Re: Carpal tunnel-surgery?

Posted By Jerry on June 16, 1999 at 00:05:03
: :-too little too late!  She says she also gets a popping like tendons snapping in her hand and an electric shcok feeling at times in the hand.  Any suggestions?
:



: Dear Paul:
: Sorry to hear about your wife.  The move to a more friendly computer keyboard height.  Some things that you can try before surgery.  First try splinting, initially at night.  Then try an anti-immflammatory medication.  There is a new medication on the market that will calm down the inflammation without damaging the stomach called Celebrex.  Ask your neurologist about Rx'ing this medication.  Your wife should take frequent breaks during the day from the keyboard.  These breaks do not have to last for very long, just a few minutes.  Surgery is indicated if there is thenar muscle atrophy (when you turn your hand palm up, it is the thumb muscle at the base of the thumb that looks like a big cube, compare hands for atrophy estimation).  The second criteria would be a positive Phalen test or Tinel sign, your doctor can tell you this, and the last would be an extreme sensory deficit (loss of two point discrimination of 0.6 cm or more, your doctor could tell you this).  Finally, an EMG that tell you that this is
: : : severe disease.  Any of the above could tell you that you may need surgery.  The popping of the tendons is not a sign of carpel tunnel.  The electrical shock feeling might be correlated with the carpel tunnel.  I would try the suggestions initially and see how they help her problem.  I hope that things go well.
: Sincerely,
: CCF Neuro[P] MD




Have your wife tried any occupational therapy for the carpal tunnel.  Splinting or bracing, exercises and instruction on ergonomics and changing the way she uses her hands might be worth a try.  Sometimes conservative management helps reduce the symptoms enough and surgery can be avoided or at least delayed.  Best of luck you both.




: Dear KT:
Thanks
CCF Neuro MD




Dear Paul,
I suffered with carpal tunnel for four years.  I was terrified of having surgery. I slept with a brace every night, and went four years without a full night's sleep (my arm and hand would fall dead asleep and the tingling was unbearable.  Sometimes it would take over a half hour to ease up). I had many other painful symptons while using my right hand. I was living in Mallorca, Spain at the time and finally went to see a specialist
who was a Dr. Tomas from Sweden.  I had the surgery done under local anesthetic! It took less than 1/2 hour. I had 6 stitches, and felt better immediatley. I had very little pain related to the surgery. I took it easy for a few days and was back to work within a week!  Yes, I did massage the scar regularly. Dr. Tomas says he increased my life line by 10 years! He also said that it will not reoccur. It is three years later and I have never had another twinge.  All weakness is gone, I never get tingling and you can hardly see the scar.It was the best treatment I ever had and I am just sorry I waited so long.  I am very lucky I had no long term damage. I have no idea if they perform the same type of surgery here. Best of luck.
Kathi




Dear Kathi:
Thanks.
CCF Neuro[P] MD




Dear Paul: I have had the tingling and numbness for 7 months and went to a chiroprator who with my GP thought a degenerated disk was the cause. They sent me for a MRI which showed they said that they were right. My GP sent me to Nurosurgeon and he saiid knosk compression from the spine. Then I had a EGM, one of the most painful test I've ever had, and found out I have moderate to severe Carpal Tunnel in both hands. He wants to operate and I asked about the succes rate he said 90-95%. Do you see that type of results as well across the population. I'm 42 Male and just changed jobs within my co. I sat and Talked & Typed for 5 years. Now I'm outside as a Telephone installer and really need my strength in my hands. Do you feel surgury is the best remedy at present?  thanks











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