Hand Surgery

lindalegs

Hello all,

Has anyone had hand surgery?

My hands are very deformed and weak. (Fastening buttons is beyond me and unscrewing bottles and jars though I can still manage to hold a cup (not by its handle) and a wine glass )

I have now developed some very ugly nodules on my already swollen knuckles which sometimes becomes infected and sore. :oops: :oops:

After seeing my lovely Rheumy last Friday she referring me to a hand surgeon, primarily to remove the nodules but also with the possibility of doing some corrective hand surgery.

So to my original question has anyone had hand surgery and secondly are you glad you've had it done? :?

Luv,

ironic

Hi Linda,
I’m not going to be much help but I had to see a hand surgeon earlier this year with flexor tendon problems but it was decided that I had had it for so long that I had adapted and to basically carry on as is. At the same time my nodules (which in my case are on a couple of inner finger joints) could have caused loss of nerve feeling if removed. It might be very different for nodules on knuckles. I sympathise as when you catch them they are sore. I can understand your concerns as I felt more apprehensive about hand surgery than anything else. I’m not sure if I will re-visit the nodule problem at a later date, maybe if I get any more, as they can be a pain in every sense of the word. It is difficult as you don’t know what is on offer until you have spoken to a specialist. Mine did not seem to want to do anything at this stage, which in a way I found reassuring.
I hope your appointment brings you more answers than questions.
Hope the family are ok and you are otherwise okish.

villier

Hi Linda

I have had hand surgery due to OA. Last year I got the DIP joint in my forefinger fused as it was swollen, out of shape, and of course painful. I cannot fully bend the finger but can pinch and am able to grasp things and have no pain whatsoever in that finger, I do not regret getting It done.

I am due in a couple of weeks to get a trapeziectomy done on my thumb of the same hand, they will remove a bone between the base of the thumb and the wrist, the gap through time will be filled with scar tissue, the surgeon said there will be a bit o a reduction in my grip, if all goes well I will be glad to get rid of the pain.

Good luck with the appointment Linda let us know how you get on....................Marie xx

barbara12

Hello Linda its good to see you around...but sorry your are suffering with your hands...I have OA and have injections in my hands..thumbs and middle finger...like you say it gets harder to hold things..I have had surgery mentioned..but to be honest I dont think they are that bad...good luck with whatever you decide....hope your Grandson is doing ok...xx

lindalegs

ironic wrote:

Hi Linda,
I’m not going to be much help but I had to see a hand surgeon earlier this year with flexor tendon problems ......................I hope your appointment brings you more answers than questions.
Hope the family are ok and you are otherwise okish.

Hi Ironic,

On the contrary that is a real help.

I had a tendon transfer 25 years ago and whilst the operation was a success whilst my hand was in plaster my thumb joint froze up and stopped working altogether, so perhaps I shouldn't have had it done because I didn't gain anything.

Interesting that your nods are on your inner fingers. Mine sit proudly on my knuckles but get in the way because I use my knuckle as a extra finger because I can't straighten my fingers.

Other than that I'm very well as the Enbrel really suits me, I hope you are doing okay.

Love,

lindalegs

villier wrote:

Hi Linda...................I have had hand surgery due to OA. .........I am due in a couple of weeks to get a trapeziectomy done on my thumb of the same hand, they will remove a bone between the base of the thumb and the wrist, the gap through time will be filled with scar tissue, the surgeon said there will be a bit o a reduction in my grip, if all goes well I will be glad to get rid of the pain.....................Marie xx

Hi Marie,

Are you having the trapeziectomy done on your thumb because your thumb joint is very wobbly? Mine is, I call it my slug :shock: This is the operation they refused to do for me years ago because of altering my grip, so hopefully views have changed. Mine doesn't hurt anymore but my grip is useless.

Will you let me know how your operation goes, I'd be really interested to know. I'll look out on the site for your posting.

Love,

lindalegs

barbara12 wrote:

Hello Linda its good to see you around...but sorry your are suffering with your hands.....good luck with whatever you decide....hope your Grandson is doing ok...xx

Hello Barbara,

Ouch injections into your hands, what a thought to make you squirm!!!!

I have seen hand surgeons in the distant past and on each occasion they've said they won't touch my hands as I might lose more than I gain. My rheumy says things are different now and therefore they might have another view.

I also have the problem where they would have to use a nerve block rather than general anesthetic because of the position of my neck.

I do worry as there will be no going back and the risk is that I might end up worse than I am now ..................or I could also have more functional hands.

I am in effect gambling with the quality of my life :shock: That is the main reason for asking for other people's experiences before I see the surgeon and discuss with him/her.

(PS My little grandson is champion and gives us so much joy He's coming this afternoon whilst mummy revises for her exams. How's your granddaughter?)

Love,

stickywicket

lindalegs wrote:

(Fastening buttons is beyond me and unscrewing bottles and jars though I can still manage to hold a cup (not by its handle) and a wine glass )

For goodness sake, woman, if you can hold a wine glass what more do you want

I've never had hand surgery. They did look at mine once and decided that, as I could still do stuff with them, they were better left in peace. I have very wiggly, weak fingers with very prominent knuckles everywhere but they kind of work.

Legs, you're an old hand at this so I hesitate to mention obvious stuff but the obvious stuff isn't always obvious when you've been finding ways round things for yonks so.... I have an invaluable button fastener which is basically a wire loop on a plastic handle. I also have an electric jar opener plus a 'power grip' tool which actually works brilliantly on eg fruit juice cartons. It consists of another plastic handle (bigger, with a good grip) and a sort of corrugated rubber loop which can be pulled, then locked, into the right size. I still use Mr SW for wine bottles as the contents are too precious to risk but, in a real emergency, I bet it'd do the job.

Goos luck!

lindalegs

stickywicket wrote:

lindalegs wrote:

(Fastening buttons is beyond me and unscrewing bottles and jars though I can still manage to hold a cup (not by its handle) and a wine glass )

For goodness sake, woman, if you can hold a wine glass what more do you want I............Goos luck!

Hello Sticky (I always love your humour )

I think you and I are much in the same position.

You're right, I am one of the veterans, but the nodules do become sore, red and then come to a head before settling again. (A bit like teenage spots on my knuckles :shock: they've just hit puberty again )

I, too, have all the gadgets and Mr Legs always in the wings

I think, it's because I've been offered the possibility of more functioning hands and the fact (dare I confess) that they could look a little prettier!!!! I know that shouldn't matter, but it does too.

Good to see you still here.

Love,

barbara12

Linda l love SWs saying if you can hold a wine glass... I suppose it will take some thinking about...its not easy having surgery has you already know...its the wondering will I be worse off....hopefully more people will be along to offer some advice.
My Gd is doing great thankyou..

lindalegs

barbara12 wrote:

Linda l love SWs saying if you can hold a wine glass... I suppose it will take some thinking about...its not easy having surgery has you already know...its the wondering will I be worse off....hopefully more people will be along to offer some advice.
My Gd is doing great thankyou..

(I know, we're always guaranteed a laugh with Sticky )

Yes, I hope more will offer their opinion purely because I'd like to know others experiences before I see the surgeon.

Hands are so important to almost every task we do.

I'm glad little Niamh (Hope I've remembered her name correctly) is great, maybe she and Jack will get married one day!!! )

Love,

Numptydumpty

Hi Legs, I too am interested to see what people have to say on this subject.
A year ago I had a wrist fusion. The surgeon advised at the time I needed the other wrist fused, both thumbs, new knuckles and work on my fingers.
The wrist fusion was a success in as much as the terrible pain I was getting has gone. I do still get pain in the wrist, but it's a different kind of pain, not so severe. I find wearing a splint helps, but as this op was meant to eliminate the need for a splint, that in itself is rather disappointing.
I didn't have much movement in my wrist before the fusion, ( it had started to fuse itself) but boy, do I miss that little bit of movement. Also, since the fusion, I've lost most of the use in two of the fingers on that hand ( my right, and I'm right handed) . The surgeon could find no reason for this, and seemed genuinely baffled, so maybe it's just coincidence. So although in less pain, I have less use in that hand in general now. Maybe I was just unlucky.
I definitely won't be having the other wrist fused, but am wondering about the other surgery suggested.
I agree prettier hands would be nice. My fingers are quite deformed, in fact some of them are beginning to bend the wrong way at the middle joint. ( so the nail is heading towards the back of the hand) It's only slight at the moment, and I wear ring splints to hopefully prevent it getting any worse, but it's a worry!
I'm sorry, reading back, this all sounds very negative. I didn't mean it to, it's just my experience so far, and I am still considering more surgery.
I wish you luck with whatever you decide.
Numpty

barbara12

lindalegs wrote:

barbara12 wrote:

Linda l love SWs saying if you can hold a wine glass... I suppose it will take some thinking about...its not easy having surgery has you already know...its the wondering will I be worse off....hopefully more people will be along to offer some advice.
My Gd is doing great thankyou..

(I know, we're always guaranteed a laugh with Sticky )

Yes, I hope more will offer their opinion purely because I'd like to know others experiences before I see the surgeon.

Hands are so important to almost every task we do.

I'm glad little Niamh (Hope I've remembered her name correctly) is great, maybe she and Jack will get married one day!!! )

Love,

Who knows Linda..maybe they will ...yes the spelling is right...I have it wrote down in my little book..don't you just love these fancy names...

lindalegs

Numptydumpty wrote:

Hi Legs, I too am interested to see what people have to say on this subject............that hand in general now. Maybe I was just unlucky........I'm sorry, reading back, this all sounds very negative. I didn't mean it to, it's just my experience so far, and I am still considering more surgery.
I wish you luck with whatever you decide.
Numpty

No, no Numpty that wasn't a negative post it was an informative one, so thank you.

I see what you say about your wrist fusion but I do think it may have fused itself fully eventually and would have set in a worse position than the one your surgeon would've put it into for you. The reason I say that is because both mine fused themselves at a slight drooping angle and I feel would've been more functional if a surgeon had done it for me. I wasn't given the option though. It is a bummer that you lost some mobility in two of your fingers because of the op though!

The problem with deformed hands is that we can't hide them, so I know exactly how you feel. I would post a photo of mine but I wouldn't like to give the newbies nightmares :shock: :shock: :shock:

Take care.

Love,

dreamdaisy

Hello Legs, it's lovely to see your name once more on here! I have been wondering how things were going viz the grandson and the meds - all sounds good on those two fronts which is pleasing. I cannot help at all on the hands front as mine are still functioning to a reasonable level but I can understand your dilemma; any form of a surgery is a risk because the outcomes cannot be guaranteed. I wish you well with whatever choice you make and we'll be here to support you which ever way you go. DD

lindalegs

dreamdaisy wrote:

Hello Legs, it's lovely to see your name once more on here! I have been wondering how things were going viz the grandson and the meds - ................. I wish you well with whatever choice you make and we'll be here to support you which ever way you go. DD

Hi Dreamdaisy,

Yes, I'm fine and the meds are wonderful, but I'm so very busy. It's comforting to see many familiar names here and it's wonderful to know I can come on and dip into the font of knowledge from the true experts.

I'm glad your hands are still functioning and long may it last

Thank you for replying and for the continuing support.

Love,

stickywicket

lindalegs wrote:

The problem with deformed hands is that we can't hide them, so I know exactly how you feel. I would post a photo of mine but I wouldn't like to give the newbies nightmares :shock: :shock: :shock:

I'll show you mine if you show me yours We could maybe ask for an 'Old Lags' forum to be accessed only by those who've sworn a disclaimer. It could have a logo of a skull and very cross bones

lindalegs

stickywicket wrote:

lindalegs wrote:

The problem with deformed hands is that we can't hide them, so I know exactly how you feel. I would post a photo of mine but I wouldn't like to give the newbies nightmares :shock: :shock: :shock:

I'll show you mine if you show me yours We could maybe ask for an 'Old Lags' forum to be accessed only by those who've sworn a disclaimer. It could have a logo of a skull and very cross bones

What a good idea SW! We could all sit drinking wine through straws if all else fails comparing are bumps and twists (not in the dance sense) wearing crocs and velcroed onsies as our uniform!

This idea could have wings!!!!

Love

dreamdaisy

I supped wine through a straw after my double carpal tunnel op. A velcroed onesie? Bliss, mine aren't but no matter. Got me Crocs slippers so I'm up for this exhibition of how to achieve elegant living. DD

lindalegs

dreamdaisy wrote:

I supped wine through a straw after my double carpal tunnel op. A velcroed onesie? Bliss, mine aren't but no matter. Got me Crocs slippers so I'm up for this exhibition of how to achieve elegant living. DD

I sometimes resort to all drinks through a straw tea and coffee included .....in fact I can ask for a straw in French, Italian and German ......vital for when abroad and a girl needs a drink!!!

No, my onsies are zipped too ......I now have 4, a cow, a polar bear, a chicken and an ordinary one with stars on.

We must make a very glamorous team

Love,

dreamdaisy

What a multi-lingual woman you are - je suis impressed. (That's the limit of my French). Your onesies sound much more fun than mine, I have a stripey effort like an Edwardian bathing costume and a stars-and-stripes thing for which I am currently too fat. The former has short sleeves which I prefer - they're less likely to be flung down the lavatory. :oops:

It's lovely to have some badinage on here again! Thanks Legs, don't go away just yet, please, but I can understand why you might need to - I am so pleased that the meds are going well, that is great news. DD

villier

lindalegs wrote:

villier wrote:

Hi Linda...................I have had hand surgery due to OA. .........I am due in a couple of weeks to get a trapeziectomy done on my thumb of the same hand, they will remove a bone between the base of the thumb and the wrist, the gap through time will be filled with scar tissue, the surgeon said there will be a bit o a reduction in my grip, if all goes well I will be glad to get rid of the pain.....................Marie xx

Hi Marie,

Are you having the trapeziectomy done on your thumb because your thumb joint is very wobbly? Mine is, I call it my slug :shock: This is the operation they refused to do for me years ago because of altering my grip, so hopefully views have changed. Mine doesn't hurt anymore but my grip is useless.

Will you let me know how your operation goes, I'd be really interested to know. I'll look out on the site for your posting.

Love,

Linda I am getting the surgery due to the pain and no cartilage left between the joint(no slug ). The surgeon did say to me that I would have a bit less grip once I had it done, it is maybe something they wont do if you already have problems.

I also love my onesies, mine are also zips but don't think I will have a problem, I never gave it a thought about a straw for my glass of vino Duh!! although the hand that is getting done is not my dominant one, thank goodness xx

lindalegs

dreamdaisy wrote:

The former has short sleeves which I prefer - they're less likely to be flung down the lavatory. :oops:

I'll try to drop in when I can

Luv,

lindalegs

villier wrote:

Linda I am getting the surgery due to the pain and no cartilage left between the joint(no slug ). The surgeon did say to me that I would have a bit less grip once I had it done, it is maybe something they wont do if you already have problems.

I also love my onesies, mine are also zips but don't think I will have a problem, I never gave it a thought about a straw for my glass of vino Duh!! although the hand that is getting done is not my dominant one, thank goodness xx

Sorry for the tardy reply Marie.

You're right they have refused in the past because my other fingers are quite rubbish too ..................the slug and his rebellious companions :shock: :shock:

I'll still be interested to see how you go on.

Remember straws can be used for any form of liquid you want to drink, my favourite one is this ...............



............because the little bottle halfway up the straw fills with the whatever you're drinking!!

Love,

frogmorton

Nice straw Legs!!!

and even NICER to see your name

I see you are considering hand surgery? Well if you do go ahead I will be available for pocket duties and support anytime.

Take care now and hope you are still loving Grandmum duties

Toni xxx

lindalegs

frogmorton wrote:

Nice straw Legs!!!
Take care now and hope you are still loving Grandmum duties
Toni xxx

Thanks Toni, I'll bear that in mind

Being a Grandmum is the bestest job in the world!



Love,