Dorcas Iris-TWR one week on. I'M back!

speedalong

Have decided to call my new wrist Wally (thanks Toni!) as that's how it is just now...a bit of a wally cause it doesn't understand what I want it to do.

HI Iris, great to have an update. I think Wally should have a double barrel name to remind him that he is going to improve ..
My hip was the same with some of the physio I had to do - I had to lie on my back and move my leg out to the side ... yeah right! I was telling it to move and NOTHING was happening ... tried it each day and then one day, did nothing different and it moved a little out to the side ... now can do it fine and am working on increasing the number of repetitions.

I phoned the Physio on Thursday (the one I'd seen with my surgeon) as I couldn't remember what I was supposed to do with Wally in the week before my first appointment with Hand Therapy (on Wed).

I'spose with you being the guinea pig and all, they haven't got any handouts yet on the exercise required for a TWR, but it really does help to have them written down at first.

He was lovely, made me feel OK about being nervous of removing the splint on my own...and talked me through what I'd to do.

Glad he was nice.

anyhow after the phonecall I did try but after removing the splint I was scared stiff and quickly put Wally away. It took me until last night to try again...what a coward I am when I think of the THR and TKR peeps who have to move the joint straight away. sorry folks!

At least with THR and TKR there is someone there watching you do the exercises the first couple of times on the ward .... does your wrist ache more when out of the splint?
Maybe you should practise just taking it out of the splint occasionally and do the exercises in divided doses?

Wally hasn't a clue what's being asked of him. he will tilt a little but feels like concrete! ....not sore this movement just very very hard to do as he does not listen! the turning the hand over..palm up is quite a different matter...resistant, shuddering, clickety click and unfortunately very painful.. but I will get there!

It's weird how the brain is instructing and nothing is much is happening ... and then suddenly one day the joint gets the message. Yes the shuddering is very familiar from the early days and my hip clonks when I swing it forward in one of my exercises. Some are more painful that others. Early days, though.

Hey! I went out ON MY OWN on Friday. took a taxi to go to the docs and back for my usual blood tests. how's that for progress

Were you a bit nervous? I was the first time ... and then it hit me - freedom!!!

I also asked my wonderful, patient and ever loving, caring twin sis to go home yesterday...

)
Ooh how I craved for S and I too be "home alone!!" But be careful to not over do it, like I did ...
The being ingenius part and problems solving - like with the hair drier is what fills the time and keeps it interesting!!

I know I have rambled on but also know that there are other peeps facing the same op, who would/ might like to know what it's like to have/ rehab from a TWR...

'Tis fascinating stuff.

Keep going Iris, you are doing so well,

Speedy

PS Just a final thought us peeps who have had THR and TKR don't suffer from the same stiffness as you will in your wrist unless we rest for too long ...so dividing the physio up might help this too. Does the wriggling your fingers thing help with the stiffness too?

dorcas

Hi Marion
how are you doing? I've been following you and speedy's progress on the threads...great stuff!
thanks for the info about a hair dryer stand...will look for that!
and yes, I am so glad to have laminate flooring ..makes life much easier for everyone. ..I must confess I have been pushing the mop around and dusting a wee bit with my one hand when no-one else was looking. :?

electric tin openers have me beat....you still need 2 hands for them! I now have the 'one touch' can and jar openers...ordered off the net at a great price...so will be trying them out next few days and let you know how I get on.

most frustrating is not being able to turn and hold things with the one fused hand. impossible (yet) to spread butter on toast, open packets of any kind or do up buttons. My poor cat...smudge...had to make do with dry food today as I couldn't open her sachets of meat!

I sewed the back fastenings together on my bra(s) so that I can put them on over my head and pull down into position! I specially bought a couple of bras one size bigger to make it easier too....then when hands are working again I'll throw them away.

I laughed when you said you nearly hid behind a cushion.... that's what I felt like too!!

Iris xxxxxx

ritwren

What a trooper you are Iris. You were so descriptive about the exercises I nearly hid behind a cushion too. Hopefully as time goes on and you get more strength you will find them less trying and scarey. Good luck for wednesday hope it all goes well for you.
It's amazing how much we take for granted the things we can do with our hands. Now that you're by yourself again I hope that you can manage enough to get by. I'm sure your cat will huff if he's anything like mine but he'll get over not having his pouch for a day or so.
Hang in there, it's great to hear how you are doing.
big hugs always, rita
p.s. I'm upping the amytriptyline on a weekly basis for the fibro but it's making me even more tired than usual until I get used to it. I'm up to 40mg now.

dorcas

Hi speedy :!:
it's good to know that other replacements make noises too....the clickety clicking can't be heard just felt....like a ratchet mechanism..if that makes sense?

I have absolutely no information/ leaflets on this op and what to expect, or on the physio exercises post op . I think that's why I was so nervous about taking the splint off at 2 weeks post op and doing the exercises on my own. It's so different from a wrist fusion which stays in cast for 10 weeks....no movement allowed. Being in a plastic removable splint made me feel quite vulnerable and I was worried I'd dislocate it or open the wound which surprisingly still hasn't properly healed.

The first time out of splint wrist was very painful especially where the ulna head used to be....but it's getting less so with each time I remove it. Pain overall getting better too....evening and night are the worst but I'm taking pain meds very regularly and topping up with the morphine when I need to so all in all under control now.

I was a wee bit nervous out to the docs on my own in case I felt light headed. Was good though to be out alone even if it was by taxi ! It's a nuisance having the TWR hand in a sling and the other fused hand in a splint too (surgeon's orders) but I got there!

My finger movements on the TWR hand are great; I have exercised them since day 1 post op so kept the tendons from stiffening up.

thanks speedy for the advice am following all your news on your threads too....fandabydozy.

Iris xxx

dorcas

Hello Rita my friend how are you?

I do hope the increase in amatriptyline helps.....I'm on 60mg but take it at 8pm to help prevent the 'hangover' effect overtaking me in the morning if I take it any later than that. here's hoping the tiredness you have gets better Rita...especially with work and all. x

sorry my descriptions were so graphic :!: :!: honestly the hand and arm do look a lot better now...not putrid green dead zombie looking any more! sorry I've done it again. :!: :!: ha ha! I am bad!

My cat is staring at me and sending me telepathic messages about being neglected. ! my daughter will be over later so not too long for smudge to wait.

I'm fine in myself now Rita and determined to do all I can to get my new wrist working. Am looking forward to being able to use my right hand with Wally of course riding shotgun!

lots of hugs....one handed of course!

Irisxxx

speedalong

Hi Iris,

it's good to know that other replacements make noises too....the clickety clicking can't be heard just felt....like a ratchet mechanism..if that makes sense?

That describes it perfectly it is a sensation and feels just like that.

I was nervous and my hip felt vulnerable when the dressing first came off. Do your other meds affect the rate of healing of the scar - I'm sure Marion said something about this and had her stitches in longer than me. A few years a go you'd have still been in hospital at this point (nightmare!) but you would have has more support with removing the splint and the exercises ....

The first time out of splint wrist was very painful especially where the ulna head used to be....but it's getting less so with each time I remove it. Pain overall getting better too....evening and night are the worst but I'm taking pain meds very regularly and topping up with the morphine when I need to so all in all under control now.
In those early weeks post op - I started the day great and as the day wore on, I got tireder and the pain felt worse ... so I can sympathise. Do you have a sleep after lunch? So much was "messed with/improved upon" inside your wrist ... no wonder it is painful, the value of keeping on top of the pain thing was something I learned on this great forum.

I was a wee bit nervous out to the docs on my own in case I felt light headed. Was good though to be out alone even if it was by taxi ! It's a nuisance having the TWR hand in a sling and the other fused hand in a splint too (surgeon's orders) but I got there!

It must be so frustrating to have a sling and splint ... I struggled and both my hands were only tied up holding on to crutches!!

My finger movements on the TWR hand are great; I have exercised them since day 1 post op so kept the tendons from stiffening up.

That is really great, your wrist will slowly follow suit - it has two weeks of catching up to do ...

Thanks for the encouragement, the more I try and do, the more I realise that although I've improved loads - I still have a long way to go ... (especially if I think about work!)

Speedy xxx

marion1952

Hi again Iris

I can't remember what drugs you are on, but, as Speedy says, I was told that my methotrexate would delay the healing process - hence I had to have my stitches in for 20 days..

BW

Marion

skezier

Hi

Its going to take a bit of time flower to get Wally to do as you tell him but just keep plodding at it and you will get there.

I know with my feet and back (well especially the back) it was a long haul cus of all the stretching and pulling and cutting of the muscles etc. It was 3 months before I could walk really 'normal' with the back and the feet gave me grief for a lot longer than that so don't beat your self up!

Wally needs to just get bedded in and then he will do as you ask with a smile and not a groan. Soft tissue needs to repair and get used to the metal and well its all a bit unused to each other flower.

I know you will get the 20% inside the time scale and also get used to it without a splint. The frustration factor must be high but hang in there and you will soon be able to do as Smudge requests Is she missing Jakey and Ruby? Sorry flower I know you must be.

I am sorry the pigeon has been a bit useless the last few days, its the eyes and a crushing tiredness with an over lode of working that's made me so bad........

You take care and love to Wally who is giving me so much hope should it be offered I will have no hesitation to say yes cus of you.

Love, carrots, apples, grass pellets, fresh grass and a ((((((( ))))))) with attached honey chew stick (quick before the Diabolical One nicks it xxx

Hi Speedy and Marion,

I think your both doing SO well and you give me hope cus mine are shot but I said I would wait before going on the lists...... See I have lost rotation and movement on both and get pain from both but the 3 months would be so hard as would the 90 degree thing..... I thank you though (as well as the other hip folk) for the hope you bring. ((( ))) to you both Cris xx

speedalong

I am sorry the pigeon has been a bit useless the last few days, its the eyes and a crushing tiredness with an over lode of working that's made me so bad........

Hi Cris, thought that must be why we hadn't heard much from you, hope you are going to adopt minimum duties again for a few days ... (since a rest is I guess pretty impossible ...)

I have lost rotation and movement on both and get pain from both but the 3 months would be so hard as would the 90 degree thing.....

That sounds pretty dire. How did you cope with your 4 legged family when you had your back and feet ops? You are probably struggling with less movement now than you would have about 4 weeks after the op and the difference being the pain is a lot worse now. Is there a quieter time of year for you?! My physio did say that research is suggesting hip precautions might become a thing of the past ....Though obviously post-op you have to let the soft tissue and muscles dictate what they can realistically manage.

Do you have software for reading the posts to you? Would save the eyes a bit.

Take care,
Speedy

skezier

Hi Speedy,

I have been unable to find anything that reads the post for me..... A friend has suggested I talk to the Blind Society but I kinda feel a fraud as my distance vision is perfect... I got this circle of grey and blur in the middle of my field of vision (damage to the optic nerves) and close up... well on a bad day its really hard to see the keyboard or the phone..... Distance ( outside of 3-4 feet I can see around that area if that makes sense?

I am very lucky..... the pain relief for my back is stopping the hips from hurting too much....... The left one can no longer rotate outwards and the right one can't rotate in ward so its not too bad..... I think the fates dealt me some kindness there?

When the feet were done it was abut 8 weeks of real pain and then they went into boots and got on with it..... but hurt for months then one day they hurt less (I no longer feel like curling up and crying over the feet )

The back was a big decompression job following an injury.... that's when they found the oa had a good hold..... I had been in a real job before I kicked out, stepped off the real world and followed a dream..... I don't know what would happen now :roll:

I was talking to someone and it might be possible to have the 3 moth cover but..... I don't know.... its a very hard thing as the Rumo was keen to put me on the list BUT he also said there is a higher risk of dislocation as I wont and would argue can't give up my way of life.

Speedy I was told the arthritis would eat me but I was 28 and wouldn't have it hell do I pay for that now eh?

The one thing I did right though ... I got a lot of muscle and well the hip pain is nothing in comparison to the back and neck pain and for that..... there is pregabalin and tramadol

You hip people give me hope cus one day.......Luv and a ((( ))) and hi to S. Cris xx

Sorry Iris a bit of hijacking xx

speedalong

Cris,

You don't have to be blind to contact the RNIB ... very few peeps are actually totally blind!! Most of the peeps they help and advise have VI - a visual impairement. Go on contact them!!

I shall contact one of the friends who helped me with S whilst I was in hospital, she is currently working with the VTS (visiting teacher service) and supports children with VI. See if she has any suggestions.

Re dislocation - I don't think that is the major risk ... just that you would wear the hips out quicker!! The lack of movement in the hips (and yes you are kind of lucky in that they twist in the same direction!) is bound to make you compensate with your back and in turn make it hurt more ... catch22!! You would need a metal THR as they can have the biggest ball and socket and are less likely to dislocate.

It's easy to say in retrospect ... about if you had taken it easier when younger .... I could say if I hadn't ignored my hip pain until it was full blown arther and needed replacing (twice!! Think I'd learn wouldn't you) I might have avoided THR and resurface-replacement and they could have operated to put the hips back in their sockets ...
If I gave up my job that I love and did something easier I would wear my hips out less quickly .... yeah right .... as if .... nor would I give up S ...

We are who we are and we do what we do ...

Speedy

PS and apologies to Iris ...

marion1952

Hi Cris

Really, really sorry to hear you are not feeling great at the moment. From the sound of your back and feet operations you certainly know the meaning of pain.. I don't think a hip replacement operation would be anywhere near as bad as what you have experienced already .. however, the not being able to bend and twist afterwards is a nuisance and I have found that quite difficult .. with animals especially you are always needing to bend down, grab them, etc etc so it would certainly curtail your work for 3 months. My dogs were going mad when the dog walker was trying to put their harnesses on them other week - it was bedlam - so I bent down and got hold of Freya and boy did I know about it for 2 days afterwards ... I was worried I had done some damage t my new hip ...


Hope you have a restful evening Cris and that tomorrow is a bit better for you. Can you have a nice cool shower and a refreshing drink and have an early night, perhaps listening to the radio in bed?

Speak to you tomorrow..

Marion

dorcas

Hi Cris, Marion and Speedy,

absolutely no need to apologise for any hijacking. :!: :!:

Cris...you are the dearest, most caring person and I am so fortunate to know you.

You are coping with so much and have come through such a lot already with arther and surgery and yet you have time for all of us. what a role model YOU are!

I wish I could make things a little better for you...xxx

love and (((hugs)))

Iris x

please rest

dorcas

marion1952 wrote:

Hi again Iris

I can't remember what drugs you are on, but, as Speedy says, I was told that my methotrexate would delay the healing process - hence I had to have my stitches in for 20 days..

BW

Marion

thanks Marion. I am on Mtx so the very slow healing does make sense now.



Iris x

dorcas

speedalong wrote:

In those early weeks post op - I started the day great and as the day wore on, I got tireder and the pain felt worse ... so I can sympathise. Do you have a sleep after lunch? So much was "messed with/improved upon" inside your wrist ... no wonder it is painful, the value of keeping on top of the pain thing was something I learned on this great forum....

Speedy xxx

Hi speedy,

thanks for your encouragement. it really helps to hear other peeps experiences ! I seem to be following the same pain pattern as other replacements which is reassuring...... and yes I agree too that the forum is a great (unique) source of support and great advice.

(I'm up at 5 usually but still go back to bed and 'rest' late morning and stay up after that if I can.)

Iris x

skezier

Hi Iris,

Hope you and wally get a good night and he doesn't play up or bang about .... If he does Haz will come up and bark at him... you have been warned

I am always a bit iffy on a Sunday... the sales kill me now a days but the sun was lovely I have the same problem on a Thursday and Saturday now I think about it The 'new' car helps though cus it has a lumber support bit

You sleep well and have topped up your hug bowl, your special healing draft bowl and a chew sick to gnaw on should you feel the need ((((( ))))) xxx

now for the hijack :roll:

Hi Speedy,

please could you ask her? The damage is the optic nerve and caused by repeated bouts of optic neuritis, I don't know why I keep getting that! Chuck in a bit of circulation problems (it even effects the eyes) eye migraine and a bit of detached retinas and well any ideas she could think of i one up on this hospital don the road

I see the rumo in October so might talk about either gong on the list or maybe he can do a resurface? Mind I don't know if that's too far gone for them now.

Thanks flower and will sound out the 3 month part... that would be so hard and I have no idea what ot would make of this place come to that...... ((( ))) xx

Hi Marion,

Its not too bad flower I sort of used to it and that always helps eh? hey I reckon it was extensive 'proper' riding that got my hips and knees last time I got on a horse was 5 years ago and it was agony :shock: :shock: had to get straight back off

I do look at the lodgers sometimes and wonder if they would be more comfy but I hanker for a t/b and that wonderful corkscrew that only they do well

Hope you got a good week end and I will take the anti emetic and than the mtx with the pregabalin and be pleased I don't have to do another sale till Thursday ((( ))) Cris xx

speedalong

Hi Iris, if your pain is following the same pattern that is good as it means it will lessen ... is the timescale the same, do you think?

Up at 5?! I hate early mornings!! Getting up at 6 45 to get S ready for his school taxi is bad enough!!

Hope you get some sleep,

Speedy
x

speedalong

Hi Cris,

will definitely consult my friend - would email her but she is useless at checking her emails ... so will have to be by phone.

Resurface- replacement is what I had ... my joint was far gone ... all crumbling and disintergrating and several cysts - some boney, some blood filled - but you do need good bones and a consultant who has plenty of experience at the op - mine was the "birmingham hip." Verdict - very worth it!!

Hope you get some sleep tonight.

Take care,

Speedy

skezier

Hi Speedy,

Thanks for doing that but only when you have time.

hey if you had a Birmingham one can I have a Cornish one It would be made of tin or copper and studded with quarts

I will, I promise, see if I can have an xray though he said last time the lack of rotation is a give away..... and maybe go on a list as it might help stop the back screaming so much..

You have a good night and sleep well and me I have hit the pregabalin and mtx and will crash for a few hours Thanks for all your help xx

Iris i sorry about the hijack but see your healing draft has gone down a bit so topped it back up (((( )))) xx

dreamdaisy

Hello dorcas and skezier, that well-known double act! I hope you are both well today, the heat around here is remarkable so please take care if you are both out and about, as I assume it's equally hot whre you are! DD (PS, thanks for the chew - most welcome!)

speedalong

Morning Iris, hope you got some sleep ... my old hip is really protesting and it was so hot last night ... I didn't do that well myself.

But what a beautiful day, no doubt you have been up since the crack of dawn and are popping back to bed for a lie down about now...!!

I'm ready for a coffee in the garden, feel a bit sicky today myself - not sure if due to the hip pain ... coffee might help

Shut up Speedy - you are meant to be cheering her up!! Sorry!!

Speedy

speedalong

No problem, Cris.

Speedy

dorcas

Morning diabolical :!:

I hope you are feeling a bit better? I've been following other threads...though limited in joining in just now..... you've been having a hard time of it and I know are facing a hosp procedure on 27th (think that's right...is it?)

I have so valued all your messages daily....you are a wee wonder so you are :!: so I'm sending you lots of positive vibes, strength and some of my stored honey sticks (bit soggy though, sorry :oops: ) and some of Cris's healing draft too. xx take care lovely.

Irisxx

Cris,

hope you are recovering from the sales and your Mtx combo helps with pain and arther's relentless pursuit. :x :x

please, please ask for xrays or better still MRI so's the docs can see exactly what's what and can discuss options with you. sending you the rest of my saved healing draft cause I reckon you're in more need of it just now.
much love and hugs xxxxx

Iris xx

ps. took dressings off this morn and some steri strips came off too. wound bit 'gapy' looking , so will contact nurse at local gp for advice.
still doing Wally exercises and getting used to his stiff attitude! xxx

dorcas

speedalong wrote:

Morning Iris, hope you got some sleep ... my old hip is really protesting and it was so hot last night ... I didn't do that well myself.

But what a beautiful day, no doubt you have been up since the crack of dawn and are popping back to bed for a lie down about now...!!

I'm ready for a coffee in the garden, feel a bit sicky today myself - not sure if due to the hip pain ... coffee might help

Shut up Speedy - you are meant to be cheering her up!! Sorry!!

Speedy

still talking to yourself speedy, I see!!!!

seriously though you take care with that precious new hip :!: and I hope the sicky feeling lifts.
pain sounds bad today :?: maybe doing too much speedy and need a gentler day.

not hot here today and rain expected....will post some down to you to cool you off.

take care lovely.....I'm off with Wally for a lie down. have a good...and less painful day. lol Iris xxxx

speedalong

took dressings off this morn and some steri strips came off too. wound bit 'gapy' looking , so will contact nurse at local gp for advice.

Ooh - you are brave - that would have probably made me queezy (sp?)

still doing Wally exercises and getting used to his stiff attitude! xxx [/quote]
This made me laugh. Good for you - let him know who is boss!

Speedy