bargeon

Anyone here had this surgery or know some one who has? Any wisdom to pass along?

OldTryGuy

No knowledge but found the following --


BTW -- 4:00 into video for interesting solution (?)

peterws

I had a corticosteroid injection in mine. Didn't work, but it's got no worse over the last 3 years, I use it on the piano as well as other things . . . but it hurts given certain situations and tasks..

BengalCat

I've had it in both thumbs since 1985. In its earlier stages of symptoms, I tried several corticoid steroid injections. They didn't help. I've lived with it since that time. The degree of discomfort, pain, and function vary with how much I ride within a period of time. Given that I'm 74 combined with the degree of function I wouldn't have surgery. That's me and my circumstances. You obviously are in quite different circumstances.

Best of luck to you in getting a successful surgery and or solution or outcome.

Ald1 

I had my right one removed in 2014. Had the procedure discribed in the posted video. Doing fine. Recovery was tough. As with any success surgery work through the PE dispite the pain. I remember a newer procedure just coming on the scene so do your research. How bad is your pain? Hindsight, I'd probably would have waited as I now heard this procedure only has a shelf life of 5-10 years. Don't get me wrong, I'm pain free and functional now, maybe a tad weaker in the thumb though. Good luck!

bargeon

Thanks for the feedback. I'll be consulting with my doc at least once more before doing anything. Thanks for the tip on the new procedure.

I have mild pain most days and stabbing after any activity.

Riding hurts enough but I hardly play bass at all any more (that's what has me going.). So I'm more concerned with flexibility than strength. I gather the recovery is tough (4-5 months) and I'd have to do it over a summer riding season, but putting it off doesn't seem to make sense.

GeezyRider 

My wife had this surgery done on both thumbs. One in 2004 and the other in 2006. As I recall, her time for full recovery for each was about 2 months. I also believe the donor tendon came from an area further up her forearms, not down by the wrist. Except for a slight weakening in each hand (grip strength) she has had no issues, no pain and has complete use of both hands. Best of luck with what ever treatment you and your Doc choose.

philbob57

Both thumbs - right one in 2014, left in 2018 (shoulder replacement 2016). I apparently have a high tolerance for post-surgical pain. I did the OT exercises pretty religiously. I'm very happy I had the surgeries, but I recommend getting a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis before the surgery itself. If you have CTS, it may be the real source of your pain. In any case, if you have CTS and basal joint arthritis, the 2 surgeries can be combined, which will save cost and pain.

Best of luck.

Ald1 

I actually had three surgeries at once, right basal joint removal (my donor tissue was from a cadaver) trigger thumb, and carpal tunnel. Recovery was far faster than 4-5 months. Once again best of luck! Do your PE!!

bargeon

Thank to all for the info, much appresiated!