10 weeks update on TWR (Wally)

dorcas
dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
edited 22. Aug 2010, 03:30 in Living with Arthritis archive
Morning peeps :D

I've been given a dig in the ribs and peck on the head by Cris pigeon to let you know how wally is doing. :wink:

I went to Hand Therapy yesterday having missed my appointment last week (duh!)...so it was two weeks since I've seen Mandy therapist and had measurements done.

Wally has now reached 25% on both the flexion and extension movements, and the pronation / supination is way beyond what had been predicted...almost fully palm up/ down now.
The wrist is weak, yes, but I have absolutely no pain in the wrist and very little aching and most of the time I even forget I've had an op...it is that good.

I am truly amazed and delighted (and tearful) to have reached the original markers set by my great surgeon despite the wound infection set back :mrgreen:

Driving a little too, but do wear my splints then for extra comfort and support (physical and psychological)

Good luck lavenderlady for your TWR on the 27th Sept and Cebeam and any other peeps contemplating hand surgery.... :wink:

Iris x e050.gif

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    How lovely. You've done it, you're nearly there, it's working well, I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU! :D DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Iris that is an amazing result!! You must have been working so hard on the physio etc You have done really well especially after Wally scared us all with that infection. Keep at it - who knows what else you will achieve movement wise... Do you now use Wally as your main hand?

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • lavenderlady
    lavenderlady Member Posts: 409
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Iris , am still actually looking forward to my op and being pain free in my wrist, having known what you've gone through really does help ,
    I'm not expecting a totally new wrist with full movement but knowing the pain is gone is really what I'm looking for right now and then will be working very hard to get as much movement and strength in my wrist as possible , lets hope more TWR are done soon to help others suffering fromt his debilitating pain, am waiting for my herat scan date before I can go ahead for op so will be on phone monday to get their butts moving , need it done before i can have anesthetic for my op, hope everyones feeling ok and well done Wally you are doing great an insperation to us all :D
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks DD and speedy :wink:

    In answer to your question speedy... no I can't use wally as my main hand ...yet.. as he's still a long way off from managing some of even the basic hand/ wrist tasks and I've a lot of physio and strengthening exercises yet to do.

    I think that although 'he' is my dominant hand there will be some tasks that will always be beyond wally....any heavy lifting for example. My lovely surgeon said I mustn't attempt to lift anything that puts too much drag or twisting pressure on the wrist as it'll dislocate so it's softly softly with testing things out too much for now.
    It's going to be a balance of uses between the fused wrist and the TWR.... the fused wrist can't do any of the 'bendy' movements like picking up small items off the floor, scratching the middle of my back ha ha!, shaking hands, getting things out of my pocket and the more delicate personal hygiene tasks :oops:
    Deterioration in the ulna on the fused hand has worsened very recently, so that's causing me additional restrictions just now.

    I am doing lots more with wally and although 25% of movement doesn't sound much compared to a 'normal' wrist...it is a huge increase in what I had before the op..which was 0%. So, it's a voyage of discovery to see what 'we' will achieve

    ........and yes I am very pleased and thankful indeed for the surgeon's skill and the therapist's support.

    Iris x :mrgreen:
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Don't forget your own grit and determination too. They have played their part. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Iris,

    It was only a gentle peck :wink:

    I am so pleased for you cus they were a bit despondent following the infection thing and you have proved them wrong! 25% is about what is needed for normal day to day things isn't it? To to be able to turn Wally over must be such a sense of achievement!

    I am still smiling for you cus they were wrong! :lol:

    A big pat on the back and a ((((( ))))) as well as a bucket of hopes.... she is in her normal day ware today, I have asked Elna to iron her dress for next time :wink: xx and well done!
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Didn't see you there lavenderlady ..Hi :D

    I really hope you will get real benefit from having your TWR in September. I'm excited for you and will be watching for your posts with real interest and 'willing you on' too. :wink:

    You're right to concentrate on the 'pain relief' aspects of having this op....that's what my surgeon kept saying to me before and since I've had the op....therapist too although she has encouraged and supported getting the 'best' possible outcome.
    It's done, my surgeon told me, for pain relief and will not/ cannot result in a fully functioning wrist as the prosthesis still requires further development .....maybe one day eh?.

    If we are 'guinea pigs' in the development of something so useful then I for one think we are very very lucky :wink:

    keep in touch and remember to start a post soon so we can keep track of what's happening pre as well as post op?

    iris x
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you damsel, Cris pigeon 'extraordinaire' and all the other peeps and mods team too .

    You have all been so supportive...each step of the way, and seen me through the ups and downs with wally....you have been a rock when it was tough going.

    BIG THANK YOU everyone.

    these are for you...

    065.gif

    Iris x
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Ooooooh, flars! (as my dad used to say) Thank you, dorcas, most un-necessary but lovely all the same! DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • cebeem
    cebeem Bots Posts: 472
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well done Iris!
    You have certainly been an inspiration to me! (forever grateful).
    You explain things clearly too.

    Good Luck Lavenderlady will be watching your progress carefully!
    Just hope I get my date when I go on the 31st.

    Best wishes *cebeem* x
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Iris
    You have done brilliant , I am so glad you have got over the pain you had at the beginning.
    You are a true inspiration to anyone that is waiting to have the same op.
    Keep up the good work
    Love and hugs ((((((())))))
    Barbara xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • marion1952
    marion1952 Member Posts: 963
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Iris

    I kNEW with your grit and determination it would work out well for you.. I am so pleased for you.. you are indeed an inspiration for anyone else with hand/wrist problems..

    Hope you are having a nice weekend.

    Marion x
  • chris7
    chris7 Bots Posts: 2,696
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Iris :D

    Well done to you and Wally, and thanks for the update. You have done so well in such a short time and I am so pleased to see your progress there. :D So glad you are happy with the way things are going and no longer in such pain. You have been a very brave guinea pig and an inspiration to others who need this op. Good luck to lavenderlady and cebeem and anyone else who might be needing your such good advise and support.
    Hope you are having a good weekend.
    take care
    love
    Chris
  • ironic
    ironic Member Posts: 2,361
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Iris,

    I'm so pleased for you. The driving is a great step forward too.
    Knowing you I would be suprised if you do'nt do even more by increasing the strength of Wally.
    Although it's been a rollercoaster ride for you, you have come a long way in a very short time. So well done you :D

    Lv, Ix
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    DD has been to the pub. :D Night-night.
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Iris :)

    It is really interesting to have an update of your progress. You are doing brilliantly. You have been following instructions well and are getting along famously. I believe you have a top rate, first class surgeon too. :wink::) I do believe teamwork and trust help immensely. Before reading your threads I had never heard of anyone having a TWR. It is great to store away the knowledge and have proof that this op is successful.

    Keep up the good work, do please keep updating us.

    Night, night,

    Love
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elna, DD, Ironic, Chris, Marion , Barbara and CB :D

    thanks for all the very kind comments :wink:

    I'll update again at the 12 weeks marker....that's when I'll see my surgeon again and has been the focus for me; I was told that at 12 weeks post op the wrist will be 'as good as it's going to be'

    Iris x
    o030.gif
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Iris,

    Are but sometimes it carries on improving cus of the drive you have behind it so...... When is 12 weeks?

    Hope you have a bit of sun at last? For once its not raining and not as cold here. Is Wally up for helping load the car today? I seem to be on a huge great go slow.... :lol::lol: Need a boot up the back end if your still about :lol: (((( )))) and Hope said she might wander up for a dumpling :wink: xx
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Cris :D

    no sun here today....and we have the promise of rain (hip hip hooray...not :? )

    Wally is definitely up for a bit of lifting but could turn out to be more of a hindrance than a help. he really doesn't know his limitations......just as well eh? :lol:

    got the dumpling out of the clootie...so hope can have the first slice.mmm

    one boot up the backside duly delivered....but tea would have done just as well you know!!
    have a good day Cris and if you can don't do too much!!!

    Iris x

    ps...next ortho appointment 31st.x