Category Archives: Arthritis

Will the Days of Hitchhiking Return?

Posted on by MaryO

 

Yesterday (May 16, 2025), I had an appointment with a new-to-me hand and wrist doctor for pain I’m having in my right thumb.  As a pianist/organist/bell ringer/balalaika-ist this isn’t a good place to have pain.

I even have a handle on my coffee cup that’s giving me pain so I’ll have to drink left-handed for a while.

Of course, the first thing they did was take x-rays.  The tech put my hand in all kinds of positions I didn’t know were available and asked me to hold them.  I’m sure that  these didn’t help my pain at all.

The x-rays showed:

Arthritis of carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of right thumb, Degenerative arthritis of metacarpophalangeal joint of right thumb, and Degenerative arthritis of interphalangeal joint of right thumb.

Ok, then.

The doctor came in and asked questions, touched, pushed, pulled places on my thumb – “Does this hurt?”  DUH

 

There were the usual 3 options.  Brace/Voltaren, injection, surgery (Trapeziectomy).

Google AI Says:

This surgical procedure, commonly known as trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) or suspensionplasty, is used to treat thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis. It involves removing the trapezium bone, a small bone at the base of the thumb, and then either suspending the thumb’s metacarpal bone (the bone in the thumb) to the second metacarpal bone with a suture or tendon or using a tendon to support the thumb metacarpal base. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation: 

1. The Problem:

  • Thumb CMC joint arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and limited movement in the thumb. 
  • The trapezium bone is a key part of this joint and can become damaged or worn out due to arthritis. 

2. The Procedure:

  • Trapeziectomy:
    The surgeon makes an incision near the thumb’s CMC joint and carefully removes the trapezium bone. 

  • Suspension:
    To prevent the thumb metacarpal bone from collapsing into the space where the trapezium was, the surgeon often uses one of two methods:
    • Suture Suspension: A suture is used to connect the first metacarpal bone to the second metacarpal bone, providing support. 
    • Tendon Interposition: A tendon is used to support the thumb metacarpal base and act as a replacement for the trapezium. 

  • Other Procedures:
    In some cases, other procedures may be performed to further improve stability or function. 

3. Benefits:

Reduced pain and improved thumb function, Increased thumb mobility and flexibility, and Better grip and pinch strength. 

4. Potential Risks:

  • Continued pain, swelling, stiffness, or weakness.
  • Nerve damage and numbness.
  • Scarring.
  • Infection.
  • Bleeding.
  • Allergic reactions. 

trapeziectomy-factsheet

So, yesterday, I opted for everything except surgery…for now.

First up was the dreaded injection.  I’d read on some message boards and found out from some friends that this “could” be painful.  Major DUH.

As usual, the doctor froze the skin with lidocaine (XYLOCAINE), then injected Betamethasone (CELESTONE) into the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of right thumb.  This was a new steroid for me so…

Celestone Soluspan is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Celestone Soluspan is used to treat many different inflammatory conditions such as allergic reactions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, inflammation of the joints or tendons, and problems caused by low adrenal gland hormone levels.

Celestone Soluspan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

From drugs.com

 

I showed the doctor the brace I had been using.  Years ago with my knee issues, I discovered BioSkin braces for people –

like me who are allergic to neoprene among other things.

Of course, the one I showed him was a reject, being more for carpal tunnel so he “gave” me a thumb spica.  I said “gave” in quotes because they billed me $105.  Presumably, insurance will pay.  I looked it up on the brace company website and found that it would have cost me $45 to buy from them.  Nice markup!

The new spica worked well – I’m to wear that during the day – but I can tell I was starting to itch, so I ordered the BioSkin version from amazon.  That won’t come for a couple weeks, though, so I’ll be itching some.

The doctor also recommended icing for 20 minutes at a time several times a day.  I told him I’d bought a thumb freezer gel pack and he’d never heard of that.  Maybe I’ll take one in next time.

Looking at past posts in this blog, I found that thumb issues have been going on since 2018 but I guess that what the ER did then worked until now!

Hopefully, I get another 8 years out of this visit!

 

My Days of Hitchhiking are Over

Posted on by MaryO

…At least for a while.

Today, I made an appointment with a hand and wrist doctor for pain I’m having in my right thumb.  As a pianist/organist/bell ringer/balalaika-ist this isn’t a good place to have pain.

I even have a handle on my coffee cup that’s giving me pain so I’ll have to drink left-handed for a while.

I do have a good brace for now.  Years ago with my knee issues, I discovered BioSkin braces for people –

like me who are allergic to neoprene among other things.

These are the times of doctors – dentist on Friday, dermatologist on Wednesday. hand/wrist next Friday.  Getting old is the pits!

I know what the first 2 do but have no idea about the H/W doctor.  X-rays?  cortisone shots?  Nothing – we’ll watch it and see what happens? Some dread thing I can’t even imagine?

Looking at past posts in this blog, I found that thumb issues have been going on since 2018 but I guess that what the ER did then worked until now!

 

Bee’s Knees: Real Groundhog Day

Posted on by MaryO

Sunday Night, February 2, 2025. Still, no one has called to schedule a re-delivery. Surgery is still tomorrow (Monday) morning…

What I wrote for the first “Groundhog day“…

For the saga of my left knee, see these posts: Bee’s Knees

Bee’s Knees: Early Groundhog Day?

Posted on by MaryO

Monday, January 27, 2025. ROMTech called – they plan to take the machine back tomorrow (I asked them to hold off until Wednesday since no one will be home).

They said Dr Alamanda will have to prescribe it again if he wants me to use this.  I am ambivalent either way since I have never used this or seen any benefit from it.

Then this came in my email:

I have no idea what the solution was and I didn’t feel like calling again and listening to Musak. They picked up the machine at 8:30 am on January 29.

Today, January 30, 2025 I got this voicemail:

No one has called (yet) to schedule a re-delivery. Today is Thursday, Surgery is Monday morning…

Friday, January 31, 2025. Still, no one has called to schedule a re-delivery. Surgery is still Monday morning…

Saturday morning, February 1, 2025. Still, no one has called to schedule a re-delivery. Surgery is still Monday morning…

So, here’s what I wrote for the first “Groundhog day”…

A few days ago, I got a call from my insurance company letting me know my surgeon had prescribed a ROMtech machine for me. That was the first I’d heard of this thing. With all the other stuff going on, I didn’t give it another thought until a woman called on 12/29/24 and said they’d be delivering this on Thursday and someone would call me on 12/31/24 to tell me the time. She only asked me what room i wanted it in, my height, if I had a straight back chair and confirmed my surgery date.

Of course they didn’t call on New Year’s Eve so I didn’t give it another thought until the next day, New Year’s Day. A guy from Texas with several kids yelling in the background called on 1/1/25 and said he’d see me on 1/2/25 between 8:30 and 8:45.

So, I decided to look into this thing. I checked in one of my Facebook groups – some people had used one of these things successfully. I came across some YouTube videos – mostly company produced – and it looked good. Full of happy, smiling people. Looking back to my first day of PT for my left leg, no way was I happy or smiling.

So, I finally found some other information – even through their videos don’t show it, my chair should be against a wall. We don’t have many of those – we have book cases, pianos, organs, sofas, beds, and stuff. No blank walls. And somewhere I read that I should be wearing shorts when the delivery guy came. I finally settled for capris that I could roll up.

Delivery guy was on time at 8:30. Didn’t care about the shorts at all. <Whew>. He says he delivers/picks up 15 of these things a day! Who knew?

….

This afternoon I have an hour training on the ROMtech machine.

Another day gone.

Meanwhile

For the saga of my left knee, see these posts: Bee’s Knees

Bee’s Knees: Pre-RTKR, Testing and Stuff

Posted on by MaryO

During the medical clearance, the nurse wasn’t happy with my blood pressure so she sent me to my primary care for blood pressure medications. She said if I did that and they faxed her, she would approve my surgery.

I did all that but she lied. She didn’t approve my clearance.

My surgery is now February 3, 2025, time TBD

Another month gone.

Meanwhile

For the saga of my left knee, see these posts: Bee’s Knees

Bee’s Knees: Pre-RTKR, Testing and Stuff

Posted on by MaryO

This morning, I got my surgery time for 9 am on Monday, January 6 – be there at 7. Ok.

While I was doing my pre op testing, my doctor’s office called and said because of the predicted snow (I’m in the 4-8″ band, my surgery would now by Thursday, January 9, time TBD. Moving the surgery ensures that it won’t snow.

During the medical clearance, the nurse wasn’t happy with my blood pressure so she sent me to my primary care for blood pressure medications. She said if I did that and they faxed her, she would approve my surgery.

This afternoon I had an hour training on the ROMtech machine. During that, we had thunder snow. I don’t think I’ve ever had that before. It was 45 degrees when we left the hospital.

While I was napping after all this, I got a call from my surgeon’s office that the nurse didn’t give the clearance like she said she would so the surgery scheduler canceled my surgery.

Of course, it was after hours when I got that message 😦

Another day gone.

Meanwhile

For the saga of my left knee, see these posts: Bee’s Knees

Bee’s Knees: Pre-RTKR, Testing and Stuff

Posted on by MaryO

A few days ago, I got a call from my insurance company letting me know my surgeon had prescribed a ROMtech machine for me. That was the first I’d heard of this thing. With all the other stuff going on, I didn’t give it another thought until a woman called on 12/29/24 and said they’d be delivering this on Thursday and someone would call me on 12/31/24 to tell me the time. She only asked me what room i wanted it in, my height, if I had a straight back chair and confirmed my surgery date.

Of course they didn’t call on New Year’s Eve so I didn’t give it another thought until the next day, New Year’s Day. A guy from Texas with several kids yelling in the background called on 1/1/25 and said he’d see me on 1/2/25 between 8:30 and 8:45.

So, I decided to look into this thing. I checked in one of my Facebook groups – some people had used one of these things successfully. I came across some YouTube videos – mostly company produced – and it looked good. Full of happy, smiling people. Looking back to my first day of PT for my left leg, no way was I happy or smiling.

So, I finally found some other information – even through their videos don’t show it, my chair should be against a wall. We don’t have many of those – we have book cases, pianos, organs, sofas, beds, and stuff. No blank walls. And somewhere I read that I should be wearing shorts when the delivery guy came. I finally settled for capris that I could roll up.

Delivery guy was on time at 8:30. Didn’t care about the shorts at all. <Whew>. He says he delivers/picks up 15 of these things a day! Who knew?

This morning’s PREOP TESTING ORDERS:

Medical Clearance for Surgery by RHC PAT Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant

CBC w/ DIFF              CMP                CHEST XRAY 

PT/INR                        PTT                 HEMOGLOBIN A1C               

UA                               EKG                MRSA/MSSA (Nasal)

This afternoon I have an hour training on the ROMtech machine.

Another day gone.

Meanwhile

For the saga of my left knee, see these posts: Bee’s Knees

Bee’s Knees: Pre-TKR, Setback

Posted on by MaryO

So, I’m now on the road to having my right knee done, supposedly on January 6, 2024. All the testing has gone swimmingly.

Except…
I was supposed to have my final “Interview today”. The one where they do all the real testing, including for MSRA.

But that, like so much with knee surgery, turned out to be

I got the call that my nurse had a family emergency and couldn’t see me today. They found me someone else to do the testing. On Friday, January 3. A bit close to Monday if any tiny part of the testing goes wrong.

Yesterday was weird. It was CT scan day. I went to the hospital, filled out the “paperwork”, actually iPadwork, paid my copay, did the interview, got the wristband.

Then they told me I was in the wrong place. I should be across the street. The staff was confused. The staff across the street was confused, too. but they took my paperwork, copay and accepted my wristband.

So, now I wait until Friday to see if my Monday schedule changes or what.

Meanwhile

For the saga of my left knee, see these posts: Bee’s Knees

Bee’s Knees: TKR, Finally!

Posted on by MaryO

After going through the Medical Clearances again, 5 days of antiseptic showers (plus another one this morning), drinking what seems like gallons of Gatorade (I couldn’t have the hospital-offered strawberry Ensure), my surgery is scheduled for 12:30 pm today. There will be a Covid test at 10:30.

We have been watching tons of youtube videos on knee replacement, physical therapy I think that this was one of the most helpful:

From the hospital…

As your surgery date gets closer, you might feel uneasy. But the more you know about what to expect, the less nervous you’ll be. Take a few minutes to learn how the day will unfold.

What happens when I get to the hospital?

You’ll usually be asked to arrive about 2 hours before your operation starts. A registered nurse will greet you and help you prep. You’ll discuss with them your medical history and the medicines you take. You’ll also get a chance to talk to people on your surgical team about the operation.

Before you go to the operating room, you’ll first change into a gown. The nurse will remind you to remove things like your jewelry, glasses or contact lenses, hearing aids, or a wig if you have them.

A nurse checks your heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, and pulse. The surgeon may mark the spot on your body where the procedure will be done. A nurse places an IV line in your arm so the doctor can give you fluid and medicine during your operation.

When it’s time for your surgery, you’re wheeled into the operating room on a stretcher.

Who will be on my surgical team?

A group of doctors and nurses work together to make sure everything goes smoothly. The specific people depend on the type of procedure you’re going to have. But in general, your team will have these pros:

Surgeon. This doctor leads the team and does the operation.

Surgeons have to complete 4 years of medical school, plus at least 5 years of special training. They also have to pass a national surgical board exam. The one you choose should be experienced in the type of procedure you’re having.

Anesthesiologist. This health care professional gives you medicine that makes you pain-free during surgery.

Certified registered nurse anesthetist. They assist your anesthesiologist and monitor you before, during, and after your operation to make sure you get the right amount of pain medicine.

Surgical tech. They set up the tools your surgeon will use and make sure they’re sterile.

Operating room nurse. They help the surgeon during your procedure. For instance, they may pass instruments and supplies during the operation.

Will I be in any pain during the operation?

You’ll get medicine, called anesthesia, so that you won’t feel anything during surgery. The type you get depends on your health and the procedure you’re having.

Local anesthesia. It blocks pain in the part of your body where you have surgery. You’ll still be awake and alert.

Regional anesthesia. You‘re injected with medicine that numbs the whole area of your body where the surgery takes place.

General anesthesia. It puts you to sleep during your operation. You get this type of medicine through an IV in your vein or by breathing into a mask.

What will happen during my surgery?

Once you’re in the operating room, you breathe oxygen through a mask. Your anesthesiologist gives you medicine to prevent pain.

Your surgical team will track your health during the whole procedure. They’ll probably use:

  • A clip on your finger to measure your oxygen levels
  • A cuff on your arm to check blood pressure
  • Pads on your chest to keep tabs on your heart rate

How will my surgical team keep me from getting an infection?

Before the surgery starts, a nurse cleans your skin with an antiseptic to help prevent infections. They may remove hair from the area and place a sterile drape over your body. It will have an opening in the place where the surgeon will work.

It’s rare to get an infection during surgery. Your team does everything it can to protect you. Your doctors and nurses will:

  • Clean their hands and arms up to their elbows with a germ-killing cleaner before the operation.
  • Wear masks, gowns, and gloves.
  • Clean the part of your body where the surgery is being done with a germ-killing soap.
  • Clean and cover the cut afterward.

They may also give you antibiotics before your procedure to help prevent an infection.

Where will I go after my surgery?

You’ll wake up in a recovery room. A nurse checks your heart rate, breathing, and the bandaged area where your procedure was done. They might also ask you to take deep breaths and cough to clear your lungs.

You’ll stay in the recovery room until you’re fully awake and all your medical signs, like blood pressure and heart rate, are stable. How much time you spend there depends on what kind of surgery you had.

After that, depending on the type of operation you had, you’ll get sent to a hospital room or back home. Either way, you’ll be ready to be greeted by your loved ones and begin the road to recovery.

This post is officially done…for now. Next stop, Total Knee Replacement.

Bee’s Knees: Pre-TKR, Another Setback?

Posted on by MaryO

On 1/23/2023 I said: “Someone pointed out that, since the new surgery is more than 30 days away, I may have to do all the clearances again…”

Thursday, February 15, my heart sank when I got a call from the hospital. After being on hold forever, I talked to a person who wanted to schedule my medical clearance, again. I told her I’d done it before in February for the rescheduled surgery. She said she’d check with my surgeon to see what he wanted.

Friday, I heard nothing until 4:58 pm. He wants to do a medical clearance “revision” whatever that means. So I go back to the hospital next Thursday (March 2) for more testing. If they find some other obscure infection, that won’t be enough time to fix it before the current surgery date Thursday May 9.

March 2, 2023

So, I had the Medical Clearance Revision today and it was exactly like the Medical Clearance I did just over 30 days ago. It looks like surgery is a go. Thursday, March 9 at 12:15.

There’s extra stuff for me to do to prepare, thanks to Cushing’s, the GH deficiency, the Adrenal Insufficiency, the one kidney, etc but I can do it!

1678382100

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

(K)new Knee

.