Persistent Wrist Discomfort 18 Months After Surgery
I am a 21-year-old individual assigned female at birth (AFAB) and deal with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. Currently, I am not taking any medications, just a daily multivitamin. Eighteen months prior, I underwent a procedure to excise a ganglion cyst from my right wrist. Since then, I have been dealing with ongoing discomfort that was absent before the surgery and does not affect my left wrist. Every day, I experience a slight ache, which intensifies to about a 4 on the pain scale every few days. The discomfort is not located at the surgical site; rather, it affects the surrounding areas of my wrist and worsens with movement. The surgery itself was straightforward, and although there was a minor infection afterward, it resolved without intervention or the need for antibiotics. In the initial months post-surgery, I assumed that the pain was a natural part of my recovery. However, it seems unusual for this issue to persist for such an extended period. Is it typical to still have pain this long after an operation, or should I reach out to my healthcare provider for further advice?
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 5:40:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent wrist discomfort 18 months after your ganglion cyst excision is concerning, especially since it intensifies with movement and differs from the original symptoms pre-surgery. While it’s not uncommon to have some lasting discomfort after surgery, the duration and nature of your symptoms would warrant further investigation.
Explanation
Your current pain, which is not located at the surgical site and worsens with movement, may suggest several conditions, including:
- Scar tissue formation: After surgery, scar tissue can develop, which may cause discomfort or pain in surrounding areas.
- Tendonitis or tendinopathy: Overuse or inflammation of tendons in the wrist can lead to persistent pain, particularly if the wrist has been subjected to stress during the healing period.
- Nerve sensitivity: Sometimes, nerves can become more sensitive after surgery, leading to discomfort that seems unrelated to the initial cause.
- Arthritis or joint issues: Although less likely given your age, joints can develop problems over time.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your discomfort, including pain intensity, triggers (like specific movements), and any other symptoms. This information can be very useful for your healthcare provider.
-
Modify Activities: Pay attention to activities that exacerbate the pain and try to avoid or modify these movements to prevent worsening symptoms.
-
Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate wrist stretching and strengthening exercises suitable for your condition. Start gently to avoid aggravating your pain.
-
Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If needed, consider using NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) for pain relief, as long as you are not contraindicated to use them. Always follow the dosage instructions.
-
Evaluate for Physical Therapy: If your discomfort persists, a physical therapist specializing in wrist injuries can provide tailored exercises and treatment options to enhance recovery.
-
Follow Up with a Healthcare Provider: If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, it is important to reach out to a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may suggest imaging studies (like an X-ray or MRI) or other assessments to determine the cause of your ongoing discomfort.
Addressing your wrist pain sooner rather than later can lead to better outcomes. Your well-being is important, so don’t hesitate to seek help to ensure you’re managing your symptoms effectively.
Related Questions
Persistent Swelling in My Left Leg
Hey everyone! 👋 I'm a 30-year-old woman, 160 cm tall and weighing 56 kg. I smoke occasionally and don't have any ongoing injuries. The only medication I take is ibuprofen for my headaches. About three weeks ago at work, I observed that my left ankle had begun to swell. There was no pain, just a sensation of heaviness in that leg. Concerned, I sought medical attention and underwent blood tests along with an ultrasound. The results indicated that my d-dimer levels were slightly elevated, but there were no signs of blood clots. Since then, the swelling has been fluctuating. Just two days ago, I had more blood work done and my d-dimer level was recorded at 370. Despite the doctors telling me everything seems fine, I find this puzzling since my leg is noticeably swollen. Last night, while I had my leg elevated, I realized that swelling has spread throughout the whole leg, not just the ankle. I would love to hear any advice or suggestions on what steps I should take next. Thank you so much for your help! 😭
Seeking Guidance on Craniotomy for Subdural Hematoma
A month ago, my 74-year-old mother experienced a slip and fall accident at home. Initial CT scans revealed that she had a subdural hematoma, but the medical professionals assured us that it would likely resolve itself over time. They mentioned that if it didn't, surgery could be necessary. However, over the last couple of weeks, I’ve noticed significant changes in her behavior and mood. She struggles to move around and seems to be fatigued, often zoning out, rambling about unrelated topics, and experiencing frequent forgetfulness. Her overall energy levels have noticeably dropped. Concerned about these developments, I took her for another CT scan, which indicated that the hematoma has worsened considerably. The physician has now recommended an image-guided craniotomy to remove the subdural hematoma. I understand that this is a serious and invasive procedure requiring general anesthesia. I’m anxious to understand the potential risks and side effects associated with the surgery, especially considering her age. Additionally, I would like to know how long it typically takes for patients to recover and return to their previous state of health, as my wedding is only three months away, and I’m feeling overwhelmed.
Managing Hypoalbuminemia: Seeking Solutions
My father, aged 74, underwent treatment for tuberculosis last year, which he successfully overcame. However, the potent medications he was on led to him experiencing jaundice three times throughout his extensive therapy. As a result, he has significantly lost weight, become weaker, and is facing issues with memory retention. Currently, he is struggling with a distended abdomen attributed to hypoalbuminemia. Although we are attempting to boost his albumin levels through dietary changes, his appetite is quite poor. Additionally, over the past eight months, he has received intravenous albumin on several occasions, but the swelling in his abdomen has not subsided. We have also resorted to paracentesis multiple times to alleviate the distension; however, the fluid tends to reaccumulate shortly after the procedure, leading to an enlarged belly once again. We are in search of ways to enhance his liver function and increase his albumin levels. Despite administering his doctor-prescribed liver medications, we have yet to see any improvement in his albumin levels.
Exploring the Safety: Mounjaro vs. Neck Liposuction
I've been feeling a bit down about my financial situation; currently, my parents are footing the bill for my expensive needs. Right now, I'm taking 15mg of Mounjaro, which they cover, and I have no complaints about that. Recently, I received a diagnosis of severe sleep apnea, which is definitely linked to my weight and impacts my rest significantly. Additionally, the fat around my neck creates some challenges with breathing, especially when I find myself lying on my back. While I have faith that Mounjaro will yield results in time, my immediate concern is to address these sleep and respiratory issues. That's why I'm considering the option of neck liposuction to alleviate these problems. Unfortunately, my parents strongly oppose the idea, deeming it highly risky, and they are unwilling to finance the procedure. From what I’ve gathered through my research, neck liposuction may actually pose a lower risk compared to the ongoing use of 15mg Mounjaro. It seems there is a social stigma around surgical procedures like liposuction, while weight loss drugs are embraced widely now. I can't help but think that a few years prior, they might have had similar reservations about weight loss medications. What are your thoughts on this matter?
Concern Over New Dark Spot on Back: Should I Worry?
**(Age: 25, Male)** Recently, I observed a dark, circular patch on my upper back, which had not been present earlier. On Thursday, July 17, I spent several hours outdoors raking leaves under the intense sunlight, resulting in a mild sunburn. In the days that followed, my skin displayed typical reactions to sunburn, including redness, peeling, and some itchiness. However, when a friend examined my sunburn on Sunday, they assured me that it appeared to be healing normally. Then, exactly one week later on July 24, my friend noticed a new, round spot on my back, the size of a thumbprint, which seemed to have emerged unexpectedly. This spot is painless and does not cause any itching; it feels like the surrounding skin. After conducting some online research, I find myself uncertain about its nature—could it be a sign of something serious like melanoma, or is it merely a benign condition such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or a sunspot (solar lentigo) resulting from the recent sunburn? I would greatly appreciate any insights or recommendations regarding whether I should consult a healthcare professional or simply observe the spot for changes before taking any action.