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.............

[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.