Removal Of Arthritic Joint (Bone) In Left Wrist.

[jourdain2]

In Dec. 2014 I fell down the cellar stairs and saved myself from a broken neck by grabbing a handy rope. Unfortunately this resulted in a break in the wrist. The report (in French, sorry)
after X-ray referred to the 'Trapezien et trapezo metacarpien'. Since there are the trapezoid and trapezian bones there (I think) I'm not quite sure which was broken, or possibly both.

Anyway, I have rapidly developed severe arthritis in that area, according to my GP (SO frustrating not to have the radiologist's report myself!) and for 18 mths. I have been seeing a very nice specialist at York, who injects steroids into the joints affected. I'm fairly bomb-proof and, although unpleasant, the injections give 4 months relief from pain and I can use my thumb to grip etc.. Last time the gap went 6 months and the pain was severe enough to wake me at nights.

Specialist has mentioned that he can operate and remove the bone and that the void will fill with blood which eventually becomes leathery and strong enough to support the thumb. I play keyboard, by the way. This process could take up to 6 mths.. He says the success rate is very good indeed - but it will be hugely inconveniencing, of course. On the other hand the pain is not something I like to think about. I have to see him in June and would like any advice from others who may have had this done. At the moment I am gritting my teeth and thinking about asking him to do the op. Anyone? Sqad? Thanks for any advice. :)

[Buenchico]

A personal experience here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1095086/Norahs-hand-agony-surgeons-cut-bone-thumb.html

A patient information leaflet here:
https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/docs/10678_3715272005.pdf?_ts=1

[jourdain2]

Thanks, Buen. Looks like I am in for a painful, hard slog either way - but it is good to have the info..

[Sqad]

I can add little to what the links have produced except to say two things.
Firstly, this your choice, the pain relieved by injections and or anti-inflamatories OR operation. THis being a subjective personal choice.
Secondly pick your surgeon carefully, by this I mean ask your GP and ask around.
I don,t know much about the York area, but Wrightinton near Wigan has an international reputation for hand surgery.
Good luck

[Buenchico]

A link to go with Sqad's post:
http://www.wwl.nhs.uk/hospitals/wrightington/

The relevant surgeon with York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is Alistair Pace at Scarborough Hospital:
https://finder.bupa.co.uk/Consultant/view/161825/?ql=&printPage=1

[Smowball]

Sounds incredibly painful. Good luck with whatever decision you make x

[jourdain2]

Thank you all very much indeed. I'm in for some hard thought. Scarborough seems to be transferring osteo. surgery to Bridlington. Friends have been there for knee and hip replacements and tell me that it is becoming the centre in N & E Yorkshire.

Mr. W at York was recommended by my GP as the person she would go to if she were in my place. I'll do some research. :)

It's making the right choice. I'm having to be assertive with Admin. at York because appts. keep being pushed back (I suspect rationing by the back door). I saw Mr.W 6/9/16 and he said to try to stretch time to 6 mths - i.e. beginning of Feb. - I rang Jan 3rd to remind them of this and to say that I was in considerable pain. I was told that they weren't doing Feb. appts. yet. Three days later I received an appointment for 28th Feb. --letter was dated 4th Jan.!

Thank you all again. x

[Sqad]

http://www.wwl.nhs.uk/consultants/specialist_services/Mike_Hayton.aspx

Ooops! sorry.....my finger slipeed onto the !Answer Now " button.

[jourdain2]

:o) x

[New Judge]

I think another thing to consider is that prolonged treatment by steroid injection is not to be recommended. I’m sure sqad will elucidate but I understand that although the treatment relieves the symptom or arthritis it actually exacerbates the cause as well as having some side-effects on other parts of the body.

[jourdain2]

Thank you very much for that, NJ. :)

[Sqad]

NJ makes a good point .......the short term disadvantages of such injections is no big deal, particularly when one is relieved of the gnawing pain of arthritis, however, long term involvement with steroids, may well bring to light the complications suggested by NJ.

[jourdain2]

Thanks sqad. Another thing to consider. I'm not too happy about spraying steroids into my mouth every day, since I was diagnosed with asthma last year, but that can't be avoided. I'm told they can build up. All this is very useful and helpful.

[Sqad]

" I was diagnosed with asthma last year, but that can't be avoided. I'm told they can build up"

Yes, I have been told that also LOL.but the only side effect that I have ever seen is that of some hoarseness in one's voice due to thickening of the vocal cords, but this is only after prolonged use.
Don't worry jourdain.....no big deal.

[jourdain2]

Phew! That's good news - I'm the only alto in our singing group. Ta!