Bone on bone thumbs

I had the steroid injection under guided ultrasound and my bill was over $300 with less than half of that refunded by Medicare. So it’s quite an expensive procedure. At least there’s no pain for the moment so it seems it’s lasting for quite a few months.

@hensy, Good afternoon. I noticed that you are considering "thumb" surgery. I let the pain in my thumb get so bad that my shoulder surgeon (during a follow-up visit), grabbed my hand and took me to the "Hand floor" and introduced me to the surgeon there.

The following week I had what is called "Anchovy" surgery. It is specifically designed for bone on bone arthritic thumbs. It worked beautifully. I came home the same day and was playing mahjongg that week.

Unlike some of my other surgical experiences, my thumb is totally pain-free. I did wonder why my left thumb was bone on bone and yet my right thumb showed no evidence of arthritic involvement.

Here is the reason.....often our opposing thumb suffers the most because we use it more for steadying and supporting our daily activities. Hope you can have a similar experience. May you have joy today. Chris

@artscaping Glad your surgery worked out for you . I never heard of Anchovy surgery . How do they do that Chris. ?

I have arthritis in my thumbs starting about 3 years ago. The doctor prescribed Diclofinac ointment. I apply it about 3 times per day. It helps take the edge off. I also do the recommended exercises.

@karencar My Dr. also told me to use thumb splints at night ,also the Diclofinac gel which is Voltaren . It was to expensive for me even with insurance so I just use Arnica cream which I like. Back in 2013 my Dr. injected hyaluronic acid in to my thumb I'm just now starting to have problems with it ocassionaly but not enough for a injection instead I found a supplement that has collegeen and H.A. in it . going to try it for myself

@lioness What exactly does arnica do? A friend recommended T-gel or cream and I think it has arnica in it. Despite it being topical I am apprehensive about using it, it could get into your bloodstream. If I think it really could help my hip I would ask my transplant team if I can use it.

One of the doctors recommended vitamin D and calcium. The transplant nurse said that was fine. I am thinking that since I am now lactose intolerant I probably do need a calcium supplement. I really hope to avoid the medications for bone strength, they all seem problematic.
JK

@contentandwell Arnica cream of gel is a pain reliever it is a cream you rub on. I get relief from it . There is Arnica for brusies also so read the label . I use the Arnica tea also it is for pain you drink I haven't had any problems with it but check with you team about this . The rub wont get into you blood stream just you muscles. I found a ice pack for your hip it fits in a wrap around . Its in a catalog like Carol Wright or Dr. Leanord I forget which. I think this would be good for you . Instead of laying on the ice you could move around with it.

@lioness If it passes through your skin into your muscles, can't it get into your bloodstream too?

So I take it you never heard of T gel or cream? My friend swears by it.
JK

@contentandwell Arnica comes from a flower looks like a daisy. I have the tea cream and gel I don't really know the difference between the cream and gel ,one might absorb better then the other ? It is a product of Mexico. I never did research it online but will .

@lioness Thanks, Linda. I did some research too. T-cream and gel have arnica in them but you can get arnica alone I believe. What I wonder is if it could be contraindicated to my immunosuppressant, and/or the prednisone I have to take as part of my immunotherapy. My friend seemed to think it helps with healing but I suspect it just helps with the discomfort. If it does help with healing I would think it must pass the barrier into your bloodstream.
I never in a million years thought I’d be taking the number of pills I’m now taking, and I am not taking the more common ones like BP meds, cholesterol, and something for osteoporosis. I am concerned that those will be next.
JK