I'm so happy your recovery has been smooth Sandy! It's wonderful that you're ahead of where you "should" and perhaps expected to be! Great tips about swimming, hot and cold as well. Where we live, I see a handful of people with masks (mostly under the chin) though most people are totally unmasked. Given the intense heat and humidity and my issues with that, I've been unable to wear N95's so have limited being indoors to the extent I can. Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge and wisdom with us!
Hi Sandy, I had my left CMC surgery 11 weeks ago. I am progressing well. My main issue is the scar and surrounding area. I've been plagued with nerve pain in that area. It feels like I'm being taser'd all the time. It does seem to be lessening a little. My surgeon said it could take months to resolve, I've been following all your advice and the advice of my surgeon and OT as well. I am diligent with the scar treatment recommended. My thumb has "self fused" over the past 20 years due to the arthritis and hyperextension injuries. It does not bend at all which is limiting my functional progress. The basal joint pain is gone. I'm a huge proponent of pool therapy. It's amazing. I need to have my right thumb done but I'm waiting till next fall. I want to make sure my left side is fully functional before I do my dominant side. Did you have similar issue with hyper-paresthesia? I'm using small lidocaine patches, keto-cote gel, compression glove etc.
I had that more with the 1st side. I didn't have that at all with the 2nd side. But then again I had other issues. They all resolved. Just keep at it, be patient, eyes on the prize. I'm so happy I did it, but it was very tough. Be well
Hi Sandy, thanks for the eight week update. I had my CMC arthroplasty with tight rope to stabilize the base of the thumb about 8 weeks ago. OC is going well and I am having most of my pain from the wrist. Immobilization caused me more problems than the surgery at this point. My pain is minimal except doing stretching exercises. I am wearing my custom splint when I am active but being retired, I am able to keep the splint off. I tried the copper compression glove but it puts too much pressure on the base of the thumb right now. Probably be able to use them later. Overall ability to use my left hand has been accelerated by the tight rope method my surgeon used. Take care and be well. Randy Scott
Thanks Sandy I just ordered a Readimasks because me and my wife have to go to a neurology appointment and we really have hardly been around anyone else inside for the past 2 years
What a difficult time this has been! I hope you like the REadimask. Like I've said, it takes a mask wardrobe; every mask has it's pros and cons. That said, I find the Readimask ideal for high risk settings. Be well.
Just had similar surgery but no tendon transfer, CMC suspension arthroplasty, where my doctor uses k-wire to suspend the other two bones so they don’t drop into the space where the trapezium bone was. I am 4 days post-op. Doing pretty well. Thanks for your videos. What did you use to cover your splint for showers?
Thank's for charing your videos! But I have a question for you. How long did you have pain in the hand? It's 6 weeks after op for me. But I still take a morofine tablett for the nights.
I'm not sure if this is your latest update on your surgery. I am now struggling with my hand since surgery. I've acquired? severe carpal tunnel syndrome. My surgery was Oct 13th 2023. I did physical therapy and did everything I was told to. After a month I noticed my fingers were struggling with movement. So they upped therapy to help that issue. An actual hand physical therapist. After weeks it wasn't better but the fingers started to tingle more. Now at 4 months plus post-op I'm scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery on Mar 8th 2024. I feel like I have a compression glove on my hand. It seems to continue feeling slightly worse and the surgery date, Mar 8th 2024 seems far off in this issue. My question is, hug ave you heard of this happening. My surgery scar went up my arm about 5". My scar looks amazing. What bothers me is I cannot grip a pillow with my two fingers. No strength. I'm hoping the surgery is a lot of help.
So sorry to hear you're going through this. I haven't heard of carpal tunnel as a risk of this procedure, but that doesn't mean it's not the case. I do have one strong recommendation: since what you describe sounds like nerve pain, ask both the hand therapist and the surgeon whether it's possible that u have CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome). If u do, then treatment would be entirely different, and perhaps something specifically for nerve pain along with contrast baths (alternating ice water and hot water soaks) might help a lot.
Hi Sandy. I love your videos. I bought a DNA mask for my wife and myself before the website went down. I love it because I can wear it for hours and forget I'm wearing it. It's just that comfortable. I'll have to check out your review for the readimask. It seems like a really good mask too. I know you say you use a N95 and I was wondering if you have a certain brand preference. Thank you in advance for your response and I hope you are doing well
Hi. Thanks for reaching out. I generally use a duckbill. Usually I use the ACI brand. They're available on Armbrust website and you can use promo code SANDY20. I use Readimask in more limited high risk settings. It's adhesive, so lots of pros and cons. Readimask website has given us a code, SANDY40. I hope this helps. Be well.
@@SandysDIYHealthAdvocacy do you still reccomend the DNA mask? Just wondering if I should still trust it like I do. Thanks and hope you're having a great day
@@printingmoneywithmike8046 Personally, I believe that it's fine as long as it has not been washed many times. It will lose the electromagnetic charge after washing. These days I'm limiting myself to N95
Hi Sandy I’ve been enjoying your videos because I’m probably gonna have the surgery in a few months I’ve had basal thumb arthritis for about five years and I feel like it’s time to take care of it my question for you is I do computer drafting for a living And it’s my left thumb that has arthritis but I do a lot with my left hand while computer drafting. I use my left hand for typing and to do key commands. I was thinking I could just take my right hand off the mouse and type with it even though it will be slower at least could still work? I was trying to figure out how long I need to takeoff for this surgery. How many weeks do you think it takes to be ready to use your thumb in that way? Thanks for your input. Michelle
Hi Michelle. I'm really not sure, as I'm not familiar with that kind of work. Should be able to fashion a cast that is down below the knuckles of the hand so that you have lots of mobility in the fingers. Obviously the thumb not so much. Make sure you ask questions about the cast and how long it will be immobilized when you get a consultation with a surgeon. You could also ask the question you just asked me. The surgeon should know. There are all different ways to handle this surgery. I had a much better experience the 2nd time. I think that's because the surgeon I used the 2nd time immobilizes for a shorter period of time, and he my end he makes the cast nice and low on the hand.
wonderful. i am at ed of week 6. i did get the thomb fusion. just started drivng. i bought colagen thinking that might help.. have u seen any benefit to this. sorry for spelling errors. hand still in cast
I'm so happy your recovery has been smooth Sandy! It's wonderful that you're ahead of where you "should" and perhaps expected to be! Great tips about swimming, hot and cold as well. Where we live, I see a handful of people with masks (mostly under the chin) though most people are totally unmasked. Given the intense heat and humidity and my issues with that, I've been unable to wear N95's so have limited being indoors to the extent I can. Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge and wisdom with us!
Hi Sandy, I had my left CMC surgery 11 weeks ago. I am progressing well. My main issue is the scar and surrounding area. I've been plagued with nerve pain in that area. It feels like I'm being taser'd all the time. It does seem to be lessening a little. My surgeon said it could take months to resolve, I've been following all your advice and the advice of my surgeon and OT as well. I am diligent with the scar treatment recommended. My thumb has "self fused" over the past 20 years due to the arthritis and hyperextension injuries. It does not bend at all which is limiting my functional progress. The basal joint pain is gone. I'm a huge proponent of pool therapy. It's amazing. I need to have my right thumb done but I'm waiting till next fall. I want to make sure my left side is fully functional before I do my dominant side. Did you have similar issue with hyper-paresthesia? I'm using small lidocaine patches, keto-cote gel, compression glove etc.
I had that more with the 1st side. I didn't have that at all with the 2nd side. But then again I had other issues. They all resolved. Just keep at it, be patient, eyes on the prize. I'm so happy I did it, but it was very tough. Be well
Hi Sandy, thanks for the eight week update. I had my CMC arthroplasty with tight rope to stabilize the base of the thumb about 8 weeks ago. OC is going well and I am having most of my pain from the wrist. Immobilization caused me more problems than the surgery at this point. My pain is minimal except doing stretching exercises. I am wearing my custom splint when I am active but being retired, I am able to keep the splint off. I tried the copper compression glove but it puts too much pressure on the base of the thumb right now. Probably be able to use them later. Overall ability to use my left hand has been accelerated by the tight rope method my surgeon used. Take care and be well. Randy Scott
All the best to you
Thanks Sandy I just ordered a Readimasks because me and my wife have to go to a neurology appointment and we really have hardly been around anyone else inside for the past 2 years
What a difficult time this has been! I hope you like the REadimask. Like I've said, it takes a mask wardrobe; every mask has it's pros and cons. That said, I find the Readimask ideal for high risk settings. Be well.
Where did you buys your black hand gloves?
Just had similar surgery but no tendon transfer, CMC suspension arthroplasty, where my doctor uses k-wire to suspend the other two bones so they don’t drop into the space where the trapezium bone was. I am 4 days post-op.
Doing pretty well. Thanks for your videos. What did you use to cover your splint for showers?
I used one of those plastic covers designed for this purpose
Thank's for charing your videos! But I have a question for you. How long did you have pain in the hand? It's 6 weeks after op for me. But I still take a morofine tablett for the nights.
I would definitely not be taking a narcotic at 6 weeks post op. But yes I still had pain
Did you have nerve pain such as burning at the incision? I have a very sore spot and am wondering if it is common. I am 6 weeks postop
I'm not sure if this is your latest update on your surgery. I am now struggling with my hand since surgery. I've acquired? severe carpal tunnel syndrome. My surgery was Oct 13th 2023. I did physical therapy and did everything I was told to. After a month I noticed my fingers were struggling with movement. So they upped therapy to help that issue. An actual hand physical therapist. After weeks it wasn't better but the fingers started to tingle more. Now at 4 months plus post-op I'm scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery on Mar 8th 2024. I feel like I have a compression glove on my hand. It seems to continue feeling slightly worse and the surgery date, Mar 8th 2024 seems far off in this issue.
My question is, hug ave you heard of this happening. My surgery scar went up my arm about 5". My scar looks amazing. What bothers me is I cannot grip a pillow with my two fingers. No strength. I'm hoping the surgery is a lot of help.
So sorry to hear you're going through this. I haven't heard of carpal tunnel as a risk of this procedure, but that doesn't mean it's not the case. I do have one strong recommendation: since what you describe sounds like nerve pain, ask both the hand therapist and the surgeon whether it's possible that u have CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome). If u do, then treatment would be entirely different, and perhaps something specifically for nerve pain along with contrast baths (alternating ice water and hot water soaks) might help a lot.
Hi Sandy. I love your videos. I bought a DNA mask for my wife and myself before the website went down. I love it because I can wear it for hours and forget I'm wearing it. It's just that comfortable. I'll have to check out your review for the readimask. It seems like a really good mask too. I know you say you use a N95 and I was wondering if you have a certain brand preference. Thank you in advance for your response and I hope you are doing well
Hi. Thanks for reaching out. I generally use a duckbill. Usually I use the ACI brand. They're available on Armbrust website and you can use promo code SANDY20. I use Readimask in more limited high risk settings. It's adhesive, so lots of pros and cons. Readimask website has given us a code, SANDY40. I hope this helps. Be well.
@@SandysDIYHealthAdvocacy do you still reccomend the DNA mask? Just wondering if I should still trust it like I do. Thanks and hope you're having a great day
@@printingmoneywithmike8046 Personally, I believe that it's fine as long as it has not been washed many times. It will lose the electromagnetic charge after washing. These days I'm limiting myself to N95
Hi Sandy I’ve been enjoying your videos because I’m probably gonna have the surgery in a few months I’ve had basal thumb arthritis for about five years and I feel like it’s time to take care of it my question for you is I do computer drafting for a living And it’s my left thumb that has arthritis but I do a lot with my left hand while computer drafting. I use my left hand for typing and to do key commands. I was thinking I could just take my right hand off the mouse and type with it even though it will be slower at least could still work? I was trying to figure out how long I need to takeoff for this surgery. How many weeks do you think it takes to be ready to use your thumb in that way? Thanks for your input. Michelle
Hi Michelle. I'm really not sure, as I'm not familiar with that kind of work. Should be able to fashion a cast that is down below the knuckles of the hand so that you have lots of mobility in the fingers. Obviously the thumb not so much. Make sure you ask questions about the cast and how long it will be immobilized when you get a consultation with a surgeon. You could also ask the question you just asked me. The surgeon should know. There are all different ways to handle this surgery. I had a much better experience the 2nd time. I think that's because the surgeon I used the 2nd time immobilizes for a shorter period of time, and he my end he makes the cast nice and low on the hand.
Right after surgery, how do you wash your face, style hair etc.?
lol no hair styling for awhile. yes, wash your face with one hand. It's weird but doable
Was all of the pain and difficulty healing, worth it. Is the pain gone?
100% worth it!
wonderful. i am at ed of week 6. i did get the thomb fusion. just started drivng. i bought colagen thinking that might help.. have u seen any benefit to this. sorry for spelling errors. hand still in cast
I haven't tried collagen, but it sounds like a good idea. All the best to you. Be well