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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Maricopa, AZ
February 12
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A myRAteam Member

Colletta
I didn’t want to have surgeries because of RA. I have had arthroscopic procedures to so call clean up the joints. Best things that I have ever done. I have had 26 procedures and surgeries on my feet. I have developed problems with my hands in the past three years. Nodules are causing pain and deformities now. I have had trigger steroid injections recently . Hand surgeon already talking surgery. I’m having dental/ gum problems now so it’s always something. I’m trying to get mouth straight first. I’m considering surgery on my right hand because it causes the most problems. It stays red and swollen. I’m not messing with joint replacements. No luck with feet. Had to have joints taken out. I had both feet done at the same time. lol. I’ll probably have both hands done at same time. Overall less recovery time. I have a very high tolerance for pain. As long as I have ice packs and pillows I’m good. I only take Tylenol occasionally. I use creams and a TENS unit. I soak my hands a couple times a day.
Yes having hand surgery will be worth it. Make sure that the surgeon specializes in hands.
Good luck and God bless.

February 13
A myRAteam Member

Colletta, your hand is a pretty severe case. I do believe surgery could give you a lot of relief, but you should talk to your doctor about your options. At the very least, having your joints fused could get you some pain relief and slow down deformation. Wishing you luck!

February 16
myRAteam

Is hand surgery worth it after 30 years of rheumatoid arthritis?

Hand surgery can be worthwhile even after living with RA for many years, but it's a very personal decision that depends on your specific situation and goals.

Surgery is typically considered when medications and therapy haven't been effective, or when joint Show Full Answer

Is hand surgery worth it after 30 years of rheumatoid arthritis?

Hand surgery can be worthwhile even after living with RA for many years, but it's a very personal decision that depends on your specific situation and goals.

Surgery is typically considered when medications and therapy haven't been effective, or when joint damage is causing significant pain and limiting your ability to use your hands. The goal is to restore some function and reduce pain, though it won't cure RA or stop it from progressing.

Some myRAteam members have found hand surgery helpful. One member shared, "I have had five hand surgeries. I can now move my fingers." Another said about tendon release surgery, "The surgeries are really very minor, and I haven't had much trouble with tendons sticking since."

However, others have decided against it. One member explained, "I chose not to have surgery on my hands after talking with other patients who had the same surgery. Their hands looked better, but they now had all the scars, and after all the hand therapy, they had no more mobility than I have, so I decided it wasn't right for me."

Consider discussing with your healthcare provider:
- Your specific goals for surgery
- The level of damage in your joints
- Available surgical options (joint replacement, tendon surgery, carpal tunnel release, etc.)
- Recovery time and rehabilitation needs
- Potential risks like infection, bleeding, and pain

Working closely with your doctor can help determine if surgery might improve your quality of life.

February 12

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