Hi Sandy, last Feb I had the same cmc surgery as you had. My hand surgeon is wonderful and I really had very minimal pain and didn't find recovery brutal at all. The series of casts was frustrating as I really wanted wanted to knit and crochet again. The recovery for the cmc arthroplasty is long but my left hand is 100% perfect again. I had found your videos prior to surgery and they helped my expectations a lot, I especially loved the silicone sleeve for showering.. Two weeks ago I had the suspension surgery on my dominant right hand. I used the same surgeon and he choose this surgery due my right arm lymphadema from breast cancer surgery 20 years ago. This way he avoided cutting into my arm for a tendon. Again, minimal pain and I'm excited about the potential quicker recovery. If anyone is concerned about having either of these surgeries I'd say do it! To be free of the pain after recovery is amazing. As I said I didn't find recovery brutal, just time consuming. It really stinks to be limited to one hand for several months but so so worth it in the end! I'll be watching your recovery this time too, and by the way I'm 72.
Hi Sandy. I’m a 72 year old woman who just had the stitches removed yesterday following the same type surgery as yours. I also had Cubital tunnel release and carpal tunnel release at the same time. Everything has gone well. I said all that to say that my surgeon put me directly into a pica thumb and wrist brace, no cast at all. I get evaluated for occupational therapy on Thursday May 5th. I truly have appreciated your videos. They are so interesting and informative. Thanks so much. Linda Phillips
Hi Sandy - Thanks so much for these videos, I can't begin to tell you how helpful they've been. I apologize if this has been asked/answered already, but was the 2nd surgery that was done on your rt. hand the same as the first that was done on your other hand? Which tendon was used in both of your surgeries, FCR vs. PL? I'm scheduled for 1/23/24, but I have an ostomy which further complicates things as ostomy care demands 2 hands, and am researching different methods, recoveries, and outcomes. Thanks again for these videos.
Did you talk about bathroom issues or getting dressed issues? I need my dominate hand done been putting it off for years. Thought summer would be easier. Just west sun dresses.
I had my surgery on my dominant hand Feb 29th. I was put into a custom splint and exercises after the first week. Its been an interesting journey as I find out I am defiantly NOT a leftie :) Appt tomorrow so looking forward to new steps
Thank you for your posts. I found the helpful . I am going to have the same surgery as you next month. I got the pillow and shower cover. Can you tell me where you got the cast covers?
@@patricialea6134 CastCoverz! Designer Arm Cast Cover - Colorcopia - Large Short: 13" Length X 13" Circumference - Removable and Washable - Made in USA a.co/d/iX1wyHP
Hi Sandy, I am 73, single & need this surgery, most likely both hands. Do you have some tips for me to navigate this on my own? You said you may have tightrope on right hand. No idea what that is as that terminology was not used by either surgeon. TY for any & all tips…like what to even plan on wearing with a cast.
May I ask how old you are? I am 72 and quite nervous about having this done. Surgery is May 12. I am in a lot of pain so I realize I have to have this done. Your videos are so helpful.
I'm 76 and am now post op almost 7 weeks. My surgeon removed the initial dressing at 2 weeks and then a cast for 4 weeks. Now doing OT. I've had less pain since day one than I was having prior to the surgery.
I had the surgery and just got my stitches out. I am in a customized splint. My whole thumb is very numb and my doctor told me it’s the small nerves that were cut and they will come back in about 4 weeks. Did you experience any numbness in you thumb at week 2? Anything I can do to help that?
Hi sandy I was wandering if your wrist is really painful as mine is . I’m two weeks in and had that first cast thing off and now I have a small plastic thing protecting the thumb from moving but my wrist is really week . ?
Hi. Yes of course. The bone they took out is actually where the thumb connects to the wrist. I'm never sure why they call this thumb surgery. It's kind of thumb and wrist surgery.
Hello , I just had CMC surgery on July 8th so I'm almost 2 month's in. OT is in progress. This week ending the 2nd of September it begins twice a week. It has been tight. The touching of the finger's especially the ring and baby finger is difficult. I hurt myself stretching to my baby finger. The wrist and forearm is doing better and relaxing. Any words of wisdom?.
@@Azoreanislandgirl64 you as well. And be patient with getting back to those activities. I have found that I that I had to relearn how to do lots of things, because the thumb is in a new position relative to the fingers. You have probably noticed that some of your therapy your therapy involves getting your brain to learn the position of your thumb.. It can be kind of frustrating to have been really good at something and then be kind of a klutz Lol.. Be well
Hi Sandy, last Feb I had the same cmc surgery as you had. My hand surgeon is wonderful and I really had very minimal pain and didn't find recovery brutal at all. The series of casts was frustrating as I really wanted wanted to knit and crochet again. The recovery for the cmc arthroplasty is long but my left hand is 100% perfect again. I had found your videos prior to surgery and they helped my expectations a lot, I especially loved the silicone sleeve for showering.. Two weeks ago I had the suspension surgery on my dominant right hand. I used the same surgeon and he choose this surgery due my right arm lymphadema from breast cancer surgery 20 years ago. This way he avoided cutting into my arm for a tendon. Again, minimal pain and I'm excited about the potential quicker recovery. If anyone is concerned about having either of these surgeries I'd say do it! To be free of the pain after recovery is amazing. As I said I didn't find recovery brutal, just time consuming. It really stinks to be limited to one hand for several months but so so worth it in the end! I'll be watching your recovery this time too, and by the way I'm 72.
Congratulations to you on such a great result/recovery. I'm happy you're doing well.
Hi Sandy. I’m a 72 year old woman who just had the stitches removed yesterday following the same type surgery as yours. I also had Cubital tunnel release and carpal tunnel release at the same time. Everything has gone well. I said all that to say that my surgeon put me directly into a pica thumb and wrist brace, no cast at all. I get evaluated for occupational therapy on Thursday May 5th. I truly have appreciated your videos. They are so interesting and informative. Thanks so much. Linda Phillips
So happy to hear you are doing well!! I’m still debating the procedure!!!
You will know. When it's time, there won't be anything to debate. Be well
I just found the covers!!! Thank you!!!!
Hi thanks for your info. I'm having my thumb surgery on Monday - I better get one of those cast sleeves!!!!
Looking for surgeon today. Can't tke it... hurts all the time.
Hey Sandy looks like you are doing just fine that is a cool looking cover
Hi Sandy - Thanks so much for these videos, I can't begin to tell you how helpful they've been. I apologize if this has been asked/answered already, but was the 2nd surgery that was done on your rt. hand the same as the first that was done on your other hand? Which tendon was used in both of your surgeries, FCR vs. PL? I'm scheduled for 1/23/24, but I have an ostomy which further complicates things as ostomy care demands 2 hands, and am researching different methods, recoveries, and outcomes. Thanks again for these videos.
Same exact surgeries, 1 year apart
Did you talk about bathroom issues or getting dressed issues? I need my dominate hand done been putting it off for years. Thought summer would be easier. Just west sun dresses.
I had my surgery on my dominant hand Feb 29th. I was put into a custom splint and exercises after the first week. Its been an interesting journey as I find out I am defiantly NOT a leftie :) Appt tomorrow so looking forward to new steps
All the best. Be well
Thank you for your posts. I found the helpful . I am going to have the same surgery as you next month. I got the pillow and shower cover. Can you tell me where you got the cast covers?
@@patricialea6134 amazon
@@patricialea6134 CastCoverz! Designer Arm Cast Cover - Colorcopia - Large Short: 13" Length X 13" Circumference - Removable and Washable - Made in USA a.co/d/iX1wyHP
Hi Sandy, I am 73, single & need this surgery, most likely both hands. Do you have some tips for me to navigate this on my own? You said you may have tightrope on right hand. No idea what that is as that terminology was not used by either surgeon. TY for any & all tips…like what to even plan on wearing with a cast.
Cute cast though. Wish I could sign it
The way people should think about recovery from cmc surgery is as a marathon, not a sprint.
May I ask how old you are? I am 72 and quite nervous about having this done. Surgery is May 12. I am in a lot of pain so I realize I have to have this done. Your videos are so helpful.
I'm 58. Be well
I'm 76 and am now post op almost 7 weeks. My surgeon removed the initial dressing at 2 weeks and then a cast for 4 weeks. Now doing OT.
I've had less pain since day one than I was having prior to the surgery.
How did everyone work out pulling up underwear?
Did your cast smell
I had the surgery and just got my stitches out. I am in a customized splint. My whole thumb is very numb and my doctor told me it’s the small nerves that were cut and they will come back in about 4 weeks. Did you experience any numbness in you thumb at week 2? Anything I can do to help that?
Yes I did. Nothing to do but wait.
My goal for OT is to be able to fasten my bra by myself. Hubby said he's learned a new skill...never thought he'd be helping to put a bra ON! lol
yup! Grateful to have him!
Im able to hold one end in between my cast & my side, and clip it myself!!!!
Hi sandy I was wandering if your wrist is really painful as mine is . I’m two weeks in and had that first cast thing off and now I have a small plastic thing protecting the thumb from moving but my wrist is really week . ?
Hi. Yes of course. The bone they took out is actually where the thumb connects to the wrist. I'm never sure why they call this thumb surgery. It's kind of thumb and wrist surgery.
I can’t find these covers/sheets can you post a link to them please
Link is posted in the video description box
Could someone go back to work after 2 weeks if they have a desk job and accommodations from co- workers and family?
I think so
Hello , I just had CMC surgery on July 8th so I'm almost 2 month's in. OT is in progress. This week ending the 2nd of September it begins twice a week. It has been tight. The touching of the finger's especially the ring and baby finger is difficult. I hurt myself stretching to my baby finger. The wrist and forearm is doing better and relaxing. Any words of wisdom?.
Only be patient. It's still very early, and sounds like you are in the right place. Don't hurt yourself by pushing too far. You will get there
Thank you so much. I am looking forward to getting back to sewing and crocheting. I miss my projects. Thank you again and have a blessed day.
@@Azoreanislandgirl64 you as well. And be patient with getting back to those activities. I have found that I that I had to relearn how to do lots of things, because the thumb is in a new position relative to the fingers. You have probably noticed that some of your therapy your therapy involves getting your brain to learn the position of your thumb.. It can be kind of frustrating to have been really good at something and then be kind of a klutz Lol.. Be well
Yes ! You hit the nail on the head.
What is the name of the FB group you speak of in your video?
Basal thumb arthritis group. So sorry for my delay. Be well