“It has been 13 years since my right thumb joint was replaced with a tendon from my right hand due to osteoarthritis. I have had a gradual deterioration and increased pain in the thumb over the last 2 years. My symptoms included decreased movement of thumb, lump on joint, increased pain. After initial consultation with GP then referral, it took about 3 weeks these symptoms checked out.
I researched myself online who to get a referral for, who was a Hand Specialist. I spoke to Mr. Shyamalan’s secretary and the next day he phoned me to book a consultation.
Mr Shyamalan was completely frank with me he had not carried out this procedure before, however he talked me through the types of hand surgery he normally did and told me he had every confidence that using available finger joints, as thumb joints were no longer available, he would be able to modify a finger joint to accommodate my particular problem. He explained that to replace a replacement meant scar tissue and maybe muscle damage it wasn’t straightforward. He gave me a complete breakdown of operation, aftercare and physiotherapy that l would have to go through. I felt very confident and booked my operation for 2 weeks later.
The procedure wasn’t long. I went in at 9:00am and brought back to my room at 11:00am. The whole Little Aston experience gave me confidence. Mr. Shyamalan came to see me before the surgery and immediately after surgery. The nurses were all very attentive and caring throughout the day. I was able to go home at 3:00pm along with pain control tablets and my hand plastered and dressed and supports provided. Even a support was provided for me to use during the night. I returned a week later for the plaster to be taken off and for him to check the progress and for a splint to be made for me to wear for the next 6 weeks, enabling me to be able to take it off and wash my hand reducing the discomfort. At the end of the 6 weeks the splint came off, he checked my thumb and l then went to Physio to have a programme explained to me. I have now had 4 appointments with Physio by which time my thumb movement is almost perfect. Scarring is minimal and l am 100% happy with the outcome.
My advice to other patients would be don’t ignore the symptoms it’s not going to go away and if you find the right consultant as l did, the outcome will be well worth having the operation”.