that I'll be pain free finally. To answer some of the questions, he replaced the joint with a piece of tendon he shaved off my forearm and coiled it in where the joint was. I thought I'd have huge scars, but I don't, just a couple of 1" scars where he took out the tendon, and another one about 3" where he removed the joint. Boy, when that pin came out, I can really see the end of the tunnel. Once I'm ship shape with the left hand, then I'll start with the right (maybe in 3 months). Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
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Wanda1956
Posted Thursday, March 03, 2005 1:44 AM


 

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Wow Rose you weren't even off work one month. I'm curious how much you use your thumb in your job. I have another appointment March 14th with a surgeon and I'm close to having the same thing done. It's been a lot of pain, angst, etc the last year trying to make the right decision. The thumb joint is getting worse and the pain in unbearable at times. I use my thumb constantly at my job and my biggest fear was taking off 3 months or longer. Since you were able to go back so soon maybe I can too. I have a new granddaughter coming in July. I want to be able to pick her up without the fear of dropping her. Thank you for the info. Wanda
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Rose277
Posted Tuesday, March 08, 2005 9:07 PM


 

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Wanda, I really didn't have a choice in the matter..my company's disability folks decided they were better than the doctor. I use my entire hand all day because I work on a computer all day long, so its been interesting trying to cope. But I've found where there's a will there's a way. Maybe the following will help you a bit in your decision. The surgery took between 1 and 1-1/2 hours. Since I went to a day surgery center, I was home about an hour after the surgery was done. I was very groggy of course. The doc used a local anesthetic in my wrist as well as general to knock me out. When the local wore off, the pain was pretty severe. Percodan worked really well. (a liitle humor doesn't ever hurt). One week after the surgery, the doc removed the stitches & staples. I ended up with 3 scars, one about 3-1.2" long and 2 of them about 1/2" long (where he took out the tendon to replace the joint). At that time, he removed the cast and put me in a brace made of hard plastic (molded to the shape of my hand) with velcro strips. Brace needs to be on 24/7. The pin was removed from the thumb at 4 weeks post op. What a relief. Now I'm 5 weeks post op and about to start physical therapy. Still have to wear the brace until at least 8 weeks post op. I can't lie and tell you this doesn't hurt, cus it does. But I see the light at the end of the tunnel now. The sharp stabbing pain I had everytime I used the tumb is gone. Of course, I still feel the surgery pain, but I'm at a point where I very rarely take pain meds now. To me, that's progress. When I get this hand more mobile, I have to do the right hand too. But I'm up for it. The doc told me there it will take up to 6 months for total recuperation. That means all nerve endings growing back, full mobililty, etc. I know I'll be pretty functional long before that. Take care and good luck with your decision. I'll keep you in my prayers and look forward to hearing from you again.
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RONA65
Posted Wednesday, April 06, 2005 6:43 PM


 

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HiMary+Ann
I have exactly the same problem and the same info. from 3 doctors. I am going back to the first one next week. I'm worried about the recovery period and the pain (ofcourse). Have you found out any other info.?
Rona
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NANCY136
Posted Wednesday, April 06, 2005 10:28 PM


 

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I am scheduled for April 11th for a thumb replacement. I am giving myself two weeks at home before I go back to work. I had a total knee replacment 2 years ago and the only thing that stopped me from going back to work, was I could not put pressure on my knee and it was a big bone. This is a tiny bone and the pain disappeared after two weeks so I should be fine. I will be in a soft cast for one week and a hard cast for 4, I sit at a desk....work on the computer but will have 4 fingers that will work on one hand so I think I will be fine.

Determined to be back at work, and you know what determination can do.

The bone operation pain for my knee disappeared in two weeks.......and that was a big knee, this is a tiny thumb, how much pain could I have?
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Rose277
Posted Monday, April 11, 2005 11:39 PM


 

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Word of caution Nancy. I figured the pain would be gone quickly, but I was wrong. Its a long recovery period. I have a very high pain tolerance and I get aggravated sometimes from the pain. You probably won't be using those 4 fingers real soon after the surgery becausing they won't have much strength due to the tendon involvement and you will also have pain in them as well. But as I said before, where's there's a will there's a way. I had to type with only one hand. Your doctor will probably tell you not to use that hand at all for a while. You will get by though. I wish you the best and please keep me informed how you're doing.
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Rose277
Posted Monday, April 11, 2005 11:44 PM


 

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Rona, the recovery time (according to my doctor) takes a good 6 months. BUT...I was back to work in 3 weeks. The pain is there, but depending on how you handle pain, it can be pretty bad or so-so. I have a high pain tolerance, so I look at the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. I really started to feel pretty good at about 6 weeks after the surgery. I'm now 9 weeks post op and doing great. I'm ahead of where the doc thought I'd be with the therapy and I feel great about that. I now type with both hands, and have for some weeks. The surgery hand gets tired quicker than the other, but that's also getting better. Do what you have to do to get better. I also had 3 opinions and I don't regret having done the surgery. Once my left hand is feeling tip-top, I have to do the right hand. Oh well, at least this time, I'm prepared for what will come. Good luck to you...
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NANCY136
Posted Thursday, April 14, 2005 12:13 PM


 

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well, i'm home and it's the 3rd day post op. thank god for pain pills. has my 83 yr old mother in law with me and it's just too much, no rest for me. second night hand swelled so badly, i thoght i would have 2 go 2 er for them 2 cut it off so thw throbbing would go away. next day i stayed in bed and iced it and raised it over my head. doing a bit better. lasted 9 hrs before i needed more pain meds. the thumb hurts like before but the other fingers no pain. soeness only. doc said i could go back 2 work this week..maybe our surgergies are simular but not the same. i'll tell you more after i see my scars...will keep u posted.

so for typo's this is one fingered from left hand....right hand surgery,,,still trying 2 figure out, how do i put a bra on?
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RONA65
Posted Thursday, April 14, 2005 5:46 PM


 

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Rose277
Thanks for the infomation. I have an appointment tomorrow with my original surgeon and will go over everything.Were and are you on pain medication? I don't do well on pain killers and probably take Tylenol.
How long was the operation and is there a problem getting dressed? I'll let you know how things go. Take care.
Rona
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NANCY136
Posted Friday, April 15, 2005 12:08 PM


 

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i an taking pericets now about once every 8 hours...not bad.

surgery took 2 hours and i still don't know where they cut, i have a soft cast on, but yesterday i showered and washed mt hair by myself. i dress myself daily in sweats. do it easy fist and then go onto something more difficult. the stockings and business suit is next week. the bra is the hardest to put on. i'mm doing good. less pain than presujrgery.
the tpying is way bad
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