I've had the symptoms of a problem with my carpal tunnel for years. I really don't remember when they started, but do remember the "shaking out my hand" for years, to remove the numbness. Over time, some areas of my fingers remained numb. At night, I wake with a pain I can only describe as the throbbing like a toothache in my arms.
A few years ago, I had some tests performed, which revealed I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. My family doctor didn't think it was necessary to do anything at that time, except to wear wrist braces at night. They helped, but even braces didn't remove the symptoms.
Last week, after too long of sleep loss due to pain at night, I had some tests run. After they were over, the doctor said: "You have very, very bad carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands.
The tests involved placing probes at various places, and electric shocks. The best description is a series of three, with the first as a tiny jolt, and the final similar to grabbing a spark plug. The doctor even warned me of the worse, which resulted in nearly jumping from the chair. The jolts were severe.
Long story short, some nerves returned no signal, so some of the numbness may be permanent. Surgery is a week Monday for the right hand. After it heals, the left will follow.
After it's over, maybe sleep won't be disturbed any longer, and I can use my hands, without shaking them out ever few minutes to return the feeling.
Time will tell.
I'm sorry that you have to go through all of this, but hope and pray that all turns out well and that you will have some relief.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I didn't think it was severe, but the tests proved otherwise. If I knew back then, what I now know, I'd have pushed for relief a few years ago.
DeleteWow.Wife has it. Don't know why I don't.
ReplyDeleteThe doctor performing the tests said it's the luck of the draw. Those with thin wrists, like mine, will have a greater chance of suffering from the syndrome.
DeleteI feel your pain, brother. I've had it for years and have put off doing anything about it. Knees have both been scoped (and need scoping again) and the damned plantar fasciitis in my feet makes working in the woods not quite as fun as it once was. I'm not "old", but now I know why old guys are so grumpy... shit hurts and that makes ones disposition not-so-sunny at times. :-) Good luck on the surgery and I'll be pullin' for ya'.
ReplyDeleteI've put off dealing with it for years. It reached the point it was time to do something.
DeleteI so wish I could get mine operated on, they are so bad. Thank you Obama care, we now have a 9000. Deductible
ReplyDeleteSo I suffer
My deductible is more than the cost, so I'll have to scrape enough to satisfy the money handlers and promise the rest.
DeleteHere's to a good nights sleep and one-handed blogging! No excuses.
ReplyDeleteFrom what the doctor told me, I can use my hand the next day, but avoid strenuous use.
DeleteHoly crap, dude, that's scary. Mine have been doing it for a long time, so I disappear online-wise and it fades to acceptable levels. Might have to get it checked, although doctors and I haven't gotten along since they decided I was too old for the post-visit lollypop.
ReplyDeleteWhat bothers me is the permanent damage. I won't know how much there is, until after it all heals, which can take months.
DeleteWow Jess. And you didn't tell ME? Your internet sister? I am SO sorry. I went through those tests in my 30s when I tore my shin muscle OFF my shin bone. Carpal Tunnel surgery is going to keep you offline for a long time, and I'm glad to see that you have new readers in your corner. The internet can be very supportive as you and I know from holding each other up on several occasions. Love you Jess.
ReplyDeleteI'm too addicted to stay off line. If I have problems, I'll just have to type with my feet.
DeleteAnd, I love you too.
I worked as an administrative assistant for a big corporation and spent hours on the computer. As a result I suffered all sorts of stiffness in my joints and eventually developed Carpal Tunnel syndrome. The numbness of the fingers and the pain were very frustrating, and I'm glad I had the surgery as recommended by my doctor. I hope you get well.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline Hodges @ Dr Koziol
After the surgery, and I had to deal with weakness, with pain, I had reservations. Since then, the amount of sleep is more than welcome. For a time, I was zombie-like, as I puttered through the day lacking in rest.
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