Jolene Mullen

I didn't even know that a wrist joint could be replaced. I knew about knees, but not wrists. After almost two years of pain, cortisone shots and topical creams, my rheumatologist said surgery was necessary. In the eight-minute appointment with the surgeon that he recommended - and, yes, I timed it - only one option was explained: wrist fusion surgery, which would take away the pain. I found out later that it would also greatly reduce my flexibility.

Dr. Wolfe, though, took time to explain all my options and the effects of each - I chose total wrist replacement surgery. What a life changer! I'm back to being myself. Before my surgery, it was hard to push a grocery cart - I had to use my left hand and my right forearm - or my grandson's stroller. I worked less because my work involves travel, writing and data processing. My travel and social interactions were fewer because there might be a staircase involved. I couldn't hold a handrail with my right hand and we older people don't want to fall and break important body parts.

Everybody is different, but my recovery was much quicker and easier than I had worried about. I won't be playing golf, tennis or pickleball, but since I didn't do those things before, I don't care! Instead, I go on vacation, give genealogical presentations, research and write, babysit, sew, knit, shop, cook - everything I did before. It's good to be back to being me! Thank you, Dr. Wolfe!

If you're tired of being in pain and giving up parts of your life, it's time to fix whatever is not working right.