What a difference between last year’s recovery of just a CMC joint fusion and bone graft, compared to this CMC joint replacement and MCP joint fusion. It definitely is and has been more painful, due to the MCP joint area, it feels like a constant pressure. It can’t be the bandage as the colour and temp of the thumb is fine, so it’s not too tight.

Day 8 Sleep is still hit or miss but it’s improved overall. The shoulder and neck however are super stiff, and I’m doing arm exercises to try and combat that. Sleeping in the sling is hard on the upper body, so I’m going to try and sleep without it tonight. I also need to wean off the morphine at night, scary as I still wake up in pain with it. But try it tonight. I’m replacing it with tramadol for now.

Day 9 I actually slept even though I swapped out the morphine for tramadol, and I didn’t use this foamy splint either. I was nervous not to use it, but the neck and shoulder ache drove me to try to sleep upright, but with arm on a pillow resting instead. And it actually went well. But I will say it’s a success when I can do a few nights in a row. As so far I have one bad night, then a good night, followed by bad night (and so on) never 2 nights good back to back, so let’s keep trying. I found this Exercise video to follow on YouTube, which will be good for the arms and shoulders.

Day 10 Last night I tried tramadol again instead of morphine, and it was Hell. So at 3am I ended up taking morphine to ease pains and get some sleep. So I’ve felt super exhausted today, so it was a day of resting and danger naps galore!! I guess my body and mind needs all the rest it can get. I have my appointment to see my consultant at 6 weeks post op, and it’s actually 8 weeks post op on 20th May, I presume the cast and x-rays will be done on this day. So I am in the hard cast for 6 weeks. Tiktok video of my movement

Day 11 Pondering on how to have a bath, or wash my hair. Definitely feeling a bit restless at times, I want to do things, but I’m unable. At least I do have this blog to keep me occupied, as well as physio for the hips and shoulders. Thumb is starting to feel hypersensitive and the bandage feels more intense at times, I know it’s normal and part of healing, but it’s wild to feel texture so much when it flares up. Cool air from a hairdryer helps or ice. Decided in my infinite wisdom to turn a dial with my hand 🤦🏻‍♀️Why!!!! Ouchies 🥺 My elbow is super sore and swollen too, not sure why? Nerve block? Or position in surgery? It needs ice and ibuprofen gel daily. YouTube video of elbow

Day 12 Last day in this bandage, I will not miss the weight of it. Maybe then the elbow will heal better. Sleeping a lot better at night, but still sat upright and propping my arm up. So I long for a normal way of sleeping, and feel refreshed. As somehow I do not wake up feeling like I’ve slept all night 🤦🏻‍♀️ I did try it a little bit half way through the night, and it did feel better. So fingers crossed this can be the new way. We went out for Sunday dinner so I managed to put my make up on and brush my hair, even though it was difficult. Tonight I’m going to try and sleep flat all night. Second night taking 1/2 morphine tablet as I’m weaning off them before they run out.

Day 13 Up nice and early for hospital. It’s cast time at 9am. So the day starts at 6am alarm 👀 grab some coffee and get ready to leave. Had the night from hell, so not the best start. I ended up having tramadol at 3.30am and just not sleeping well, had to go back to sitting up as well 🤦🏻‍♀️. Of course the weather is terrible and traffic on the roads too. Let’s hope the rest of the day goes smoothly. Cast is a lot lighter, got a lovely colour. It’s now on for 6 weeks, o can’t move as much as before, but hopefully it’s all good. Obviously feel quite sore after wound clean up and cast being put on, so resting up for the day now. With much needed ice and elevation.

Day 14 Two Weeks Today!! Pain has kicked off a bit since being cleaned and moved, and recast. So the sleep wasn’t amazing, but it will get better I’m sure. Just hoping pain meds when needed. As the cast is tighter and more restrictive than the bandage, it’s all about learning how to do things around this now. It is nicer that I can get one more normal clothes as the cast is a lower profile, and it’s so much lighter too to carry.

Let’s hope the next few weeks (6 of them in this cast) fly by.

Because I got to speak to the Consultant on Day 13 cast day, she mentioned the silicone spacer replacement is taped in as well for added security, (who knows what this tape is made of, or what it looks like? And the mcp fusion is 2 pins and a figure of eight wire holding it in place. Has anyone else had these?