[Christina86]

Question or suggestions appreciated.

I'm fairly certain I'm developing carpal tunnel in both of my wrists. My hands go numb, and my wrists hurt... a lot at times. This has been going on off-and-on for months, but has really gotten bad over the last 3 weeks.

I know you're thinking I should go to the doctor, but I have a real fear of them. And they'd suggest something I can't do. I can't rest my wrists (or bandage them, unless I can do it at night?), I NEED them to wheel around. I can't give up typing on my computer, I'm a student. And I highly doubt its bad enough to even consider surgery.

Any other suggestions?

Hey, Christina!

I've had Carpal tunnel syndrom... I've had surgery on my right wrist. I know how it feels when you lose some of the feeling... and got that on-going pain.
There are special splints to use... some meds for inflammation can be used too... sorry to say this but you will probably need surgery in time.
Please contact me about this if you feel like venting.

(((((((((((((((((Christina)))))))))))

[(JD)]

Go to a physical therapist. If it's just beginning, a good PT can adjust your wrist so the nerve slides back fully into the tunnel. The PT can also assist you with preventing it from becoming worse, by proper ergonomics, and if necessary, wrist support/splint.

Please don't put it off, as not only might you need surgery (that might not work after all) but it can move farther up your arm, into your elbow (tennis elbow anyone?) and shoulder!

If you need a referral from your MD, see if they will give that over the phone. TC

[Christina86]

Thanks both of you for responding...
And here's an update.

I went to the doctor earlier today. *sighs* (My hand swelled up yesterday and was completely numb)

My diagnosis is carpal tunnel and tendonitis (sp?) in my left wrist (my writing one, yay) and mild carpal tunnel in my right. I went and got some wrist/hand braces/splints, man do they ever hurt!!! I'm also popping Advil, just like my doctor suggested.

We both had a good laugh over the recommendation to let my wrists rest... I can't. I have to wheel!

If they get any worse, I am going to a PT. (Even though I hate them more than doctors... I had a bad experience with one).

Thanks

[(JD)]

GRRR. Ok, you don't mean the SPLINTS hurt, do you? The PT needs to bend the supports for YOUR hand, wrists ( not some salesperson.)

Everyone has carpal tunnels. It's when the nerve tries to leave the tunnel it's supposed to rest in that causes trouble. Proper use of hands, wrists allow the nerve to stay where it belongs (which the PT can put it back in the tunnel)...

surgeons only know and do one thing: surgery. Talk to a good PT now, they know carpal tunnel syndrome.

I'm sorry you're hurting. BTW I have to drive with my arms at my side and my hands on the lower part of the steering wheel, to maintain good positioning. (And I only have a chance of getting this syndrome, due to my neuropathy.) TC!

[Sabrina]

I had CT in my right wrist years ago and I will never forget how sore and inconvenient it was. I can only imagine how much more this is for you.

Hoping each day brings you some relief Christina.

[(JD)]

I wear a set of splints for sleep, one set for daytime. I tend to "fist" while sleeping (doesn't sound restful, does it? hmmm) I hope the splints ward off any further pain and injury for you. (((hugs)))

[Christina86]

Thanks for all the advice.

I'm going to the doctor on Wednesday to get some pain meds and a referral to a PT. (This way its a covered service, versus not).

I've been trying to rest my hands/wrists and I went and bought another (better) ergonomic mousepad and an ergonomic keyboard (external one attached to my laptop). Makes it easier on my wrists, thats for sure!

I had an over-the-phone consult with a physiotherapist, so I know what type of training I'm supposed to look for in a physiotherapist.

Thanks for all your help, much appreciated!

[Zorah]

Hi canders7,
If you have got carpal tunnel syndrome, it is very

important to have your thyroid function checked, as

carpal tunnel syndrome is often the first indication of

thyroid problems. Get them to do the blood tests !!!!

If caused by thyroid problems, the carpal tunnel syndrome

will improve when the thyroid is rebalanced. This

happened to me & it took the docs 15 years to think of

thyroid disorders.

Good luck, don't let them operate, & your physio doesn't

sound that experienced either.

[Christina86]

Thanks for that Zorah, I'll definetely look into it!

I need to get me to a physio, I still need to work up the nerve to go. I've got a bunch of posture related issues, which I have a sinking suspicion could be some of the cause of my problems (back problems, headaches, neckaches, maybe even the carpal tunnel).

I went to the doc, got my referral, and got my meds. All is right in the world according to my wrists, not one peep out of them pain-wise since I took the meds. (Except for the carpal tunnel numbness, but this drug is only to treat the tendonitis)

Thanks again everyone. I'll stop updating you now, you're probably sick of it. I'll live, even if it winds up getting worse (hope it doesn't!!)