Hello.. Has anyone had a Trapeziectomy?

Techie65

Hi my names Debbie. I have been on here before but it doesn't remember me so here I am again with a new account.
I have just had a Trapeziectony on my right thumb for Basal Thumb Arthritis. I am into my third week now & had no idea it would be this uncomfortable & painful. They removed the plaster & dressings after the first week & I went straight into a brace that was fitted & made up while I waited. At first it felt nice & quite comfortable to wear. Now, it's a different story. It irritates, I feel it rubbing & putting pressure against the wound. My stitches still havent desolved. I am happy to accept the pain & stiffness as it's such early days but it's the pins & needles in getting on the wound that is so painful. It comes & goes, when I get it I have to take the brace off & just gently rub it. The wound is still numb but tingles when I touch it then the pins & needles feeling finally goes off but as soon as I put the brace on it starts irritating again.
Has anyone else had this feeling? It is horrible, it makes my whole arm ache too & then I get sharp pains through my thumb..I'm back to hospital to see the hand therapist next week so will ask but I'm worried as I have just moved house this week & been using it constantly. I know I shouldn't be using it at all & should still be resting it, but unfortunately it's been impossible to do that. Any advice would be greatfully appreciated.

[Deleted User]

Dear Debbie, welcome back to the Arthritis Care Forums.

As before, as mods we are here to help with any problems you may have using the forums.

I'm sure you remember the many lovely people who use the forums with a wide range of experiences in regards to having and living with arthritis. Have a good look through the different forums and pick the ones you feel are best for you.

Best wishes,

ModEm

stickywicket

Hello from me, too, Debbie and welcome back.

I've not had a trapeziectomy but quite a few on here have. You'll probably get more replies if you re-post on the Living With Arthritis forum but here is a long thread from 'drewa' who posted before and after so you can see how she went on and the replies she got. http://tinyurl.com/gnqss82

It is important after any operation to rest the affected joint, do the prescribed exercises and very little else until things have knitted together a bit inside. Have you compromised your healing by using it too much, too quickly? I think your hand specialist is the person to advise on that when you see him / her next week. I do hope not but I would suggest a spot of damage limitation in the meantime.