Looking for experience of trapeziectomy

[AlliD]

I have been struggling with severe arthritis in both thumbs (and other joints) and the cortisone injections no longer help in my right thumb.

I’ve seen a hand consultant and am having this op. I’m be having it done in January and wondered what people’s experience of the op is, how recovery went and any hints and tips.

[anna4969]

Hi

I had left hand done September 2020 and right hand done December 2021. I had trapiezectmy & carpel tunnel during one surgery. I am right handed with lymphedema in the right hand and arm. The left went beautifully , right not so much and it’s just about a year but the healing is super slow given lymphedema.. again though, the right hand is very much compromised so just know the left was excellent.

Be sure you have help at home for recovery as you are minus a hand.

Here is the biggest rule you MUST ABSOLUTELY follow, keep the hand/ arm elevated constantly. I mean constantly. It will help with the pain ENORMOUSLY. When in your recliner, on the couch, in your bed, walking, showering( you have to anyway so as to be sure water doesn’t get in your sleeve.), going to the bathroom. The name of the game is elevation. Once you let that arm hang down, the pounding pain with start and you will have a difficult time getting that under control. Also, hanging it down will cause more swelling. I cannot stress enough The importance. I religiously kept it elevated for 2 weeks straight. Not much pain. Sure still took painkillers but it never ever got out of control pain wise.

Also, make sure you ice it frequently. I tied my bag of ice on such that it would stay while I was constantly elevating. I came out of surgery with a half brace and though you can’t take it off yourself, you can ice above the thumb area like your fingers and your forearm. You won’t be able to get the ice right on the thumb because of the brace, but the ice will cool the blood that runs to the area. About 3-4 days after surgery, I was then put in a cast and then about 6 weeks later a removable hand splint.

I’m going to close for now. I’m tired and it’s bedtime. I’ll respond tomorrow with more tips.