wrist arthrodesis- anyone had one

[Melly68]

Hi,

I have a date for a left wrist arthrodesis. I'm a bit scared. It seems like a successful operation and good for pain relief. My left wrist is pretty damaged from the RA and in constant pain. Often It's bearable and other times excruciating. I was told it would eventually fuse naturally but it could take years.

Has anyone had this operation. Any tips and was it worth it after the initial pain of the operation? What about function post op ?

Thanks in advance

Mel

[dryan]

Hi, I have some wrist fusion and my MD talked about wrist replacement yrs. ago. I never had it and am wondering what is the procedure you are contemplating? I live in the US, we don't have socialized medicine here - do you go to a private Rheu. or clinic for work you need? I have had tendon repair several times in the hand, with good result.

[cornflake]

Hi Mel, I have had both wrists fused and I wouldn't hesitate to get it done. It cures the pain and you learn quickly to adapt to not being able to bend your wrists.

I had my right wrist done a few years after the left - and I tried everything to save it (synovectomy, proximal row cartpectomy, partial wrist replacement and full replacement - none of them helped the pain and I wish I had just gone straight for the fusion (as I did for the left one).

Hope that helps - and good luck.

Paula

[Melly68 in reply to cornflake]

Thanks for this, I feel bit scared about it as It's permanent solution. My rheumologist said my wrist would fuse eventually but it would take 5 to 10 years. Sometimes the pain is ok but sometimes pretty painful. Feel like I'm speeding up the inevitable. Mel

[beeckey]

Yes i had my wrist fused it must be about 16 years ago and i would say that you will notice a big big improvement in it so best of luck with your operation

[Melly68 in reply to beeckey]

Thank you xx

[Riedenise]

I can't give you any advice but would like to follow your post as I have significant bone changes in both of my wrists, and am in a lit of pain. It was so bad a couple of days ago I could have chopped my own wrists, sorry for that but the pain was unbearable.

Reading the replies above give me grat hope that there is something that can be done instead of just steroid injections and gel rubs.

Rie xx