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← Return to CMC Arthroplasty with STABLYX Implant
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CMC Arthroplasty with STABLYX Implant
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Nov 27, 2023 | Replies (145)Comment receiving replies
Hi Shamu, The surgery went well, pain was well controlled before they sent me home. Only needed the pain meds the day of the surgery and into the next day. Tylenol and ibuprofen managed it well. However the recovery has been slow. I got out of the cast after 2 weeks and started physical therapy excercises the next day, which was a Thursday. On Friday my hand was swollen like a balloon and was throbbing so bad I was in tears and had to take the pain pills. Dr. Vo said I wasn’t ready to come out of the cast so it went back on for another 5 days. So I’ve only been out of it a week and am doing the exercises but I am still swollen and have throbbing pain by the end of the day. I do have Lupus and it has caused the inflammation issues so I am just having to push thru it, but I also use the pain medication. I did notice last night that the swelling has calmed down so I am hoping I have turned the corner and it will go uphill from here. It’s too soon for me to say weather it has worked or not. Right now I’m just working on the mobility part but Dr. Vo said in 2 weeks we will start on the strengthening. Because of my underlying conditions and COVID, I do the P/T at home and I like it better that way. Dr. Vo has been wonderful and helpful along the way. I am hopeful it is all worth it in the end.😀
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@lkd Hi - I did not have the Stablyx surgery because 2 years ago the tightrope on the other hand gave me tremendous results, so I went with the same. I am about 8 weeks out from surgery, and the pain was largely gone by the second day. However, after 11 ortho surgeries for arthritis damage, I am an ice fanatic, so was icing at least 12 hours a day the first 4-5 days, then 4 times a day for 3 weeks. The cast came off at 2 weeks, replaced by a hard splint which has been cut down now and is only worn for heavy activities like wrangling toddlers and gardening.
As to PT, I think my recovery from the first surgery was helped by consistent 3X/day PT for months, and at least once a day stretching for over a year. I began stretching & flexing the moment the full cast came off, and pretty much had full motion at 6 weeks. I have begun the same strengthening regimen (with my trusted OT/Hand therapist) on the left as I used on the right, and have no doubt I will be as satisfied. I still use ice after any somewhat strenuous use (like bike riding yesterday) or when it aches.
If I had the surgery when I was younger (I am long retired) I would probably have opted for the Stablyx because of it's prediction for long term strength.
So to anyone considering any CMC surgery, I urge consistent icing and longterm 2X or more daily exercises.
Sue