United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Well, I was having trouble sleeping tonight because I am setting up my surgery tomorrow with Dr. Edgerton. All my major operations are done. This one is minor compared to the rest. He is going to fuse a joint in my thumb so that it doesn't hyper-extend. However, he says that I'll be under anesthesia and I'll have a small cast on for 6 weeks.

I don't want to seem like I'm whining, but I just don't want to go through that whole process again. I was all up for it until a few minutes ago. My thumb functions normally, but it can over extend if I do it too hard. The surgery will give me strength in pinching. The only use I've come to notice that it will help me with is pushing the knob in the gear stick of a car.

Do you think that it is worth it to have the operation? My parents are going to be upset if I do a 180 on this. I don’t why it just came to me, but I am really sick of the entire process of operations at the hospital. This might be either my 6th or 7th operation; I’ve really lost count.

Andre, you really have to do what YOU are comfortable doing! If this is NOT a mojor one or really going to give you something more, it sounds like more of an elected suregyr and if that is the caase, if your body! I would say talk to your parents about your concerns and even your doc I am sure would listen. There somes a point where you just say to hell with it, it is what it is! Maybe you are there... good luck in your decision and let us know!!

COurt

also is this a surgey that you can do anytime? If it is then whats the rush? As long as there is no pain with it. It sounds like Court said to be elective. Its your body and you have to live with it not anyone else. Go with your gut!

Thanks guys for responding so quickly. I thought about it today, and I've decided not to have it. I guess the biggest reason I decided not to have it is because my life has returned to normal in many ways. I am content with the way things are now and I don't want to have a set back for another 6 weeks. All my other operations interfered with my schooling, and I can't afford to miss a semester in college. Hopefully I'll be able to strengthen my thumb with PT. Thanks.

Good luck with it all. Seems like something you can choose to do when it is best for you. Surgery after surgery can get mighty tiresome, seems like you never get your life back until it's all over and healed up. Fusing bones isn't something you can usually 'go back to the way it was before' kind of surgery, so do it when and if you want to later. Good luck in college. Wish you the best...

Chris