Hi
@Lynnallison175 I know what you mean about being tired of surgery and hospitals after two knee replacement, a hip replacement, and now this in 18 months! My incision still hasn't healed all the way but its getting better every day. Looks like there was a fluid build up but that drained on Monday and since then, there is steady improvement. My hand is also getting stronger every day so in terms of getting back to full activity and being able to do a job, I think it was a good decision.
I told the doctor that I did not need hand physical therapy because I had actually done it a couple of years ago and still had all the instructions. He basically said to do what I could and not do anything stupid. I don't know if my recovery is typical.
@Coppernob (Linda) can give you her perspective?
My history: I have been having pain in my thumb because of a bone spur growing between the base of my thumb and index finger and have been getting cortisone shots and wearing thumb braces on and off for years. At times the pain would be pretty severe and I would have trouble gripping and carrying things. Last year my hand was really hurting from the walker and cane and when kayaking and the bone spur bump seemed to be getting bigger and bigger. Last year when I got the cortisone shot, the doctor said I would need surgery sooner than later. This year, as my hip got worse and I again had to use the cane and walker, the hand got more and more painful so I went in for another cortisone shot. I could also not hold things like a cup of coffee and I was constantly dropping small things like pieces of paper. The doctor had to reposition the needle about 6 times to get it into the joint and he said it was time for surgery. I therefore decided to get it done as soon as I could walk unaided. I did not want anything stopping me from kayaking, cycling, hiking, needlework and anything else I wanted to do.
The surgery took an hour and I went home with a plaster splint and ace bandage although Linda (coppernob) had a cast. I had full use of my fingers within 48 hours and except for the problem with the incision, have been very happy with the recovery progress.
I hope this helps you with your decision.