Wrist fusion (arthrodesis) and using a computer

[DaphRA]

I'm 58 and have had rheumatoid arthritis since 2003. My job is computer-based, with extensive use of computer mouse commands in various software packages. I am right-handed and my right wrist is full of erosions, following a bad flare that started in 2015 and was difficult to get under control with immunosuppressants. Since then I have had little movement in the wrist, but the movement has not reduced so I don't think it is fusing naturally. I can move my right hand up and down through say 30 degrees and that is all. I've been using a RollerMousePro2 since 2016 and this was working well as an alterative to an ordinary mouse up until around two years ago. I now find I experience right wrist pain quite quickly whenever I try to do computer work, even for a short amount of time.

My rheumatologist has suggested surgical wrist fusion although acknowledges that I may still experience pain when using the wrist even after this surgery, due to tendons not having much space to move around. I would like to hear from anyone who does a computer job and has returned to work after having this surgery on their dominant wrist (the one used for mouse work). Did you continue to experience wrist pain following surgery when doing computer work? If so has anything else helped to ease or prevent the pain? Thanks.

[dickfend]

Hi Daph I have had both my wrists fused about forty years ago now and they have been virtually painless. I am right handed and did not find any difficulties with using a computer mouse or doing manipulative movements. Both hands are set at an appropriate angle to both serve everyday functions. I had an extremely brilliant surgeon who was experienced in hand surgery. I am now 76 years and over the years have had other joint psurgery and have experienced additional pain from OA as well. I hope you decide to have it done the relief is brilliant and you adapt accordingly. I wish you well!

[davannh]

Hi I had my first wrist fused almost 40 years ago and the second one about 30 years ago. I have absolutely no pain. I use a computer daily with no issues. For the first one they fused it using some bone from my hip - the second one they used a (steel?) rod. I recommend this surgery.

[DaphRA]

Thank you dickfend and davannh for sharing your experiences of life after wrist arthrodesis. It is very encouraging to hear that you have been pain free in the wrist following this surgery. Are either of you still working in paid employment? I am very keen to hear from people who have continued working in a computer-based job following wrist arthrodesis. My current job involves using a computer most of the working day, so that would be around 7 hours a day. I am trying to understand whether this would be possible with a fused wrist, and also what type of mouse I would need to use.