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artistwoman1
Posted Sunday, November 08, 2009 11:23 AM


 

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Hello, Sharon and Ann,

As Ann says, this is a serious surgery. I've had three of them (yeh, I only have two thumbs). It took me 10-12 weeks before I was able to begin using my hands fully. Once I was out of the plaster splints and fiberglass casts, I wore a plastic brace that supported my hand and wrist and extended up almost to my elbow. It's a long recovery, and trying to go back to work or do too much too soon can have a very negative effect on healing. I was fortunate not to have any surgical pain to speak of, however, once out of cast and into brace, it was quite a shock, especially my wrist. I am happy to report that three surgeries later, both thumbs are quite functional and I have no pain. There is some tightness, however, it is not bothersome. I'm able to make jewelry again, and I work on the computer some days as long as 18 hours.

Ann, your hand will loosen up if you are faithful with your PT. I had putty at home and continued PT long after my insurance company thought I should be done. As for your wrist, you may want to ask when you go to PT for a longer splint. Your thumb will eventually return to looking normal, but it does take a long time. Don't be discouraged, because when it's all done, you will be glad you did it. I was told going into surgery that thumb joint replacement has the longest recovery time of all the joint replacement surgeries!

Sharon, I also had a very sudden onset in my left (non-dominant) hand. One day I had a little soreness, the next month I was dropping everything and had major pain that was not relieved by cortisone or other means. I felt as though I had no other options if I wanted to live my life normally, and in truth, I know I made the right choice. The biggest mistake patients make, according to my surgeon, is trying to do too much and go back to work too soon. After my third surgery, I was off work for 11 weeks, but when I went back, I was ready to work and had very little adjustment to make. I use my hands all day long and rarely have any discomfort. After my second surgery, I found that it took very little effort to push a mouse around, and I discovered the world of digital art, which opened up a whole new world for me!

Best of luck to both of you. Keep us posted on your progress.
Artistwoman
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sandy v
Posted Monday, November 09, 2009 12:04 AM


 

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Hi Ann. I had the same surgery as you on Sept 30 so we are pretty close in our recovery time. I also had 2 pins put in. I was in a plastic cast wrapped in ace bandage for about 2 wks then the stitches came out and I had a smaller plastic cast (still over my wrist and halfway up my arm) covered with a little less ace bandage. Then 2wks later they took the pins out (ouch!) and they put a removeable black splint that surrounded my thumb and goes up my arm halfway. That stays on except for showering though I cheat a little. I just started physical therapy last week, 3x a wk for 2 wks, 2x a week after that. I think your doctor started the physical therapy way too soon. No wonder you hurt. I haven't needed pain pills except for the 1st 2 weeks. I think it's also pretty bad that you dont see your doctor for so long. I'll be back for my third visit this week. If you can afford to take a break from your physical therapy for a few days you'll give your hand a chance to heal a bit. It always helped to keep my hand elevated and ibuprophen helped with the swelling. Use some ice if that helps. I found that the more I use my hand just naturally, the looser it gets, but I think you really need to let if recuperate some more before you push the physical therapy. Sandy
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Ann32
Posted Monday, November 09, 2009 7:54 PM


 

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I am the other Ann !! I had my second surgery on the same thumb last January, with two pins and the usual splints etc., My original tendon replacement was absorbed and disappeared, and my thumb totally collapsed. So, like Artistwoman back into surgery I went but with a different doctor. This one is much better although not perfect, I have to watch I don't overdo it - I am a keen Gardener and badminton player. At least though, I do not have the constant pain which is a huge improvement. So hang in there and don't try to rush the healing, it takes a long time.
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Sharon Vatter
Posted Wednesday, November 11, 2009 12:51 PM


 

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Hi Artistwomen,

Thank you so much for your reply and insights. After Sunday sitting in a seminar with my thumb screaming I know I am making the right decision moving forward with the surgery. I have been using a custom made splint for more than a year now and it is getting very old, along with not being able to open bags or do buttons, etc.- kinda bad when I can't do the button on my little niece and nephews outfits let alone my own.

The one thing I am learning reading these posts is patience, patience, patience which is going to be interesting since I am rather type-A but the one thing I don't have to worry about is my boss and time off.

When I had ulnar nerve decompression surgery it took a while as well but I don't think anything like what I will be facing with this surgery/recovery.

I'm looking forward to getting this over.....

Sharon
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Judith Partridge
Posted Wednesday, November 18, 2009 9:18 AM


 

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Hi Everyone. I am new to this forum and have had a recent thumb joint replacment - 24 days ago now. I still have a plaster cast on which goes halfway up my arm and am due to go to physio for the first time and have a splint put on next week. It's been a big help reading all of your posts but a lot of you seem to have had a pin put in and I don't think I've had one of these, although you never know - I guess I need to check up on this. The op I had is a relatively new one that has been going for about 18 months now. I'm wondering about the recovery time and realise that it's probably different for everyone. I've been told 6-8 weeks before I can drive and 3-6 months for full recovery. Any information would be a help - thanks all in advance.
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artistwoman1
Posted Thursday, November 19, 2009 1:50 AM


 

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Hello, Judith. Welcome to the club!

Recovery time for everyone seems to be as different as the variations on the surgery. I've had three thumb joint replacement surgeries, the third a "revision" surgery on the second. The first two were done without a pin, the third with a pin. I was told at the outset, before I had the first surgery, that thumb joint was the longest recovery time of any joint replacement, usually between 10-12 weeks before going back to work. I was off 11 weeks with the last of the three. It has taken more than 18 months for it to feel "normal" and I think there's still some healing going on as it seems to be improving still.

I could feel the pin in my hand, as first the plaster splint and later the fiberglass cast pressed on it. My surgeon left it in for a month, but would have left it longer if I hadn't kicked up such a fuss! It's very important to remember not to try to do too much too quickly. The benefits of patience do pay off with this. I am now pain free, making jewelry, buttoning buttons, zipping zippers and all those other things I had given up, with both hands.

Good luck, and happy healing!
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ann thomas
Posted Thursday, November 19, 2009 2:04 PM


 

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Welcome Judith,

I had my surgery, Oct 5th so I am about 6 weeks out. Still having some discomfort, but not constant anymore, Mainly when I sleep and when I wake up my whole hand is painful and swollen. Wrist bothers me also, but less and less, Im starting to accept that I am going to be normal again someday. I go to therapy 3x week which is very helpful with pain and stiffness. I also did not have a pin. I still wear a hard plastic splint, but take it off for periods during day,which feels so good. Im just wiggling my thumb to get blood moving, not much else with it yet.
This was a tough surgery and a long recovery..Im just having trouble because its my dominant hand, So frustrating. I have all this free time and cant do much. And I spill EVERYTHING.lol
Keep us updated, as it will help others to share your experience

Ann
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Cathy Lee
Posted Saturday, November 21, 2009 9:39 PM


 

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I can sure relate to what you are saying Ann. It drove me nuts to have so much time off but not be able to do anything. Taking a shower was like a chore and writing in my checkbook took hours, or so it seemed. I still look back at some of the entries and laugh at the handwriting. It does get better it just takes a very long time. take it easy and read a good book. Don't expect improvement everyday. It doesn't work like that.
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ann thomas
Posted Wednesday, December 09, 2009 7:04 AM


 

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Hi All
Update
I had the cmc joint replacement with tendon taken from my forearm on Oct, 5, so Im 2 months out. Things are so much better pain wise, I only need pain medicine to get me through the night, as I wake up witth my hand like a claw.
Im totally out of a splint, but must wear a piece of cloth over my incision, It is so sensitive i can stand anything touching it.
I go to therapy 3xweek and that is helping, It is so surprising to me that one day I can touch my thumb to my ring finger and a few hours later I can barely move it. It can become so painful and stiff for no reason. Stil have no strength what so ever, so my hand is pretty useless.
Have a pocket of fluid on the outside of my hand below my wrist and my wrist burns most of the time.
My hand still looks odd and i cant place it flat on a surface.
Just going to keep on with therapy and what Im told to do.
Hope all is going well for all of you
Happy Holidays

Ann
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Sharon Vatter
Posted Friday, December 11, 2009 6:42 PM


 

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Hi Ann,

Thanks for the update, glad to hear you are pain free. Although I'm sure it can get frustrating at times when your hand will still not do what you want it to do. That is the part that I still have concern about. Will it be normal or close to when all is said and done.

However, reading your post and everyone else gives me a good idea of the road I have ahead of me and I realize everybody is different. My surgery is scheduled for Dec 28th.

I and hoping for the best and in the mean time not drive myself and everyone around me crazy before the 28th.

Happy Holidays to all,

Sharon
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AartWMich
Posted Saturday, December 12, 2009 9:07 AM


 

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Wow! What a thread! Have read lots but it will take more than several sessions to read thru it all. It really helps to read other folks experiences as I deal with my own, thanks to all who have shared.

Just thought I'd tell my tale here:

I am on day 11 of CMC rebuild with the full (not split) ligament used to tie in the thumb bone and replace the wrist bone. Also had the MCP tighted up due to hyper extension. Both are pinned. I am scared to death that my pins will get screwed up as they will be in for 6 1/2 more weeks..

Just found out yesterday during my second OT session that the CMC pin is farther up my hand than I thought, OT told me that it goes from thumb bone to index bone at about midpoint of the bones, I thought it was thru the new joint. I still wish they had shown me an xray so I could see just exactly where they are, it would help me to visualize as I move how not to aggravate them and so I don't pop the ends thru the skin as I do my scar massage ...I am going to ask for an xray in 10 days at my 3rd OT session. Right now I am learning to type without using the index finger, I was using it before and I don't think that was a good thing.

The surgery itself went well tho I didn't like the thought of the general anesthesia, they took great care of me in recovery to control the nausea. Once the local wore off after about 12 hours it took about another 12 hours to get on top of the pain with the dilaudid, after that I spent 2 days snoozing Day 4 I felt great in the morning. Thats the day they removed the surgical cast/bandages, they said everything looked good, and made a plastic splint. Pain and trepidation returned. But I got used to it all, and now changing the motions with no more index finger usage (other than paper and pencil type weight/pressure). Am continuing to do motion exercises to keep tendons moving and now scar massage. Don't really use any pain meds as it's minimal and to use any pain as a warning when I do too much movement.

That's where I am at now. Looking at another 6 1/2 weeks before pin removal seems so daunting, I am a concrete artist who hates to be unable to ply my craft. I am unemployed at this point so I don't have work to worry about or keep me distracted and busy...not sure if that is good or bad. The hardest things are the not being able to be my usual incredibly independant self, I live alone but have support in a few peeps who can be here quickly if I need them, and the anxiety of something going wrong due to my own impatience.

OK enough typing for now, time for exercise then rest.

Anne Art of West Michigan
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Ann32
Posted Saturday, December 12, 2009 6:53 PM


 

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Hi all.
I had two pins and they hurt like heck, I had the one in my thumb out fairly soon but the one in the back of my hand was in a long time and that of course, was the one that hurt the most.
Ann T: If your incision hurts, put your cloth over it and tap it with your finger, apparently this desensitizes it, also gently massage the swelling on your wrist.
Sharon:- Good luck with your surgery, as you know it is a long recovery time so get prepared, DVD's books etc., to keep you occupied. Elastic waist pants, t shirts with big sleeves, plastic bag that the newspaper comes in to put over your cast to shower. Lots of tips on this forum.
Take care all.
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Sharon Vatter
Posted Tuesday, December 15, 2009 11:21 PM


 

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Hi Everyone,

How soon after surgery was it before you were able to get back to exercising. I'm not talking about do any free weights but doing some cardio on the treadmill or elliptical so I don't turn into a big pile of sludge while I'm sitting on my fanny over the next month or so.

Hope everyone is doing well. I am resisting the temptation to put up Chritmas decorations knowing I will not be able to take them down, so house looks kinda of depressing right now as I really like to decorate for Christmas.

Have a great holiday,

Sharon
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ann thomas
Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2009 7:39 AM


 

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Hi Sharon,
I know making the decision was hard for you, I had surgery on Oct 5 and Im still not sure i did the right thing. The arthritis pain is gone , but I have other discomfort constantly. I had no choice about my surgery as it was work related.
I lost 22 lbs after the surgery in 7wks and did turn to mush as I was not overweight to begin with. The discomfort affected my appetite and it was so hard to even make a sandwich, by the time i had it ready I couldnt even eat it. My appetite did return in about 7wks. I did join a gym at about 6 weeks out and go at least 3 times a week, I use the treadmill with caution, only holding on with 1 hand, also use a bike that you sit back on and dont need to hold on. Keep your hand elevated for when you exercise the blood pumps into your hand and hurts. I am also swimming alittle.
They started me on a new pain patch Flexatol that goes over my thmb incision 2 days ago, I think it is helping.
Sharon, put up your tree and decorations. Even if they stay up for 3 months, they will cheer you up. You will have lots of time sitting there looking at them.
Any more questions just ask, I will answer as to my experience
ann
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Sharon Vatter
Posted Saturday, December 19, 2009 6:37 AM


 

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Hi Ann,

Thanks for the reply, I hope the pain patch is working for you and providing some much needed relief. I had my pre-op/pre-registation yesterday so the wheels are in motion. Was bummed when the nurse told me my nails have to come off, espicially since I have an appointment for a fill the day of surgery. Might as well have your hands look good before they mess them all up as it will be a while before I can get them done again.

One thing I did notice on the orders my doc had written was mention of a wrist synovectomy. This is the first time I have seen this mention in addition to the cmc arthoplasty with tendon graft. So not sure what the plan is the. I do know that I have major muscle wasting at my wrist so maybe something to do with that.

All I know next week is not going to be fun since I have to stop all the meds I take.

Thanks again for all you insight. Have a great holiday.

Sharon
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artistwoman1
Posted Thursday, December 24, 2009 1:16 AM


 

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Hi all,

As a veteran of three CMC arthroplasties (Really. I only have two thumbs.), I just want to say that my experience has been that I'm glad I had surgery. My hands will never be the same, but I have a pretty good range of motion, almost no pain, and pretty much what I would consider full function. Before surgery, I couldn't zip a zipper, button my clothes, or even hold my hairbrush. The surgery was not painful for me, nor afterwards until I got out of the casts and into a splint. That pain didn't last long, once I began PT and started using it. I was off 11 weeks with my third surgery to assure that the graft would take and that I would be healed before going back to work. My third surgery required a pin, which was very uncomfortable, but which I persuaded my surgeon to remove after four weeks because the cast was pressing on it, and I had two more weeks in the cast for a total of 6.

I wish you all good luck and a speedy recovery. Don't try to overdo it, and while your hand is in a splint or cast, try to hold it up at all times, as it helps with the pain. I even slept with it propped at a 90 degree angle. If you read back down through the posts, there are lots of helpful hints that can make the whole experience less difficult. Feel free to post your own for the benefit of newbies.

Take care everyone, and have a happy, peaceful, painless new year!
Barbara/Artistwoman
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ann thomas
Posted Monday, December 28, 2009 7:13 AM


 

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Sharon,

Hope your surgery goes well today. Will be thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. Update us when you feel up to it

ann
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Sharon Vatter
Posted Wednesday, December 30, 2009 4:21 PM


 

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Hi Everyone,

I got home yesterday afternoon after spending one night in hospital. The surgery went well, doc said joint was very arthritic and had to do much cleanup than he originally was anticipating. I have been trying keep on top of the pain as I know in hospital with pain pump when I happened to doze off and did not have any meds the pain was intense. Also, I experienced side effect from morphine where I felt as if I could scratch myself right out of my skin so they had to give me Benadryl to ease the itching.

The biggest thing now is getting used to my new friend sponge Bob which I have to wear all the time to keep my hand in any elevated position. Sleeping last night was next to impossible even with the happy pills. I finally gave up around 4 am and moved to the couch.

I see the doc tomorrow as he did not want me going into a long weekend without checking out bandages or me having enough drugs.

I'll keep you posted...

Happy and Healthy New Year to all!!

Sharon
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ann thomas
Posted Thursday, December 31, 2009 6:52 AM


 

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Hi Sharon

Happy to hear all went well and its over. You will have a rough couple of days. The spongebob will become your best friend for awhile. It really helps with swelling and protection. I also did not sleep for awhile, only in short naps. Keep ahead with the pain meds for a few days, then all of a sudden the pain will decrease rapidly.
Keep us updated on how you are.
Happy New Year to all
You are off to a good start
ann
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Sharon Vatter
Posted Thursday, December 31, 2009 8:13 PM


 

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Hi Ann,

Doc visit went well. I was suprised when he took the bandages off. I think I was expecting the worst after reading all the past blogs which kind of prepared me so it did not look as bad as thought it was going to be.

However, Doc was not happy with the amount of swelling, which again I'm thinking not so bad as it's only been a few days. But he is concerned that the RSD may be flairing up so I have to take prenisone for the few couple of days before I go back on the 6th. At least the pain is starting to taper a bit.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Happy New Year,

Sharon
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