fioricet for carpal tunnel?

[toughilou]

I am worried for my daughter who has carpal tunnel. The company doc prescribed fioricet. Is fioricet ever indicated or used in the treatment of carpal tunnel? I cannot find one piece of literature to support this use of fioricet, online. Have been looking for hours. She is already on an antidepressant. This drug scares me. E.R. Docs gave her hydrocodone, and she took 17 in just two days! I got tvto surgery one week ago and was prescribed the same, hydrocodone. I still have 16 left.  Daughter has no history of drug abuse. Her condition is as bad as it gets. Hands look like shiny balloons and doctor will not acknowledge carpal tunnel. Says her hands are just tired. Pffft!!!

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

I honestly am not sure if Fioricet would be helpful for treating carpal tunnel pain.  How old is your daughter?  Was the hydrocodone your daughter taking prescribed for the carpal tunnel?  It does sound like she was taking a lot of the medication (sounds like more than would have been prescribed).  I suggest that she seek a second opinion for an orthopedic doctor or a neurologist in regards to the carpal tunnel.  There are surgeries for this issue that can relieve the pain greatly.  Good luck.

Bridget

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Great news-  Happy Holidays!

Bridget

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

I am sorry to hear about the situation with the insurance company- definitely makes it harder for your daughter.  The pain medication will help with the pain, but it won't cure the carpal tunnel.  Generally, it is usually recommended that the affected hands/wrists be rested (sometimes braces are worn) and then specific physical therapy with a physical therapist with experience with carpal tunnel.  Usually if these measures are not effective, surgery is indicated.  Good luck to you and your daughter.  

[toughilou]

Thanks. Daughter got her surgery (on one hand) and is feeling 100% better, already. One more hand to go and she can conquer the world again. :) Happy Holidays!

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Glad to hear she will finally get some relief.  Good luck and I hope all goes well.

Bridget

[toughilou]

Oops! Make that *severe*

[toughilou]

Thank you, Bridget. Daughter is set to have the surgery on the 20th. They said both hands have sever carpal tunnel.

[toughilou]

Thanks for your timely answer, Cerainly wasn't expecting a response over the weekend. She is 27 today. Company doesn't want to pay for surgery. They just want to work her into the ground. She has to play by their rules because of their insurance and company policy. Yes, the Hydro was prescribed for the carpal tunnel. Yes, she did overuse, but it was because they were very swollen and shiny. She now realizes it was a bad thing to do. I explained to her that pain pills are in no way designed to completely eliminate pain. They are designed to manage pain. I think she gets it, now.