Wrist fusion

ShulaArcher

Hello

I'd be very interested to hear anybody's experience of having a wrist fusion for OA. I had a trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction earlier this year but have been advised that I need a wrist fusion on the same hand by my Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. I'm in no hurry to have the op; I've been started on Hydroxochloroquine with the slim hope that it will help and I've also had two steroid injections into that wrist. However, I get the impression that the wrist fusion is inevitable.

Any info and advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks
Shula

villier

Hi Shula

Sorry no info on wrist fusion, I am going shortly to get a finger fusion(mine's minor), I am posting to wish you well and sure there will be someone along soon to give you some info.......hope all goes well......tc......Marie x

Loulou11

Hi I've hand both wrists fused the latest being last June and it is taking longer than the other to strengthen but I am in alot less pain. The left hand (done in July 2011) is alot better, I don't get stabbing pains up to my elbows and down to my knuckles anymore and I find it easier to grip things. I'm left handed so this was my most important hand but by recouperating the left put my right under strain and this is why I believe the right is taking longer to strengthen. But it is getting there and I am in less pain.

I had a regional block for the op and mild sedation for the first op, if you have this try and take some music and earphones in with you to block out all the strange noises. For about 1week before try not to use the hand they are fusing to see where your going to need help and were clothing with no zips or buttons ( busting to go to the loo with one hand is dangerous hahaha)

Good luck and let me know how you get on. Sorry forgot to say I have RA and osteoporosis

Numptydumpty

Hi Shula,
Is it a total or partial fusion you're thinking of having?
I have RA, I had a total fusion of my right wrist, (I am right handed) six weeks ago. I had a general anesthetic, my surgeon only does this operation under GA. I was given morphine after the surgery, and experienced very little pain. The pain I've had since, has been no more than the pain I was in before the surgery.
For the first week I was in a very heavy plaster cast, then that was removed and the wound checked, and I was fitted with a lighter cast, which was removed two weeks later, and the stiches taken out. I was then fitted with another cast, which I still have, I hope to have it removed on 13th November. So a total of ten weeks in plaster. Then I believe I'll have to wear a splint for a while.
If this is a success, I need to have my left wrist and both thumbs fused.
I am having a lot of pain from my left wrist, hand, elbow and shoulder, I think, because of all the extra work they are having to do.
It isn't easy doing everything left handed. You do need easy on and off clothes. The hospital recommended a special waterproof "bag" to go over my cast, it is very good, completely submersable, and means I can have a proper shower.
I hope this helps, please ask if you need to know anything else.
Numpty

ShulaArcher

Hello

Thank you so much for the good wishes, advice and info. I really appreciate that.

I would be having a partial fusion, although my consultant tells me that I would probably need a full fusion in the future.

I am concerned about whether I will be able to continue driving once the wrist has settled down. Any ideas?

Once again, many many thanks
Shula

Loulou11

Hi shula try not to worry I was driving within 6weeks (with splints) and that was just for support as my hands are so weak and I drive a manual car xx

ShulaArcher

Thanks so much. Very much appreciate the support. My left hand is particularly bad today and it is becoming clear that I'll need the surgery before too long. Anyway, I need to give the hydroxychloroquine a chance to work first. Thank goodness for the voice recognition software!

Thanks again, Shula