How much pain after fusion is complete

[BIGCAVEMAN]

Hi,
  I had a partial fusion done on my right wrist about 7 weeks ago. Been somewhat difficult. Lots of pain, an above elbow cast which made even sleeping difficult. Got my cast off yesterday and was really excited. I think I got excited to soon. Wrist is really tender and painful if I move it too much. Did I mention it was painful. Start therapy in 3 days. Could someone please tell me what to expect, and that they can relate to me. I do not think most people grasp what was done to my wrist even if I show them the 2" pin the doc took out. Just want to get back to work (not really) and get off disability.
   God bless
       Jeff

[BIGCAVEMAN]

The doc said I should have appro. 60 to 70% rom. Not bad considering that was where I was at before the surgery. I had broken my wrist 15 years ago, but it never healed correctly leading to an un-united fracture. The therapist read my report. I had a 4 corner fusion. removed some arthritis, and removed part of my scaphoid. I will be lucky to get back to work on the 29th of Nov. I have been off since Sep 16th, so I know how you feel. Hoping it will be awhile til I need a full fusion. Good luck.

[rgagne]

That good just hang in there and take it 1 day at a time. I have an appointment with my dr. on the 18th of this month I hope he'll let me go back to work on the 22nd as I been out of work for 9 weeks now. still have a long way to go but should be able to do the job. I wish you luck did they say if you'll any montion? When I had my partial fusion done in 96 I lost about 20% but now since I had full fusion I have no motion in the wrist. Which I'm getting use to a little

[BIGCAVEMAN]

Had my first therapy today. they took it easy on me today and made a splint. Seems like this is a good place. Looking forward to getting the full use of my hand again.

[BIGCAVEMAN]

To CassCore: Still have some vicodin, plan on taking it before I go to therapy. Doc seems to think I don't handle pain well. I think he is right. Been icing and trying to move my fingers, able to touch 3 of my fingers with my thumb.
To rgagne: Ihad an ununited fracture of the scapule? The only term I remember is arthrodesis. Took bone out of my forearm, and had 3 pins. 1 in the middle of the back of my hand app. 2" long and 2 shorter pins on the pinky side of my hand. Also worked on some arthritis on my thumb.
To all: thanks for the replies & encouragement. Really needed that. Getting tired of it & nice to know others truly understand.

[rgagne]

The best thing is to do therapy and try to keep ice on it as this will also help swelling. The pain will go away in due time. What type of Partial fusion did you have done? I had an STT fusion done in 1996. I found therapy to help to get motion back but again it all take time. I just recently had to get a full fusion done on the same hand that I had a partial fusion done and still recovering from that. now I can't move my wrist. Fingers are moving fine still tender. Your tenderness will be there for a little while. They may have you go 2-3 times a week for therapy once you get going. I know what you're going through Like I said I been there.

[CassCore]

Therapy will really help you a lot. Something you can do for yourself is introduce your wrist to different sensations such as cotton, velcro, sandpaper, and a feather. This will prevent a condition that causes horrible pain that is out of proportion with the injury known as RSD. If you are no longer taking perscription pain meds take ibprophen for pain (with food) and ice the area. A positive attitude is so important with rehabilitation of any kind. Feel free to move your fingers around flexing and extending them. This can help work out any excess swelling. Take physical therapy seriously, it will be your best friend. Take care!