Hello all,

This is my first post here or anywhere for that matter concerning my Stablyx CMC Joint replacement.

I am a 60 year old male and I still work in a machine shop as shipping, inspection, some building maintenance and deliveries. So I use my hands a lot!
I have been having Sevier pain in both hands for several years. I had several rounds of injections which would help with the pain but only for 4-6 weeks. I could only receive these shots every 3 months. After 2 rounds of shots I said enough! What are my options?

So in early in 2019 I was looking for info on this procedure without a lot of results. Thankfully my Ortho Dr., Dr. Duc Vo in the DFW area was able to explain and convince me that at my age and activity level that the Stablyx Joint is the way to go. The standard balling up of tendons to make a joint and the down time for recovery and long time in a cast with many weeks or rehab were not an option for me. I did find some info on YouTube. and watched the procedure. Having been in fabrication of parts, aircraft interior construction and just many years of all kinds of varied mechanical device fabrication, I saw and understood just what Stayblyx was doing here. I went all in.

So on May 23, 2019 I had this procedure done. As with any surgery there is always apprehensions. Let me just say that for my first surgery in 60 plus years on the planet, this went amazingly well. Dr. Vo is great! I went in on a Thursday at 8:00 am and was out by 10:00am.. The pain level was a steady 5-8. Constant pressure with very little Sevier pain. I took a few pain pills over the next few days, maybe 4 total. I kept it iced down and did what I was instructed to do.

10 days later I went in for the follow up where the ace bandage and filler lining that kept my thumb immobile was removed. Other than the bruising and the hidden stitches all was good. I did 6 therapy sessions over the next 3 weeks. The rehab people were amazed at my ability to function. After just 5 weeks out of surgery I was out of rehab. I could do all of their tasks well.

Lets just say that after 5-1/2 months I am doing very well. I still have some pain if I abuse my right hand. The pain is no where near what it was prior to surgery. I am going in on Nov 21, 2019 for the left hand. I guess my nick name may change from Shamu to TWO THUMBS! lol.

I am good with this procedure so far and have ZERO regrets.

SHAMU