Anyone had a wrist replacement?

[muffin]

Have been advised my left wrist is badly damaged with RA and OA and despite lots of physio and seeing a hand specialist who has made an appropriate support for me, it has been found through a MRI scan I need a wrist replacement.

The only one I have seen had been done some 30 years ago and was horrible, very disfigured. I realise things have moved on but wonder if anyone has had one, just to give me peace of mind. I have extreme faith in my surgeon but am very apprehensive.

Thanks.

Muffin.

[dickfend]

Hi I have had RA and OA for 40 years plus and have had both my wrists fused, my right shoulder pinned and a complete right elbow replacement and they couldn't be better. I couldn't even lift a telephone without it feeling agony, so to have that pain relieved is wonderful! My wrists were done some 30 years ago and the left one was a replacement originally, but because it was new technology it began to split and had to come out. It was replaced with a fusion the same as the other wrist. It feels weird at first because your brain tells you that you can move your wrist, but obviously you can't ! You learn to compensate your movements and I hasn't really hindered me in any way. I hope this gives you some encouragement to get the pain relief you deserve!

[muffin in reply to dickfend]

Thank you very much for your reply, I feel much happier now I have read your reply.

Muffin.

[EmmaS-NRAS NRAS]

Hi muffin,

Do consider giving the NRAS Helpline team a call if you are feeling apprehensive. In addition, we may have a telephone volunteer who has had the procedure done that could speak to you on the phone?

You may also find it helpful reading the following article on our website nras.org.uk/an-overview-of-... and at the bottom there are some other links to some further ARUK documents.

Kind regards

Emma - NRAS

[Slinkymalinky]

Hi Muffin, I had a total wrist replacement 15 months ago and at the same time had the ulna head removed and tensons repaired in my hand as they had ruptured and left my pinkie and ring finger drooping. I live in Scotland and travelled to derby royal hospital to have it done and it was a complete success. My wrist was eroded due to ra and I was in constant pain. I had loads of intensive physio and now I have more movement than previously and I can make a fist again. I had an epidural in my arm for the op and light sedation - I did wake up but could feel nothing. The epidural was continued for 3/4 days after the op to help with pain relief and I was also given excellent pain relief from staff. If there's anything else you want to know, just ask. Best wishes x

[muffin in reply to Slinkymalinky]

Thanks ever so much, you have reallly helped me. I feel much happier to go forward with the op now.

Thanks a million.

Muffin.

[Bigstevie67 in reply to Slinkymalinky]

Was this done on NHS? I e had a partial fusion but feel it's the worst decision I've ever made. Wrist replacement sounds a much better plan than full fusion in what I've read so far.

[muffin]

I had a wrist replacement, this was on private insurance but had a bit of an uphill struggle to get them to cover it. However, I have had 3 and a half years of misery with it. I think the replacement is too big. My wrist is very tight, and after 47 different things done to it, (from x-rays to further major surgery) I am still in considerable pain and my left hand is now at a 45 degree angle to the left.

My consultant, who has done 18+ operations for me, has suggested full fusion, but I do not want that. I am going to pay for a second opinion and seeing another hand/wrist specialist on Thursday.

Be careful and consider all aspects before making a decision. Wishing you the vest best of luck.

Muffin.

[Leepeelee in reply to muffin]

Hi Muffin

I know that this is a reply to your post which was over 4 years ago now but I wanted to ask, I hope that you dont mind me asking but, how much was your wrist replacement operation? I am considering this as a possibility going forward as I have OA in both wrists.

Thanks

Lee

[muffin in reply to Leepeelee]

I had a wrist replacement, but my body rejected the metal put in my wrist. Couldn't understand it as I have a shoulder replacement with no problems with metal. My wrist was opened up and black gunk came out, it was cleaned and restitched. This happened again a short time after. When it happened a third time, the replacement metalwork was taken out and I had a fusion.

However, this dislocated and had another op to put it back into place. This time they fixed it with human bone chippings and human bone paste. A few days afterwards the human bone and chippings burst out of the scar and burnt my hand.

I wad stitched up again, but again this dislocated and had so much infection I got sepsis.

I changed consultants, now happier and all metalwork has been removed, along with infection which was all around it. Having straight forward fusion within the next few months.

Going back to your question, the initial op cost about £15000.00,

I have RA and OA in both wrists. I would never ever recommend a wrist replacement to anyone. Initially my insurance company refused to cover the costs, I wish I would have listened to them.