posted on March 5, 2006 12:36:55 PM new
I have recently, this past Thursday, been told I have Carpal Tunnel. In two weeks, I'll be scheduled for a test that will utilize electricity to determine whether or not this is my problem. Anyone I have spoken with, that has had the surgery, would not go through it again. At the very least I will "have to have" cortisone shots in my wrists. (I understand these are extremely painful.)
Is there anything that can be done to stop the progression or "make it better", other than what conventional medicine has to offer?
posted on March 5, 2006 12:52:49 PM newAnyone I have spoken with, that has had the surgery, would not go through it again. At the very least I will "have to have" cortisone shots in my wrists. (I understand these are extremely painful.)
Then they didnt have the proper surgeon perform the operation. I had both of mine done in late "91" after suffering with it for over 25 years and it was the best move I ever did. Best not to have both of them done at the same time, unless you have a real close personal friend to tend to your restroom "wiping" dutys.
As far as cortisone injections, again if done properly it doesnt hurt. I had a problem with my thumb "triggering" & my Dr injected a combination of cortisone and zylocane. The zylocane numbed the nerves as the cortisone went to work.
You need to find a orthopedic surgeon that has a good deal of experience in carpel tunnel surgery.
"“More Iraqis think things are going well in Iraq than Americans do. I guess they don’t get the New York Times over there.”—Jay Leno".
Try acupuncture with electrical stimulation. Also, use a wrist brace. I used to get cortisone shots in my elbow for "tennis elbow". They aren't pleasant. I also have pains in my wrist that shoot up to my elbow. Regular acupuncture seems to help. It can be covered by insurance. If you have insurance, find a provider that accepts it. Make sure that you keep your wrists positioned properly when using your computer and mouse. One of those wrist rests is a good idea.
Cheryl
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
posted on March 5, 2006 01:10:36 PM new
Cheryl, if the tunnel the tendons run through in the wrist are too small (as in my case) neither accupuncture of electro stimulation will help in the long term. Only mechanically widening this tunner will releave the pressure.
I tried the wrist braces and NASI's and even steroids, nothing worked in the long term but surgery.
"“More Iraqis think things are going well in Iraq than Americans do. I guess they don’t get the New York Times over there.”—Jay Leno".
posted on March 5, 2006 01:14:23 PM new
Does the acupuncture last for months or days? (I would have to drive 2 hrs, each way and out of state, to get treatment.)
I now have a brace on my right hand and am taking 800 mgs of Ibuprophen every 8 hours. Tomorrow I start just wearing the brace while I sleep and when needed. It's just weird to me how the actual "pain" started last week. I ached, but it went away after a day or two. Suck it up and move on. The "tingling" in the middle, index fingers and thumb would go away. Suck it up, lots of people are worse than you. Now it's here all the time. Since I didn't injure anything, I went to the doctor. At least he didn't start with "A woman your age should expect...."
With Mark going back out on the road, I'm thinking any surgery would be out of the question anyway. I wouldn't put any of my friends tend to wiping duty!
posted on March 5, 2006 01:43:12 PM newWith Mark going back out on the road, I'm thinking any surgery would be out of the question anyway. I wouldn't put any of my friends tend to wiping duty!
Thats why you have one done at a time (six weeks apart).
Mine hurt so bad it would wake be up at night. I finally had the surgery after one day I was reaching to open a door & my hand "locked" so that I couldnt open or close it.
"“More Iraqis think things are going well in Iraq than Americans do. I guess they don’t get the New York Times over there.”—Jay Leno".
posted on March 5, 2006 02:16:33 PM new
I hate the locking part. And the sudden excruciating pain when you try to clench or unclench your hand. I shy away from anything invasive, being a diabetic that is a good thing. The dull ache is an ignored side-show due to my back.
The answer, of course, is minimizing and altering activities that cause painful episodes. Pain medication helps, but utilize it judiciously. The braces help, if you wear them at night. They're also great if your SO needs to be awakened rapidly, "Oh, I'm sorry, honey, did I whack you in my sleep?"
This condition can affect your sex life, wiping is not the only possibly difficult activity. Just the one you normally don't include a partner in.
posted on March 5, 2006 03:02:34 PM new
Well, I've never had carpal tunnel but once I had a blister on my hand and it hurt like heck, so I can sympathize.
posted on March 5, 2006 03:50:45 PM new Well, I've never had carpal tunnel but once I had a blister on my hand and it hurt like heck, so I can sympathize.
Not enough lubricant?
"“More Iraqis think things are going well in Iraq than Americans do. I guess they don’t get the New York Times over there.”—Jay Leno".
posted on March 5, 2006 05:08:25 PM new
"Well, I've never had carpal tunnel but once I had a blister on my hand and it hurt like heck, so I can sympathize.
Acupuncture wouldn't work for you since you have to travel so far. What state do you live in? I have treatments once a week for my wrist and my back. I've gotten to the point that I like the treatments. The needles have never hurt and I feel far more relaxed and in less pain afterwards.
Maggie
LOL, on the blisters! The other day when there was mass confusion going on in the kitchen, I removed a pan from the oven without using my oven mits. Whelp, my left hand hurts purty bad. Blisters I can relate to.
Cheryl
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
posted on March 5, 2006 06:39:55 PM new Asswholes!
TUT TUT TUT TUT.....
"“More Iraqis think things are going well in Iraq than Americans do. I guess they don’t get the New York Times over there.”—Jay Leno".
[ edited by Bear1949 on Mar 5, 2006 06:41 PM ]
