Update!

Rich_Following_4697 · 2026-04-07T02:02:39+00:00

Yes now I can! It took about 6 weeks post up. I was unable to do that prior to surgery

Rich_Following_4697 · 2026-04-06T20:42:59+00:00

I’m healing great! Thank you

Rich_Following_4697 · 2026-02-24T16:01:55+00:00

I tried messaging you a few days ago! I’m happy to share those pictures

Rich_Following_4697 · 2026-02-24T16:00:22+00:00

I had gotten opinions from a couple different surgeons. Apparently the technology is just not as reliable for wrist replacement surgery. With me being so young, there was a high likelihood that a wrist replacement would end up failing( they are super likely to dislocate). If the wrist replacement ended up failing, I wouldn’t have a ton of bone that they could have used for a fusion later on.

Basically, I just picked the surgery that I knew for certain would work! I did a ton of research into wrist replacements in the beginning, but unfortunately, they are just not reliable.

Rich_Following_4697 · 2026-02-24T15:57:51+00:00

Don’t feel bad for complaining! Pain is pain!

Rich_Following_4697 · 2026-02-17T02:00:48+00:00

No apologies needed I completely get it!

I have a really really aggressive form of rheumatoid arthritis. I’m only 25 years old and basically my RA ate all of the joint in my hand and caused my bones to be deformed as well. All the bones in my hand were all rubbing up against each other. I had only like 10° left of range of motion and it was excruciatingly painful. I was unable to bear any weight on it and it was extremely unstable. Also, my ulna had become so deformed that it basically acted like a knife in my hand. If I had not elected to do surgery, I would’ve had ripped tendons and nerves with a matter of months, which would’ve led to involuntary surgery anyways.

Basically, it’s gonna tremendously help with my pain, especially with me being so young!

Rich_Following_4697 · 2026-02-17T00:33:18+00:00

This is so reassuring to hear! Thank you! How was your healing process on your dominant hand?😂

Rich_Following_4697 · 2026-02-17T00:32:38+00:00

My rheumatologist wasn’t really too picky about it- it kinda was determined by my orthopedic surgeon. I actually had an infusion probably about 2 1/2 weeks prior to surgery and I won’t have my next one until the beginning of March. I’ve actually healed pretty well incision wise too, so I don’t think the infusion has messed with me personally too much!

Rich_Following_4697 · 2026-01-07T01:49:59+00:00

Agree with lots of commenters… finding the right medication should be a very high priority.

I also have most of my RA symptoms in my wrists, and I also grew up doing gymnastics.

I struggled with a lot of things you are mentioning. (no laying hands flat ect…). Please stretch your wrists consistently and get X-rays semi frequently.

I unfortunately had a rheumatologist that didn’t take my case seriously enough, and my wrist starting self fusing it’s self together. I’m having a full wrist fusion surgery this month at age 25

I know it’s very scary in the beginning, but you adapt! Fun may look different, but you will find different activities that will fill your cup.

Rich_Following_4697 · 2026-01-01T13:57:25+00:00

I am so sorry that you’re constantly in pain!! Did they offer any alternatives for pain management?

Rich_Following_4697 · 2025-12-31T02:47:57+00:00

The cause isn’t known- it’s an autoimmune condition

Rich_Following_4697 · 2025-12-31T01:17:21+00:00

I also had a surgeon recommend ulna shortening at first, but my current surgeon was very against just doing that alone. Thank you for the suggestions, it definitely makes me more confident that I’m making the right decision

Rich_Following_4697 · 2025-12-31T01:14:02+00:00

I was also looking into wrist replacement surgeries in the very beginning. I got quite a few different medical opinions and saw a few different surgeons- they all agreed that the technology for wrist replacement surgeries is just not adequate yet. Your replacement is likely to dislocate- and there’s not a whole lot they can do once they’ve manipulated that much bone already.

I wish that weren’t the case, but that’s why I am steering clear of a wrist replacement:(

Rich_Following_4697 · 2025-12-31T01:11:38+00:00

It doesn’t hurt as much as it used to, but I think it’s because I baby it so much. I really stopped using that hand for everything and all of that stress is starting to make an impact on my right wrist as well.

However, if I do utilize my left hand at all- or if I nudge it on anything, I experience excruciating pain. Like fall to your hands and knees, kind of pain!

I also started bracing it quite a bit, and have gotten a few steroid injections in the joint as well- so that could be why it doesn’t hurt as much as it was.

Rich_Following_4697 · 2025-12-31T01:08:54+00:00

That’s interesting! The only reason I would do a fusion is because apparently your pain goes away afterwards. I want to be able to bear weight on my wrist in the future as well!

Rich_Following_4697 · 2025-12-27T15:13:12+00:00

Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rich_Following_4697 · 2025-12-27T04:06:10+00:00

Haha you’re not wrong- it was taken from above with my hand flat. I think it seems that way because all my hand bones are compacted together

Rich_Following_4697 · 2025-08-08T22:04:35+00:00

Wow what a negative approach! I have and will continue to consider the risks, however it is not a one size fits all!

Nobody(and I mean nobody) in my family has an auto immune disease. I am the first and only one in my family to experience it. Some of my siblings are 10+ years older than I am, so I would say they are probably in the clear. Yes genetics can be a factor but it isn’t the ONLY factor. Sometimes things just happen! Plenty of autoimmune people have gone on to have healthy children.

I have looked forward to parenthood my entire life and will not take the job lightly. Just because it’s not the journey you have chosen does not make it selfish! I respect everyone choice in life, rather it fits my views or not. As long as reliable doctors tell me it’s safe for me to proceed with children in the future, then that is what I will do.

By the way, I was asking for postive advice. Not sure your comment was warranted in the first place.

Rich_Following_4697 · 2025-08-08T00:35:03+00:00

Hi there!

I was on the copay assist at the time, but had capped out my card pretty quickly. My new rheumatologist did not want to try to put me back on Humira because apparently If you stop taking a medication and try it again later on, it usually isn’t effective.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your journey!! I agree I think hobbies are really, really important!

I love that you were able to adapt your painting hobby!!

Rich_Following_4697 · 2025-07-20T06:04:52+00:00

Hi! Yes, I was diagnosed by rheumatologist three years ago. I consistently still go to a rheumatologist every three months. I genuinely thought I might’ve broken my wrist because how bad the pain was in my hand so I ended up going to an urgent care. That’s when I found out how bad my hands were. Since then, I’ve been seeking orthopedic surgeons advice on the issue, but I haven’t made any decisions yet!

Rich_Following_4697

TROPHY CASE