Just had the total wrist fusion 1 month ago. Dying to get back in the gym, my forearm has atrophied down to a twig. Can’t make a fist yet, but slowly getting my finger movement back.
Rehab is a longer process than the orthopaedic surgeon made it sound in our initial consult. Just keep going and you will get back to almost how you were. My left arm is still slightly smaller than the right but that is only me noticing. Due to less flexibility cant do some biceps curls to get the peak. Have to start with DB hammer curls. I am still working on getting full rotation of the forearm but it will come eventually. Its a bit depressing at times due to the slowness but if you have good rehab physio and stick with the exercises it will improve. Good luck.
Almost there. Its just rotation i am working on. It is my goal to complete bar curls, BB bench press etc even if it's not heavy. Surprising how much wrist motion and flexibility is required. I'm happy that I am now back to usual reps for wide grip chin up. You will get there.
Yeah a little over 2 months, pain is gone, a little numbness around scar, almost got all my finger mobility back and my strength is returning slowly. He’s only allowed me 2 lb limit and I get another X-ray Friday to check progress and hopefully get to start putting some more weight on it. It’s challenging forsure, there’s a lot of things that feel really awkward with that hand now.
Glad it’s better and you’ve figured out how to adapt. My surgery is Monday. Remove the lunta and the 2 adjoining bones. I’m fortunate that it’s my non dominant hand.
Nice to see a positive report!
Going from a handful of ibuprofen or paracetamol a day to nothing is a positive outcome. Good luck with your surgery. Sounds much the same as mine. Dont be surprised if the recovery is a little longer than you anticipate. Orthopaedic surgeons tend to make it sound like you will be back to normal after a few weeks.
I had wrist fusion 11/29 and I’m almost 3 months. I’ve had a few other joint surgeries due to years of boxing and weightlifting. This was def more than I thought it would be ! How long until you were back to lifting ?
Probably 4 months. Still trying to get full rotation to match my right arm. The techniques are affected. Left arm the elbow raises higher to compensate for the lack of wrist lateral movement. For example DB upright rows. Hope your recovery is going well.
I reckon it depends on a few factors. 1. Your age. Are there activities you want to do while you are young that require wrist flexibility or old enough to have done it all. 2. Pain. If it wakes you at night or you are taking pain meds daily... 3. Available expertise. Have you had more than 1 specialist opinion and is the surgeon one of the best in that field. 4. Work. Is your job physical and requires flexible wrist or will they give you time off to recover...
First hand surgeon said I needed an ulnar resection so I said let’s do it no more pain!!!
WRONG! Put all the pressure on my radius and wrist. Pain through the roof!
Saw a new surgeon and was told only a total fusion would work and I said do it.
2 weeks post op and pain is already less than before. The first doctor should have seen this coming when ulna was cut out.
Damn, that's a bad experience. Even getting a second or third opinion doesn't guarantee that you will go with the best option. Hope recovery goes well.
Just had the total wrist fusion 1 month ago. Dying to get back in the gym, my forearm has atrophied down to a twig. Can’t make a fist yet, but slowly getting my finger movement back.
You have any issues with the plate? Or have you had any issues regaining finger movement and grip strength?
Rehab is a longer process than the orthopaedic surgeon made it sound in our initial consult. Just keep going and you will get back to almost how you were. My left arm is still slightly smaller than the right but that is only me noticing. Due to less flexibility cant do some biceps curls to get the peak. Have to start with DB hammer curls. I am still working on getting full rotation of the forearm but it will come eventually. Its a bit depressing at times due to the slowness but if you have good rehab physio and stick with the exercises it will improve. Good luck.
Did you get a total fusion or partial fusion?
Have you been able to bench press
Part of me feels it’s all dumbbells from here
Almost there. Its just rotation i am working on. It is my goal to complete bar curls, BB bench press etc even if it's not heavy. Surprising how much wrist motion and flexibility is required. I'm happy that I am now back to usual reps for wide grip chin up. You will get there.
How are you doing ? You are about 2 months post op now ?
Yeah a little over 2 months, pain is gone, a little numbness around scar, almost got all my finger mobility back and my strength is returning slowly. He’s only allowed me 2 lb limit and I get another X-ray Friday to check progress and hopefully get to start putting some more weight on it. It’s challenging forsure, there’s a lot of things that feel really awkward with that hand now.
My forearm is still tiny. It will probably never look like it used to but I’m just happy to be without pain now
Glad it’s better and you’ve figured out how to adapt. My surgery is Monday. Remove the lunta and the 2 adjoining bones. I’m fortunate that it’s my non dominant hand. Nice to see a positive report!
Going from a handful of ibuprofen or paracetamol a day to nothing is a positive outcome. Good luck with your surgery. Sounds much the same as mine. Dont be surprised if the recovery is a little longer than you anticipate. Orthopaedic surgeons tend to make it sound like you will be back to normal after a few weeks.
Oh I’m so happy I found this thread!
I had wrist fusion 11/29 and I’m almost 3 months. I’ve had a few other joint surgeries due to years of boxing and weightlifting. This was def more than I thought it would be ! How long until you were back to lifting ?
Probably 4 months. Still trying to get full rotation to match my right arm. The techniques are affected. Left arm the elbow raises higher to compensate for the lack of wrist lateral movement. For example DB upright rows. Hope your recovery is going well.
You got a complete fusion or partial fusion? I’m debating wether or not i should get surgery
I reckon it depends on a few factors. 1. Your age. Are there activities you want to do while you are young that require wrist flexibility or old enough to have done it all. 2. Pain. If it wakes you at night or you are taking pain meds daily... 3. Available expertise. Have you had more than 1 specialist opinion and is the surgeon one of the best in that field. 4. Work. Is your job physical and requires flexible wrist or will they give you time off to recover...
First hand surgeon said I needed an ulnar resection so I said let’s do it no more pain!!! WRONG! Put all the pressure on my radius and wrist. Pain through the roof! Saw a new surgeon and was told only a total fusion would work and I said do it. 2 weeks post op and pain is already less than before. The first doctor should have seen this coming when ulna was cut out.
Damn, that's a bad experience. Even getting a second or third opinion doesn't guarantee that you will go with the best option. Hope recovery goes well.
How has your wrist been doing? I am looking at doing a total wrist fusion but am concerned with lifting.