Thumb replacement patient, Richard D’Arcy has found his life transformed after surgery to his right thumb.
Richard said: “Constant pain is awful to live with so it was time to get something done. I had been suffering with thumb pain for over 7 years and enough was enough.”
Richard was struggling with basic everyday tasks with chronic arthritis in both of his thumbs. Holding a pen, a paintbrush and any fine motor movements caused a lot of issues. They had started to keep him awake at night.
He said: “Even holding a pint of beer was hurting and when the sleepless nights were making me grumpy. I had to do something.”
“The sleepless nights were making me grumpy, I had to do something. The surgery has transformed my life and I’m back to doing what I love.”
Richard D’Arcy, Practice Plus Group thumb replacement patient
Richard was referred Alison Edwards, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, who specialises in this surgery and he was booked to come in.
Thumb replacement surgery is very much like a scaled down hip replacement surgery and Richard found himself painting and decorating again within 2 weeks.
He said: “I have always enjoyed gardening and DIY but I had to stop these due to the pain. The surgery has transformed my life and I am back doing what I love.”
Richard reported his treatment at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet to be ‘First Class’ and added: “The staff were lovely, the welcome at reception was wonderful and it was amazing to be able to park easily and not have to pay! It was like the personal service was back.”
Richard is now looking forward to a thumb replacement on his left hand.
