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Thumb surgery

Posted by anniebrook @anniebrook, Oct 25, 2018

I had left thumb surgery for osteoarthritis 7 yrs ago which went well,don't get full strength back but no pain so that's OK.had right thumb done 2 yrs later which was OK for a while although took longer to recover.Now I have so much pain in what I think is the scaphoid area into my wrist.The surgeon had me get a shot around the scar area which is not where the pain is and about a yr later it's still as bad if not worse.I am right handed which doesn't help.I have been wearing a wrist/thumb brace and now I have a bruise or broken blood vessel where the shot went in that won't go away. It was a plastic surgeon that operates on hands here in BC,Canada .My question is should I seek a 2nd opinion form an Ortho ? I can't hold a glass,can't even pat my pillow as it's so painful.

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Oct 25, 2018

Hi @anniebrook. Welcome to the Connect community! I have arthritis in my thumbs too and I can really relate to the discomfort of the thumb/wrist brace. It sounds as if your pain has reached the point of being excruciating. I am so sorry. About a month ago there was a discussion here where @JustinMcClanahan asked @stoney, @maplegrove and @var122 to share their experiences with being bone on bone in the thumb. I hope that maybe one of them will be able to share some insight here too. Also, there is a video on YouTube from last year where a Mayo orthopedic surgeon offers some advice. You can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVbOPCu5Ius

I have no medical background but if I were experiencing pain that interfered with daily activities - like lifting a glass - I would definitely seek a second opinion. Is the pain constant or sporadic? I'm anxious to hear how things go. Wishing you some relief...

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anniebrook | @anniebrook | Oct 25, 2018

So I watched this,loved the graphics but I have already had the Trapezium removed in both thumbs.Left one went well right one is getting worse with every yr that passes. I am 7yrs post op.It feels like the tendon is just going to rip apart. The pain feels like the Scaphiod is compromised. What should I ask my GP ? to go back for a 4th visit to the plastic surgeon that did it or ask for a Ortho opinion ?

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1 reply
Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Oct 26, 2018
In reply to @anniebrook "So I watched this,loved the graphics but I have already had the Trapezium removed in both..." + (show)
@anniebrook

So I watched this,loved the graphics but I have already had the Trapezium removed in both thumbs.Left one went well right one is getting worse with every yr that passes. I am 7yrs post op.It feels like the tendon is just going to rip apart. The pain feels like the Scaphiod is compromised. What should I ask my GP ? to go back for a 4th visit to the plastic surgeon that did it or ask for a Ortho opinion ?

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Hi @anniebrook Ouch! Just describing your pain makes me have sympathy pains. I can't offer advice - but I can help you brainstorm. What would be the downside in asking for an orthopedic consult? I don't think it that would preclude going back to the plastic surgeon later if needed. What would be lost by getting another opinion from a different medical specialist - especially since you've seen the plastic surgeon 3 times already? Maybe you could explore those questions with your GP?

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1 reply
anniebrook | @anniebrook | Oct 27, 2018
In reply to @debbraw "Hi @anniebrook Ouch! Just describing your pain makes me have sympathy pains. I can't offer advice..." + (show)
@debbraw

Hi @anniebrook Ouch! Just describing your pain makes me have sympathy pains. I can't offer advice - but I can help you brainstorm. What would be the downside in asking for an orthopedic consult? I don't think it that would preclude going back to the plastic surgeon later if needed. What would be lost by getting another opinion from a different medical specialist - especially since you've seen the plastic surgeon 3 times already? Maybe you could explore those questions with your GP?

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Thank you Debbie I will do that . I think because I have had to visit the Dr's so many times with pain issues I'm always worried he is going think "O'h no not you again" LOL .Thanks again

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Oct 27, 2018
In reply to @anniebrook "Thank you Debbie I will do that . I think because I have had to visit..." + (show)
@anniebrook

Thank you Debbie I will do that . I think because I have had to visit the Dr's so many times with pain issues I'm always worried he is going think "O'h no not you again" LOL .Thanks again

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@anniebrook - I understand what you are saying, but you are doing the right thing to go back, describe your pain, and be an advocate for yourself. Sometimes that takes courage. Please keep me posted on how things go. I'm wishing you well and hoping you get some relief.

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anniebrook | @anniebrook | Apr 10, 2019

I had my Left thumb operated on 10 yrs ago for joint replacement using the tendon from my inner forearm. It went well although I was warned I would only get 70% strength back which I did but no pain so BONUS ! My right one however did not go well and 8 yrs later I am in more pain than ever,I can't even wipe the counter tops down without being in terrible pain. I have been back to the hand surgeon a few times who just sent me for a new brace then an xray with a shot into the area where it doesn't hurt and nowhere near where it does. I am 65ys old ,have put this pain for 8yrs and it is getting worse with each yr.Has anyone any advice what to do next.I am in BC,Canada where hands are done by a plastic surgeon,not sure whther it's the samein the US or if you guys get Ortho surgeons ?

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5 replies
tjp4 | @tjp4 | Apr 10, 2019
In reply to @anniebrook "I had my Left thumb operated on 10 yrs ago for joint replacement using the tendon..." + (show)
@anniebrook

I had my Left thumb operated on 10 yrs ago for joint replacement using the tendon from my inner forearm. It went well although I was warned I would only get 70% strength back which I did but no pain so BONUS ! My right one however did not go well and 8 yrs later I am in more pain than ever,I can't even wipe the counter tops down without being in terrible pain. I have been back to the hand surgeon a few times who just sent me for a new brace then an xray with a shot into the area where it doesn't hurt and nowhere near where it does. I am 65ys old ,have put this pain for 8yrs and it is getting worse with each yr.Has anyone any advice what to do next.I am in BC,Canada where hands are done by a plastic surgeon,not sure whther it's the samein the US or if you guys get Ortho surgeons ?

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Just saw your post. In the U.S. we have hand ortho surgeons. It might be worth your time to drive down to Seattle and have your hand examined by a ortho specialist. Take care and wishing your hand gets better soon.

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1 reply
tennbee | @tennbee | Apr 11, 2019
In reply to @anniebrook "I had my Left thumb operated on 10 yrs ago for joint replacement using the tendon..." + (show)
@anniebrook

I had my Left thumb operated on 10 yrs ago for joint replacement using the tendon from my inner forearm. It went well although I was warned I would only get 70% strength back which I did but no pain so BONUS ! My right one however did not go well and 8 yrs later I am in more pain than ever,I can't even wipe the counter tops down without being in terrible pain. I have been back to the hand surgeon a few times who just sent me for a new brace then an xray with a shot into the area where it doesn't hurt and nowhere near where it does. I am 65ys old ,have put this pain for 8yrs and it is getting worse with each yr.Has anyone any advice what to do next.I am in BC,Canada where hands are done by a plastic surgeon,not sure whther it's the samein the US or if you guys get Ortho surgeons ?

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I have osteoarthritis in both thumbs, mainly right but I don't think I'd every have the surgery. The few people that I know who have had it suffered through the pain but in the end didn't gain much from having it done. I'll be 74 this June and I think my thumbs will have to last me to the end.

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3 replies
anniebrook | @anniebrook | Apr 11, 2019
In reply to @tjp4 "Just saw your post. In the U.S. we have hand ortho surgeons. It might be worth..." + (show)
@tjp4

Just saw your post. In the U.S. we have hand ortho surgeons. It might be worth your time to drive down to Seattle and have your hand examined by a ortho specialist. Take care and wishing your hand gets better soon.

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Thank you for that info

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lioness | @lioness | Apr 11, 2019
In reply to @tennbee "I have osteoarthritis in both thumbs, mainly right but I don't think I'd every have the..." + (show)
@tennbee

I have osteoarthritis in both thumbs, mainly right but I don't think I'd every have the surgery. The few people that I know who have had it suffered through the pain but in the end didn't gain much from having it done. I'll be 74 this June and I think my thumbs will have to last me to the end.

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@tennbee Welcome to connect we are,nt Dr,s but help where we can I am76 and have had shots in both thumbs Also thumb splints at night

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