DeQuervain's tendonitis and thumb arthritis

[newfsmith]

I haven't been able to ride for the past 2 years because of the above combination. I need to keep my left wrist absolutely in a neutral position to avoid pain. Unfortunately, my work requires a lot of hyperextension of my wrist. Also, my grip strength is impaired. I'm due to retire completely next March. I'm considering 3 options: 1) Putting my front brake lever on the right side of my bars. That may be a temporary fix since I'm getting twinges in my right wrist, that may be about to go next. 2) Scheduling the surgery the hand surgeon suggested (removing the little wrist bone at the base of my thumb and replacing it with a self donated tendon cushion). 3) Try a recumbent. My big concern with the surgery is 2-fold. As described to me by the surgeon, she would be taking the tendon tissue from the currently inflamed tendon. That doesn't sound like it will reduce the inflammation any and does sound like it would weaken the tendon increasing the chance of a tendon rupture and possibly contributing to further loss of grip strength. Finally, since this is something that will likely be paid in large part by me, I'm trying to decide whether I should spend my money on a recumbent (because of my short outseam, used is probably not an option) or surgery.

Any comments would be appreciated, especially those from anyone that has gone the surgery route. TIA

[Crankin]

I am sorry, Jean. It is good to hear from you, though!
Can you get a second opinion from an experienced hand surgeon? One who understands your goal of being able to ride?
I really can't advise you, only to say that I might lean toward the surgery if the odds of it reducing your issues were better. Keep searching.

[OakLeaf]

Paging Catrin...

My only input is on the brake realignment. Having learned the hard way that it really is possible to do an endo from a road bike under braking, I'd recommend against swapping the brake sides unless you also do a MASSIVE amount of practice afterward to drill your new braking procedure into muscle memory. But what about putting on hydraulic brakes? That should reduce the grip strength required.

Hope you find a workable solution.

[Fredwina]

Hmm.
1. The president of the club I was with in CA had a similar set up after he got hit by car, I agree it would be a lot of re-adjusting. I've done a endo like Oakleaf did
2. Surgey is well... Surgery. There's always a chance it won't work, so getting a second opinion is a good idea.
3. Bents - I love mine, but I'm not sure they would work. Have you gone to Wheelworks in Belmont? They are a Bachetta Dealer. I'm sure they'd let you take a Giro20 for a spin. Still kick myself for getting rid of mine. It's a good bent and should set you back about $1600. Not sure if they are any other dealers in Boston

[ny biker]

I would suggest specifically asking the surgeon (and whoever you go to for a second/third opinion) about your concern with using part of the currently inflamed tendon. Perhaps the doctor expects that removing part of the bone will reduce pressure enough to allow the inflammation to heal. At the very least, knowing more should help with your decision making.

I had surgery 20 years ago to repair a chronically inflamed tendon in my ankle. They removed the damaged segment of tendon and replaced it with a piece of one from my foot, and also moved the heelbone inward about 1/4 inch to relieve pressure on the troubled tendon. It was a long, slow, gradual recovery period, but after about a year I only experienced pain from impact (like jumping) and had no problems walking as long as I wore shoes with good arch support. Part of the rehab was re-learning how to curl my toes, because the foot tendon they used was the one that controlled that motion.

Prior to the surgery, the doctor didn't want to tell me too many details about the process, because I think he felt it would be upsetting for me. I can see how some people would not want to know exactly how he planned to "move my heelbone," for example. But I was more comfortable knowing exactly what he was going to do so I asked lots of questions. It helped to understand the complexity of the procedure, for making decisions beforehand as well and setting expectations for the recovery process.

Good luck.