41- Months Later…
41 Months
Wow, it doesn’t seem that long ago since my PRC and I really have not made many log entries in this blog since I have being out and about enjoying life. I started canoeing and photography in a serious way this summer as well camping and riding my motorcycle. These two activities are demanding on my wrist but I seem to manage well without any issues. Is it perfect?
Hell NO! But I manage. More often than not I never even think about it. My wrist does get a bit sore and my fingers do swell slightly under these circumstances:
- Excessive motorcycle riding – More than two days straight riding like a week trip,
- Excessive canoeing. Canoeing in strong winds and when I go solo and canoe using a more classical stroke,
- Sleeping in the wrong position that cuts circulation from my shoulder. I am a side sleeper so this is a constant issue. It clears up within 30 minutes after I awake and move about,
- Working with a mouse on the computer for too long without taking a break.
- Cutting wood with a electric saw,
- Hammering,
- Lifting! There is a limit to what I can lift and when I exceed that, even one time my wrist will ache for days. I have almost learnt what that limit is. A Tire and wheel is ok with both hands, a fully loaded tool box is not ok with my one hand. Lifting furniture and heavy boxes is not ok. Once I lifted a steel work bench that I had ordered. It was in a heavy duty box and I lifted it out of my SUV and into the garage. My wrist was sore and fingers swollen for a week.
Good news
Even when my wrist is sore or my fingers get a bit swollen, it is never bad enough that I seek out pain relief such as a Tylenol or Advil. Either I am used to it or it doesn’t really hurt that bad.
I would still choose this route based on my personal experience as opposed to a full fusion. The extra movement that I have seems to really help in my every day life and especially with paddle strokes and riding, my two current passions.
Obviously typing is not an issue. 🙂
Click to have a look at some of my pictures
Proximal Row Carpectomy - PRC 
Hi there, I had my surgery 3 years ago, still aches but nothing like the pain I had before. Some pain in my other wrist, I guess from trying to take over the majority of work. I played 10pin bowling 2 days ago, & my wrist is still sore & swollen. Love your blog! Mary (Australia)
Glad to hear you are doing so well I had the full fusion over a year ago and I have a few of the same problems once in awhile I wear short brace for security mainly. Arthritis flared in my dominant right hand this year and scared me to death I feared the kienbocks but it cleared and I’m fine now !
I was told the surgery would rid me of 80 % of pain. And that seems about right, Aleve jell caps are my friends when it is really bad.
I’m so thankful for you guys telling me about the surgery. My doctor was top of his class, but gave me no information!
we are a rare breed we must help each other!
Thank you and keep up the good work,
Dianne