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Posted , 8 users are following.

carl2017
carl2017

I first noticed symptoms about 10 years ago when my right hand went numb on my motorbike. They have progressively being getting worse to the point now that both hands feel puffy, warm and achy. I can't write with my left hand for more than a few sentences before my hand seizes up and is quite painful. Both hands go numb on a regular basis. Brought on by riding my motorbike, driving my truck which is my job, using my phone or tablet. They frequently go numb at night. I was referred for an electrical conductivity test which revealed that I have mild CTS in my left and moderate in my right hand. I will now be referred on to another dept in the hospital. What direction to do think this will take now?

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • jeremydpbland
    jeremydpbland carl2017

    Posted

    Come and read about the options for treating it on carpal-tunnel.net - no adverts, just the best available scientific evidence on treatment summarised for the lay reader.

    Dr Jeremy Bland

  • jina75215
    jina75215 carl2017

    Posted

    Hi Carl when they have done the nurve conductivity test they will refer you to hospital to arrange for you to have surgery they never gave me any steroid injections so hopefully you will have the surgery done within a month or two depending on waiting time... Good luck 😊
  • Guest
    Guest carl2017

    Posted

    Hi Carl! You can only write a few sentences with your left hand and the test only said mild cts in the left hand? It's sounds weird to me.
    • carl2017
      carl2017 Guest

      Posted

      Hi Ken. Yes I thought that was strange as well. My right hand goes numb quicker and more often than my left. When on the bike my right will go numb within 30 minutes and then every 15 after that.
  • steve36083
    steve36083 carl2017

    Posted

    Jeremy has sent you a link. After 10 years of suffering, the only course of action appropriate now is surgery. Unfortunately after such a long time there is a chance that quite a few blood vessels will now be redundant. Permanently. This would mean that you may not get all sensation back. Still, when you've had it done, you'll wonder why you didn't di it 9 1/2 years ago. I suffered for 4 months. Couldn't sleep at nite. 3 days on and I'me sleeping like a baby. Good luck Carl.
  • Wini69
    Wini69 carl2017

    Posted

    I had a similar experience but I told the orthopaedic consultant that this was interfering with my life too much and I wanted it sorted. I couldn't drive, cook, paint even make a cuppa, so I told her I really wasn't happy to leave it another few years, which would see it get worse. She agreed to do it and am so glad it was done.

    If it's interfering with your lifestyle, don't settle for moderate. Ring, write and email if possible. It's worth it!

  • william02621
    william02621 carl2017

    Posted

    You had the conductivity test which confirms it. Rather than wait and see what happens, you should be proactive and ask your Dr about the next steps, whether its physical therapy, surgery, cortisone, etc.

    I had identical symptoms until I woke up in the middle of the night and decided I was getting surgery. If this had been my feet I would have had it fixed years ago...funny how we endure more pain in our hands.

    If you do decide on surgery find a Dr who specializes in CTS surgery. In 2015 it can be done as out-patient with a local anesthetic. That's what I went with, super pleased with the results.

    • tserha08391
      tserha08391 william02621

      Posted

      hi william.

      Im glad your are pleased with the result. I had carpel tunnel release done couple of months back and still recovering. 

       

      I went back to the surgen few days ago cause my middle finger was bent and painful for the last two weeks. I got cortisone shot to ease the pain.

      any personal advice for successful recoverysmile

       

    • william02621
      william02621 tserha08391

      Posted

      Everyone has their methods of course. But I started stretching and arching my fingers backwards, even before the local anesthesia wore off. My Dr recommended this to keep it from stiffening up. I do it several times a day, yes it hurts at times but it seems to really help with flexibility by stressesing the incision and area.

      I also massage the incision firmly several times day with some oil marketed to prevent scars (Bio-oil). I sloughes off dead skin and makes the area look clean and smooth. I don't think the brand of oil matters. I also take a daily vitamin supplement and fish-oil capsule.

  • carl2017
    carl2017

    Posted

    Thanks for all your replies. The lady said my doctor would get the results in about two weeks and that she thought my doc wouldrefer me on to the specialist in the hospital. If it is for the

    Surgical route it could be awkward as I'm starting a new driving

    Job and don't think I get sick pay.

  • tserha08391
    tserha08391 carl2017

    Posted

    Hi carl.

    your situation is very similar to mine interms of pain and etc.

    my ect shows low velocity on my left hand and i was refered to surgen on the same day.

    i had my procedure on feb 2015 and still recovering.

    I wish you a good luck !!!

     

  • carl2017
    carl2017

    Posted

    Thanks for all your replies. I'll update as and when I get any more information.
  • carl2017
    carl2017

    Posted

    Oh well. Had a call from my GP today. She is referring my on to the surgeons with a view to getting both wrists done. Didn't need that. What would be the minimum time off work I could expect if everything goes ok? Also would not having the op done be an option or would I make things worse if I don't get it done. Cheers all. Carl.
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