degenerative post traumatic arthritis of the wrist

[MelandKaty]

A couple weeks ago my family doctor diagnosed me with a ganglion cyst in my right wrist.  I had been experiencing increased pain for about five weeks, with weakness in the fingers and occasional numbness.  At first he told me to rest it with a splint and apply heat.  When this didn't work, he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon.

I saw the orthopedic surgeon last week.  When the x-rays came back, he found I did not have a cyst (at least not that he can tell), but rather I have an old fracture of the ulna with significant arthritis on the bone.  This came as a complete shock to me as I don't remember ever having fractured it, nor does the rest of my family.  

The doctor gave me a shot of cortisone and scheduled an appointment for six weeks.  He told me if it still hurt then they would schedule an MRI.  I am to rest the wrist with a splint when it is giving me trouble, or when i'm working (spend a lot of time on the computer for my job).

Unfortunately today, only five days after the shot, I have continued to have weakness in the hand and am now having the pins and needles feeling off and on, with occasional shooting pains (not strong, but I can feel them).  

Has anyone ever had this problem before?  What is the standard next protocol?  I'd hate any kind of surgery but know I cannot continue having this kind of problem when it affects my ability to do my job.  I'm only 29 and know whatever treatments I do now will have a great impact on how I function in the future.  Any insight is most appreciated.

[MelandKaty]

Just putting out another plea to those who've gone through this before!  I really feel so lost about my stupid wrist.  The tingling, weird shooting pain, and weakness is getting worse.  I really hope there are other options besides surgery.

[txsilver]

I have not gone through this yet but am facing up to the fact I must do something about the tingling digits in my left hand.  I hope you have called the doctor to tell him things are getting worse and not better.  From what I have read, if you do not get better by immobilizing it and cortisone does not work, then surgery is the next step.  I hope someone here may know of something else, but I am not aware of any other progression.  Hang in there!