wrist fusion surgery????......really bummed

[jeremy714]

two years ago i hurt my wrist snowboarding......i didnt see a doctor until a couple months had gone by........a few doctors, mri's xrays and arthrograms later i found the wrist doctor for the lakers. he came to the conclusion that i tore a small ligament in my wrist causing the instability and pain at the base of my thumb and wrist.  my grip isnt too bad but it hurts to do anything, especially exerting pressure with my hand.  the doctor said the only realistic option would be to fuse the wrist, however he thinks id be better off living with the pain. id like to do that but its getting worse. seems the fusion is inevitable.
im an active 32 year old who lives to surf and snowboard. will i be able to do these things anymore let alone work?...................super worried and depressed.............

[RockyMountainCat]

It is great to live in the Colorado rockies and have access to surgeons used by the ski and snowboard teams! Surgery was on Wed. They used a nerve block which kept going almost 24 hours plus they placed a nerve pain pump which got me through Saturday night. It is Sunday morning and still not much discomfort. Day after went to pt and was fitted with a brace not a cast. Fingers are swollen but moving a bit. Looking forward to getting back to skiing, biking and crafts!

[phargrett]

I am facing wrist surgery/fusion but and unsure of it. I have gone to two doctors who are very cavalier about what is suppose to happen.

[Tony756]

Hi Phil...I commented on the photo with you and your wife. RSVP

[Phill614]

Good morning Drikus, how did your Total Wrist Fusion go? I also had my wrist fused over 5 years ago and if it's any help i had started a blog titled Total Wrist Fusion. you can also click on my name and it'll lead you to the blog and may answer a few question you might have it's long but I believe helpful. please keep posting on your healing progress. regards  Phill

[Drikus1432]

i shot myself through my left hand 6 months ago.i am going for a total fusion next week. Tired of pain .....

[Thump67]

After the last 6 months have had pain in wrist and after a explratory surgery and removing a pound of scar tissue hand still hurts and stays swollen, the surgeon stated a wrist fusion. Crazy question me and my wife play Xbox & PS4 will we still be able to play as that our hobbies when not at work

[osmossis]

So here Sit another sleepless light with pain sometimes during the day wo debit sugery right thing to do then thease night solidify my reason for it

[osmossis]

spoke to local Breg Rep I can get the polar care unit with wrist attachment for $375 in your opinion is it worth it? as my benefits do not cover the unit

[gsal]

Good news Osmossis, best of luck and keep us posted when you go in and after the surgery. The wait will be hard.

[osmossis]

so July 7th the big day, excited to be pain free, not exited for surgery or recovery

[osmossis]

I like that idea, does it have a wrist pad specifically? they only problem I can forsee is trying to get here in Canada because ebay will kill me in shipping

[gsal]

Great news, follow the surgeons timeline and continue to feel better.

[Jeffrey7227]

Just a thought for your upcoming surgery....

I had reconstructive shoulder surgery this past summer and used a Polar Care 300 cold therapy unit.  I used it for my wrist post surgery.  Probably 18 hours a day for the first week.  Where there is swelling there is pain.  I really think this helped immensely.  I borrowed it from a friend.  People that have had knee or shoulder procedures may have one (or eBay).

Best of luck.

[Jeffrey7227]

Last night I was watching the AT&T Pro-Am from Pebble Beach and just thinking how terrific it would be to play again....  You made my day.

Last Saturday morning I was able to put deodorant on, using my left hand, without pain for the first time since November 3, 2012.

[gsal]

Great news on your progress so far. I am right handed and had full wrist fusion on my left hand in February 2013. I was playing golf again in late July once my surgeon released me to full activities. Other than having to adjust my swing, no problems with the ability to play. Take it slow and follow your surgeons timetable and you should be back on the course. Good luck with your recovery and keep us posted on your progress.

[gsal]

Good luck with your surgery. Keep everyone posted with your progress.

[osmossis]

So got the results not good but what expected the Lunate is collapsed and can see where breaking up. So full fusion here I come spoke to ortho and will be within 6 months need 2 weeks off work. she will be doing a Proximal row carpectomy and using those bones for the graft. so that's the update looking forward to being pain free and adapting to what will come my way

[osmossis]

thanks for the update! glad procedure went well, keep updating us. I will know on Thursday the date for my procedure  

[Jeffrey7227]

I had my left wrist fusion surgery 2 weeks ago.  Bandages off and hard cast on yesterday.  I had surgery 13 months ago and due to arthritis a fusion was my best option.  I feel better today than I did the day I went in for surgery just 2 weeks ago.  My biggest concern is the ability to play golf. I really dont care if I ever play again I just want to live without constant pain.

[osmossis]

just spoke to phill he is a great help good to know there are people out there still working and living life, when you first hear the news you think that you will no longer be able to function. have a CT scan Monday then follow up Wednesday and another cordozone shot to help with the pain

[gsal]

Sorry to hear of your wrist. Message Phill614, I believe he is an aircraft mechanic that had a full wrist fusion. He can shed some light on any limitations after the surgery.

[Maretheone]

Yes I had my left wrist done almost a year ago I hate it, not only did I lose motion (50%) but the pain is worst.

[gsal]

Sorry to hear about your son, but I would recommend getting another opinion from another hand surgeon specialist, preferably one that is the chief of hand surgery.

[gsal]

Hello, sorry to hear of your issues with your hand. I am 56 and underwent full wrist fusion in February of 2013 on my left wrist and am doing great. No more pain and I am working out, swimming and back to as normal as an unbending wrist can be. It takes some getting used to, not being able to bend your wrist, but am pain free in this hand and so far all is as described.
I would recommend you ensure you have a reputable surgeon and check their references. Also, follow the rehab exercises and follow the timeline to recovery, don't rush it.
I am experiencing issues with my right hand and will eventually have to get this hand fused as well, but will not hesitate when the pain becomes unbearable.
Good luck, keep the forum posted.