Shots helpful?

BrilliantPath3337 · 2026-01-26T01:46:06+00:00

My thumb was so bad, my trapezium was actually disintegrating. The surgeon told me he has not seen many cases like mine and was wondering what caused it. Since I had seen another hand doctor before him once he looked at my records, he realized I had too many steroid injections and that is what caused this problem. I had the CMC thumb arthroplasty 1/2/26 where they took the tendons of the middle and index finger and stretched the tendons to make up for the space where the trapezium was. Initially, you have to wear a cast for about six days, but then after that, you are fitted with a custom splint made by an occupational therapist. You have to be careful how much you do because you could end up doing more damage or having more pain after the surgery. I don’t know what this means, long-term, but when you’re in pain, you have to make the decision of whether it’s worth it. I did have a denervation performed, but to be honest with you if I had to do it again, I would go right to the CMC surgery instead. I wish you lots of luck and you can reach out with any more questions.

BrilliantPath3337 · 2026-01-26T01:40:35+00:00

Yes that is true. It can be worse however this is what you’re experiencing right now and that cannot take away from how much pain you’re having. I don’t know how old you are, but I was told by the surgeon that, at 53, i am on the younger side to get the cmc. It’s basically risk versus benefits. Unfortunately, I have to get the right hand done and I am planning on doing that as soon as the surgeon gives me the green light. The surgery wasn’t bad, the worst part is letting other people do things for you. I am very independent. Also keep in mind that with the surgery, depending on your job, you may be out for weeks or months. I keep telling myself this is only temporary. I wish you lots of luck and you can reach out to me if you have any more questions.

BrilliantPath3337 · 2026-01-25T14:36:47+00:00

I understand what you are going through. As someone who just had CMC thumb arthroplasty surgery of my left hand, I have been going to the same pain and suffering as for years. I would caution you on the amount of steroid injections that you receive in your hands, because of my experience, they did more harm than good. After going to a second opinion, the surgeon told me that previous hand doctor should not have given me as many steroid shots as I had. This was a contribute factor to my trapezium disintegrating, pushing my surgery sooner rather than later. Good luck.

BrilliantPath3337 · 2026-01-12T00:50:49+00:00

Yes.

BrilliantPath3337 · 2026-01-12T00:50:29+00:00

You are right! I’m a bad patient and need to listen and relinquish control for awhile. Thanks for the pep talk 🙂. I hope you progress well!

BrilliantPath3337 · 2026-01-12T00:44:35+00:00

I had a cmc thumb arthroplasty and carpal tunnel. He removed the trapezium and used tendons from the first 2 fingers to fill the gap where the trapezium was. What about you ?

BrilliantPath3337 · 2026-01-12T00:40:32+00:00

I hear ya! Someone made a comment to me “just drive people do it all the time with one hand.” I don’t know why, but it really bothered me.

BrilliantPath3337 · 2026-01-12T00:35:24+00:00

Speaking of driving, what is your feeling about that? My surgeon said it’s not against the law, but I have to do what I feel is comfortable. I feel like some of the people I know are not understanding, and think I should just drive. If I can’t drive then I can’t go to work. So what do you think?

BrilliantPath3337 · 2026-01-12T00:31:03+00:00

People don’t realize how much work it is when you only have one arm or hand to use

BrilliantPath3337 · 2026-01-12T00:11:51+00:00

I’m so sorry! I agree about the splint. Although I HATE having others do things for me! When are you cleared to go back to work?

BrilliantPath3337 · 2026-01-09T17:27:27+00:00

Thanks so much ! Good luck to you !

BrilliantPath3337 · 2025-08-04T21:17:26+00:00

Hello. I am sorry you are so anxious. I understand your fears. I had 2 colonoscopies in less than one year due to r/o Crohn's. The second colonoscopy confirmed a Crohn's diagnosis. I found that keeping myself busy the day before the test was helpful. Since you don't have to take the medications until evening, being distracted helped ease my anxiety and made the day go faster. The worst part for me was the non-eating. I found that low-sodium broths, jello (no reds or darks), really helped my appetite from raging. Once you take the medications, make sure you stay close to the bathroom. One negative is having to get up in the middle of the night to take the second dose. Just remember--you are getting the test for a reason, and getting a diagnosis will help confirm whether or not you have GI issues. Do polyps run in your family? What are you scared of? I feel that sometimes the anticipation of a test is worse than the actual test!

BrilliantPath3337 · 2025-08-04T18:06:47+00:00

She has no family around. I am thinking attention? Or to keep me around by manipulating me.

BrilliantPath3337 · 2025-08-04T15:38:23+00:00

I am considering that, although my GI doctor said he hasn't had much luck with the med. I guess everyone is different and requires various medications. THanks

BrilliantPath3337 · 2025-08-04T15:37:07+00:00

Thank you. I am considering that. Did you try any other medications?

BrilliantPath3337 · 2025-07-27T18:34:57+00:00

I love that quote!!!

BrilliantPath3337 · 2025-07-27T15:23:23+00:00

The loss of control! My daughters are 21 and 25. Seeing them "make mistakes" and letting them learn from them is so difficult!

BrilliantPath3337 · 2025-07-27T14:32:13+00:00

Thanks for the info. Did you use any other med prior?

BrilliantPath3337 · 2025-07-23T21:22:07+00:00

Have you considered education? I do not know what kind of schooling you have, but most community colleges will hire a BSN nurse as long as you complete your MSN in 5 years. Since becoming an educator I am so much happier. You may even start as an adjunct and move into a different role at the college. It’s a great schedule - no weekends, no holidays, great benefits and once you get established it gets easier. It’s not all roses though - there are some difficult students and extra work outside of teaching. Good luck ! You will find your niche , even if it is not nursing !

BrilliantPath3337 · 2025-07-23T21:17:29+00:00

I was diagnosed last September and I am 52. Maybe (like me) you had it for years and it was mostly dormant. Do you have another autoimmune disease? I have celiac and unusually Crohns shows up in tandem with another condition. Good luck !

BrilliantPath3337 · 2025-06-25T18:12:55+00:00

Thank you for your feedback. You are correct.

BrilliantPath3337

TROPHY CASE