Thinking about having a darrach procedure.

[Melly68]

Hi,

I was wondering whether anyone out there has had a darrach's procedure. I have put off having an operation on my left wrist for two years. My RA is quite well controlled apart from some deformity, damage and pain in my wrist. If anyone has had this operation I would be really grateful to hear from you. Did it reduce your pain? Was it worth having done?

[sylvi]

Sorry i have never heard of this operation.xxxx

[Beverley_F]

HI, I've had this done on both my wrists, I can honestly say its the most painful thing I've had done but it is worth it in the long term. You just need to be prepared with pain meds..

[Melly68 in reply to Beverley_F]

Thank you Beverly. As I said, I was offered it two years ago but didn't go through with it as my rheumologist said my wrist joint would mostly fuse and I wouldn't have any pain. When he saw me again it stated it could take years!! After the initial pain of the op, did the op reduce your pain? What is the strength in your wrists like and hand function? Trying to weight it all up.

[Beverley_F in reply to Melly68]

The op has definitely reduced the pain and I do not think it has really reduced the strength, I can still move them as I did just a little restricted. I have had all my knuckles replaced so have to be careful what I do with my hands but I'm sure If I hadn't I could use them as normal. Hope it helps you decide I'm glad I had mine done.

[Richgirl in reply to Beverley_F]

Hello Beverley, I'm not sure I can do anything about my fingers. My right hand fingers are pretty bad. 3 of my fingers are laying down & I can't straighten them up anymore. So I can't hold things in that hand. Can they fix this? I asked my RA doc & she said I would have to ask a surgeon. She wasn't able to answer me. So that confused me a bit. Cause I thought, wouldn't she know? Anyway is this the type of surgery you & Melly we're talking about? Thank you🌻

[Beverley_F in reply to Richgirl]

HI, It depends if the problem is with your knuckles, if it is then yes they can help it is worth seeing an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in hands. I have had replacements in all my knuckles on both hands it was hard and I had lots of physio but well worth it.

[Richgirl in reply to Beverley_F]

Thank u very much. On a scale from 1 to 10, one being the least pain, 10 being the worst pain, how painful is the recovery? Have a beautiful day🌻

[Beverley_F in reply to Richgirl]

if I'm honest I'd say a 10 for at least the first week maybe 2 weeks but Knowing it will only get better helps and being out of pain after does too. I'd not have had it done on the second one otherwise. I hope this helps you decide, even with pain of it I would recommend it.

[Richgirl in reply to Beverley_F]

Thank u very much Beverley. I'm going to look into it for sure. Hope we can talk later. This forum sure is great! Have a wonderful day🌻

[Beverley_F in reply to Richgirl]

No worries happy to help.