Orthopedics; how bad is wrist pain after a full wrist fusion?

How much pain will there be after total wrist fusion, and how long might it last?  I have small, thin hands -- would I be able to tolerate the plate they install in the back of the hand?
  Ahimsa

[rgagne]

this is a hard question as everyone different. I just had a total wrist fusion about 5 weeks ago. My wrist was a mess and they had to put pins in as well which will be coming out in 3 weeks. now to answer your question I left the surgical center the same day and had a nerve block done and was told that I may have to go back the next day for another one if I was in lots of pain which I ended up having to do. But after the 3rd day I was doing ok. If you take your pain med as told you should do ok. Don't be surpise if you see blood soak through the bandage as it happen. It happen to me about 5 hours after coming home. Had to call dr. got nervous.Just had to wrap over other bandage with new ones.So basiclly I didn't have lots of pain after the 3rd day. The only issue I've been having is the pins they had to put in getting pain from that more then anything. good luck hope all go well for you.

[ahimsa]

Thanks. It still sounds scary.  I have no broken bones in my wrists, so it's not a question of a fracture -- just arthritis or overuse or something.  I went to a physical therapist after I saw the doctor, and he gave me some hand exercises.  He said that the splints I'm wearing have caused my wrists and hands to deteriorate.  I am now wearing the splints only at the keyboard, to type, and doing the hand exercises.  I have had a slight improvement in these two weeks, in that I can bend my wrists a little bit more than before  (They had become practically fused by themselves.)   The physical therapist said he thinks I can get by without surgery. I'm still scared of that surgery (and in both hands), so I'll give these exercises more of a chance.
   Ahimsa  

[barb574]

How are you doing now, after your wrist fusion?  I am facing a total fusion of my left wrist due to severe degenerative arthritis.....I am an avid golfer and am concerned how this will affect my ability to remain active.  How long was it for your recovery?  Any complications?