carpal tunnel news

[Bummer Knees]

I received the diagnosis of carpal tunnel of the dominant hand earlier this year.

The doctors links the CT to the work injury but I do not know if it will become a part of my claim.

Today I had an appointment with the neurologist due to the pain in my other hand. I almost cancelled this appointment because the pain is not as bad as the dominant hand, but for some rease I kept the appointment.

I had a NCT/EMG done today and it shows carpal tunnel. After the test the doctor told me I need to have the muscles checked.

The doctor read my cervical MRI report and decided to check the nerves fro the neck, they are okay!

Question
How is carpal tunnel surgery done when both hands are involved?

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

(Question
How is carpal tunnel surgery done when both hands are involved?)

What do you mean?

[Bummer Knees]

I understand one is done at a time.

Is there increased problems with overuse and reinjury with both hands involved?

What is the neurologist saying when he says the ortho needs to check my muscles?

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

First, correct, surgery is done one at a time. I know it took mine 1 full year to notice full recovery. Over use, no way, for that is what will give you back the strenght you need. And proper usage.

As for the muscles being checked, I don't know wgat they meant by that, but, surwely you should have asked.

I do know, you should be performing at home PT to build up your muscles. before any surgery, to increase healing time after surgery. And to also perfom home PY after surgery.

So, in a general sense, you now perform home PT for your knee, your carpal tunnel, and soon for your back and neck.

I can't say it enough to you, and to others, these home PT programs, have to be done on a every other day bases, or risk major problems later in time.

[Bummer Knees]

I am not to good with responses.

When the neurologist said, "The doctor needs to check your muscles"
it suprised me.

I see the ortho tomorrow and perhaps he will give me some answers.

[UndercovrAngel]

Bummer,

From what I have been told, having had CT in both hands back in 1998, which I resolved without surgery, they will do one hand first and give you up to 6 months to recover before they will do the other hand. I was able to resolve my CT by purchasing a mouse that is called an "ALPS glider". looks like a mini etch a sketch allowing your hand and wrist to lay flat and use a fingertip to glide across the screen to whatever you are trying to do. I used one not only at home, but was allowed to install one on my computer at work. With that and some easy home therapy, I was able to avoid the surgery.

As for testing muscles, there are certain muscles, in your back as well as neck that attatch to those in your arm. If anything is found to be wrong with them, it could determine the reason for the CT and why you now have it in both hands. And there is the possibility that one of the muscles in your back could be pressing against a nerve that runs down through your arm. I would definitely have it looked into.

Angel ^j^

[Bummer Knees]

Hi UA thanks for posting.

I've had a recent MRI of the lumbar spine and it did show some problems.
I've had extensive testing of the thoriac spine due to the tumor at T12, and yes there are problems in that area of the spine.

I will take my past MRI & CT reports with me to the doctor appointment.

[Bummer Knees]

I saw the ortho today and he wrote a script for bilateral braces.
He said the dominant hand has gotten worse since the NCT, no suprise there!

I asked him about writing, told him of the difficulity I have holding a pen or pencil.
He told me to play around with different sizes, which I have.

I see the ortho again in 3 weeks and will likely have an injection at that time.
Next, it will be occupational therapy, and then surgery only if needed.

[Bummer Knees]

I wanted to add the EMG/NCT for the left reads the following:

This study of the left upper extereminty is suggestive of moderate degree carpal tunnel. EMG is unremarkable for cervical radiculopathy.

As I earlier posted the doctor now says the carpal tunel in the dominant hand is worse then then the left.

Bummer Knees