Re: Basal thumb surgery; 6 months to heal?- To AJ

January 16, 2004

Hi AJ (laxity),

I had the basilar done the end of last March, and am 10 months post-op now.

To answer your question about healing time for basilar thumb surgery; it took

about twice as long to heal the soft tissues as was predicted (3 weeks) but once

I did, it felt wonderful and still does.

I could do all the things I needed to do;like daily care, cooking meals, doing

laundry, etc and even write comfortably by 5 weeks post-op (or a bit before).

Some things took a little a bit more strength, but that came around well before

6 months.

The hand surgeon I saw had thought it would take about 3 months(for those

without EDS) ...so I figured it would be about 6 months for me to be completely

fine.

If there are other issues as far as unstable joints in the same general area it

can take longer because it will be more a bit more difficult to gain the muscle

strength. BUT it will feel better long before 6 months.

I think that's a pretty good average, give or take, depending on how anyone(EDs

or not) does with gaining strength.

What type of procedure is being done? The one using a coiled tendon? or a

fusion?

Are you going to have any hardware left in?

These can vary the length of full recovery too.

My range of motion isn't like it was before, but the surgeon is really pleased,

so it must be within normal limits.

Strength is finally being gained a little more rapidly now but is still being

held back a bit because the fusion to the joint above the basilar less than 3

months ago has problems. --adhesions keeping it from bending well.

BUT I can do so much more than before and no pain!

I was even able to sew something yesterday!! The first time in *lots* of years!!

The basilar surgery made a world of difference and I'm so happy I went through

with it!

Love, Cindy

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Love,

CindyH

PS I've been off list nearly all week, or I would have written back lots sooner

on your question about healing time with basilar thumb surgery.

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