Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
 | 

degenerative post traumatic arthritis of the wrist

by MelandKaty, Sep 15, 2009 04:34PM
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.
Member Comments (2)

by MelandKaty, Sep 16, 2009 08:44PM
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.

by txsilver, Sep 18, 2009 09:03PM
To: MelandKaty
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!
Post Comment
To
Comment
Post Comment
Recent Activity
karajo commented on I'm Depressed
1 hr ago
klivesay added the Pain Tracker
3 hrs ago
opus88 commented on Today
4 hrs ago
ChitChatNine commented on Yay! Met my weight go...
5 hrs ago
ChitChatNine hates all the snow ****
Dazon50 Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of...
kroxrose To the bat cave..
opus88 commented on photo
13 hrs ago
RSS Expert Activity
CONTACT US SENATE IMMEDIATELY
13 hrs ago by John C Hagan III, MD, FACS
Sad cases of Animal Cruelty
Dec 18 by Thomas Dock, Vet. Technician
Cost and Availablity of Medical Car...
Dec 17 by John C Hagan III, MD, FACS
Community Members