Surgeryit is.............

villier

...........gosh, wasn't expecting that yesterday :shock: I thought I was in for another steroid injection. After checking the x-rays she announces that a trapeziectomy will be the way to go, It will mean a general anaesthetic and an overnight stay, I think she said a cast for a bit and then a splint for about six weeks.

I was then sent to get a pre-assessment, the nurse done the usual bloods, height, weight and blood pressure which was a bit on the high side she said, after that I had to see another nurse who did my history and sounded my chest etc she said I will do your blood pressure again which was still high, as I have a BP monitor at home she asked if I would phone her this morning and tell her the reading which was 159/89 oh she said that's fine I will put it on your form so goodness knows what it must have been yesterday, talk about white coat syndrome

As I live on my own it will be a complete learning curve after the op having to find ways of doing things with the one hand. I am quite a determined person and can be a bit stubborn so the will is there and there will be a way xx

Numptydumpty

Sorry to hear this Villier, but if it helps in the long run, it will be worth it.
One handed living is quite challenging! Is it your dominant hand needing the op?
You probably remember I had a wrist fusion last year, if I can help at all with tips on coping with one hand, let me know.
Take care,
Numpty

stickywicket

Oh dear, Marie! That must have come as a shock. However, I have no doubt that you will cope although it will be mightily difficult. Will an OT advise, post op?

DebbieT

Oh blimey, it's no surprise ure BP was up if you expecting an injection then to be told operation go n have ure pre op assessment :shock:

Hopefully all will go well & ul make a rapid recovery.

((((( )))))
Xx xX

dreamdaisy

Ye gods. That must have come as a complete shock, no wonder your BP was sky-high - mine has just shot up thinking about it.

You are facing challenges, there's no doubt about that, but I do not doubt for one moment that you can overcome them. You are a strong, determined woman, you prove that time and time again. DD

mig

Sending hugs,will be there when needed. Mig

barbara12

Oh Marie it must have been a shock...any mention of surgery shocks me but when you are not expecting it..I am sure you will cope..but I will get the bus ready them we can all be on standby..not sure if you know but when you are on your own and have surgery you should be able to get a couple of weeks help for free... ((()))xx

elainebadknee

Marie

Oh heck why do they call it that, sounds very fancy for a procedure to take out the small bone at end of the thumb?
I sincerely hope your surgery goes well and I guess all you can do is prepare as much as you can pre surgery, have you got friends who may be able to help a bit at home if you need them for small amounts of time?

Elainexx

hileena111

Hi Marie
What a shock that must have been. When I first saw the orthopaedic surgeon he sent me for an x ray and said you need both hips replaced!!!!!!
What a shock that was so I understand
Have you got people to help you.....I'm sure you'll get help post op if you are on your own

Love
Hileena

villier

Numptydumpty wrote:

Sorry to hear this Villier, but if it helps in the long run, it will be worth it.
One handed living is quite challenging! Is it your dominant hand needing the op?
You probably remember I had a wrist fusion last year, if I can help at all with tips on coping with one hand, let me know.
Take care,
Numpty

Thank you Numpty, I do remember your wrist goodness it only seems a few months hope your getting on ok. You might be sorry you have offered advice seriously that would be great I think the waiting list is three months which is a wee bit away so I have a plenty of time to get organised............Marie x

villier

stickywicket wrote:

Oh dear, Marie! That must have come as a shock. However, I have no doubt that you will cope although it will be mightily difficult. Will an OT advise, post op?

It was a shock Sticky I new it would come to that eventually but didn't think it was going to be so soon. There was no mention of an OT post op so it will be guddle along me time as I said I am a stubborn old mare thanks for your reply xx

villier

DebbieT wrote:

Oh blimey, it's no surprise ure BP was up if you expecting an injection then to be told operation go n have ure pre op assessment :shock:

Hopefully all will go well & ul make a rapid recovery.

((((( )))))
Xx xX

Thanks for your reply Debbie the waiting list is about three months so I have got plenty of time to get organised and I am sure I will get plenty of good advice from all you lot on here. Hope you are feeling a wee bit better now..............Marie xx

villier

dreamdaisy wrote:

Ye gods. That must have come as a complete shock, no wonder your BP was sky-high - mine has just shot up thinking about it.

You are facing challenges, there's no doubt about that, but I do not doubt for one moment that you can overcome them. You are a strong, determined woman, you prove that time and time again. DD

Thanks DD it was a shock I didn't think she was going to suggest it as quickly as this, I knew it would get done at some time. I am sure the challenges I face I will get plenty of advice from all you lovely people on here, it will be a few months away so plenty of time for this stubborn old mare to get organised xx

villier

mig wrote:

Sending hugs,will be there when needed. Mig

Awe thank you mig I really appreciate that it wont be for a few months yet...............Marie xx

villier

barbara12 wrote:

Oh Marie it must have been a shock...any mention of surgery shocks me but when you are not expecting it..I am sure you will cope..but I will get the bus ready them we can all be on standby..not sure if you know but when you are on your own and have surgery you should be able to get a couple of weeks help for free... ((()))xx

Thank you Barbara, I didn't know that, would it be my council I would approach or my GP? it's not as if its a massive op not like a lot of you guys have had but it will be a bit debilitating with just the one hand in operation anyway I will get there xx

villier

elainebadknee wrote:

Marie

Oh heck why do they call it that, sounds very fancy for a procedure to take out the small bone at end of the thumb?
I sincerely hope your surgery goes well and I guess all you can do is prepare as much as you can pre surgery, have you got friends who may be able to help a bit at home if you need them for small amounts of time?

Elainexx

Thanks Elaine, yes, it is a bit of a fancy name for removing a bone. I am quite an organised person so I will be well prepared before hand I have one particular friend, like me she is on her own and I am sure she will be able to do some errands although she works so I don't want to take up a lot of her time, I will manage, I am stubborn so will guddle through xx

villier

hileena111 wrote:

Hi Marie
What a shock that must have been. When I first saw the orthopaedic surgeon he sent me for an x ray and said you need both hips replaced!!!!!!
What a shock that was so I understand
Have you got people to help you.....I'm sure you'll get help post op if you are on your own

Love
Hileena

Thanks Hileena I knew it was on the agenda but didn't think it was going to be this quick, I will look into see if I am eligible for help if not I am sure I will manage one way or the other, the operation itself I am not phased about it's nothing to what some of you guys have gone through I will get there in the end............Marie xx

villier

Sorry Numpty I didn't answer your question it is not my dominant hand that's getting done thank goodness at least that's something xx

Michelle63

Hi Villier,
I am 6 weeks post op after my Trapeziectomy. All is good so far. I had day surgery and a regional block so was home the same day. The first night I put the back of a chair against the side of the bed with a pillow against it to keep my arm elevated. That worked quite well as it is difficult to keep it elevated unless in a sling on a drip stand! Mine is my dominant hand so it has been very tricky at times but there are a few things I would definitely recommend....a limbo arm protector for the bath and shower, non slip matting for meal times, slip on shoes and track suit bottoms or similar. I had the large dressing on for a week and a half. I saw the physio first who made a lovely pink splint to wear constantly. The dressing was taken off a couple of days later and any remaining undissolved stitches taken out and the wound checked. My hand was and still is very stiff although improving daily. Some tasks are very frustrating but it is amazing how inventive one can be when challenged. I bought some bio oil to massage the scar with and am very good with the physio exercises. I am hoping to be able to drive in another couple of weeks as have not recovered enough grip or strength yet. The operation was very necessary and I am glad I had it. The downside is that the it has made me realise how bad the other one is!! Hope all goes well and let us know how you get on

villier

Thank you very much Michelle for the info that has been a great help knowing what to expect, it will be a bit easier for me as it is not my dominant hand. I had a finger fusion done last year so had at least some movement in my hand although still had to watch what I was doing. I believe it is a three months waiting list although the nurse asked if there was a cancellation could I make it :shock: I said not in December though as I don't want to be in a splint over xmas as I am going to my sisters and need to drive.

I am pleased that everything is going well for you and hopefully continue to do so, it must be good to have a bit less pain. Thanks again I appreciate you taking the time to reply...........tc.............Marie x

barbara12

Hello Marie..hope you got some sleep...I heard about the help in hospital..and the nurses were saying it isn't advertised...but they got on to social services fora lady that lived on her own and didnt have any family nearby...suppose your gp could do this...wishing you well with it all xx

villier

Thanks Barbara that's great, I see my GP soon so will ask him xx

Starburst

Oh wow, what a shock, Marie! Hope some of the shock has subsided. We'll be hanging out in your pocket when you need us. xx

villier

Thank you Sophie I totally appreciate the support, this is nothing to what you guys have to put up with. Hope you are feeling 'human at the moment' Sophie........................Marie xx

dreamdaisy

I am sorry that I haven't been about today - I am under the arthritis cosh at the moment which I know is a feeble excuse but it's the only reason I can offer. :oops:

There is at least one positive; it's not your dominant hand which surely has to be a good thing but I reckon you will be finding times you need to use it. Bl**dy typical, no? :roll: We will see you through this, hon, it's what we do. DD

villier

Oh! DD behave yourself, you have enough to contend with at the moment, but I greatly appreciate yours and everyones support xx