Advice please

Numptydumpty

I saw the orthopaedic consultant yesterday, regarding my hands.
He said I have extensive damage to both hands and wrists. Not really a surprise, but still not what I wanted to hear.
He says I need several surgeries. Starting with a fusion of my right wrist. Then he suggests fusions in both thumbs, followed by work on my fingers and knuckles.
Please could anyone who has had a wrist fusion give me some idea what to expect.
Thank you,
Numpty

dreamdaisy

I can't help so please accept these instead. ((((())))) DD

Numptydumpty

Thank you DD, silly I know, but I think that's just what I need.

mig

Hugs from me too.(((()))) Mig

kellerman

(((((())))))and me. May

Numptydumpty

Thank you Mig and May,
I'm getting my head around it now, but would like to know what to expect. The consultant just said to look on the internet, but be careful which sites!
All the best,
Numpty

fowls48

Hugs from me too (((((())))).

karen fowls

Numptydumpty

Thank you Karen. All hugs are appreciated.
Numpty

stickywicket

I’ve not had my wrists fused, Numpty, but they have, over time, fused themselves so although I’ve no idea about op and post-op stuff, I can tell you that living with them is not a problem as far as I’m concerned. They don’t bend. So what? If a bend is required there’s usually another way of doing things. It’s tons better than living with the daily pain. Go for it, girl. And a few more, just in case.((()))

Folara

Hugs from me Numpty. You know we will all be here for you.

Fols x

Numptydumpty

Yes Sticky I think you're right. I have very little movement in my wrists at the moment, but a lot of pain. The consultant said, I would lose a little movement but hopefully gain a little strength and have less pain and swelling.
Sounds like a no brainer really. I only wish I wasn't such a coward!
All the best,
Numpty

Numptydumpty

Fols, that knowledge gives me great comfort.
Thank you.
Numpty

skezier

Hi Numpty,

First i am sorry you got such a home truth kind of appointment. your right we do know but when they say it it has a big impact.

I have partially fused wrists. They are doing it by them selves (as did Legs actually and she will be able to help you when she see's this)

A good friend of mine who uses the forum but doesn't come in every day has her left wrist fused and also has had a huge amount of hand surgery with replacements etc.

She tells me I should get mine fused as its so much better and less pain.

Numpty I will text her and ask her to look at your thread. She has a lot of experience. Hang in there and leaving you a (((( )))) Cris xx

Colin1

Hi Numpty If your thinking of getting your fingers done they will send you to see the OT because it takes a long time to heel and you are attached to wires for a long time. I have been offers the op but i'm not sure what to do the ot explained it to me in detail. My sister had her wrists done and shes ok,good luck girl and give it plenty of thought
Knock on door got to go.
Colin

Numptydumpty

Thank you Cris, I would really appreciate that. You are right, being told, sort of makes it real!
Thank you Colin, I am thinking long and hard about it all.
All the best,
Numpty

DebraKelly

I have had knee fusion and steriod injection into the knee afterwards.

Both proceedures didn't last long at all, and only felt slightly uncomfortable. Nothing to worry about.

Getting another injection into the knee next week.

Numptydumpty

Hi, the consultant said it's an Hour and a half operation. It's to screw a metal plate onto the wrist and hand bones to fuse the wrist joint and stop movement. Is that what you had on your knee?
All the best,
Numpty

DebraKelly

I think mine must have been slightly different to yours as I had my knee drained of fluid, think this is a different thing than a fusion?

dreamdaisy

A fusion is where the joint is fixed into one position. Joints can do this for themselves or be 'mechanically' fused. Knees being drained is an aspiration. DD

bubbadog

Hi Numpty, I can't give any advice but send a big (((HUG)))

dorcas

Hello numpty and nice to meet you

A good friend said you'd posted looking for info about hand surgery ....... sorry it's taken me so long to log in to reply to your post. :oops:
It's an anxious time when considering surgery of any kind but the good folks here will support you every step of the way.

I've had a L Wrist Fusion, R Total Wrist Replacement (TWR), Finger Joint Replacement and Distal-Ulna re-section (Darroch's Procedure)..... with further finger/hand surgery ops to come (three fingers have Boutonniere's Syndrome (swan neck deformity) and MCP on L hand is troublesome )

The surgeon I had was wonderful and gave me sound advice on what surgery would be of benefit (and in which order I should have them) I have absolutely no regrets at having any of the ops........ both wrists and the finger joint are pain free, so I, personally, have no hesitation in recommending this type of surgery

The surgeon advised that I have one wrist fused and the other wrist replaced.... and recommended that the dominant wrist should be the one that had the TWR. The fused wrist has very limited movement (rotation only) but is very strong; the wrist replacement is more fragile but has some movement (pronantion/supination and rotation), so the one complements the other very well.

The Fusion entails removal of any diseased bone and a metal plate inserted (looks like a ruler on x-ray) which attaches to the Radius at one 'end' and runs from there and attaches just below the middle MCP . Bone grafts are sometimes (not always) taken from the top of the pelvis to strengthen and fill in any spaces in the small bones in the wrist/ hand.

The TWR involves removal of the Radial Head and Ulna Head and all the first row of small bones in the wrist... to make space for the two parts of the Replacement Joint. The cup shaped lower half of the prosthesis is cemented in place into the Radius .... and the upper half, which has a silicone buffer, is attached by means of three small rods into the bones of the hand; movement is possible due to the silicone buffer articulating with the two sections.

I had a GA for both Ops and was in hospital for 4 days post op with the Fusion and 3 days with the TWR (not counting the day of the op). In addition to the GA I had nerve block which effectively numbs the whole arm for a few hours post-op. It is painful surgery.... BUT pain is well controlled post op and on going home.

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

I was initially in half slab plaster with both ops....fingers are left free (for exercise) and keeping the wrist elevated as much as possible is really important to minimise swelling . 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 the wound was completely healed and needed no attention; as it is fixed and immoveable no physio is necessary.

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 orthotic splint to allow for physio... and when having a 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!.

Different Ortho Hand Surgeons have their own preferences when it comes to this type of surgery/ rehabilitation, so you may find that my experience of surgery may differ from that which your surgeon decides is best for you.

I'm conscious that I may not have answered all the questions you might have so please, please post and I'll do my best to answer.

Iris xxxx

Numptydumpty

Hi Iris,
first I am sorry for not replying sooner. Unfortunately my broadband has been down since last Friday. It was on briefly on Monday, long enough for me to read your post, but not reply!
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful and comprehensive account of your experiences. You have answered all of my questions, (including a few I hadn't thought of).
Yes it is a difficult decision to make, but I think I will go ahead with the fusion. It is my right wrist and I am right handed, but the consultant said, in his opinion, a fusion would be more successful than a replacement. I think I have to go with what he says.
Thank you again for your reply. You have been very helpful.
Wishing you well,
Numpty

dippydoodah

sorry i cant offer any advice regarding the fusion but do hope you've found the answers you are looking for and wish you well with your decision xx

Numptydumpty

Thank you bubbadog and dippydoodah.
All the best,
Numpty