Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF

Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Topic started by: taylorgal on April 24, 2017, 09:30:54 PM

Title: Trigger thumb surgery
Post by: taylorgal on April 24, 2017, 09:30:54 PM
Hmmm, one of the subheadings under this subforum is repair, so I guess this fits! Friday morning I had trigger thumb surgery. The problem started about a year ago, after buying a new guitar and probably too much practice of difficult jazz chords. Initially I had a cortisone injection, which worked for about six months. The last few months the triggering and pain started again, and how much time I spent playing was definitely a factor. The doctor who did the injection said if one didn't work, the recommendation was surgery. I saw a hand surgeon and he agreed. Surgery was scheduled two weeks later. So far, recovery really couldn't be any smoother. I've taken nothing stronger than ibuprofen the first 24 hours, though I was was given a script for Norco. I did fill it, thinking that if he thought it worth prescribing it would be a good idea to have it around, but I've felt no need. Doing range of motion exercises has caused minimal pain around the incision, and the triggering is GONE! Doc says I can play "easy stuff" in 5-6 days and should be pretty much back to normal in two weeks. I am very relieved to have this over with and looking forward to getting back to playing without pain. From what I've read, this is not an uncommon problem among guitar players. I had some anxiety, even though I read it was a simple and very successful procedure. Based on my experience thus far, I would encourage anyone suffering from this problem not to put off the surgery.
Title: Re: Trigger thumb surgery
Post by: TaylorGirl on April 25, 2017, 07:46:24 AM
Hope your recovery continues to go smoothly and you're back to playing guitar real soon.  :)
Title: Re: Trigger thumb surgery
Post by: Frettingflyer on April 25, 2017, 08:43:30 AM
Taylorgal, I am glad to hear the recovery is going well for you and hope you get back to "full" playing quickly. Thank you for sharing your experience, it is bound to help some of us at some point in the future.
Title: Re: Trigger thumb surgery
Post by: Edward on April 26, 2017, 10:37:32 PM
Huge congrats on the successful surgery and playing recovery!  :)

Edward
Title: Re: Trigger thumb surgery
Post by: TLAW on April 26, 2017, 10:49:42 PM
GET WELL SOON!
Title: Re: Trigger thumb surgery
Post by: Cindy on May 01, 2017, 11:52:25 AM
Glad to hear you are healing nicely. :) Just remember the muscles/tendons in the hands are very small and will tire easily especially after surgery. Enjoy getting back into playing!
Title: Re: Trigger thumb surgery
Post by: NavyChap on May 01, 2017, 01:25:12 PM
Tayorgal, I sure hope recovery continues to go smoothly for you -- just take things a day at a time.  Best of luck.
Title: Re: Trigger thumb surgery
Post by: Knight on May 03, 2017, 02:51:32 PM
So... how's it going?
Title: Re: Trigger thumb surgery
Post by: mgap on May 04, 2017, 08:08:35 AM
Glad to hear it seems to be going well for you.  Take it easy, but be sure to be diligent with therapy. 
Title: Re: Trigger thumb surgery
Post by: mandoloonie on May 05, 2017, 06:43:39 PM
Glad to hear it is working out for you.  This is of particular interest to me as I have also have trigger finger (ring finger, left hand) and had the cortisone injection about a month ago.

My problem was aggravated by bending strings on my acoustic.   I have since switched to extra lights and the shot seems to doing the thing..

I hope you have a speedy recovery..
Title: Re: Trigger thumb surgery
Post by: RickG1 on May 16, 2017, 03:42:39 PM
I just had my ring fingers on both hands done one week ago. Waiting for stitches to come out, and it was as simple and quick as could be. Feeling much better and can play again even with stitches. No pain and immediate relief too. Find a good hand surgeon and get it if you have it....totally worth it.