right thumb problems

donjohn · 1. Feb 2011, 11:13

Dear Forum
I am new memeber and originally posted this on the helpline forum. On advice from participants I am re-posting here and hope that someone may be able to answer my query.

I have osteoarthritis in my right thumb which was previoulsy kept in check with cortisone injections. The last two of these were not effective however and I have been offered the following options of surgical remedies- injection under X ray into the remaining cartilidge' fusing two of the bones; the removal of the bone below the thumb joint; leave it alone and carry on as at present. I am not at all sure which way to go here and I would be most grateful to hear of the experiences of anyone who has had one of these treatments, particularly as to the limitations of use and/or flexibility of the thumb.

Regards

donjohn

tjt6768 · 1. Feb 2011, 11:29

Hi DonJon, can't really advise, I have OA in my spine & knees and Sero neg in my hands and wrists, so I know about thumb pain though...

I just wanted to welcome you on here and say I hope that you aren't suffering too much today.. There are many folks on here with many different forms of the horrible disease so hopefully someone with more knowledge than me (easily done, i know :shock: :roll: ) will pop along at some point to help.

Be well matey..

frogmorton · 1. Feb 2011, 11:46

Hi Donjon

I am sure someone more expert than I will be along soon.

Wise to post on here - you should get some advice.

It sounds as though you could have them done in order.....least invasive first????

LOve

toni xx

PS very sorry welcome to the forums from me

dreamdaisy · 1. Feb 2011, 12:04

Oh dear, I cannot help much either as I have a different set of problems. I hope that someone will turn up who can help, but not many people are as regular on here as me and a few more, so you may have to wait a few days for any 'proper' response. Give us time, I am sure someone will be able to help! I agree with frogmorton tho - least invasive first? Steroid injections are very contrary, sometimes they will do their stuff, sometimes they won't. It's all part of the fun and games of arthritis. I wish you well - don't give up on us yet! DD

traluvie · 1. Feb 2011, 12:17

Hi..

I just wanted to say hello and welcome you to the forum..
Unfortunately i am unable to help but i did read a similar thread the other day.. so hopefully someone will come along soon and offer you some advice..
Take care
Tracy
xxxx

donjohn · 1. Feb 2011, 13:16

Hi everyone

thanks for you good wishes and ecouragement. I will watch for further posts over the next few days.

Regards

Donjohn

donjohn · 2. Feb 2011, 16:07

Hi Again

Thanks for your message Ironic, that was helpful.

Regards

Donjohn

dreamdaisy · 2. Feb 2011, 16:12

Oh dear, we ain't done too well, have we? I am sorry donjohn, I guess that those who have faced summat similar just ain't around, for whatever reasons. I do, sincerely, wish you well - perhaps your surgeon can give you more info? My arthritis is in my feet, ankles, knees and sacro-iliacs so completely the wrong areas for you! DD

donjohn · 3. Feb 2011, 04:18

Hi Dreamdaisy

dont apologise!! From what I have read from other postings my problem is a minor irritant which is not causing major upset in my life, just a limitation on some activities, so I should be grateful for that. I hope you are all having a good day out there.

Regards

Donjohn

dreamdaisy · 3. Feb 2011, 04:29

Anything that limits what we are used to is a problem - the size of the problem is immaterial, it still impinges. Yes, on the one hand (sorry) you are fortunate in that it is 'just' a thumb but it is that opposable joint which makes us what we are, so it's hellishly important! I think the best person to talk to is the surgeon, and I still agree with frog, go for the least invasive procedure first. I wish you well - and do let us know how you get on, I for one would like to hear some good news from someone at some point in the future! DD

lavenderlady · 4. Feb 2011, 05:37

I too have bad OA in my finger and thumb joints ( amongst other joints) having just had a wrist replacment i too was offered options inc surgery to have it replaced or fused,
you need your thumb for so many things most we dont realise, i agree start at the injection , and see how it goes, fusion was not a real option for me as the joint was so badly damaged with severe OA I would have had to have it replaced after a while so decided to go for the op to replace , good luck with what ever you decide,

donjohn · 4. Feb 2011, 08:34

Hi Lavender

Thanks for your support and input. I am definitely swithering towards the X ray injection option but I will let you all know what happens after my next meeting with the surgeons.

Hope you all have a good day today

Regards

Donjohn

right thumb problems

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