trapeziectomy

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

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

hi,

Just hand my wrist done 2 weeks ago. It was more complex so instead of a local block I had a general. Usually it is done with a block in day surgery. You will have a bandage with a splint and sling for 2 weeks then you will return and see a nurse, your surgeon and the hand clinc. I now have tubi grip and a smaller split. Have also started exercises - very basic and rub e45 into the healed incision 4 times a day. I go back to the hand clinic in 2 weeks. Doing the physio is important but it starts with very simply.

Dressing is a problem - hubby a big help. I gave up with bras for the first 2 weeks. Just jiggled!! Now he does them up. Washing hair with 1 hand was hilarious but managed it. Choose easy clothes. I have jumpers and elasticated trousers just now. Socks are a problem and I wouldn't attempt tights!

It is quite a long recovery time becuause it is complex. But of you follow instructions it will be OK. My neighbour across the road had hers done several years ago and is fine now.

Good luck. Don't be worried. Follow the instructions and you will heal gradulally.

Wonder if I'll be able to play my guitar again?

Moira