R.A

[jangan]

My wrist is in bad state bones crunch even when I write with a pen. Surgeon has advised to fix wrist as I don,t have much movement any way. Can you drive after ? what can you not do? help!!!!!

[Tam92]

Hi Jangan, I have had one wrist surgically fused, on my non-dominant hand. It has helped with pain considerably. It did take a little getting used to. like you, I didn't have much movement left in it but that little bit still helped with coordination and I did notice a change. But it didn't take too long to get used to it - you just find new ways to handle little tasks. It might be trickier for you if it is your dominant hand/wrist but you'll get it sorted I'm sure. I would say that if you can drive okay now then you should still be able to drive after you recover. Check with your surgeon to be sure. I hope everything turns out okay for you. All the best.

[jangan in reply to Tam92]

Thanks for that. It is my dominant hand. Trying to speak to very busy surgeon in a manic clinic was frustrating. That also applies to the r.a clinic. it can seem like cattle market and different consults you see never seem to have time to read your notes which is hard.

[Pands]

Hi, I haven't had my wrist surgically fused because it self-fused in the correct (well it is upright, so not twisted to one side etc) position. My other wrist is also partially self-fused.

But I can tell you how it works: I have very little backwards/forwards movement - probably about 30degrees maximum, and very little side to side movement. I can do most things really - drive, carry bags (couldn't carry bags before as way too painful). I have no problems with some chopping, lifting etc but my handwriting is not as good as it is my dominant hand. Typing is not as fluid.

I cannot brace myself on the floor as neither of my wrists bend enough. I cannot push myself up if I sit on the floor with my children - I have to use my fists rather than using the palm of my hand. Lots of things like yoga postitons are not possible - I would have to work around them. You do get used to it all, and find work arounds, people never actually notice that my wrists don't work unless I show them.

But they do not hurt!! And my wrists were excruciatingly painful. I did see the surgeon about them as they were thinking I would need them fused but once the surgeon saw the X-rays and talked to me he just said if I coud bear waiting a short while (was probably a few months, so no longer than waiting for op and the recovery time etc) my body would do the job for me. He was right. This was at least 7 years ago now. Best wishes.

[beeckey]

hi i had my right wrist fused that is my dominant hand and it helped with the pain so it is fine so go for it.Dont know about driving as i dont drive