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CMC Arthroplasty with STABLYX Implant
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Nov 27, 2023 | Replies (145)Comment receiving replies
@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
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Hey Sue,
You sound like your good to go with all your efforts. Sounds like you had excellent insurance or assistance to be able to do all the OT/Hand therapy. Unfortunately for myself and I am sure many others, the fee's for surgery and therapy can be outrageous!
I had to pull money from my 401 K for my first surgery in May due to the high out of pocket expenses. The therapy after the first surgery still cost me $80 each visit. My decision to go for the surgery for the other hand before being completely sure of the first surgery was due mainly to the cost and the fact I was up to my annual out of pocket expense, 8-10 K.
Being late November, this limited me on how many therapy sessions I had left in the calendar year that were paid for by my insurance. When the tendon snap happened that set me back on the covered therapy since year end came. The last few therapy sessions came completely out of my pocket at $250 per. Needless to say I bailed out. I had to! I was confident with all the past experience with the first surgery and therapists that I could manage. So far so good.
If you have the funds and good therapists I say go for it. If you are like myself with limited income and insurance coverage, get the therapy you can afford but by all means keep at the therapy even if its on your own. Its a must for healing and longevity of the surgery.
SHAMU