Hello there.
Had a trapeziectomy on right hand on 20 May. I write with left hand and use a knife and sew (not often) but use right hand for almost everything else.
Surgery was ok, had nerve block, which was very weird, and bruising and swelling as expected. I was surprised that the bigger cast was taken off after only 13 days and replaced by a smaller, removable type.
Saw surgeon again two weeks ago and was advised to drop the cast all together and start using my right hand, albeit carefully. Have not,yet seen physio - that will be next Tuesday.
My right hand is still rather swollen around the site and thumb still stiff. I fear I may have overdone things and hope I haven't affected long term improvement.
I have still very poor grip and need to ask for help opening jars etc, opening packets and so on.
Will be interested to see what physio says...
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Comments
Welcome to Arthritis Care Forums. As mods we are here to help with any problems you may have on the message boards.
There are lots of lovely people here with a wide range of experiences with arthritis and the problems of living with the condition. Just join in wherever you like you will be made very welcome.
I look forward to seeing you posting on the boards.
All best wishes
Mod Christine
My grip is poor and I usually have to ask others to open jars, bottles etc., but I've put some of that down to the arthritic thumbs. Hopefully, your grip will improve over time, after all it's only been four weeks since your operation.
Good luck with the physio, I'm sure the exercises will help with the stiffness.
Take care.
Meg
I've not had a trapeziectomy though I've had other surgeries and two things I've realised are (i)things take much longer to heal below the surface than they do on top and (ii)we all heal at our own rate(s).
The physio will advise you best but, in the meantime, just do as you've been told, don't push things too much. Your grip is bound to be weak as you've been unable to use muscles. Their strength has to be built up again with exercises which you'll be given.
We have several threads on trapeziectomies which you can find if you put the term in the Arthritis Care search engine above (Very small font. Next to FAQs.)
Please let's know how you get on.
I am concerned overdoing it...
Seeing surgeon and physio in 12 days.
On a practical note, there are devices on the market for opening tins, bottles and jars without strain. Just have a google
Barbara