Total Wrist Fusion

[Phill614]

well today is the big day, it's 10:50am central time and i have to be at the surgery center by 1pm.  Today i'm having a total fusion of my dominate left hand, i have looked at all options and this is in my best option if i want to get on with my life as normal as possible if that makes any sense.  I've had three operations on my left hand apr 30, 2008, feb. 13 2009 and june 6 2009.  the orginal problem for the first surgery was a small tear in the TFCC ligament, that it.  i had extensive physical therapy after each surgery with only temporary relief and sometimes no relief of pain.  I went through the process to change doctors through workers comp. which went ok.  My new doctor reviewed my previous records and more checks and test and we (Doc. and I)  determined the best option due to the type of work i do and the very active life style i have is to have a TOTAL WRIST FUSION.  I plan keep everyone updated as often as possible, i want others to know what i'm going through and hopefully inform them what they will be going through.  Oh by the way the reason for the total wirist fusion is my cartlidge is totally destroyed, i have a legal matter going on so i can't mention the cause of the destroyed cartlidge.  Talk to ya'll later  Phill

[JD1963]

Hey Phill,

Well, he's obviously on this website. I'm sure why he's not here. I will post him to you!

Thanks    JD1963

[Phill614]

I've been available to anyone that wishes to talk about TWF that's why this thread is here and why I continue to reply to people. Yes JD he can contact me. Is he aware of this website and this thread? if not maybe copy and paste the link to this thread and email him if he's open to it. Phill

[JD1963]

Hi,

I told him to use a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome splint, it locks your wrist up more and it's cheaper if he has to buy it. So, would you want him to contact you?

I am still trying to catch up, as I am fairly new here. In about 2 weeks I've answered about 170 posts.

Thanks  JD1963

[Phill614]

I would only suggest for him to try wearing a bowling wrist brace that keeps the wrist straight and then swing the golf club. I believe he'll have to change the way he swings because he'll not be able to bend the wrist. I gave up golf a couple years before my fusion because I was just lousy at golf and had plenty of other activities I preferred to do.  I personally haven't tried to swing a golf club since the fusion. My left handed clubs are in the shed waiting to be donated.  Sorry I wasn't much help with this subject. Phill

[JD1963]

Hey Phill! I'm glad your outcome was so good! Actually, the main reason I've removed screws that were backing out is because they start to irritate the skin. I have seen them work their way so far that the nearly came through the skin. The removal is simply, a small 1/4" incision, work the screwdriver through the tissues until you seat it into the head and just screw it out. A couple of 4-0 Nylon sutures and you're done!

I have another TWF prospect that was wondering about his Golf game. Do you want to post with him? I need your approval first.

Thanks JD1963

[Phill614]

I've added a few new pictures, just click on Phill614 and click pictures. I encourage others to post pictures to show how their coming along. Phill