ulnar nerve compression

[Khan]

Anyone else have this crap?

It's getting worse.

It's hereditary.

Mother had surgery for such. Is it worth it?

 

[FreeAtLast]

Last year my son had an appointment at his chiropractor and the doctor's partner had just took delivery of a new Hi Tech machine called the DRX9000 which is used for spinal decompression. I don't know anything else about it, other that it is an alternative to surgery in some cases. There was sales literature and banners in the office when it first arrived.

 

[Martha]

I am not the doc here but I know someone who did not get this treated promptly and as a result has permanent nerve and muscle damage substantially effecting his quality of life. If you don't have this treated it can lead to muscle loss and weakness that might not be reversible. Even if treatment doesn't make it better it should stop it from getting worse. I know this has bothered you for a while. Really, you need to get this fixed.

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Khan, there is way too little information here to allow helpful comment. There are many causes, symptoms, sites of involvement, etc. Please share to the extent you are comfortable doing so.

I remember an urban syndrome during my training (having nothing to do with Khan's problem) called Park Bench Palsy. Hard core alcoholics would fall asleep or unconscious on the park bench with their arm draped over the back of the bench and come in the next day with partially paralyzed arms from compression of the nerve.

But back to Khan, Martha's advice is probably sound.

 

[Dawg52]

I remember an urban syndrome during my training (having nothing to do with Khan's problem) called Park Bench Palsy. Hard core alcoholics would fall asleep or unconscious on the park bench with their arm draped over the back of the bench and come in the next day with partially paralyzed arms from compression of the nerve.

Hmmmm......I'm making a mental of note of this.

 

[LOL!]

I spent a lot of time doing nerve glides and fixed my problem which arose from being in a sling for 9+ months. I would not want surgery for this if I could help it. I have had plenty of other orthopedic surgeries and it never turns out perfect, so I would be suspicious of anything some one told me about this.

Anyways, I would suggest giving physical therapy about 3 years to work, then consider something else.

And since you know someone who had surgery for such, what was their opinion?

 

[Khan]

Khan, there is way too little information here to allow helpful comment. There are many causes, symptoms, sites of involvement, etc. Please share to the extent you are comfortable doing so.

I remember an urban syndrome during my training (having nothing to do with Khan's problem) called Park Bench Palsy. Hard core alcoholics would fall asleep or unconscious on the park bench with their arm draped over the back of the bench and come in the next day with partially paralyzed arms from compression of the nerve.

But back to Khan, Martha's advice is probably sound.

Like most of the other deterioration, it's hereditary.

I wouldn't mind the numbness (that's been around for a while); but the pain is starting to interfere with my sleep.

I was tested several years ago and they confirmed carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve crap.

Suppose I should dig out my medical stuff and find a doctor or two.

Am falling apart at the same schedule as Mother; she had some surgery.

Practical question: If I do get surgery, who takes care of me while it heals?

 

[Moemg]

Practical question: If I do get surgery, who takes care of me while it heals?

Depending on the surgery you should be able to take care of your self . You may need someone to make a grocery run and since you already have a cleaning lady she may be willing to do it for a fee . Depending on which arm it is you may not be able to drive and may need to use cabs to get to Doctor appointments .

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

I'd start with an orthopedist who specializes in upper extremity surgery. He or she may want additional tests (EMG, electromyography). Sleep is precious and if that is suffering on a long-term basis it's time to consider treatment.

My limited experience with this suggests a high likelihood of a good outcome. Permanent damage likely increaases with the length of time the nerve is compressed.

 

[Martha]

Practical question: If I do get surgery, who takes care of me while it heals?

If you need to have both wrists and both elbows done, do one side. Wait a couple of months, and then do the other. That way you can care for yourself, with someone to drive you home and do grocery runs.

 

[braumeister]

Just a suggestion, if you don't mind traveling a bit.
I, and several people I know, have nothing but praise for the good folks at
Hand Surgery Specialists

They have a number of offices around the Greater Cincinnati [I think that's an oxymoron ] area. The West Chester office might not be too far from you.

 

[Walt34]

Note to self: Do not pass out on park benches. Fall to the grass first.

 

[Tigger]

If that's the same as "ulnar nerve entrapment" (is it?), Wikipedia says:

"Effective treatment generally requires resolving the underlying cause. Physical therapy, chiropractic, occupational therapy and osteopathy often provide relief. Surgery may be required for some causes, such as thoracic outlet syndrome.
Prognosis: Most patients diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome have advanced disease (atrophy, static numbness, weakness) that reflect permanent nerve damage that will not recover after surgery. [6] When diagnosed prior to atrophy, weakness or static numbness, the disease can be arrested with operative treatment and intermittent symptoms usually resolve."

Ulnar nerve entrapment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Nords]

Practical question: If I do get surgery, who takes care of me while it heals?

The people who seem to have the most experience with these situations are the geriatric care providers.

I'm not implying that you're geriatric. I'm just sayin' that if you want an experienced care provider, with perhaps the best pricing and service models, then you could start with them.

Another option would be a handicap services company for transportation and grocery deliveries.

 

[Khan]

If you need to have both wrists and both elbows done, do one side. Wait a couple of months, and then do the other. That way you can care for yourself, with someone to drive you home and do grocery runs.

It's the left arm and it's from the elbow on down.

 

[Martha]

It's the left arm and it's from the elbow on down.

Hope that you aren't left handed!