“From pain to relief “
Gérald,
67-year-old – a retired dentist in Nancy
He recalls how two thumb operations allowed him to wave goodbye to pain. His account illustrates the thought process he went through, passing from apprehension to an ultimate sense of regained freedom.
Before the operation: debilitating pain
Gérald was unable to perform day-to-day tasks such as opening a jar, holding a pen or simply doing up the buttons on a shirt.
« I couldn’t pinch anything between my thumb and forefinger any more, I was losing the use of my hands », he recalls.
Gérald, a passionate dentist, continued practising for years despite the discomfort, until the pain became impossible to bear. Tasks such as holding a high-speed drill, extracting a tooth and gripping an instrument had all become really painful.
He talked about it to his GP, who referred him to a hand surgeon.
Dr Stéphane Barbary of the Louis Pasteur Clinic in Nancy confirmed the diagnosis: advanced stage basal joint arthritis, osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb.
Conservative treatments were no longer enough, so Dr Barbary felt that it was time to think about surgery with joint replacement.
Two operations a year apart
Gérald decided to have the thumb on his left hand operated on first – the hand that he uses most, because he is left-handed.
The operation was performed under regional anaesthetic, replacing the joint with an artificial implant, and there were no complications.
He took four months off work, but this was covered by his health insurance, which meant that he could concentrate fully on his recovery.
A year later, Gérald decided to have his second thumb operated on, using the same technique.
The recovery was faster this time and he only needed to take three months off work.
He received two weeks of nursing care and wore a customised brace for a month for each operation, before gradually resuming work.
He also performed rehabilitation himself using a small foam ball, to stimulate his hand mobility and redevelop his strength.
After the operation: no more pain
Gérald no longer feels any pain, just a slight loss of grip strength, but he feels that that is a minimal price to pay, in view of the overall benefit.
« I wouldn’t hesitate to have the operation again. You quickly forget the pain and discomfort when it’s all behind you », he explains.
He is now fully independent again and can drive, perform DIY, cook, travel and play with his four grandchildren again.
« When I help them ride their bikes or cook or bake with them, it makes me realise how restricted I was. »
A message for anyone in two minds
Looking back, Gérald feels that it is important to reassure people who are still undecided:
« I can understand people being afraid of stopping work or having an operation, but I would really encourage them not to wait until the pain is simply too much to bear. »
His account provides a clear illustration of the progressive care pathway: consultation with his GP, referral to a hand surgeon, discussion of options, then a combined decision.
Each case is unique and surgery should only be considered as an option when the other treatments are no longer sufficient.
In conclusion
Gérald’s story clearly shows that basal joint arthritis is not a life sentence.
When the pain becomes too much to bear, an operation (especially with joint replacement) really can offer a second chance – as long as you are carefully monitored and have the right physiotherapy.
« It’s not about how old you are, but your quality-of-life. »
