Carpal Tunnel

[WilliamJE]

I had a followup appointment with my primary doctor last week. He doesn't want to see me for another three months.

While I saw the doctor, I brought up my hand again. It really hasn't changed in a month. The doctor sent me to a neurologist who did nerve tests(like electric to your wrist and hand area.). The doctor says I have carpal tunnel syndrome. Didn't have it before OHS, but I do now.

I been referred to a hand surgeon. Right now I'm of two minds about surgery, if I were to have it done, I'd get it done this year while my deductibles are all met. On the other hand, another operation, more time away from work(because I write for living) don't make me too eager.

Talk to the doctor next week and make a decision. Leonita is telling me no. Maybe I should listen to the wife for a change.

 

[Cooker]

Seems very strange ... I remember when I woke up I was tied down and fighting it like a gorilla .... do you remember anything like that? ... I think they strap you down during surgery too .... Hope you can get it resolved.

 

[escargome]

Could be like Cooker said, the tie down straps might have irritated a nerve in your wrist. Anyway, my suggestion would be to buy one of those wrist splints and see if that helps. I have the same thing from repetitive motion at my computer keyboard and when my hand starts to tingle, I use what is commonly known as a tennis elbow brace and it helps. So whatever you decide, hope you feel better.

 

[Bina]

After OHS there were definitely tiny red dot marks on each wrist....I hear that the ICU nurses are into that bondage stuff.....But the pain and trouble I have with my wrists was there before surgery.

 

[aussigal]

Its definitely a very good possibility that the strange positions they have your arms put in for surgery may have squished your nerves in the brachial plexus a bit. Nerves take around 12 months to regrow. I would definitely wait at least 6 months if not up to even 12 before heading off to have Carpal Tunnel surgery.
I had Carpal Tunnel surgery on my right hand 5 yrs ago. I also had the condition on my left but did want to have both hands out of action at the same time so only had the right operated on . I was going to go back in 6 months to do the left. Funny thing is that my left hand healed itself and is no longer a bother.
You can try putting an extra pillow under your right arm when lying in bed so as to keep your wrist in a neutral position. Making sure the ergonomics of your workspace are perfect will help. Do not rest your wrsit on your desk. Frequent rest breaks, ice, wrist braces etc., these all help. This kind of condition responds well to rest of the injury. I realise your isnt strictly caused by overuse but the treatment will be the same.
Feel free to ask more questions if you want to...

Good Luck.

 

[abbanabba]

I just read something yesterday suggesting:
Several small studies have found low vitamin B6 levels in sufferers of the carpal tunnel syndrome, a neurological disorder of the wrists and hands which causes pain and stiffness. (Ref: The Vitamin Update - B6)

Perhaps you could try upping your vitamin B6 and see if it helps at all.