Wrist Replacement Surgery

dorcas

Hi everyone

I got a letter this morn asking me to come to hospital on 30th April for my pre op assessment! so looks as though (barring emergencies) I'll have my TWR early May, which is great as I was told it would be mid June.

Now the question: Has anyone had a total wrist replacement? if so can you tell me what to expect and how have you been since the op?

I did post this question before but that was months ago and we have had lots of new peeps joining since then....so I'm keeping my fingers crossed someone will be able to give me some advice.
thanks!

Iris x

lindalegs

Sorry Iris, can't help but wanted to wish you well for your op. To have a wrist that moves again and not hurt will be wonderful.

Good luck.

Luv Legs

speedalong

Hi Iris, sorry no info - but just to say glad your pre-op appointment has come through and that your op will be sooner rather than later. Is it your left or right? Are you left or right handed? (just nosey!!)

Good job you've got voice recognition software ... cos we'd really miss you on the forum if you stopped posting for too long whilst your built up your wrist strength again!!

Speedalong

dorcas

Hi Linda,
it will be great to have a wrist that moves again and is pain free. I feel very lucky to have the op just 8weeks or so of going on the ortho's list!. (and a wee bit anxious)

I've been stuck with using just one wrist for some time now...and that one's fused so there's no flexibility. The ortho I see is supposed to be the top hand specialist so I have confidence in him. He has warned me though that a TWR is a more complicated op.. not as strong as a fusion and can break if I fall on it; but if all goes well it will be as mobile a joint as the 'original'. (I hope).

Hi speedalong,

it's my dominant hand, the right one that's being done. I did have the option of having another wrist fusion...same as the left hand , but the ortho recommended TWR as it will be better for me..as it's not so restrictive....and I'll be able to wipe my bum (his words :oops: )
He then went on to describe all the things that can go wrong :shock: but if the worst happens and it 'fails' or breaks he will then do a wrist fusion ....so that's reassuring (I think x).

there's very little info on wrist fusion on the net and virtually no stats on success rate...that's why I was hoping for some peeps having had it and able to let me know more about the reality of having the op etc....but hey ho I'm still keen to have it done!

thanks again Linda and speedalong. I really appreciate your support.

kerrycc

I'm jealous!! My wrist was far too damaged so had to have it totally fused. The pain stopped but I cannot bend it. Its a bit weird actually! My Dad once said 'why can't they put a hinge in it' I suppose that's a bit like yours will be - good luck xx

dorcas

Hi kerry!

my left wrist is fused like yours...it does take a bit of getting used to but it does make a huge difference to the pain! I've to have another op on that same wrist though..they have to remove the head of the ulna as it's still causing a lot of pain and they are giving me a joint replacement of the middle joint of the index finger...it's amazing what they are able to do now!

is your other wrist ok?

you're right about having ops at just the right time before it goes beyond getting the procedure....seems to depend on the orthos doesn't it.

Iris x

lindalegs

Hi again Iris,

Both my wrists fused themselves :roll: and of course they don't look at joints which don't move 'cos they usually don't hurt (although mine can on bad, bad days :roll: ). I know how excited I would be if I could have wrists which moved again without hurting.

You must keep us posted because I don't think many peeps on here have had it done ......you can be our little forum guinea pig.

Luv Legs

speedalong

Hi Iris,
you said,

He has warned me though that a TWR is a more complicated op.. not as strong as a fusion and can break if I fall on it;

But all joints can break if you fall on them the wrong way ... the consultant said similiar about a hip resurface - unlike a THR you can snap the thin bit at the top of the femur ... like you for more movement I'd happily take the risk. However too true about timing - am worried if they leave mine much longer it will be too bad for a resurface ... I guess one advantage of being in pain is I'm restricted and less likely to wear it out ,,,

Sorry I always seem to end up talking about myself ...I think when you are in pain, you (well I) get a bit self obsessed. Guess this is the best place for it!!

Speedalong

dorcas

Hi speedalong,

you're not being 'self obsessed'...just sharing what's happening with you and arther....which is what we all do and what binds us together.

haven't you be given any idea of when you'll get the hip resurface? I thought that once they 'put' your name on any surgical list there was a time-scale for surgery that they have to meet?
...that's why the surgeon told me the latest I'd have my surgery would be mid June....as the time-scale for the TWR is 14weeks.

last year when I had the wrist fusion the time-scale for that was 20weeks....I had the surgery exactly on the 20wks date, but by a different surgeon (which was my choice).

now I'm rambling on. :oops:

Iris x

dorcas

Hi again Linda,

that is such rotten luck! last year the surgeon told me the left wrist had 'started' to fuse itself but I was still just able to get the surgery.

I read a very interesting article on research that had been done on the timing of orthopaedic surgery in arthritis....it said that sometimes rheummys' are slow in referring and can be guilty of seeing surgery as a last resort when in fact it should be seen as one of the options in a holistic approach to treating arther. (I'll find the article if anyone wants to read it?)

That was part of the reason I asked the surgeon when I was at out patients follow up for the left wrist, if I needed to be re referred for the right wrist. He took me up on it there and then, said I didn't need re referred and had it x-rayed that day; after which we discussed surgery options. He held off putting me on the list as he wanted a year to have passed from the fusion...which is a year on the 14th!

So I agree it is really really important to see the surgeons and would encourage other peeps to ASK to be referred sooner rather than later....or it can be too late . x

I like the idea of being the forum guinea pig just as long as I don't have to eat rabbit mix!



Iris x

marielys

Hi Iris I actually know someone who had both wrists operated by an orthopaedic surgeon and by a plastic surgeon at the same time : my hairdresser. She used to suffer so much to the point of not being able to work anymore. She went private though but .. what a difference it made to her life! She can now work and do all the things she used to do before.
I wish you all the best luck :-)

Hugs,

kerrycc

dorcas wrote:

Hi kerry!

my left wrist is fused like yours...it does take a bit of getting used to but it does make a huge difference to the pain! I've to have another op on that same wrist though..they have to remove the head of the ulna as it's still causing a lot of pain and they are giving me a joint replacement of the middle joint of the index finger...it's amazing what they are able to do now!

is your other wrist ok?

you're right about having ops at just the right time before it goes beyond getting the procedure....seems to depend on the orthos doesn't it.

Iris x

HI Iris

I had to have further surgery on the wrist too because I started having problems with the side near my thumb. Years ago now and it really good to be honest.

I am having problems with my other wrist now, its causing me pain most days. I'm keeping a close eye on it though and I would not hesitate if they said that they needed to fuse it like the other, at least its pain free. xx

speedalong

(dorcas"]Hi speedalong,

you're not being 'self obsessed'...just sharing what's happening with you and arther....which is what we all do and what binds us together.

Thank you for that.

haven't you be given any idea of when you'll get the hip resurface? I thought that once they 'put' your name on any surgical list there was a time-scale for surgery that they have to meet?
...that's why the surgeon told me the latest I'd have my surgery would be mid June....as the time-scale for the TWR is 14weeks

.

Just that I would have to wait a few short months ... feels like long months to me. Average waiting time at the hospital in question according to the web is 18 weeks from time of referral by GP but that is the govt recommendation ... do they manage to honour it? (rhetorical question!)

last year when I had the wrist fusion the time-scale for that was 20weeks....I had the surgery exactly on the 20wks date, but by a different surgeon (which was my choice).

I'm limited on who I can have as I want the possibility of a resurface and due to the dysplaxia and cysts I need an experienced surgeon ... prob my consultant.

Speedalong

Iris x[/quote]

dorcas

Hi speedalong,

I understand all that your saying about needing the experienced surgeon (so would I in your shoes) but it can do no harm to phone the consultant's secretary? they will let you know where you are on this surgeon's list.
Also as they have the 'ear' of the consultant if you are worried that your hip is getting too bad and you'll miss the operation 'window' then tell her/ him that you are worried...they can check for you...I did that when I had my elbow op and was given one of the 'short notice ' op slots.

nothing to lose by phoning?

Iris x

speedalong

Hi Iris, you are right as usual ... !!

I find is so much easier to be pushy on the behalf others eg S and the children in my class than for myself. But if I don't fight for me no one will ...

Will see GP on Friday and let them do their bit and then follow it up by a phone call myself. I can only do a planned emergency slot with a bit of notice as my friend will be putting her life on hold to move in and look after S and will need to reorganise her own committments. Life is complicated isn't it?!

Speedalong

ironic

hi there Iris,

Sorry cannot help with the question, but I wanted to wish you well.

Have a great holiday. Lv, Ix

dorcas

Hi speedalong,

Yes it is definitely easier to be 'pushy' for others. ...I seem to be getting more pushy as the years go by!:roll:

It's not so simple is it when you have commitments as it does mean you can't just up and go; how quickly I've forgotten what it's like to have to factor that in. :oops:

I hope your doc does do 'his bit' and that you'll soon know when you'll have the op. Chronic pain isn't easy to live with so if you can get this hip resurfaced that would just be so great for you; so I will keep my fingers crossed. x

It's a funny thing though...we spend weeks, months waiting and hoping for the ops we so need....then when we are given a date we begin worrying about having it! :roll: I've already started !

fickle or what :!: :?

iris x

dorcas

ironic wrote:

hi there Iris,

Sorry cannot help with the question, but I wanted to wish you well.

Have a great holiday. Lv, Ix

Thanks so much :!: I really really appreciate that. Even though I might not get answers to my question about TWR it means so much to have support

I'm looking forward to my wee trip abroad...still not packed...much to my daughter's horror as she is so well organised!

Iris x

dorcas

marielys wrote:

Hi Iris I actually know someone who had both wrists operated by an orthopaedic surgeon and by a plastic surgeon at the same time : my hairdresser. She used to suffer so much to the point of not being able to work anymore. She went private though but .. what a difference it made to her life! She can now work and do all the things she used to do before.
I wish you all the best luck :-)

Hugs,

Thanks for your message and good luck wishes! nice to meet you too! sorry I didn't see your message sooner. :roll:

Wow! your hairdresser sounds like one brave lady! Both wrists done at the same time? fandabydozy.

I wonder what that cost? may be she had health insurance?

I once considered going private a few years ago, and had an estimate for back surgery of £6500! that was just so out of my league....... as it turned out I had the op on the NHS 3 months later by the same man I'd seen at the private consultation. :roll:

thanks again!

Iris x

chris7

Iris

Ouch!! is all I can say love, and your right hand too! Do hope the time soon goes and you recover quickly from the surgery. No I can't help either, you really are unique and special it would seem.

Hope all has been going well back at work, they sounded like they were an understanding bunch to get you back.
Take care, try and concentrate on the hol for the next few days and have a good time. Will be thinking of you. ((( )))
Chris

dorcas

kerrycc wrote:

HI Iris

I had to have further surgery on the wrist too because I started having problems with the side near my thumb. Years ago now and it really good to be honest.

I am having problems with my other wrist now, its causing me pain most days. I'm keeping a close eye on it though and I would not hesitate if they said that they needed to fuse it like the other, at least its pain free. xx

Hi kerry,
I'm glad you had a good result from the wrist fusion even though you did have to have a bit more surgery.

your other wrist sounds very sore? rather than another fusion would you consider a wrist replacement? the advantage is that you would have greater flexibility and dexterity after a TWR. My surgeon said he would not recommend 2 fusions (unless there was no choice or the TWR failed) as they are too rigid and create difficulties with personal care. :oops:

Iris x

dorcas

Thanks Chris!
how've you been? not seen you around the forum as much..or is it that we've been on at different times. :?:

This TWR surgery milarky....you'll not believe what I did....I 'You Tubed' it today and there was a video of the actual op. I could not help myself I had to look. Yaghhhh!!!!! I don't think I'll sleep after seeing that.....the word 'butcher' comes to mind......what a numpty I am scaring the bejabbers out of myself. :shock: :roll:

anyhow I have a very short memory and will soon forget about what I saw ha ha!
I do still want to have the op as it should make the world of difference to me. I like the thought of being 'unique and special' too!.

about work: I decided after all my fighting and hollering to take an enhanced early retirement package that my employers offered. I was really struggling with arther running riot since I had to stop my anti tnf meds. Also with this surgery coming up...with a six month to full recovery I'm told...I would have been on no pay and in real financial difficulties...so decided I'd have to bite the bullet.
My only concern in doing so is that I might be letting other peeps down and for that I am sorry. :oops:

I am looking forward to going away tomorrow (daughter's treat) for a couple of days....I suppose I will have to think about packing at some time tonight. :roll:

hope all is well with you?

iris x

chris7

Iris

NO NO love, you have let no one down on the work issue, you always give just good advise and have to do what is right for YOU. I know you will have got a good package and as you say with the surgery coming up it does make sense.

Bejabbers is the word re the op. :shock: Do try and put it in a box until a bit nearer is all I can advise.
Yes been away with my sis for a week so have not been around. We had a fun Easter weekend in the Isle of Wight and have not giggled so much for ages.
take care and do enjoy your short hol.
love
Chris x

barbara12

Hello Iris
Sorry I cant give you any advice, I just want to say, I hope it all goes well for you, how good will that be a wrist that is pain free, and mobile.
Lots of hugs (((((((()))))) for you and please let us know how it goes
Love
Barbara xx

trisher

Iris

Just wish you Good Luck for your op.

Fingers crossed there will be no cancellations.

Please let us know how it goes. You never know when you might want to know about it for yourself.

Anyway, I hope it goes well for you Iris.

Love Trish xx

dorcas

Thanks Chris!

It is SO like you to offer reassurance and support.... you are such a lovely person. :!:
Yes, I did get a very good package...I think perhaps they were glad to be rid of me.

It's ages since I was on the Isle of Wight....how beautiful it is. we stayed in a thatched cottage near Shanklin? lovely. Your weekend sounds fun...isn't it good to have a real giggle? doesn't happen as often as it should!!

I will take your advice and put the TWR in a little box while I'm away. I am very good at not worrying about things that I have no control over so I won't find it too difficult to push it to the back of my mind.
thanks again Chris!
Iris x