Trapeziectomy Recovery Hints

jillybean23

I'm getting a trapeziectomy on my non dominant thumb in a little less than a month. What can I expect and any tips or tricks to deal with the recovery?

Trish9556

Hi @jillybean23

I had my trapeziectomy in 2020 and was back at work at the keyboard as a busy PA within 6 weeks. Listen to your surgeon, hand therapy and physio team, be prepared for a tough time immediately post surgery with your hand in a sling (my grandson called mine Nanna's big blue marshmallow lol) and not being able to do things very well. Forget the essential underwear, it's summer, go braless 😂 You won't be able to get one on. Tops and shorts that are easy to pull on without unnecessary fasteners and shoes/trainers that are easy to put on. I discovered elastic laces when my hip was bad and now swear by them.

Don't expect miracles, you will need to work hard on your recovery, therapy putty and exercise balls are all helpful once you have got past the initial period and have had the ok from your therapist. Start with the softest and just play with both like a toddler plays with play doh and soft balls. Trying to pick up/move small items such as buttons/paperclips/small coins from a table top also helps.

Hopefully you wll be given some hand therapy but if you're not, and I know some people aren't, if you search on my name you should find lots of advice and a sheet of exercises.

Please shout out if I can be of any help

Good luck

Trish

Poppyjane

Welcome @jillybean23

It is great to meet you on the community and to receive such a useful post so quickly from @Trish9556 is an example of what we are here for. Peer support and lots of information and VA backup.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/hand-and-wrist-surgery/

I hope this link is helpful there is also an additional factsheet available if you need more information.

Do let us know how you get on.

Best wishes

Poppyjane