I have carpal tunnel of the dominant hand, this showed on the NCT I had last fall.
Lately I am having lots of pain when I hold a pen or pencil.
Today I am again working on my taxes and writing is out of the question, been filling papers instead.
I am waiting on a phone call from my doctor with the name of surgeons I can call.
I have am IME later this month & then court on the hand & back, but at this point I will pay out of my pocket to see what a surgeon has to say.
My question is ......Is there anything I can do to lessen the pain
So I can get some writing done?
Bummer, You should be wearing a brace at night so you don't bend your wrist. During the day, when you have to write and use your hands, just take lots of breaks and hold your arm on a pillow when resting it. I'm only allowed to write/keyboard 10 out of every 30 mins. as part of my restrictions. Things get done, but take a lot longer! Ugh!!!
Yes there is Bummer, but even if I tell you, you may not wish the answer. It is, medication, mostly asprin, advil, ibuprofen. Heat in the morning, work with hand, then ice it. The over the counter meds were always the easiest and best used before surgery. But even if you took them now, it may take a week or more bedore results are noticed. Brace at night, with hand and arm higher up then the body. Elevated.
Thanks Chris & Bad Boy
I do wear a cockup splint at night. I get a little relief with it.
My sister loaned me her brace, same type, different brand, and it works much better then mine.
As for the meds, (laughing) .......can't take any you mentioned Bad Boy, not since taking the mobic.
I started making my To Do List for the day, only could write 4 words.
I can still type for short periods, and with breaks.
I am working on taxes and the accountant is going to get everything typed this year.
Bummer Knees
You can open the carpal canal and perhaps alleviate some of the pressure on the median nerve by a simple stretch. Extend your elbow fully, palm down. Grasp your palm with your other hand ( palm to palm ) and apply a steady stretch to the flexor compartment by pulling your wrist back fully and hold for 40 seconds and repeat 3-5 times. Do this throughout the day and you may lessen the discomfort some.
to make your to do list you can get a voice recorder and remind yourself that way, just a thought. good luck
Good suggestion, needs a loud volume since I am hearing impaired.
I do keep one at my desk, lots of handy use but I really need to get one with amplified volume.
I received a phone call from my doctor this afternoon and was given the name of 2 hand surgeons.
I would like to research these doctors, anyone know of web sites I can use to research these doctors.
i can't remember exactly but i think you can just google their names and some info should come up, worth a try anyways.