Wrist fusing

mandy_b1967

I was diagnosed with oesteoarthritis in my left wrist 2 months ago having been treated for 2 years for tendonistis. I don't think I have had time to get used to the fact that I have oesteoarthritis and with the diagnoseis I was told that it was severe and should be fused. I saw a specialist yesterday and I was told he was looking at doing a temporary fuse (which should last around 5 years) where I would loose 50% movement, some of which I have already lost anyway. Has anyone else had this done, how has this affected your life and does it mean I wont be able to drive a manual car anymore. many thanks

lindalegs

Hi Mandy,

I have RA and my wrists have fused their selves :shock: and unfortunately not in a brilliant position - I have no movement in them whatsoever. I can still use my hands and do many things although sometimes I have to move my body to pick things up rather than using my joints.

Rest assured that your surgeon will fuse your wrist into the most functional position possible and it should relieve your pain also. A friend of mine had both his wrists fused and he still drives a manual car, but you should also ask your surgeon to make sure before he does it.

Try not to worry - surgeons try to do things for us that they think will be to our benefit.

I also think you will get other replies that will help you make your decision.

Luv Legs

mandy_b1967

alanmancunian wrote:

My wrists started to fuse when I was 16. They have stayed in the same condition for 30 years or so. Apart from when I accidently bang them, they are not that painfull.
I seem to remember that the surgeon gave me the option of fusing them altogether, I ended up leaving them as they were.
After the initial shock of getting arthritis in the wrists, after 5 years or so, you sort of forget it if other joints are getting worse, if you know what I mean. With me its the knuckles that are far worse than the wrists. Good luck, Alanmancunian

Thanks for your help. I also have pain in my lower back, right wrist, knees and ankles but my GP wont do anything as he says the arthritis in my left wrist is "localised" and that back pain is not uncommon even though I told him 2 years ago that my dad, auntie and grandad all had oesteoarthrisis and oesteoperosis. At the moment I am not sure I can take the 3 months recovery time as I am a single parent. I guess the pain isnt that bad yet!!
Mandy

airwave

Hi Mandy,
I was surprised to see your mail, I have the same problems as you, OA & OS, are there others out there? I have broken bones most of the time as well as the pain from OA, although I must admit, that, being fairly young still, its the OA that slows me down a bit.

Keep smiling

8) Its a grin honest!
M

mandy_b1967

Thank you to everyone for your help and advice. I have, after 3 visits to my GP, at last been refered to a rheumatologist to get a diagnosis's for my right wrist, back, knees and ankles. Too late for my left wrist which is having a partial fuse in March but hopefully not for the other joints.

Mandy

mandy_b1967 wrote:

I was diagnosed with oesteoarthritis in my left wrist 2 months ago having been treated for 2 years for tendonistis. I don't think I have had time to get used to the fact that I have oesteoarthritis and with the diagnoseis I was told that it was severe and should be fused. I saw a specialist yesterday and I was told he was looking at doing a temporary fuse (which should last around 5 years) where I would loose 50% movement, some of which I have already lost anyway. Has anyone else had this done, how has this affected your life and does it mean I wont be able to drive a manual car anymore. many thanks