[Rio_]

I've had some form of repetitive strain injury in my hands for over a year - originally I thought it was caused by playing the violin, but I'm beginning to suspect that my hair pulling is actually having more of an effect - and the various physiotherapists I've seen have also noticed problems in my arms, shoulders and neck...feels like most of my upper body's a mess, really. Got a reminder of just how messed up I am a couple of hours ago - accidentally bumped my arm just above my elbow, and practically jumped out of my skin it hurt that much.

So frustrated and annoyed at myself for letting things get this bad, especially since it's my own damn fault! If I could just stop pulling my hair out I might actually give it a chance to get better, but it's so hard to stop even for a day or two. And even when I managed to stop for a month (only recently started up again, actually) it didn't make that much difference, I was still having problems.

Feels like there's nothing I can do to actually make it better, all I'm doing is making it worse. I've been to four physiotherapists and had blood tests to rule out things like arthritis, I've tried taking ibuprofen which made no difference whatsoever, and I'm getting referred to orthopaedics but I have no idea when the appointment will be, they didn't tell me how long the waiting list was...

And I haven't played the violin since the end of February to see if that helped make things better and it hasn't, and I'm scared to start up again in case I discover I actually can't play any more, or I'm way worse than I used to be. Hate the thought that it's my own fault I might not be able to play again.

Sorry for the ramble, but I'm in a rubbish mood and I haven't been able to tell anyone else that I'm probably causing these problems because they won't understand how hard it is and will just tell me to stop, it's not that easy! I hate myself sometimes...

[Leed]

I'm wondering if it could be carpal tunnel?? Does your thumb hurt? Does the pain run up your arm to the elbow or all the way up to your shoulder??? It could be carpal tunnel as that comes from repetitive actions. I've had the surgery for it, and it's a very simple surgery. You do have to wear a brace for about 6 weeks afterwards ~ at least that's how it was about 15 years ago. It might have changed by now.

You probably should have it looked at. You don't want to damage nerves permanently. Best of luck and God bless. Hugs, Lee

[madisgram]

carpal tunnel perhaps? i'd have it checked out by your doc. you can have an arm/wrist brace made to calm the nerves in that area. can't play the violin with it on but my friend wears hers to sleep and takes it off during the day....she's got 9 kids!!!!

[Rio_]

Thanks for replying, Leed and madisgram. I've seen two doctors and four different physiotherapists, and carpal tunnel is actually one of the few things they haven't mentioned - tendonitis, scar tissue round my elbow and inflammation in my wrists have all been suggested, although inflammation was ruled out after the blood tests. I have an orthopaedics appointment coming up at some point, but I don't know how long I'm going to have to wait for that. Feels like I've just about exhausted all my options, my last physiotherapist basically just gave up because I wasn't improving at all.

[NoBread]

People with low B-12 can sometimes develop nerve pain. Maybe your doc could run some tests on vitamins / mineral levels?

[Rio_]

Thanks for replying, NoBread. Interesting, didn't know that - would vitamins/mineral levels show up on blood tests? I've had those and they all came back normal, but I haven't asked to be tested for vitamins or minerals specifically.