carpal tunnel syndrome

[Outtahere]

I wore wrist braces for months, I still do if it flares up.

[greg]

Originally Posted by Nords

I'm not surprised that a surgeon sees surgery as the only solution.

I just set up a second consult before Xmas. A second opinion is worthwhile at this point. The current dr blew off all my alternatives questions. We will see. Contrary to Martha, I personally think it all started from riding ATVs and motorcycles. My accelerator thumb is now weaker than it used to be and that was about the time my hands started going numb from vibration too. Always after about an hour of riding.

[wallygator69]

Hi,

Bummer..

DW spent 10 hours a day as a Technical illustrator. She's tough as nails and reluctantly takes an Advil, only one, if she is missing a limb...

Never imagined she would go under the knife but goes to show you how painful and hindering it is.

She opted for the surgery about 7 years ago and is very happy she did it. She luckily switched jobs and computer time was down to 3-4 hours a day befor FIRE.

Few days she spent a full day on the computer it kind of came back (ie similar pain tingling weakness) but didn't last. SO you can over do it. Not a perfect fix. Just be smart...

Good Luck,

W

Good Luck.

[Rich_in_Tampa]

Originally Posted by Greg

I just set up a second consult before Xmas. A second opinion is worthwhile at this point. The current dr blew off all my alternatives questions. We will see. Contrary to Martha, I personally think it all started from riding ATVs and motorcycles. My accelerator thumb is now weaker than it used to be and that was about the time my hands started going numb from vibration too. Always after about an hour of riding.

Harley?

Not being a wise guy (though I did ride an alternative German model ), but the famous vibration is a well-recognized cause of CTS as well as other repetitiive stress disorders.

[Outtahere]

Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa

Harley?

but the famous vibration is a well-recognized cause of CTS as well as other repetitiive stress disorders.

That's when mine acts up the worst, dh says his newer Road King has much less vibration.

[Nords]

Originally Posted by Greg

I personally think it all started from riding ATVs and motorcycles.

We have this conversation all the time at our house.

Harpo: "Doctor, it hurts when I do this."

Groucho: "Well don't do that anymore!"

[artist59]

There is a book that I have used for pains in different areas of the body. It is called Trigger Point Therapy Workbook and I pick it up at the library when needed. The website is http://www.triggerpointbook.com. There is a section on carpel tunnel which may be useful before surgery.

Personal story-I had a pain/stiffness in my lower back that proceeded to my hip and then my leg and knee (couldn't bend well, carry groceries, put weight on my right leg). This lasted for some months and I went to my doctor, who recommended an orthopeadic doctor. I took muscle relaxants and anti-inflamatory medicine, had xrays, referred to another doctor who put me on steroids. If that didn't work I would go in for a MRI, etc. They had no idea what the problem was and were just recommending things to see if they would work. Meanwhile my leg was starting to get numb a couple of times a day like when your foot falls asleep. This had been going on from November to April.

Before I went back for the MRI, etc., I found this book and figured I would try it. The theory is that a lot of pain is caused by a tightened muscle and not necessarily where is hurts. It shows you how to find the knot and massage it out and talks about what may have caused it and how to avoid it or performs actions differently. I found the knot in my thigh muscle (about the size of a pinhead) and massage it out for about 2 days and my leg was back to normal within a week (no doctor needed).

I have since used it when my husband has had back problems and it has worked every time.

[Danny]

artist - Thanks for the recommendation of this book very intriguing approach I'm now on a long wait list at my library..I may have to buy it!

[Dreamer]

I was just curious on the outcome of Greg's second doctor visit. Did he have to have the surgery? If not, what did he have done and how is he doing now? (I am behind on reading these boards.)

[Martha]

Originally Posted by Dreamer

I was just curious on the outcome of Greg's second doctor visit. Did he have to have the surgery? If not, what did he have done and how is he doing now? (I am behind on reading these boards.)

Thanks for asking. The second doc said must have surgery, the test results showed his carpal tunnel syndrome was severe as well a pinched nerve in the elbow. Three weeks ago he had his right hand carpal tunnel surgery and right elbow ulnar release surgery. Recovery still progressing so we will see how it all turns out.

[Moemg]

Carpal Tunnel Surgery is very common .I would see a surgeon who specializes in hands .Usually they'll try the cortisone first if that doesn't work then surgery .It's a pretty simple procedure as surgerys go .I had it done years ago and I got instant relief.

[Martha]

Originally Posted by Moemg

Carpal Tunnel Surgery is very common .I would see a surgeon who specializes in hands .Usually they'll try the cortisone first if that doesn't work then surgery .It's a pretty simple procedure as surgerys go .I had it done years ago and I got instant relief.

We went to such a specialist for his "hand job."

[Jarhead*]

Originally Posted by Martha

We went to such a specialist for his "hand job."

You're going to be busy for a while, Martha. 8)

[wabmester]

Originally Posted by Martha

Thanks for asking. The second doc said must have surgery, the test results showed his carpal tunnel syndrome was severe as well a pinched nerve in the elbow. Three weeks ago he had his right hand carpal tunnel surgery and right elbow ulnar release surgery. Recovery still progressing so we will see how it all turns out.

Where is Greg? I could share some great tips with him on one-handed sock pulls, shoe ties, and underarm washing techniques.

[Martha]

Originally Posted by wab

Where is Greg? I could share some great tips with him on one-handed sock pulls, shoe ties, and underarm washing techniques.

You mean he has been lying to me about what he can and cannot do? That my assistance is not really needed?

[wabmester]

Originally Posted by Martha

You mean he has been lying to me about what he can and cannot do? That my assistance is not really needed?

No, that bit about fly zippers being right-handed is really true. At first, I was angry at the pants makers for being so discriminatory. But then I learned how helpful young hotties everybody is towards those in need.

[Nords]

Originally Posted by wab

Where is Greg? I could share some great tips with him on one-handed sock pulls, shoe ties, and underarm washing techniques.

Originally Posted by wab

No, that bit about fly zippers being right-handed is really true. At first, I was angry at the pants makers for being so discriminatory. But then I learned how helpful young hotties everybody is towards those in need.

I never would've expected these issues to be yet another reason to feel lucky I live Hawaii...