Pity Party, Please

[TuckandStuiesMom]

I'm home today because I'm going in to see the Dr. later on today. I've been having trouble with my left hand recently and as of last Monday, I absolutely have had it to here with this gettin' old crap. Two of my techs were out and we got in some unexpected samples (they weigh about 80# each). I went ahead, put on my labcoat, and helped my remaining tech split'em out.

It was pitiful. My thumb and the two fingers next to it, involuntarily curled up into a claw and I felt like Igor, Dr. Frankenstein's assistant. My whole arm was way weaker than normal. I am so hoping that I can get get the CT surgery and be back to normal before our busy time this summer.

Has anybody here had Carpal Tunnel surgery? Or know anybody who has? I've read that the recuperation period is quite short and the outcome is generally very positive. Any personal anecdotes would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jenn&nelsonrego]

OUCH! I get CT pains occasionally but not at all to the extent you are describing.

I hope that you can get the surgery and come through recovery quickly.

 

[wallyb]

Good luck doll.


Don't know anyone who did the surgery - but know lost of people who have had bouts of Carpal Tunnel - artist get it all the time from all the repetitive movement.

 

[tiggr33]

Just my two cents, but I suggest you get a second opinion from a Chiropractor.

I do not and have not suffered from Carpal tunnel, however I was mis-diagnosed with Ulna Cubital Syndrome and surgery was suggested by two Orthopeadics. I had no feeling in my pinky, tingling in my ring finger, and I put it off for insurance reasons and the recuperation. Anyway, I learned to live with it, learned to manage it, dealt with it. I had to sleep with my arm straight out in a brace that was locked at either 0 (zero) or 10 degrees.

Fast forward about 2 years. Padalyn and I were flying to WDW she looked down and asked me what was wrong with my wrist. I said nothing was. She disagreed and asked if she could feel it. She then announced I had dislocated wrist, and re-set it then and there. When we landed we bought a wrist brace, and within days I had recovered some sensantion in my fingers. When we got home I went to the Chiropractor and he diagnosed me with "sloppy" wrists, and they continually dislocate. I can reset it a couple of times a day.

I do have some permanent nerve damage, and some hand discomfort (mostly due to me having broken all my fingers at one point or another). Turns out it was probably 30 years of playing softball that did me in. Moral of my story, weigh all your options before scheduling the surgery. It's not always the best option.

 

[yasuern]

I agree with Stacey - Always get a 2nd opinion - even if it ends up being the same resulting the surgery. ALWAYS explore your options

As far as the surgery - its not bad (endoscopic surgery) and most folks do well with it and recover quickly but may need a brace after for a while - if its your non dominent hand you may be able to return to work in a few days - if its your dominent hand it could be 4 weeks. Alot has to do with what your job entails.

No matter your choice I wish you well and pray for a speedy recovery


Sue

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I'm sorry you are in so much pain!
Lots of good thoughts for you to find a solution soon!!

 

[zeitzeuge]

I've been dealing with Carpul Tunnel since I was in highschool. I started drawing at an early age. Started piano lessons at the age of 3 until I was 25. Throughout college, I was drawing, painting, pottery almost every day. I then got the wild hair to become a glassblower and did that for 15 years. Needless to say, my hands are totally screwed.

I started noticing problems when I was playing the piano. Sharp pain, hands/fingers curling under, tightening, etc. It has gotten worse over the years when you add working on a computer all day long.

I have spoken to many doctors about surgery. Most I've talked to said that there's only a 50% success rate. You'll be out of work for 6-8 weeks. There's no guarantee it will work or not come back. I've had two family members that had the surgery. One it worked ok for, the other she saw no difference and still has trouble.

The only thing that works for me are the wrist braces. You don't have to wear them all day, but you can in the beginning. After a while, you can wear them while you sleep and take them off in the morning. That seemed to help mine enough to keep away the major pain and other issues.

Really make sure this is something that you want to do before you make your decision. Make sure you have good health coverage and that work will let you take plenty of time off for it.

I've learned to live with mine with exercises and braces.

 

[wallyb]

I then got the wild hair to become a glassblower and did that for 15 years.

I always wanted to try this.

 

[MonorailMan]

If you do go through with the surgery keep us up to date on what happens and how it goes.

I've been painting, drawing Xacto-ing, computer-ing, and spinning in color guards for years now but have only started having issues last year. I know.....it stinks.

 

[2GirlsMama]

Sorry you are going through this, I hope you find answers soon.

 

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

OUCH! I hope you get some help soon.

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

You guys are the best!

I got a shot, more heavy duty pain meds, and a seriously S&M looking black wrist brace this afternoon. IF it's not better in two weeks, I'll probably be seeing the orthopedist (Very nice lady; she did my knee 4 years ago). I'd never thought about seeing a chiropractor before but I think I'll look into it before I make a final decision.

Again -- Thank you all for your suggestions and kind thoughts.

 

[tiggr33]

I always wanted to try this.

Take a trip to Corning NY. The Studio at the Corning Muesem of Glass has classes. I am a stained glass artisan and have also thought about it.

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

but don't inhale.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I love Corning. It's incredible.

I've not had any issues with CP. Yet. I do know of one person who had the surgery and was not happy with the results, but it was long ago that I knew him, so don't remember the details.

To spin of Mister Z, I was diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury three years ago. It got to the point where I could not lift my left arm. I went down the slide at OKW that first summer and when I hit the water I flipped and the water pushed my arm up over my head. I honestly thought I was going to drown it hurt so much.

Anyway, went to the GP recommended ortho surgeon. Wicked nice man. I resisted surgery so he gave me a shot of cortisone and sent me for PT.

Fast forward to today. My arm has full range of motion, some weakness but nothing terrible, and will hurt on the top of my shoulder from time to time, but no surgery.

I would encourage you to try any reasonable alternative before agreeing to surgery.

All the best to you!

 

[tiggr33]

I love Corning. It's incredible.

I agree. The muesem is amazing, and we have taken two classes there. One in sandblasting and one in fusing.

Fast forward to today. My arm has full range of motion, some weakness but nothing terrible, and will hurt on the top of my shoulder from time to time, but no surgery.

Glad your shoulder held out. Been there done that.....not fun. I have to say Wii Tennis is killing me. I have to retool my muscle memory that I am not playing real tennis and don't have to swing so hard.

 

[NikkiPants]

Hey, I'm sorry you're having issues with your hand. Just thought I'd throw this out there. My sister had really bad CT and got surgery. She was fine in like a week. She didn't even need pain meds for more than a day. And her hand is all better.
Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[rpmdfw]

Hey, I'm sorry you're having issues with your hand. Just thought I'd throw this out there. My sister had really bad CT and got surgery. She was fine in like a week. She didn't even need pain meds for more than a day. And her hand is all better.
Good luck and keep us posted!

How ironic that you're name implies that you LIKE pants then.