Did you know that studies have shown that women frequently develop thumb arthritis? This condition is probably caused by hormonal changes that cause ligaments to loosen and increase joint friction.
As a registered nurse for over three decades, I thought I’d seen it all—until thumb arthritis turned up. This condition made my hands, which are my care tools, painful. At 63, I faced carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis.
The pain began as a dull ache after long days typing case management reports. As a retired RN, BSN, CDCES, I’d spent 40 years on computers. From my early days as a ward clerk to earning my online bachelor’s degree. I tried non-surgical options first. This includes splints, anti-inflammatories like naproxen, and occupational therapy. These helped briefly, but the soreness returned, making simple tasks like buttoning a shirt or opening a jar unbearable. Joint injections offered temporary relief, but the pain crept back, relentless.
After much deliberation, I chose a trapeziectomy. The reason for this was removing my wrist’s arthritic trapezium bone. Because of the demands of my job, my 12-week recovery period extended to 14 weeks, and I had to overcome challenges like allodynia, which made even a breeze feel like fire on my skin. My occupational therapist taught me nerve recovery moves, like gentle desensitization, which eased the pain over four months. As a nurse, I knew recovery timelines varied, but living it was humbling. I learned to write left-handed, leaned on adaptive tools like voice-to-text software, and relied on my family for daily tasks.
My RN background shaped my approach. I was aware that I should raise my hand to lessen swelling. Therefore, I switched to ibuprofen instead of NSAIDs to prevent stomach problems and strictly adhere to my surgeon’s instructions. Yet, the emotional toll was unexpected. Accepting help wasn’t easy. But it taught me the strength. In Healing Hands, I share these lessons, blending my nurse’s insight with a patient’s heart. From choosing surgery timing to managing post-op nerve pain, my story offers practical tips for anyone facing hand surgery.
Whether you’re grappling with hand pain or preparing for surgery, my journey shows that recovery is possible with the right tools and mindset. Healing Hands is your roadmap, packed with strategies to navigate diagnosis. This book will help you to prepare for hand surgery and beyond. Let my experience as a nurse and patient guide you to reclaim your hands and your life.
Facing hand pain or surgery? Discover Healing Hands for practical recovery tips and a nurse’s wisdom to guide your journey. Order your copy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6792CD6.
Healing Hands: Understanding Surgery, Recovery, and Prevention by Merry Lockwood, RN, BSN, CDCES, is a compassionate and insightful guide for anyone navigating hand-related conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel, or repetitive strain injuries. Drawing from her 30-year career as a registered nurse and her journey with thumb arthritis, Lockwood offers a unique blend of professional expertise and patient perspective. The book chronicles her experience with CMC joint arthritis, from diagnosis and trapeziectomy surgery to a challenging 12-week recovery, while providing practical strategies for preparation, adaptation, and prevention. With heartfelt advice on managing physical and emotional hurdles, using adaptive tools like left-handed scissors and voice-to-text software, and protecting hand health in a digital age, Healing Hands empowers readers to maintain mobility and thrive.
