I had wrist surgery a year ago, and I did all my PT and everything, and I still have stiffness and pain (which makes me mad, because the doctor said I would recover fully). My wrist has kind of plateaued as far as healing goes...I can't really feel it getting better anymore. I really hope that this isn't as good as it will get, but some people tell me that after surgery, you're never the same. However, I have heard from others that you can get almost back to 100%, it just takes several years. If anyone has had joint surgery, do you think it's too soon still, or is this it for me? Thanks.  

Newbeat: How are you doing now?  Are you doing any PT?  I would expect your physical therapist to give you exercises to do on your own.  Regardless, when you have unexplained stiffness or pain, see a medical doc.  Cliche.  Yet good advice  ...I agree with comments from Orihood.  Although joint surgery varies greatly, I’ve had joint surgery where my repaired joint is better than I can remember.  Some of my other joints require continual attention: ergonomics, cautious use, timely exercise therapy, and when needed, RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation).  Don't give up on your wrist.  Keep working.

In February 04 I broke my left thumb in two places and had the ligament separate from the bone.  This is a significant injury if you play trad grip in particular (I play snare in a bagpipe band along with my kit playing).  I thought my drumming days in the pipeband were over.  

A hand surgeon pinned the breaks and reattached the ligament.  I was casted for 6 weeks.  Then I began to rehab.  My thumb could barely move at first and I had almost no mobility.  But with a month or two of therapy it started to loosen up.  After about 8-9 months I had about 80% of the mobility and strength back.  It ended up probably 90-95% and I can drum as well as I did before (WHEW!).  I was useless as a competition snare drummer for the '04 season but for '05 I was back in business.  When I'm conscious of my thumb it rarely feels "normal" but most of the time I never remember the injury.  

The point:  It takes time and energy but it seems that many injuries can be overcome.  Don't try to rush it but keep working hard!  If nothing else, it made me appreciate how much I like to play!

As an aside, I didn't miss a "beat" with my kit playing at Church.  I rigged my hi-hat foot trigger to play a snare beat instead of a hat "chip" and I did a Rick Allen imitation.  Most people didn't even realize I wasn't using my left hand!  I guess there is SOME good with an e-kit!