The Surgeon’s Explanation

So after sending the report via e-mail to Dr. Steve McCabe, he called me yesterday to discuss my wrist. He mentioned that the MRI is a procedure that they normally do not use in the clinical care because it is provides way to much information. However, he did say that he would look at the MRI CD when he receives it this week to see about the 0.8 cm bone fragment at the base of my thumb. He said it may be a cause of pain.

More importantly we discussed my wrist, fingers and he provided me with some additional insight. He again explained to me how severe an PRC is and that removing the three bones is quite a shock to the wrist and is not a cure but rather a procedure to help me function as best that I can considering the damage I had to my Lunate bone. He did mention that if this does not work that fusion is the next step which would eliminate any pain. I do not have sufficient pain to warrant a fusion at the moment.  I told him that I noticed my wrist swelling a bit and getting sore when I do something that either shocks or vibrates my wrist such as when I ride my Vespa on bumping roads, cutting carrots, working with tools or using the snow blower, electric shovel and so on. He explained that this will be the case for the rest of my life and that I have to choose what I do with my wrist by taking into consideration the pain or swelling associated with the specific actions. He mentioned that I should never use a chain saw as an example. This is abundantly clear to me now. So chain saw is at one end of the spectrum and I have to decide on a balance equilibrium for the future. I now use my left hand for many things such as using the mouse, tools, eating, lifting, pushing and so on. I

Is a PRC a bummer? Absa-F$# $%-Lutley!

He reviewed with me how I should proceed when I over exert myself. So below are some notes that may be helpful:

1. Avoid if possible activities that shock or vibrate the wrist.
2. If you perform an activity that stains the wrist (such as riding the Vespa on Bumpy Roads),  ice the wrist immediately then at night in bed use hot compress or heat.
3. Always wear the brace to bed to protect and rest the wrist.
4. If the wrist is sore, wear the brace for a couple of days and take 400 mg of Advil every 4-5 hours to reduce the inflammation.
5. Continue performing gentle stretching exercises.
6. I personally have starting taking hot baths instead of showers in the morning because I find that stretching in the hot bath takes away the morning stiffness.

Dr. Steve McCabe expressed that he was pleased with my progress and range of movement on my fingers during the last visit. My next visit is February or sooner depending on how he feels about that 0.8 cm bone fragment. Personally, I think that I can feel that fragment at the base of my thumb that pushes into a nerve or something that causes  inflammation when I squeeze something. Perhaps it is just a nerve or tendon.

The saga will continue…