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.