r/Thritis • u/Repulsive_Cover2418 • 1d ago

CMC Arthroplasty Tendon Advice

my dad (63 y/o) does not have reddit so i am posting for him. he is a mechanic, works with his hands constantly. osteoarthritis in both hands. he saw a hand specialist who recommended this surgery, told him it’s 3 months recovery and 6 months until he has full use of his hands. my questions are:

  1. he’s really bad at following strict instructions from doctors. i’m worried he might try and go skiing a couple months into the recovery. how do i convince him not to?

  2. when can he begin fixing cars again, from someone’s experience?

  3. how did you manage the pain and how long did it last?

  4. he struggles heavily with depression and anxiety. what he’s most worried about is passing the time during the recovery. i’m worried he’ll go stir crazy and start trying to fix cars while he has to rest. what did you do while recovering from surgery?

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

1

u/Ok_Air1731 1d ago

My mom went through it. If he doesn’t follow instructions, and the surgery fails, I think the alternative is a fusion. Tell him that :) and the surgery is highly successful too.

He’s lucky….Im 43M and found out both thumbs have arthritis and I don’t think I’ll even make it to 50 before surgery.

1

u/dunwerking 1d ago

I did it last year. I need fine motor movement for my job and it was a good eight weeks before I had a decent pinch grip He shouldn’t have any problems skiing after a couple of months My hand grip has never been the same It requires a lot of PT and OT and wearing splints I am also a crafter and could not do any of that for a few months I read a lot, and watched a lot of Netflix

1

u/PeanutButterCowboy77 22h ago

There is a new procedure I had done recently. The surgery your father is looking into is what I was goingto do before I found this. I was down for 8 weeks and back at work this week with the only issues with my hand being I can't dopushups or plank because of the pressure it puts on. But grip is almost back to normal (pre arthritis). I couldnt suggest this more. Not many doctors know about it... https://bioproimplants.com/thumb-arthritis?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=14963682442&gbraid=0AAAAADnYBP4Bd93EagQ1A7F_j1mbXOihv&gclid=CjwKCAjw2brFBhBOEiwAVJX5GCn7Khqwq9wk6vFfGLjTPOgO8mKWjH63krG5KgcoB_bXfmzvvY9YoxoCFiUQAvD_BwE

1

u/PeanutButterCowboy77 22h ago

Here's a post put up about it and if your father has any questions you can message me here. BTW I'm 47 and work with my hands withtools similar to your father. Please let him know there is hope. I am happy with everything so far and will be doing the same thing to the other hand next year with no doubt.

1

u/Inevitable-Boss5811 22h ago

I saw your post before. Thank you for sharing.

Last year, when my orthopedic doctor’s assistant couldn’t tell what type of surgery he normally performs, I thought nope. With your information, I’ve received the X-rays from my orthopedic and found a doctor that does the implant surgery that is in my insurance’s network. Haven’t made an appointment yet but it is on my list to do.