I am new to forum. I have severe osteoarthritis in both hands and orthopedist has recommended LRTI for both for 3 years now. I have put off surgery by having cortisone injections but can no longer get them and thus, only have surgery as an option. Disability and pain are untenable in both thumbs.
Has anyone done both hands at once? My surgeon recommends against having them simultaneously done as he says the recovery is rough and it's too difficult to have both hands splinted/casted simultaneously. However, I have had 6 major back surgeries, each 3-12 hours long with body casts and lengthy, painful recovery periods, so from my perspective, a couple hours surgery without general anesthesia and a difficult recovery seems unpleasant but at the same time, I would rather just get them finished and over with.
It sounds like everyone who has this done comes away with the notion that they wish they had done it years before. I have trouble envisioning two separate lengthy recovery periods and would prefer to be truly out of commission for one period, I think.
I would be grateful to hear thoughts and wisdom about this.
If you have someone to be with you 24/7, then it might work to do both. I had surgery on two different fingers, 6 months apart. Each was on a different hand. I did not plan well, and only realized I had never wiped my behind with my left hand [I am right handed]. My husband had to help me the first few days. I needed help dressing. Couldn't fix meals. Also, you won't be able to drive safely, in my opinion. So you will need transportation.
I know the thought of two recovery periods is unpleasant, but I personally think you should do them one at a time.
Moderator Crohn's disease, Osteoarthritis and Irritable Bowel Forums
CD, Ankylosing Spondylitis, small fiber peripheral neuropathy, avascular necrosis, peripheral artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, degenerative disc disease, asthma, severe allergy and a host of other medical problems.
I know the thought of two recovery periods is unpleasant, but I personally think you should do them one at a time.
Moderator Crohn's disease, Osteoarthritis and Irritable Bowel Forums
CD, Ankylosing Spondylitis, small fiber peripheral neuropathy, avascular necrosis, peripheral artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, degenerative disc disease, asthma, severe allergy and a host of other medical problems.
I had carpal tunnel a couple of days ago - 1 hand. No way would I be able to take care of myself if I'd had both done! I had 3 trigger fingers done on one hand a few years ago too, so I knew not to even consider doing my other hand until November.
Spring is when there is so much work to do! opening the pool, mowing every week, gardening, house cleaning and changing the clothes in the closets to summer. And think of showering! I have a huge plastic "cast protector" to keep the bandaging dry for 2 weeks, during which I can't take the covering off.
My sis-in-law had 2 hips replaced last year, but she had her hands available, and a hubby to help after getting out of a long hospital stay and phys therapy. We don't get to stay in hospital for outpatient surgery.
Spring is when there is so much work to do! opening the pool, mowing every week, gardening, house cleaning and changing the clothes in the closets to summer. And think of showering! I have a huge plastic "cast protector" to keep the bandaging dry for 2 weeks, during which I can't take the covering off.
My sis-in-law had 2 hips replaced last year, but she had her hands available, and a hubby to help after getting out of a long hospital stay and phys therapy. We don't get to stay in hospital for outpatient surgery.