Woman Regains Mobility With Surgeries for Wrist and Hand Rheumatoid Arthritis

It’s hard to forget when something happens—like a car accident, workplace trauma, or sports injury—because these significant events can turn your world upside down. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes, a condition that can change your life sneaks up on you. That’s how it went for Annie R., who lost her mobility from wrist and hand rheumatoid arthritis (RA) bit by bit.

She didn’t know something was wrong right away, which often happens for people with RA because early symptoms are easy to mistake as being caused by fatigue or overuse. It wasn’t until her finger stiffness became so severe that routine tasks became impossible that Annie knew she needed help.

This is her story.

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Annie R.’s patient story

Hometown: Greensburg
Age: 59

Hands-on Worker

I can’t remember a time when I haven’t had to use my hands to work. To be a hard worker is all I know.

On the farm where I grew up, we had giant gardens and every kind of animal you can think of. I used my hands to milk cows at 5 a.m., collect eggs from chickens, and help my mom with canning. Almost everything my family ate came from that farm, except the sugar and flour we got from the store.

Every job I’ve had has been very hands-on, too. For about 15 years, I worked the second shift in a factory that made foods like salsas, Alfredo sauces, and icings. This was considered the cleaning shift because (after the products were made), I was part of the team that had to break down the equipment for cleaning with huge pressure hoses that required strong grips to use. 

I first noticed something wasn’t right at work sometime around 2006. I couldn’t squeeze the pressure hose like I used to, but I just brushed it off. I started to struggle to do other little things, like turn the key to start my car or open a jar. I was getting weaker and weaker. One time that stood out was when I tried to open a big box of fondant at work, and I couldn’t do it.

Not being able to complete this simple task (that I used to always do with ease) helped me realize that I needed to do something. So, I talked to my primary care doctor about what was happening. He referred me to a rheumatologist for blood tests, who diagnosed me with rheumatoid arthritis.

Fusions as a First Step

After figuring out that I did have RA, the first thing my rheumatologist did was get me started on different infusions. When one of those would wear off, then he’d try another. He also started me on a pill that I’m still taking now because it helps. 

Still, even with all of that, my joints were really tender and swollen, and I couldn’t use my hands and wrists very well because of my rheumatoid arthritis. So, my rheumatologist referred me to Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center and gave me Dr. Jeffrey A. Greenberg’s name.

Dr. Greenberg pretty much figured out right away what was happening. He could see that my wrists were pretty much shot because of my rheumatoid arthritis and recommended surgery. 

Before that appointment, I never even knew surgery was an option for providing relief and treating rheumatoid arthritis wrist symptoms. Seeing Dr. Greenberg gave me hope.

Saved by Surgery

Before my first surgery (a left wrist replacement on my left wrist) at Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, I did my homework. 

I remember having a lot of questions for Dr. Greenberg about how long the recovery time would be, how long my joint would hold up before I’d have to have RA wrist surgery again, what my quality of life would be like, and even if I’d be able to work again.

I just wanted my mobility back so I could get back to doing all the things in life that I took for granted before my wrist and hand rheumatoid arthritis problems started. Knowing getting back to normal was important to me, Dr. Greenberg called a company that made the part he would put into my hand. He worked with them to have it shaped to curve to my prosthesis so I’d have as much mobility as possible.

I have a little bend at my wrist because of the component’s customized form, but I’m not a runway model, so the bump from it doesn’t bother me. What’s important is that Dr. Greenberg always really listens to me and is my advocate. 

He went to the trouble to do something custom that’s allowed me to move my left hand and its fingers freely again. I don’t care if that extra mobility means I have a small bump that’s hardly noticeable. 

Dr. Greenberg knew that getting back to work and using my hand again as much as possible was my goal and priority, so he made it happen with my wrist surgery for rheumatoid arthritis. 

It’s been a godsend. Because that experience went so well, I then decided to have my right wrist replaced, too, since I’m dominantly right-handed (and I was having problems with it because of my RA).

Repeating Surgical Success

The second surgery I had with Dr. Greenberg—the wrist replacement on my right side for my loss of mobility caused by rheumatoid arthritis—also went great. 

It wasn’t as stressful to get my right wrist replacement because I knew what to expect from the surgery he did to give me a new left wrist. I knew what would be my “homework” with therapy to heal. 

Because my left wrist replacement went so well, I figured the results from my right wrist replacement would be just as good, but they’ve actually been even better. My new right wrist and its prosthesis are still holding up great, even years later. I’ve been really fortunate to have Dr. Greenberg as my surgeon.

About a year later, when I was at an appointment with a doctor close to home, he gave me an EMG test because he suspected I had carpal tunnel, which turned out to be true. Because I needed surgery for that, I went back to Dr. Greenberg. He had done such a good job on my wrist replacement surgeries that I wanted him to do my carpal tunnel release, which also went great. 

I will always trust Dr. Greenberg for my surgeries. More recently, he’s done my left wrist revision and even replaced some knuckle joints when I was having trouble bending my fingers. I’ll continue to return to Dr. Greenberg for issues caused by my wrist and hand rheumatoid arthritis because he’s so patient and kind. 

Lately, I’ve started to notice my right shoulder is regularly causing me some pain, but so far, I can live with it. It’s not overly bad yet. I feel the need for rheumatoid arthritis shoulder replacement is going to be coming down the road, and—when it’s time—I will only see Dr. Greenberg for that surgery.

The Best Option for Any Wrist or Hand Surgery

Dr. Greenberg’s results are phenomenal. I trust him as my wrist and hand rheumatoid arthritis surgeon and know I’ll always get answers and the best outcome when I go to IHTSC. 

Under his care, I’m not scared. I feel comfortable telling Dr. Greenberg to take the reins because he only does what’s best for me. You can’t do that with every specialist.

I will always be grateful to him because he gave me my life back. I have my strength and mobility back to use my hands for essential things. At one point, I wasn’t even strong enough to hold a baby with confidence. Now, when my nieces and nephews—who are just starting their families—come for a visit, I can hold their babies without any fear. Dr. Greenberg gave this back to me. 

My husband and boys make my life worth living. My family means everything to me, and I consider Dr. Greenberg part of my family now because of how he treats me. I feel like I get the same care he’d give to his mom, sister, wife, or daughter. He’s an integral part of my support system.

I will always be indebted to Dr. Greenberg. I can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done and continues to do for me. If you have problems because of wrist or hand rheumatoid arthritis, just see him.

Even if you aren’t ready for surgery, make an appointment with Dr. Greenberg. Trust me. You’ll be glad to know what all your options are available.

Wrist and Hand RA Surgical Treatments

For some people with painful conditions caused by rheumatoid arthritis—like Annie R.—surgery may be the best option for improved mobility and pain relief.

Each patient has different needs. If you’re seeking a second opinion about treatments or considering surgery, we can help. Request an appointment with one of our specialists to discuss your options.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgeons

Since 1972, patients across the state have trusted Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center’s world-renowned hand and wrist surgeons. 

“If I hadn’t had those surgeries with Dr. Greenberg, I wouldn’t be doing all the things I’m doing now. I’m so grateful. He’s the best. I’d recommend him without reservation to anyone.”—Annie R. Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center wrist and hand rheumatoid arthritis surgery patient

How Do I See a Specialist at IHTSC?

Request an appointment today and take the first step in alleviating pain and regaining function that’s been stolen by wrist and hand rheumatoid arthritis.

Prefer to schedule by phone? Call us at (317) 751-5904.

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