Hi Karen, i think i have spoken to you before about wrist surgery a while ago.

I have had both my wrists fused nine and seven years ago. My recovery period for the second one which was more straight forward was about three months.

I would recommend taking front fastening nightwear with wider or no sleeves into hospital as it is easier for washing and dressing /undressing than putting clothes over your head. Also big /old lady knickers, as if you are having a bone graft from your pelvis as i did the scar is right on the elastic line in small knickers!

If you feel sick post op i found the best thing to be buccastem which you dissolve between your lip and gum. I always feel sickly after operations and found it helpful to drink flavoured water and eat small amounts of fruit bought in by my family.


When you come out of hosp, i found loose no fastening trousers ie jogging bottoms, easier than struggling with zips and buttons when going to the loo one handed. I also found it easier wearing loose front fastening blouses and cardigans than anything that needs to go over your head. I found some no fastening bras from matalan i think they were 'pretty polly' which i stepped into so i didn't have to fasten them, not great for support but much easier then struggling on my own as my husband went back to work after a week!

Take as much help as is offered when you come home. Rest when you can during the day, i had a sleep every afternoon for the first few weeks. I did manage to sleep at night dosed up with codeine when i got home but slept sat up with several pillows and an old cardigan over my front.

If you can get someone to volunteer to wash your hair every other day you will feel tons better, also i did get quite adept at putting eyeliner and mascara on with my left hand only! If you have pierced ears the hook over ear rings are the easiest as you can put them in with one hand!

Best of luck Karen, if you need any more info let me know.

PS i wish i had bought something like a warm pashmina or similar to put on outside. I found a coat with buttons at the top easier than a zip front coat. If you can, take someone with you to hospital follow up appts to help with coat/cardigan bag etc, my dad used to come with me!

All the best

Bevxx

Hi Karen

Very best wishes with the wrist op ... sounds like Bev has got you sorted with some excellent advice! I haven't had a wrist fusion but my right wrist has been replaced followed by a very long recovery period. My wrist was in plaster for 3 months, don't they do that for fusions? Had my left thumb fused with a bone graft and that was plastered (and pinned!).

I used to be nauseous after ops but the anaesthetics seem to have improved recently!

All the best,

Lyn x

Hello again.

Just letting you know that I had my op last Saturday and, so far, has all gone to plan. I stayed 1 night in hospital and my lovely husband has taken 2 weeks off work to care for me.

Hope to get cast off and stiches out next Wednesday and should be given a splint to wear for a few months after that.

Thankfully it has not been quite as painful as I expected - or am I counting my chickens.........

Thanks again for your support.

Karen

xxx

Hi Karen,

Glad to hear your op has gone well.

Take care.

Bevxx

Hi Karen

So pleased the operation went well and that your husband is looking after you so well. Wishing you a speedy and straightforward recovery.

Best Wishes

Sue

Hi Karen

Pleased to hear all went well. Hope you continue to make good progress and all goes to plan when the stitches come out.

Lyn x