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I am in the "When it is time for surgery, just do it!" group. Have had CMC tightrope surgery on both hands, and have never regretted it for a minute.
Early on, a very wise hand surgeon told me that there is a "window" for successful hand and wrist procedures- when the pain or loss of strength/ use affects your daily life, but before the damage is so bad that full fusion of the joint (with the inevitable loss of use) is needed. One day he looked at me and said "it's time to fix your wrist" - that was 10 years ago and it is still working and mostly pain free, just a little weaker. My friend did not believe his advice, and is now in her 10th month of recovery from a full fusion of the wrist.
Just something to ask the docs as you ponder when or if surgery is the right choice.
Sue
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Hi Sue, I am just adding emphasis to your post. I have accepted the "do it now" refrain for my Right TKR. Trying to avoid surgery leaves you exposed to many "side effects" of that choice. First, my knee issues can only become worse requiring more invasive surgery and a longer recovery period. I thought I was taking a big step by using a cane. Guess what? All of a sudden my neck began to be painful. I have already had neck surgery so I couldn't understand that pain. Then my shoulder developed some pain and I have had a reverse shoulder replacement.
Hmmm??? What is this? When my hip started hurting I realized that my body was responding to a change in my gait and the stress of using the cane. Enough! I called for a surgery consultation right away. And I asked my MFR therapist to specifically work on those areas when I arrived for my next session.
My surgeon reiterated the problem we create when we wait too long. The surgery is more complicated and other parts of our body will need to recover from the stress of the cane. You can call me hard-headed. My father frequently referenced that characteristic in me.
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris