I was 6 weeks in a cast and then had another 6 weeks out of cast before I could go back to work, sick note was 12 weeks. I didn't have the joint pinned, it was done without all that, so can't really comment on having it pinned, sorry.

When I was in a cast I didn't have many issues, itching wasn't that bad either, I used a hair dryer (on cold ) to blow down the cast which helped abit. Sometimes when your arm or hand twitches, or if someone makes you jump, it can hurt alittle hehe, things like this only seemed to hurt for the first few weeks. Make sure to keeps moving your fingers to avoid them becoming stiff aswell!

All I'd say is, when your out of cast, take it slow, it will still hurt to do things as the joint regains it's mobility, massage the scar tissue to unteather it from the scar tissue underneath. Just be ready for a very weak hand and arm when you are out of the case, you will literally be able to see the difference.

Honestly, good luck with it mate! Any idea when they are talking about doing it?