... I was hoping to use the again for this surgery but they are a little expensive to get on your own, so I am having to wait while they order some more. ... (5 replies)

... Karen, I had my surgery April 5 and when my surgeon took out the stitches he sort of boasted how there wasn't any scars and then he said, used "plastic surgery" stitches, not sure, they were very wispy, could they have been "nylon"? The three areas look preety good. What I am more concerned with today (5 replies)

... I have used the gel patches and they work really well. For my thumb surgery the hand therapist even supplied them. That being said, the incisions from my thumb surgery never were very raised or bumpy. I think that having the glue used leads to a better scar. ... (5 replies)

... I've been researching various scar treatments for my upcoming CMC arthroplasty. The more I read the more confused I become. Patches, creams, sprays, ointments, silicone or not silicone..... ... (5 replies)

... if you do indeed have basal joint arthritis, then putting off this surgery is just putting off the inevitable. It's a condition that is only going to get worse, and you can only go so far with conservative management. ... (7 replies)

... it is BETTER than my other hand which still has the CMC arthritis. ... (7 replies)

... Hi cbl, I read your post and what input I can give you is to get your reliable support rounded up, get your environment ready and prepare for surgery because it will most likely get worse and worse in due time. You are putting off the inevitable. I over used my hands all my life. ... (7 replies)

... Agreed this surgery is frightening, but your thumb will not get any better, in actual fact it will get worse. I am sorry to tell you this. ... (7 replies)

... Karen, hi, We go through our lives making new friends at different times. Thank you for your appreciation. It means alot to me to know that we have helped you & we are of support to you at this very hard time in your life. The minute we stop supporting each other, we loose our humanity. ( A rule in my life) It's very good to be able to cry because you are allowing... (35 replies)

... It was my surgeons recommendation so I purchased the cold therapy machine and was told to bring it to surgery itself and before I was bandaged up the doctor inserted the part that goes to the swelling between all the bandages. ... (35 replies)

... So you really liked the Carter? I've been looking at it but the price hurts! I also saw a diagram of two regular bedpillows safety pinned at the ends with two bath towels rolled up inside. The idea is to stand the pillows on side and put your arm up between the towels. Has anyone else tried Carter's? Also, has anyone used a continuous cool therapy machine. It's a machine you... (35 replies)

... nts and pullover tops. There goes my great summer wardrobe! Didn't mean to have a pity party on you all. I just wanted you to understand that I'm not facing this surgery in isolation. ... (35 replies)

... Oh you will be able to offer others help & support Greengal, in fact, you will be able to write a BOOK about your recent surgery! How are you doing? How is your hand? Keep posting Greengal, your input here is worth every word. Haydena. (35 replies)

... Hi ladies, My hubby too thought I had ''lost my mind'' due to the fact that I was not in control of our home!!! when I had my first surgery 2 years ago. ... (35 replies)

... Oooh, I love lavender--I will definitely have to look for that California Baby cream! (5 replies)

... Hi Karen, You've had a string of losses but you are now at the start of gaining things back. You have a new grandchild and soon you will have your surgery and regain the use of your painfree hand, regain a good night's sleep without painful awakenings, and gain back your self-confidence as you overcome the little inconveniences of your recovery period. You have already... (35 replies)

... closed every single bottle so I wouldn't have to wrestle with breaking the seals on the bottles with one hand. It was still scary going into the day of surgery because it was "the unknown" for me. ... (35 replies)

... I think you will be able to deal with this surgery beacuse you have dealt with so much, before! ... (35 replies)

... I use the bare minerals, too, and they are easy. Love them. And I use pencil eyeliner which is much easier. My hair doesn't air dry very nicely, but I may just have to deal! I've always been a very good patient with a good pain tolerance and have always done very well after some pretty major surgeries. I think the difference this time is that I have been going through some... (35 replies)

... Karen, I have two pieces of silicone patches that I use while sleeping for 3 months---this is an EXCELLENT treatment--it flattens and diminishes the scars. My OT gave them to me and assured me when I was skeptical. I wash them off every morning. The one on my thumb I keep on with a neoprene splint (after the hard splint was removed) and the one on my forearm I tape on with... (5 replies)