Hand Now it's my hands

Grammy57

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I just had my hip replaced last December. Now my hands are the problem. I am told I have arthritis in my thumb base on my right/dominate hand. It is very painful. I am scheduled for an EMG because my fingers are also going numb so carpal tunnel has to be ruled out. On my other hand, I have a volar ganglion cyst that the Dr wants to remove. Again, they are checking the carpal tunnel to avoid unnecessary surgeries. I tell my friends I'm healthy, just falling apart. It started with my knee, not replaced but 'scoped, then THR and now my thumb. Ugh.
 
Sorry you have new issues. But the good news is that they can be dealt with. We live in a wonderful time where arthritis problems are not something a person has to just live with. You are on your way to true bionic status!
 
Thank you. I was surprised that the injection relieved some of the pain. I've never had an injection work before. The pain is not totally gone, but a lot better.
 
That's definitely a good sign. Here's to more of them!
 
I've had arthritic problems at the base of my thumb. Very painful, and it kept locking, diagnosed as trigger thumb. Twice, steroid injections immediately, but temporarily, fixed it.
Then it spread to various other fingers. It kept changing fingers! Then it all went away after a year.
Never knew why, but it did coincide with hormone injections treating prostate cancer, to reduce testosterone levels.
 
I’m glad you found some relief with the injection. I found with all of the use my hands got post op that I had various things flare for a while. I still have some numbness in my left forearm. I think I inherited the OA from my mom and whose family has had issues in their lifetimes as well. We’re probably in a lot of good company here. My OS just told me to let him know when any of my numerous affected joints got bad enough and he would direct me to the appropriate specialist. In the meantime, I take the appropriate meds when it flares and try to stay active. Keeping my fingers crossed (as long as it doesn’t hurt. Lol)
 
Staying active is a big help. That old saying that "motion is lotion" works with arthritic joints...at least to a point before things are bone on bone.
 
I had my second appointment with the hand specialist after having the EMG. I do not have carpal tunnel but I do have arthritis in both of my thumbs. Since he is removing the cyst, he said he could fix my thumb too. He says I am a good candidate for surgery on my basal thumb joint. The pain in my thumb, this time my left thumb, isn't awful and I was thinking about not having this done, but my husband is encouraging me to do it. I'm nervous. The Dr says 3-month recovery. I have to get surgical clearance from my primary Dr and I have a pre-op appointment with the surgeon. I am very nervous, especially with the length of recovery for my hip. At least it's my non-dominate hand.
 
I am very nervous, especially with the length of recovery for my hip.
Of course you are nervous. But you can't assume your recovery from hand surgery will be anything like recovery from THR. Sounds like your surgeon is very thorough. Just go into this as positive as you can.

We'll be here for you!
 
Thank you. I just read Grammyof2's report on her surgery and it made me feel so much better about this.
 
My surgery is coming up, less than 2 weeks away. Will this be any easier than my THR? And, the injection lasted just shy of a month.
Thanks
 
I have not had hand surgery, my guess is it will be somewhat easier, but harder in a different way because you will not be able to use your hand right away.

Please post your hands surgery date, a moderator will add it to your signature for you. Having the exact date will help us properly advise you. Thanks!
 
I had my surgery today. The dr said he was using 2 screws and suspension but didn't give a name to the procedure. I had/have a total arm nerve block. I hate it, I'd rather deal with the pain. I was also given Versed and hate that also. I still have my other thumb to do down the road. I hope I can choose other option for pain and sedation. My arm is dead weight and feels cold but touching my fingers and they feel very warm. I start PT next week and should be getting a customer splint then too.
 
Glad you are out of surgery, your block will wear off, and feel less like dead weight.
 
It has worn off. Now it itches on the back of my hand. I wish I knew which technique he used. I'm thinking maybe the tightrope but not sure. I get fitted for my brace in 9 days.
 
Can’t win dead weight or itching. It will go away with healing.
 
Just a quick update. It has been 4 days since my surgery and there is very little pain. There is no pain at all when rested. No pain meds in the night. I'm amazed as I thought this was a very painful surgery.
 
I have a question about the upper extremity nerve block. I had this for my thumb surgery and now my shoulder hurts a lot. It's been hurting ever since the block and is getting worse. It hurts on my upper arm and over onto the shoulder. Any suggestions? I'm sure this is not normal and I'm not sure who to approach about it. To make matters worse, I was told years ago that I have a slight bulging of a cervical disk that used to cause pain in my shoulder, the same burning pain, but that was closer to my neck. As for my thumb, things are going very well. Still a bit swollen but I can easily touch the base of my ring finger and ALMOST completely bring my thumb to my hand. I have my follow up appointment with the surgeon next week.
 
I had my 6 weeks check-up. The Dr says I am doing well. Not too painful. Still some swelling but it is slowly going down. I have close to my original range of motion. I can touch my ring finger with the tip of my thumb. The Dr thinks my shoulder pain is impingement and just a coincidence that it started after the nerve block. I have another appointment in 6 weeks. I have not started strengthening yet. The scar is lightening in color and doesn't look so red. Overall, I'm happy so far.
 
@Grammy57 Sounds like you are doing very well. Sorry you shoulder isn't cooperating. Geez - if it's not one thing then it another! :heehee:

Did you find out what procedure was done?
 

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