Brian, I had the joint replacements done when the pain became unbearable. Was it worth it.. Yes, it takes the pain away when it's all over, but the surgery is pretty rough. I didn't know a finger could hurt that much. The dr explained that the fingers have lots of nerves so the healing is painful. Since you may end up going thru this, Ill give you the long version:
The 1st finger to go was left hand, ring finger 2nd joint from tip of finger. The surgeon put a silicone implant. My finger ended up a little shorter, but it's my "prettiest" finger (least swollen) and works pretty well. This was by far the easiest surgery to go thru.
2nd finger to go was left hand, index finger 2nd joint from tip of finger. Surgeon wouldn't use silicone because he said the silicone is too easily broken to use on the index finger. He fused the joint, which means the joint doesn't move at all. I don't use that finger to grasp small things. This is my "ugliest" finger and the surgery was much worse to recover from :(
3nd finger to go was left hand, middle finger joint nearest tip of finger. Again Dr fused the joint (no bending) and the recovery was terrible, very painful
4th finger to go was left hand, middle finger 2nd joint from tip of finger. New doctor. She put in a full joint replacement, as if in a knee or hip. Sounds great, but took the most physical therapy, and doesn't work as well as the silicone one.(doesn't bend as far, and sometimes hurts a little) The dr was very excited about this surgery, it was considered experimental because it was so rare.
So... for me the silicone implant was the best. If I need another jt replacement, I will fight for that. Fusion is the WORST pain in recovery and of course the joint doesn't bend at all after that.
The full jt replacement doesn't function as well as the silicone and was longer recovery - more fun for the doctor than for me
It is worth doing the surgery when the pain is too much, afterwards, there is basically no pain in the joints :) I will try to sent a pic of my left hand so u can see how they look (If I can figure out how)
Sorry to be so long winded, but docs don't always tell you all your options or details, so hope this helps
CHARGER73 said:
Thanks for all this great input. I am really excited about this new chapter in my life and everything seems to be falling into place. I am not going to let this PsA get in the way.
Diane, the joint replacement sounds intense, did it give you relief?. Did you see the pics of my fingers I posted? My right pinky that is bent hurts non-stop like a toothache.
I am so glad I found you guys here. It has been a rough week. I have missed work since last Thursday. This NE,Ohio weather is being nasty to me.
Brian