1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Carpal Tunnel

Is it or isn't it carpal tunnel?

Posted , 3 users are following.

katie99407
katie99407

Hi, I started with tingling and numbness in my left hand back in June and seen various doctors and specialists who have given me a wrist brace sleep in ( which has helped a little) however it is affecting all my hand and wrist. I don't get the tingling and numbness as much now but still  have feeling of fingers being swollen even though there not and struggle to lift things, even a kettle, and it seems to be worse the more I use it.

I've had many blood tests and a nerve conduction study which are all normal,however the specialist says it is carpal tunnel just abnormal symptoms and referred me to the surgeon first for him to confirm if it is or isn't carpal tunnel first before looking at surgery. I'm so confused so have I or haven't I got carpal tunnel??

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • andrew66395
    andrew66395 katie99407

    Posted

    Take your time with this. Either way you have options. Just a few questions if you don't mind please:

    (1) Does this numbness/tingling affect your little finger at all?

    (2) Do you have any concurrant ailment like Rheumatoid artheritis, diabetes or     thyroid disease?  

    (3) Is this worse in the mornings and does it keep you awalk at night?

    When you can answer these questions accurately we'll see but surgery may not be your first choice. 

    • katie99407
      katie99407 andrew66395

      Posted

      This is why I am confused as it seems not all my symptoms fit carpal tunnel although the specialist seems convinced it is and nothing else.the answers to your questions are: 

      1) yes It does occasionally but mainly the first three fingers

      2) I have been tested for all through blood tests and been told they are all normal and was told straight away it won't be arthritis 

      3) it doesn't keep me up at night at all and is worse in the morning,but not always as soon as I wake up but normally the symptoms comes on more the more I use my hand.

    • andrew66395
      andrew66395 katie99407

      Posted

      Alright then. From what you say here I would be 100% happy with the diagnosis of carpal tunhel. It may not be "typical" but its near enough.

      You have a lot of options now. If I were you I'd go on with the splints for another few months. Do not engage in any activity that requires repedative movements -- knitting, kneeding dough etc. Consider a diuretic or a course of steroids. Ofter CTS spontaniously remits. As I say, take your time and good luck.

    • ANITAAJB
      ANITAAJB katie99407

      Posted

      Hi 

      My symptoms are a bit like yours , as well as the little finger .. How long did it take for you to see a specialist ??  I'm getting very annoyed , as I can't lift a pan properly , dropped things ... If I cut cheese with a knife it's painful .. Do you get cram

  • ANITAAJB
    ANITAAJB katie99407

    Posted

    Sorry not sure what happen , silly fingers pressing wrong buttons . Do you get cramps in your fingers when you try typing or using a pen? 
  • katie99407
    katie99407

    Posted

    Not so much cramp but gets to the point where I can't do it and my partner needs to continue when cutting things,but when I type on a keyboard after about few mins I have stop altogether, luckily my job doesn't involve lots and can do in bits and bobs. It took me about a month to be seen by a specialist then about 3 week after for nerve conduction study then two weeks after for specialist again to look at results, in between I had three lots of blood tests as well. now just awaiting a referal for surgeon, hopefully won't take too long.Nice to know someone with similar smyptoms 
  • andrew66395
    andrew66395 katie99407

    Posted

    Anita. I do not think that you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Affecting the little finger and the cramps you describe rule this out.

    What you have got may be vascular/occupational, either or both being exascerbated by stress. I would need more information.

  • ANITAAJB
    ANITAAJB katie99407

    Posted

    Thanks for your replies ... Well went to the drs today , explained that the anti-inflammat
  • ANITAAJB
    ANITAAJB katie99407

    Posted

    Sorry having trouble with my phone ..  Dr has booked me in for an injection in the wrist and referred me to the physiotherapy services to have a wrist brace fitted ... Hope it doesn't get any worse ... Do the injections hurt ??  TIA
  • tracy5
    tracy5 katie99407

    Posted

    hi katie i had the injection 3 weeks ago and to anyone who has had children it hurts worse than labour well it did for me anyway and im sorry to say it didnt work and im waiting for the doctor to call me to go through my options
    • ANITAAJB
      ANITAAJB tracy5

      Posted

      Really ??? I'm due my injection on Monday sad ... How long did the pain last for ??? ... I don't do any pain what so ever ... 
  • tracy5
    tracy5 katie99407

    Posted

    i had my injecton on the monday evening and the pain lasted till the following day
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.