hand surgery..and general advice

cebeem

Hello anyone had hand surgery? diagnosed 20 odd years ago...and know I have had lucky escape in those years....but my right hand (dominant hand) is now virtually useless and Im waiting for surgery! any advice welcome!.... the worsening has happened rapidly in the past 6 weeks...devastating as my daily job and my hobby relies on fine motor work with the hands .......most things have been affected.
The tiredness is overwhelming!

enjoying meeting you all!

dreamdaisy

Rest, rest, and when you've done that, rest some more. Active arthritis is tiring on the body, as is that same arthritis that deigns to give you a break from time to time. I reckon I am not far from the truth when I say that we on the forums are tired all the time! I can easily nod off in an armchair/sofa/car (when a passenger)/hospital waiting room/doctors' surgery etc etc etc. A well as b****ring up your joints it b****rs up your energy levels too. You will find your own ways to cope but rest is essential. DD

cebeem

dreamdaisy wrote:

Rest, rest, and when you've done that, rest some more. Active arthritis is tiring on the body, as is that same arthritis that deigns to give you a break from time to time. I reckon I am not far from the truth when I say that we on the forums are tired all the time! I can easily nod off in an armchair/sofa/car (when a passenger)/hospital waiting room/doctors' surgery etc etc etc. A well as b****ring up your joints it b****rs up your energy levels too. You will find your own ways to cope but rest is essential. DD

Thank you ....not sure how to use this site just yet!! so came across your profile rather than your reply!!!
My job involves learning difficulty support mainly autism and dyslexia..so we have something else in common....my 1:1 charge at the moment is Daisy.... I was meant to be here I think!
I do try to push myself I think a bit too far! my current goal is getting fit for surgery...I may be already but want to make sure..but a 45 min walk leaves me fit for nothing for the rest of the day
What has been your arthritis history? CB

lindalegs

Hi again CB,

Have you tried ice packs or heat to help your hand? Some people on here have bought wax baths. Once the hand is coated in lovely warm wax you peel it off and then use it to gently exercise the joints and muscles in your hand.

I have a Tens machine which I use on my bigger joints although I'm not sure where you'd put it to relieve hand pain. :?

Luv Legs

speedalong

Hi Cebeem,

and welcome.

I have no experience of hand surgery but experience of waiting for an op, really needing it, struggling at work, being exhausted ... etc

DD is right - rest up as much as you can (even though it will feel like all you do is work and rest ...) Take full whack painkillers and use ice/heat which ever works best for you.

Do you have an actual date? If not ring the consultants secretary and explain your situation - pain has got a lot worse, you are struggling at work etc ... worth a try. It got me from having my op "in a few short months" (consultant's words) to having an actual date a few weeks later.

Other things to do? Eat well, if the exercise you are doing is leaving you exhausted - do a bit less or divide it up into shorter sessions. Are you having hand therapy/physio? Worth strengthening the hand muscles as much as possible before the op.

Speedy

cebeem

speedalong wrote:

Hi Cebeem,

and welcome.

I have no experience of hand surgery but experience of waiting for an op, really needing it, struggling at work, being exhausted ... etc

DD is right - rest up as much as you can (even though it will feel like all you do is work and rest ...) Take full whack painkillers and use ice/heat which ever works best for you.

Do you have an actual date? If not ring the consultants secretary and explain your situation - pain has got a lot worse, you are struggling at work etc ... worth a try. It got me from having my op "in a few short months" (consultant's words) to having an actual date a few weeks later.

Other things to do? Eat well, if the exercise you are doing is leaving you exhausted - do a bit less or divide it up into shorter sessions. Are you having hand therapy/physio? Worth strengthening the hand muscles as much as possible before the op.

Speedy

Aw thank you for the reply......sorry I went away for a few days so hence the delay!

Hoping to get a date when seen on the 31st......Its a long story ..Had a date for summer 2008 in my 6 weeks off from school..but started a new contract in the May. Unfortunately (clerical error) I was offered a date the the day after starting the new post and explained I was due to have the op in July....the clerk went on to offer me another date in May....again I explained the plan..she then told me I would have to be taken off the list as I had been offered 2 dates and refused!! My explanations fell on deaf ears and she then said that the July date would take me outside the waiting time targets and therefore needed rereferal.
I saw the surgeon again in December and she was furious about the error...due to another contract change summer 2009 became doubtful and My rhematologist told me to contact the surgeon when I was able to go in.....I did and they had never heard of me!!!!!! So now after another referal I see her on the 31st....so I will now accept any date which willmean taking about 12 weeks off work instead of 6....crazy!

I find ice best for my hands ..heat just makes them look like a pound of sausages! Thinking of investing in a TENS too.

Hope the above made sense ...I think I went off on one! :P CB

dorcas

Hi cebeem and welcome to the forum from me too.

I maybe overlooked what you've already said about your op (sorry) but wasn't sure what kind of hand surgery you're getting?

I've had a wrist fusion last year and a wrist replacement this year but no other hand surgery. am happy to share what those ops are like if that 's helpful.

20 yrs is a long time to be suffering with arther in your hands :roll: but hopefully surgery will restore some of your hand function as well as reducing the pain!

Iris x

tillytop

Hi Cebeem. Can't offer any practical advice I'm afraid but just wanted to say "welcome" to the forum.
Love Tilly x

cebeem

dorcas wrote:

Hi cebeem and welcome to the forum from me too.

I maybe overlooked what you've already said about your op (sorry) but wasn't sure what kind of hand surgery you're getting?

I've had a wrist fusion last year and a wrist replacement this year but no other hand surgery. am happy to share what those ops are like if that 's helpful.

20 yrs is a long time to be suffering with arther in your hands :roll: but hopefully surgery will restore some of your hand function as well as reducing the pain!

Iris x

Oh thank you Iris ...Yes that would be helpful if you dont mind.

My dread about the procedure is the length of time, been told 12 minimum physio and dressings several times a week, I am getting used to using my left hand more in preparation, got suitable clothes, grown my heair so that I can put it up and away without the need for straightners etc. Even written Christmas messages and labels to just print out in December!!

Will just be glad to get the pain eased.

dorcas

Hi cebeem

so sorry I missed your post yesterday. :roll:

Will send you a PM (personal message) with info on the Fusion and TWR and you can let me know if that's the sort of info you want.

Iris xx

donnas

Good luck, cebeem. I'm not waiting for surgery and only have experience of an operation for excision of a nodule more than 20 years ago in my left hand.

Today I opened a jar without my jar opening device (by hand!) for the first time in months. Hands are so difficult. No advice but lots of sympathy.

dreamdaisy

My apologies for missing a post too - I'm not on top form at the mo, cebeem, I am really sorry.

My arthritis history is a tedious story, a brief summary follows: left knee swelliing, 1997. Right knee swelling 2003. Other joints join in at various times from 2007 - current day. Diagnosis of PA (psoriatic arhtritis) in October 2006 after enbrel turns nasty on me and I get psoriasis on my soles and palms. I now have 31 affected joints, constant pain in ankles, knees and sacro-iliac joints, my toes and fingers and shoulders hurt when I flare.

Re the tramadol, well there's not a lot I can tell you! It is a morphine based pain-killer, so it does make one very dopey. I use them at night when flaring, otherwise I try not to take them. They do come in varying strengths, I have the 50mg, but if I need a stronger 'hit' I double the dose. When that doesn't work I resort to liquid morphine, but those occasiona are rare. For day-time pain relief I use co-codamol 30/500, which take the edge off sufficiently enough for me to 'function'. They lead to constipation so I have stuff for that too. Ummmm, can't think of anything else to say - but feel free to fire questions at me! Once again, my apologies for not replying earlier but things are rough at the mo. DD

dorcas

cebeem wrote:

My dread about the procedure is the length of time, been told 12 minimum physio and dressings several times a week, I am getting used to using my left hand more in preparation, got suitable clothes, grown my heair so that I can put it up and away without the need for straightners etc. Even written Christmas messages and labels to just print out in December!!

Will just be glad to get the pain eased.

Hi again CB

forgot to say in my PMs. I was in hospital for 4 days post op with the Fusion and 3 days with the TWR (not counting the day of the op).

Both a Fusion and TWR have an approx 4-6ths recovery period, but 12mths for what the surgeon considers total rehabilitation.

I had no dressings to change with the Fusion as stitches came out after 7 days and I was then in lightweight full splint for 10weeks by which time wound was completely healed and needed no attention.

With the TWR I had stitches out at 2weeks (usually out after only one week but I was slow to heal) and then in a light weight 'half shell' removable splint for immediate physio... and to shower. I did have dressings to do daily but had no visits/ help from GP/ nurse services. Might be different in your area so be sure to ask.

You sound really well organised CB ...Xmas Cards already!

I have no pain in either wrist...so well worth me having both ops done .
hope it all goes well for you when the time comes. be sure to let us all know when you're going in for your op so we can follow your progress and give you support.

Iris xx

DD....flower...so sorry you're having such a rough time of it. :roll:
honey chews and clooty dumpling (energy food) on their way to you. XXX

cebeem

donnas wrote:

Good luck, cebeem. I'm not waiting for surgery and only have experience of an operation for excision of a nodule more than 20 years ago in my left hand.

Today I opened a jar without my jar opening device (by hand!) for the first time in months. Hands are so difficult. No advice but lots of sympathy.

Thanks and welcome ...its good here isnt it?
Love it when I get one of those days!!!
Started using the other hand to get used to it! Going to have to start investing in these devices......do you get them from websites or general supermarkets? CB

cebeem

dreamdaisy wrote:

My apologies for missing a post too - I'm not on top form at the mo, cebeem, I am really sorry.

My arthritis history is a tedious story, a brief summary follows: left knee swelliing, 1997. Right knee swelling 2003. Other joints join in at various times from 2007 - current day. Diagnosis of PA (psoriatic arhtritis) in October 2006 after enbrel turns nasty on me and I get psoriasis on my soles and palms. I now have 31 affected joints, constant pain in ankles, knees and sacro-iliac joints, my toes and fingers and shoulders hurt when I flare.

Re the tramadol, well there's not a lot I can tell you! It is a morphine based pain-killer, so it does make one very dopey. I use them at night when flaring, otherwise I try not to take them. They do come in varying strengths, I have the 50mg, but if I need a stronger 'hit' I double the dose. When that doesn't work I resort to liquid morphine, but those occasiona are rare. For day-time pain relief I use co-codamol 30/500, which take the edge off sufficiently enough for me to 'function'. They lead to constipation so I have stuff for that too. Ummmm, can't think of anything else to say - but feel free to fire questions at me! Once again, my apologies for not replying earlier but things are rough at the mo. DD

Thanx for the reply ....lots of things to take in here!! needed the info for next appointment as I have never been offered options for meds...and diagnosis maybe changing from sero to PA o few dry patches ..2 on arms. 1 on forehead....so dont know?? is that why the diagnosis may change.....Urs sounds far more problematic than mine..... just the hands do everything!...so I find that bad as my job and creative hobbies are being impaired ..CB

cebeem

dorcas wrote:

cebeem wrote:

My dread about the procedure is the length of time, been told 12 minimum physio and dressings several times a week, I am getting used to using my left hand more in preparation, got suitable clothes, grown my heair so that I can put it up and away without the need for straightners etc. Even written Christmas messages and labels to just print out in December!!

Will just be glad to get the pain eased.

Hi again CB

forgot to say in my PMs. I was in hospital for 4 days post op with the Fusion and 3 days with the TWR (not counting the day of the op).

Both a Fusion and TWR have an approx 4-6ths recovery period, but 12mths for what the surgeon considers total rehabilitation.

I had no dressings to change with the Fusion as stitches came out after 7 days and I was then in lightweight full splint for 10weeks by which time wound was completely healed and needed no attention.

With the TWR I had stitches out at 2weeks (usually out after only one week but I was slow to heal) and then in a light weight 'half shell' removable splint for immediate physio... and to shower. I did have dressings to do daily but had no visits/ help from GP/ nurse services. Might be different in your area so be sure to ask.

You sound really well organised CB ...Xmas Cards already!

I have no pain in either wrist...so well worth me having both ops done .
hope it all goes well for you when the time comes. be sure to let us all know when you're going in for your op so we can follow your progress and give you support.

Iris xx

DD....flower...so sorry you're having such a rough time of it. :roll:
honey chews and clooty dumpling (energy food) on their way to you. XXX

You are all lovely!! CB

dreamdaisy

Some forms of arthritis are hard to diagnose: it's a contrary disease that affects everyone differently. Diagnoses can change as circumstances do, and other forms of it can develop alongside the current affliction. DD

cebeem

dorcas wrote:

cebeem wrote:

My dread about the procedure is the length of time, been told 12 minimum physio and dressings several times a week, I am getting used to using my left hand more in preparation, got suitable clothes, grown my heair so that I can put it up and away without the need for straightners etc. Even written Christmas messages and labels to just print out in December!!

Will just be glad to get the pain eased.

Hi again CB

forgot to say in my PMs. I was in hospital for 4 days post op with the Fusion and 3 days with the TWR (not counting the day of the op).

Both a Fusion and TWR have an approx 4-6ths recovery period, but 12mths for what the surgeon considers total rehabilitation.

I had no dressings to change with the Fusion as stitches came out after 7 days and I was then in lightweight full splint for 10weeks by which time wound was completely healed and needed no attention.

With the TWR I had stitches out at 2weeks (usually out after only one week but I was slow to heal) and then in a light weight 'half shell' removable splint for immediate physio... and to shower. I did have dressings to do daily but had no visits/ help from GP/ nurse services. Might be different in your area so be sure to ask.

You sound really well organised CB ...Xmas Cards already!

I have no pain in either wrist...so well worth me having both ops done .
hope it all goes well for you when the time comes. be sure to let us all know when you're going in for your op so we can follow your progress and give you support.

Iris xx

DD....flower...so sorry you're having such a rough time of it. :roll:
honey chews and clooty dumpling (energy food) on their way to you. XXX

Yes Iris ...I love Christmas .....Roll on December ....& would love to sample the Clooties!!!! one thing less to do for the new year party.... nothing like being organised...!! (you could add it too the leaflet as a seasonal option x CB

dreamdaisy

What is a clooty dumpling? I don't 'do' dumplings, but a clooty one might be different! DD (who is shaped like a dumpling)

barbara12

Hi Cebeem and welcome
Sorry I cant answer your questions, but I do hope you get the surgery very soon.
Things have really move on in hand surgery in the last few years, so maybe it was better that you waited.
Do let us know how you get on.
Barbara x

kerrycc

Hello

I had my right wrist fusion 11 years ago and have had not trouble with it since. My left on has been dodgy of late by my new meds seem to have it under control at the mo. I also had a finger fusion and a wrist 'clean out'.
Re the fusion - I would have it again without hesitation. I used to be in agony every day for 5-6 years until they decided what they were going to do with me! And from the day of the op, its been wonderful. A bit restrictive sometimes but well worth it - good luck xxx

dorcas

dreamdaisy wrote:

What is a clooty dumpling? I don't 'do' dumplings, but a clooty one might be different! DD (who is shaped like a dumpling)

Hi damsel and CB,

You'll absolutely love it

Clooty or 'Clootie' refers to the cloth that this fruit pudding is traditionally made in. Delicious served hot with jam and/or cream or custard.
Leftovers can be fried in a wee bit of butter to re-heat. fried dumpling is wonderful when cooked with a traditional scottish breakfast!.

Got the recipe if anyone wants it.

Irisx (no wonder I can't lose weight :shock: :roll: )

cebeem

Thank you everyone
I feel much more positive now!!
Glad I joined you! CB

dreamdaisy

Ooooh, now I know! Thank you dorcas, it does sound good. DD

frogmorton

Good to meet you cebeem from me too

Yes please recipe Iris - can it be done veggie?? If needed I can get veggie suet.....

Should be able to get it from me Sis (who lives near Dundee, but never heard of it before....)

Love

Toni xx

cebeem

dorcas wrote:

dreamdaisy wrote:

What is a clooty dumpling? I don't 'do' dumplings, but a clooty one might be different! DD (who is shaped like a dumpling)

Hi damsel and CB,

You'll absolutely love it

Clooty or 'Clootie' refers to the cloth that this fruit pudding is traditionally made in. Delicious served hot with jam and/or cream or custard.
Leftovers can be fried in a wee bit of butter to re-heat. fried dumpling is wonderful when cooked with a traditional scottish breakfast!.

Got the recipe if anyone wants it.

Irisx (no wonder I can't lose weight :shock: :roll: )

Gunna make one in the next few days!!!!!!!!!!!! nothing else to do School Hols CB