recovering from surgery

[Reanne]

I decided to have the ulnar nerve transposition because I was suffering from muscle wasting in my right arm/hand.  The surgeon said the surgery went well.  The recovery didn't go so well.  I had to go off the Plaquenil a month!  By the time my cast was removed, my arm and hand were swollen, which the dr thought was normal.  It went on 2 weeks.  When I saw the dr again, he was horrified that I hadn't healed better, not moving my arm, wrist, hand much. I was sent to physical/occupational therapy.  I am finally getting better (back on the plaquenil for a month now).  I have wished many times I hadn't had the surgery.  It has been a long painful 2 months.  I still have some problems with my hand and wrist, but it seems to be getting better.  I see the dr again later this month. 

I think the surgery and going off the plaquenil caused a flare, but what do I know?   The dr finally agreed somewhat with me last time I saw him.  Has anyone else had a similar experience?  The left arm needs done also, but as of right now, I have decided not to have surgery on it.

[Bucky]

Reanne,

I don't have any experience with this - just wanted to send you quick recovery wishes.  Sounds like it's been a long, drawn out ordeal for you.

Take care,
Bucky

[Reanne]

thank you bucky

[eyeamdry]

Reanne, my sister had surgery on the ulnar nerve because she tripped and fell on a cement floor.  She knocked her shoulder out of the socket and had to go into surgery for it to be placed back.  Then the ulnar nerve was apparently injured.  She had surgery and was off work for some time.  She has since retired (not due to that.)  She has often mentioned that she didn't think the surgery was worth it. 

I have had carpal tunnel surgery on one wrist (not the same I know) and I was satisfied with the surgery.  As I am retired now (secretary) I am not going to get the other wrist done.  A lot can be done with wrist braces, especially at night.  Over the years, I've known several people who said they would not get the second wrist done and would rather live with it and doctor as it is rather than risk more damage.

I'm sorry to play devil's advocate here, but it seems more people are unhappy with this type of surgery than happy.  Perhaps it's because we hear more about the unhappy ones?  If you decide later to have it done, you can usually do so.  I think you cannot undo surgery.  I'm sure you'll make an informed choice and seek second/third opinions.  I hope I didn't set off a fire.  Lucy

[LizPetillo]

YIKES.  I have to leave for cancer surgery for today .... I am SOOOO worried that my skin will react to the cut and the stitches .... both the sjogrens and the plaquinel do strange things to my skin. 

[Chickpea]

So sorry to hear that you've had such a hard time, Reanne.   It sounds like a real ordeal.

LizPetillo - our love and thoughts are with you today.  Have you been able to make the surgeon aware of the SjS issues?  I wondered whether you are on Prednisolone/Prednisone?  I've got down to 10mg a day, from 40mg three years ago, but my skin still has trouble healing and I get very odd, magenta-coloured bruises at the slightest knock or none.  I'm due to have open heart surgery too and I'm wondering what colours my skin will emerge!

Take care - Chickpea

[Joe S.]

I hope that you feel better soon! ((((Gentle Hug))))

[Reanne]

Thank you everyone. 

[irish]

Reanne, I am sorry that you had such a bad experience. I am wondering if when you have that second surgery it would work better to put on a splint that can be removed or at least have the ability to see your arm while it is healing.

Casts make me so darn nervous because if there is ever a little bit too much pressure so much can happen. If you have swelling under the cast that doesn't cause a lot of pain there can be tissue damage etc. Maybe the spint would help avoid all these issues.

I do think that we always hear about the bad stuff that happens as it causes so much tragedy and drama in ones life. I need to have that second carpal tunnel surgery but haven't been able to get it done yet. I can see the wasting in my hand so know that I need to get to it.

The autoimmune diseases seem to cause a lot of tendon and nerve damage due to the swelling from inflammation. Always something to think about. Good luck. Hope everything works out well for you. IRish