Pyrocarbon thumb joint replacement

Posted by var122 @var122, Jan 15, 2018

I do not know anyone who has had a cmc thumb joint replacement....anyone have any insight? I am 5 days post op.

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@flfirechief

Hi,
I’m new to this board, I’m a 44 year old male, firefighter,bagpiper, who has bilateral cmc joint arthritis, which is now bone on bone. I’ve gone through shots which don’t help anymore, had a nerve ablation with no relief, cold laser therapy with no relief, my dr has recommended the stablyx implant. I live a few hours away from dr Orbay who invented it, so am going to try and have him do the surgery. I’m trying to get some feedback from people who have had this implant. Would you recommend it? How long is the recovery time? Seems a lot shorter than some of the other surgeries. Any insight, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

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I am in Orlando FL and plan on a doctor well educated in this. I just need a rough time frame for those who have had the procedure... or maybe i need another detailed appointment with Dr Davenport.

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@flfirechief

Hi,
I’m new to this board, I’m a 44 year old male, firefighter,bagpiper, who has bilateral cmc joint arthritis, which is now bone on bone. I’ve gone through shots which don’t help anymore, had a nerve ablation with no relief, cold laser therapy with no relief, my dr has recommended the stablyx implant. I live a few hours away from dr Orbay who invented it, so am going to try and have him do the surgery. I’m trying to get some feedback from people who have had this implant. Would you recommend it? How long is the recovery time? Seems a lot shorter than some of the other surgeries. Any insight, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

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There is a youtube video of a Mayo patient from Florida. He gives updates for a few weeks. His last video is an update after two years. Surgery was performed down in Florida by the doctor who pioneered the implant (Jorge Orbay MD). If you are not familiar with Youtube, you need to get familiar. You can even see the operation on video.

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@flfirechief

Hi,
I’m new to this board, I’m a 44 year old male, firefighter,bagpiper, who has bilateral cmc joint arthritis, which is now bone on bone. I’ve gone through shots which don’t help anymore, had a nerve ablation with no relief, cold laser therapy with no relief, my dr has recommended the stablyx implant. I live a few hours away from dr Orbay who invented it, so am going to try and have him do the surgery. I’m trying to get some feedback from people who have had this implant. Would you recommend it? How long is the recovery time? Seems a lot shorter than some of the other surgeries. Any insight, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

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Thanks, Stoney. What is the video's label. I looked under MD's name but didn't find.

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@flfirechief

Hi,
I’m new to this board, I’m a 44 year old male, firefighter,bagpiper, who has bilateral cmc joint arthritis, which is now bone on bone. I’ve gone through shots which don’t help anymore, had a nerve ablation with no relief, cold laser therapy with no relief, my dr has recommended the stablyx implant. I live a few hours away from dr Orbay who invented it, so am going to try and have him do the surgery. I’m trying to get some feedback from people who have had this implant. Would you recommend it? How long is the recovery time? Seems a lot shorter than some of the other surgeries. Any insight, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

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Am interested in anything to help make a better decision... thanks!!

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I saw Dr. Moran yesterday at Rochester. Both hands bad. Bone on bone. I will have surgery at the end of May. It will be the carbon implant.

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@mapleskoff

var122: did you have your treatment/surgery done at Mayo Eau Claire, or Roch? I live in NE WI and go to Roch, with my wife, a Mayo Scottsdale retiree, for chronic problems we have. Is a trip to Eau Claire worthwhile for evaluation and possible surgery? I have appt. with hand clinic in Roch end of May, but EC is a shorter drive and I wonder about the jhand surgery there. TIA.

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I would like to find a good surgeon in the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Mesa AZ area. I was scheduled for this surgery in Sonoma County (CA) and decided against it at the time. Now I realize I need it. I just moved to AZ and have no idea who to go to. Any help would be very much appreciated.

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I hope that someone will have some advice for me. I contacted Stablyx to see if there was a surgeon near me that handled their pyrocarbon implants. The response was a surgeon right here and little old Laramie Wyoming. I saw the same guy 2 years ago for the same condition. On our very first visit he wanted to set a date for surgery. If I hadn't already had a date set for a total knee replacement I probably would have accommodated. It is convenient to have a surgeon here locally but he doesn't do just wrist and thumbs. He also does knee Replacements and other surgeries. One of my questions is should I hold out and only have the surgery done by somebody that does the implants exclusively? How do I find out how much experience this guy actually has with implants? Will it be proper for me to just come right out and ask him? Is there any other way to find out?

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@stoney

It's my 2nd one. I too am recently post-op (4 days). I kept notes from my first op so I know what to expect. Pain pump has been my best friend. I've got a compassionate supply of oxy but have not had to use them due to the bullseye expertise of my anesthesiologist's aim of the nerve block/pain pump. I type one-handed and slow, but if you have specific questions, feel free to contact me.

i

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Hello @stoney... curious as to how recovery is going. Looking at having my first surgery, starting with my left thumb, August 15. Any advice you could offer would be appreciated.

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@stoney

It's my 2nd one. I too am recently post-op (4 days). I kept notes from my first op so I know what to expect. Pain pump has been my best friend. I've got a compassionate supply of oxy but have not had to use them due to the bullseye expertise of my anesthesiologist's aim of the nerve block/pain pump. I type one-handed and slow, but if you have specific questions, feel free to contact me.

i

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My doc said I'd have whatever results at the one year mark. I am so wishing he's right. As it stands right now, I am in at least double discomfort compared to pre-op. Everyone heals differently. Follow your therapy and keep the joint mobile and stretched. Hydration is your friend. Improvement comes fast initially, then slows to hardly noticeable improvement. Be patient but don't give up. Good luck.

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@gordoapa

I have had similar problems with my thumbs, and Naproxen was not helping at all. It was, as if the medication was hurting instead. A friend recommended tart cherry juice and turmeric pills. After few months of eating better ( more vegetables) and following friends advice my thumbs are completely pain free. I’m 68.

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@gordoapa great my thumbs are both bad right now my left thumb is ready for an injection Last one for this thumb was 7 yrs ago My rheumatologist at that time of injected with something else not cortisone I will try the tart cherry juice I do take Tumeric and drink a ginger-Tumeric tea which is good get at Trader Jo,s Thanks for letting nfo

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