Guest guest Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Hi Les, Have you tried Enbrel or Humira yet? The reason I ask is because before I did, I was given the option of fusing my left wrist also. The pain was unbelievable, just having it touched hurt tremendously. And using it, whew! Then I started with Enbrel. It is a wonder drug. (I wonder if the side effects will " get me " later...) I can touch it, move it, use it all without pain. Most of the bones have fused together on their own, so I have very little range of motion but it's almost unbelievable how the pain has subsided. Just my 2 cents, best of luck to you. Joanne in IL [ ] hand surgeon appt. > Hi everyone, > > I have an appt. with my hand surgeon tomorrow to discuss fusing rt > wrist and repairing ligament and tendon in left wrist. The > rheumatologist is quite anxious to put me on Methotrexate, but can't > until I take care of my wrists. > > I have been doing some web searching for RA and was stunned to learn > that RA can cause AVN (dead bones) which is the reason for the fusion. > I was also stunned to learn that people with thyroid dysfunction are > 3 times more likely to get RA. I have thyroid dysfunctionn as well. > This is all very overwhelming and so much to absorb. > > Does the Methotrexate cause additional fatigue? I have so much of it > already that I can't imagine being on a drug that makes it worse. I'm > also taking an anti-inflamitory called Relafen. If any of you take > this, have you noticed any increase in RA pain in areas like feet and > ankles? When I was first diagnosed, a week ago, I didn't have pain in > my feet and ankles, but since being on this Relafen I have had pretty > bad painns in my feet and ankles. Do you think there could be a > correlation or is this just a coincidence that the pain began near the > tme I started the relafen? > > Thanks for listening and I look forward to your toughts on these > questions. > > All my best, > Les > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 --Hi Joanne, Thanks for the input. That's very interesting to learn about Enbrel. I'm so new in the diagnosis part that right now all I'm taking is an anti-inflamitory drug (Relafin.) I've had problems with my wrist for years and have had 4 surgeries already and the fusion will be the 5th. I have had the scaphoid and lunate bones die (AVN) and have been getting treatment/surgeries in hopes of getting rid of that awful pain. THe last surgery they removed an entire row of carpal wrist bones which included the dead scaphoid and lunate bones. THat didn't work and so now they tell me the only option is the fusion. I will look into the Enbrel though. My rheumatologist told me that she can't put me on any other meds until I find out from the hand surgeon what is to be done to treat my wrists. So, I wait. Hopefully I will have some concrete answers tomorrow and can finally get some results from my rheummy doc. Thanks again. Les,in Georgia > > Hi Les, > > Have you tried Enbrel or Humira yet? The reason I ask is because before I > did, I was given the option of fusing my left wrist also. The pain was > unbelievable, just having it touched hurt tremendously. And using it, whew! > Then I started with Enbrel. It is a wonder drug. (I wonder if the side > effects will " get me " later...) I can touch it, move it, use it all without > pain. Most of the bones have fused together on their own, so I have very > little range of motion but it's almost unbelievable how the pain has > subsided. Just my 2 cents, best of luck to you. > Joanne in IL > > > [ ] hand surgeon appt. > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I have an appt. with my hand surgeon tomorrow to discuss fusing rt > > wrist and repairing ligament and tendon in left wrist. The > > rheumatologist is quite anxious to put me on Methotrexate, but can't > > until I take care of my wrists. > > > > I have been doing some web searching for RA and was stunned to learn > > that RA can cause AVN (dead bones) which is the reason for the fusion. > > I was also stunned to learn that people with thyroid dysfunction are > > 3 times more likely to get RA. I have thyroid dysfunctionn as well. > > This is all very overwhelming and so much to absorb. > > > > Does the Methotrexate cause additional fatigue? I have so much of it > > already that I can't imagine being on a drug that makes it worse. I'm > > also taking an anti-inflamitory called Relafen. If any of you take > > this, have you noticed any increase in RA pain in areas like feet and > > ankles? When I was first diagnosed, a week ago, I didn't have pain in > > my feet and ankles, but since being on this Relafen I have had pretty > > bad painns in my feet and ankles. Do you think there could be a > > correlation or is this just a coincidence that the pain began near the > > tme I started the relafen? > > > > Thanks for listening and I look forward to your toughts on these > > questions. > > > > All my best, > > Les > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Don't underesti,ate the recovery time of your surgery. Make sure everything you need to do for a month is done. If you are left handed make sure to presign checks, pay bills, freezer some dinners etc. The tendon realignment will knock you on your butt! I am 6 days post op with my MCP synovectomies and tendon realignments and boy does it hurt. My whole hand is swollen and bruised, as are my fingers. From sleeping and sitting I got a bladder infection and sciatica...ugh. [ ] hand surgeon appt. Hi everyone, I have an appt. with my hand surgeon tomorrow to discuss fusing rt wrist and repairing ligament and tendon in left wrist. The rheumatologist is quite anxious to put me on Methotrexate, but can't until I take care of my wrists. I have been doing some web searching for RA and was stunned to learn that RA can cause AVN (dead bones) which is the reason for the fusion. I was also stunned to learn that people with thyroid dysfunction are 3 times more likely to get RA. I have thyroid dysfunctionn as well. This is all very overwhelming and so much to absorb. Does the Methotrexate cause additional fatigue? I have so much of it already that I can't imagine being on a drug that makes it worse. I'm also taking an anti-inflamitory called Relafen. If any of you take this, have you noticed any increase in RA pain in areas like feet and ankles? When I was first diagnosed, a week ago, I didn't have pain in my feet and ankles, but since being on this Relafen I have had pretty bad painns in my feet and ankles. Do you think there could be a correlation or is this just a coincidence that the pain began near the tme I started the relafen? Thanks for listening and I look forward to your toughts on these questions. All my best, Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 Hi Joanne, It's very early in my diagnosis and so right now all I'm taking is an anti-inflammatory med called Relafen. I have been taking it for about 5 days now. No real help yet. Hopefully soon. For some reason it sems my symptoms of RA have increased since being on the Relafen, but maybe it's just coincidence. I will discuss your suggestion with my doctor about Enbrel. I've had 4 surgeries for my wrist in an attempt to help get rid of the pain. The last surgery was a PRC where they removed a row of bones in my wrist hoping that would do the trick since it got rid of my (AVN) dead bones. But, that was not to be, I guess. I hate thatI can't start treatment for my RA until the issues with my 2 wrists are resolved. I understand that the Methotrexate compromises the immune system so having surgery after being on the meds is not a good thing, but I am in such discomfort that I want to try anything to see if it gives some relief. Well thanks for the input and I'll let you know what the doc says. Have a great day, Les in Georgia > Hi Les, > > Have you tried Enbrel or Humira yet? The reason I ask is because before I > did, I was given the option of fusing my left wrist also. The pain was > unbelievable, just having it touched hurt tremendously. And using it, whew! > Then I started with Enbrel. It is a wonder drug. (I wonder if the side > effects will " get me " later...) I can touch it, move it, use it all without > pain. Most of the bones have fused together on their own, so I have very > little range of motion but it's almost unbelievable how the pain has > subsided. Just my 2 cents, best of luck to you. > Joanne in IL > > > [ ] hand surgeon appt. > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I have an appt. with my hand surgeon tomorrow to discuss fusing rt > > wrist and repairing ligament and tendon in left wrist. The > > rheumatologist is quite anxious to put me on Methotrexate, but can't > > until I take care of my wrists. > > > > I have been doing some web searching for RA and was stunned to learn > > that RA can cause AVN (dead bones) which is the reason for the fusion. > > I was also stunned to learn that people with thyroid dysfunction are > > 3 times more likely to get RA. I have thyroid dysfunctionn as well. > > This is all very overwhelming and so much to absorb. > > > > Does the Methotrexate cause additional fatigue? I have so much of it > > already that I can't imagine being on a drug that makes it worse. I'm > > also taking an anti-inflamitory called Relafen. If any of you take > > this, have you noticed any increase in RA pain in areas like feet and > > ankles? When I was first diagnosed, a week ago, I didn't have pain in > > my feet and ankles, but since being on this Relafen I have had pretty > > bad painns in my feet and ankles. Do you think there could be a > > correlation or is this just a coincidence that the pain began near the > > tme I started the relafen? > > > > Thanks for listening and I look forward to your toughts on these > > questions. > > > > All my best, > > Les > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 --- Thanks for the advice. I'll get to the store before surgery and get all the necessary things done before my life takes a huge dive. I hadn't thought about presigning checks, that's a great idea, thanks. That's good to know about ht tendon pain. Hopefully I will be able to tolerate the pain meds. I have typically had a rough go of it for the first 48 hours with nausea from the anesthesia, so hopefully they will give me something to help with that. I'm sorry you are in so much pain. I hope you get some relief soon. Let me know how it goes for you and not to be selfish, but I'd like to know what to expect. The wrist fusion is a difficult procedure, and then with the other wrist and the torn ligament and tendon repair, it will be a bit dicy figuring out how to manage things with two bum hands. However, I have 2 bum hands now, so it can't bethat bad, right!! ) thanks again, Take care, Les > > Don't underesti,ate the recovery time of your surgery. Make sure everything you need to do for a month is done. If you are left handed make sure to presign checks, pay bills, freezer some dinners etc. The tendon realignment will knock you on your butt! I am 6 days post op with my MCP synovectomies and tendon realignments and boy does it hurt. My whole hand is swollen and bruised, as are my fingers. From sleeping and sitting I got a bladder infection and sciatica...ugh. > > [ ] hand surgeon appt. > > > Hi everyone, > > I have an appt. with my hand surgeon tomorrow to discuss fusing rt > wrist and repairing ligament and tendon in left wrist. The > rheumatologist is quite anxious to put me on Methotrexate, but can't > until I take care of my wrists. > > I have been doing some web searching for RA and was stunned to learn > that RA can cause AVN (dead bones) which is the reason for the fusion. > I was also stunned to learn that people with thyroid dysfunction are > 3 times more likely to get RA. I have thyroid dysfunctionn as well. > This is all very overwhelming and so much to absorb. > > Does the Methotrexate cause additional fatigue? I have so much of it > already that I can't imagine being on a drug that makes it worse. I'm > also taking an anti-inflamitory called Relafen. If any of you take > this, have you noticed any increase in RA pain in areas like feet and > ankles? When I was first diagnosed, a week ago, I didn't have pain in > my feet and ankles, but since being on this Relafen I have had pretty > bad painns in my feet and ankles. Do you think there could be a > correlation or is this just a coincidence that the pain began near the > tme I started the relafen? > > Thanks for listening and I look forward to your toughts on these > questions. > > All my best, > Les > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 -Les, If you have a history of nausea/vomiting after surgery when the anesthesiologist comes in before surgery share that with him/her..and ask for somethig by IV to help prevent it. They have several different meds that they an give you IV that will eliminate or signifigantly derease any nausea/vomiting..and why suffer needlessly?? Good luck with your surgery!.......jenna -- In , " " <leslielick777@...> wrote: > > --- Thanks for the advice. I'll get to the store before surgery and > get all the necessary things done before my life takes a huge dive. I > hadn't thought about presigning checks, that's a great idea, thanks. > > That's good to know about ht tendon pain. Hopefully I will be able to > tolerate the pain meds. I have typically had a rough go of it for the > first 48 hours with nausea from the anesthesia, so hopefully they will > give me something to help with that. > > I'm sorry you are in so much pain. I hope you get some relief soon. > Let me know how it goes for you and not to be selfish, but I'd like to > know what to expect. The wrist fusion is a difficult procedure, and > then with the other wrist and the torn ligament and tendon repair, it > will be a bit dicy figuring out how to manage things with two bum > hands. However, I have 2 bum hands now, so it can't bethat bad, > right!! ) thanks again, > > Take care, > Les > > > > > > > Don't underesti,ate the recovery time of your surgery. Make sure > everything you need to do for a month is done. If you are left handed > make sure to presign checks, pay bills, freezer some dinners etc. The > tendon realignment will knock you on your butt! I am 6 days post op > with my MCP synovectomies and tendon realignments and boy does it > hurt. My whole hand is swollen and bruised, as are my fingers. From > sleeping and sitting I got a bladder infection and sciatica...ugh. > > > > [ ] hand surgeon appt. > > > > > > Hi everyone, > > > > I have an appt. with my hand surgeon tomorrow to discuss fusing rt > > wrist and repairing ligament and tendon in left wrist. The > > rheumatologist is quite anxious to put me on Methotrexate, but can't > > until I take care of my wrists. > > > > I have been doing some web searching for RA and was stunned to learn > > that RA can cause AVN (dead bones) which is the reason for the fusion. > > I was also stunned to learn that people with thyroid dysfunction are > > 3 times more likely to get RA. I have thyroid dysfunctionn as well. > > This is all very overwhelming and so much to absorb. > > > > Does the Methotrexate cause additional fatigue? I have so much of it > > already that I can't imagine being on a drug that makes it worse. I'm > > also taking an anti-inflamitory called Relafen. If any of you take > > this, have you noticed any increase in RA pain in areas like feet and > > ankles? When I was first diagnosed, a week ago, I didn't have pain in > > my feet and ankles, but since being on this Relafen I have had pretty > > bad painns in my feet and ankles. Do you think there could be a > > correlation or is this just a coincidence that the pain began near the > > tme I started the relafen? > > > > Thanks for listening and I look forward to your toughts on these > > questions. > > > > All my best, > > Les > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2006 Report Share Posted August 31, 2006 I had my tendon realignment done under a regional block. The bad thing is they give the needle essentially in your arm pit, the good thing is they sedate you so you don't know it. However, most people don't like the idea of a block because they feel they may panic if awake. Personally, I am afraid of general anesthesia. Of course they may not be able to properly numb the area and you would have to be put under. I am glad everything numbed up! Once I get a good report from my surgeon I can tell you want we did. My synvectomies and tendon realignments were for my MCPs, not wrist. However, I can't imagine wrist fusion and tendon realignment is any more fun. I was in the OR for 3 hours, recovery for 90 minutes and then went home in a plaster split from finger tips to elbow. Therapy starts as soon as you can get an appointment post op. There I was fitting with resting and dynamic extensor splints. I will wear splints for a MINIMUM of 6-8 weeks continuously. After that I can ditch the day splint but I will still have to use night splints for 3-6 months, and maybe forever. I was treated for ulnar drift though. Post op 6 days and I can forego pain meds except at night. From being immobile I gained a bladder infection and sciatica. Aside from previous pre-op advice...post-op I would suggest to stay as mobile as you can and to drink a lot of fluids. For the first five days I was awake MAYBE 6 hours a day if I was lucky. That was the Lortabs though...feel better now that I am on Percocet. Shandi [ ] hand surgeon appt. > > > Hi everyone, > > I have an appt. with my hand surgeon tomorrow to discuss fusing rt > wrist and repairing ligament and tendon in left wrist. The > rheumatologist is quite anxious to put me on Methotrexate, but can't > until I take care of my wrists. > > I have been doing some web searching for RA and was stunned to learn > that RA can cause AVN (dead bones) which is the reason for the fusion. > I was also stunned to learn that people with thyroid dysfunction are > 3 times more likely to get RA. I have thyroid dysfunctionn as well. > This is all very overwhelming and so much to absorb. > > Does the Methotrexate cause additional fatigue? I have so much of it > already that I can't imagine being on a drug that makes it worse. I'm > also taking an anti-inflamitory called Relafen. If any of you take > this, have you noticed any increase in RA pain in areas like feet and > ankles? When I was first diagnosed, a week ago, I didn't have pain in > my feet and ankles, but since being on this Relafen I have had pretty > bad painns in my feet and ankles. Do you think there could be a > correlation or is this just a coincidence that the pain began near the > tme I started the relafen? > > Thanks for listening and I look forward to your toughts on these > questions. > > All my best, > Les > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2006 Report Share Posted September 2, 2006 , Others have commented on pre-arranging meals while you recoup. I feel the need to double check on personal issues. I make sure my toe nails are cut short (ingrown removed) and as an older woman, I check the longer facial hairs. These are items I just cannot find myself asking others to help me with. I also made a simple sun dress (just elastic in the top and snaps on my straps). I also found long skirts with elastic waist, a size or two larger than I normally wear allows me to dress easier with one hand. My family and myself will find something to eat. I wish you much luck and keep that chin up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 4, 2006 Report Share Posted September 4, 2006 Hi everyone, I wanted to let you know that my hand surgeon has given me the all clear to go ahead and start my treatment for RA. I see the doctor Thursday and will begin Methotrexate. I don't know if she plans to put me on any other suppliment meds with it, but will let you know. My hand surgeon told me that she sees no reason to withhold RA treatment and have my wrist fusion right away. She suggested that I give the RA meds some time to work and see how my pain level is after that period of time and if I still have severe wrist pain, we can get the wrist fused at that time even though I'm on Methotrexate. She says that she isn't worried about infection from surgery with the MTX meds, so I guess we move forward and wait and see. As far as the left wrist, she says I have tendonitis and no surgery for it. I know there is other problems with the left wrist but she forgot to get into it. I can manage waiting to treat the left wrist for quite a while, it doesn't hurt nearly as bad as the right wrist. Thanks for all the well wishes and I'll keep you posted. Les <leslielick777@...> wrote: --- Thanks for the advice. I'll get to the store before surgery and get all the necessary things done before my life takes a huge dive. I hadn't thought about presigning checks, that's a great idea, thanks. That's good to know about ht tendon pain. Hopefully I will be able to tolerate the pain meds. I have typically had a rough go of it for the first 48 hours with nausea from the anesthesia, so hopefully they will give me something to help with that. I'm sorry you are in so much pain. I hope you get some relief soon. Let me know how it goes for you and not to be selfish, but I'd like to know what to expect. The wrist fusion is a difficult procedure, and then with the other wrist and the torn ligament and tendon repair, it will be a bit dicy figuring out how to manage things with two bum hands. However, I have 2 bum hands now, so it can't bethat bad, right!! ) thanks again, Take care, Les > > Don't underesti,ate the recovery time of your surgery. Make sure everything you need to do for a month is done. If you are left handed make sure to presign checks, pay bills, freezer some dinners etc. The tendon realignment will knock you on your butt! I am 6 days post op with my MCP synovectomies and tendon realignments and boy does it hurt. My whole hand is swollen and bruised, as are my fingers. From sleeping and sitting I got a bladder infection and sciatica...ugh. > > [ ] hand surgeon appt. > > > Hi everyone, > > I have an appt. with my hand surgeon tomorrow to discuss fusing rt > wrist and repairing ligament and tendon in left wrist. The > rheumatologist is quite anxious to put me on Methotrexate, but can't > until I take care of my wrists. > > I have been doing some web searching for RA and was stunned to learn > that RA can cause AVN (dead bones) which is the reason for the fusion. > I was also stunned to learn that people with thyroid dysfunction are > 3 times more likely to get RA. I have thyroid dysfunctionn as well. > This is all very overwhelming and so much to absorb. > > Does the Methotrexate cause additional fatigue? I have so much of it > already that I can't imagine being on a drug that makes it worse. I'm > also taking an anti-inflamitory called Relafen. If any of you take > this, have you noticed any increase in RA pain in areas like feet and > ankles? When I was first diagnosed, a week ago, I didn't have pain in > my feet and ankles, but since being on this Relafen I have had pretty > bad painns in my feet and ankles. Do you think there could be a > correlation or is this just a coincidence that the pain began near the > tme I started the relafen? > > Thanks for listening and I look forward to your toughts on these > questions. > > All my best, > Les > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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