trapeziectomy

GladysD

Hello I am having a trapeziectomy on Thursday afternoon. Has anyone else had this done and what should I expect to be able to do or not do in the first few days. Thanks for any advice.

Trish9556

Hi @GladysD

I had a trapeziectomy back in 2020 whilst working as a full time PA. Best thing I ever had and saved my career.

All surgeons do things differently but, when I had mine done, I was in a plaster and sling for two weeks. My hand was swollen and it was incredibly painful. I slept in a sitting up position surrounded by pillows and timed my painkillers so I took one shortly before I went to bed. If you're given codeine and paracetamol, I found it best to take them two hours apart so for example, codeine at 20.00, paracetamol at 22.00 so if I woke at silly o'clock, I could take my next dose of codeine at 00.00 and paracetamol at 0200 - of course you need to keep within your limits. Make sure you understand your dosing - if it helps, have the nurse tell whoever picks you up to go home.

You wont be able to do anything with your operated hand until you have your sling/plaster off.

I was seen by a hand therapist on the day of my follow up with my surgeon and she removed my plaster, inspected the wound and made me a custom support. She also gave me a sheet of exercises to do regularly and daily. You must do these to regain full use of your hand/thumb.

I either saw her or had a phone call with her for the next few weeks (it was during covid hence the phone appointments).

6 weeks later I was back at work full time on a keyboard.

Everyone is different and every surgeon is different as are their timescales. You must do as you're told and do your exercises. If you search on my name you will find a lot of information and advice I have previously offered people including a sheet of exercises that I was given at the time.

Useful stuff

cold compresses - small bags of frozen peas that you can hold with your operated hand whilst you're in a sling will ease swelling

Wet wipes for washing with - unless you have a walk in shower you will find it difficult to wash. You would in any case need a plastic bag for your cast. The best wipes I have used, although there are many, are water wipes. Just that, nice and moist, no additives and available from most supermarkets but use whats suits you.

Baggy sleeved tops that you can get into with your sling on

Therapy Putty and Exercise balls for when you have your cast/sling off - available in packs and you start with the softest using it as a child uses play doh.

Buttons and smsll stuff for picking up off a table — slide to the edge and pick up with a pincer movement

Exercises will hurt. I had a box of my favourite chocolates and when I had completed a set (I did mine five times a day) I treated myself to one.

Take your painkillers about 1/2 hour before you do your exercises

Don't be too proud to ask for your food to be cut up so you can eat it with one hand - even in a restaurant I did this

These are the main points I can think of but please tag/message me if you need any help.

Good luck

Trish

GladysD

Thank you Trish. That is very helpful. I have prepared a lot of stuff that I can use with one hand and sorted out clothes that have zips.

pennyalb

Hi Trish

I am wondering about bras! I am big busted and normally wear underwired bras. I cannot work out how I will put one on!

Any advice on bras?

Penny x

Trish9556

Hi @pennyalb

I opted for the type that you put on over your head or step into with no fastenings but to be honest it will be easier to go without while you're in a sling. You won't be able to do up normal ones with hooks and eyes, the type that goes over your head or step into would be easier but a bit if a faff if you dont have help.

Good luck

Trish