[Stacielee1967]

Stacie

Has anyone had Carpel Tunnel Syndrome? I was diagnosed with this last week in both hands and I was advised to have the surgery to release it. My rheumatologist thinks I should have both hands done at the same time. Any suggestions? I know this syndrome is usually found in individuals who do things with repetitive motion but I can’t say that is why I have it as I don’t work or engage in activities which one might consider repetitive motions. Along with this I also have trigger fingers and my middle finger knuckle is hot, very painful, red and swollen. I find it hard to do anything with this right hand. It hurts all the time, non-stop. It is difficult to even clean myself after using the toilet as it doesn’t work very well.

Anyway, any suggestions, helpful hints and advice on having this surgery done?

Stacie

 

[Joandublin]

Hi Stacie

I have Carpal Tunnel in both hands as well but not as severe as yours sounds :hugbetter:

Surgery wasnt suggested to me. I have had physio and wear wrist splints now and again (which help tremendously with the pain).

The only thing I remember reading once was that surgery for Carpal Tunnel that is caused by inflammation from connective tissue diseases is usually not permanently successful as the inflammation can re-occur and cause problems again. Dont take my word for it though. It might be a good idea if you can get hold of your Rheumy and ask him about the surgery option again. Maybe ask him if the Carpal Tunnel is due to inflammation, what are the chances of this re-occuring.

Of course, if you are so disabled by it that its interfering with everyday tasks, then you might not really have any option but the surgery. However I would be inclined to try other methods first - like the wrist splints and physio.

Best of luck and let us know how you get on

Joan:rose:

 

[Lily]

Hugs Stacielee, I know how you feel another bilateral CT person here

I've just recently had a cortisone injection in mine and it has worked a treat. The injection wasn't a barrel of laughs at the time but I am really pleased so far. Not sure how long it will last although my Neurologist did say that in some cases people get a whole 12 months relief! I am happy I've had 3 weeks so far

Prior to that I was wearing the splint like Joan, day and night. Whilst it helped with the pins/needles/numbness at night I still had some increasing pain during the day. I was at the stage where I was dropping things and had lost some strength there. I was surprised I got results with the cortisone injection but there you go.

I know someone who had the surgery and it turned out she had Rheumatoid Arthritis and it was causing the problem, the surgery did nothing to fix it, getting the newly diagnosed RA treated correctly did. So, like Joan I'd want a bit more info before going ahead. As far as having them both done at the same time it would be good in some respects, but it would also be hard to manage once home, both hands out of action would be tricky.

Good luck whatever you decide. Like you I don't consider I was doing anything to bring it on. Lots of people get it (and usually there is some kind of repetitive motion behind it) but then again it seems reasonably common amongst those of us with connective tissue diseases.

They did do a nerve conduction test to make sure it def is carpal tunnel not some other condition didn't they?

love
Lily

 

[sandy123]

Hi Stacie

I have bialeteral carpal tunnel,i did have surgery last may on my right hand and i am seeing my surgeon this month to discuss 2nd operation to left hand. i am glad that they did not do both hands together as it has taken a long time to heal,also it is a bit awkward not being able to use one hand let alone two.
I still have a lot of pain but the pins and needles have gone away.
The worst thing about the operation was the needle in the wrist to numb it,if you are ok with needles you should be ok.
Having the ct was how they diagnosed my sle as i was screaming with the pains and after the operation my hand did not heal as quick as it should have.
However this has not put me off as i am sick of having no feeling first thing in the morning and pain through the day.
I hope this has helped you a little and please don't be put off having the operation,just get one hand done first then decide about the other.

Best of luck Sandy

 

[Barb G]

Hi Stacy,

I have had carpal tunnel in both wrists. I have had trigger fingers as well and last May developed de Quervain's tenosynovitis in my right wrist and hand. The de Quervain's tenosynovitis was misdiagnosed by several physicians who were certain the pain and disability was carpel tunnel and/or arthritis and/or caused by a pinched nerve in my neck. I knew it was none of the above. Finally a pain medicine specialist recognized the de Quervain's sign and it was properly diagnosed and treated via cortisone injection.

I didn't have surgery for the carpal tunnel because it was due to inflammation. I wore splints until it healed and haven't had a problem with carpel tunnel for many years.

Hope this helps.

Barb

 

[onetay]

Stacie,
It is hard to say to have the surgery or not because it is not me that is in your place. I would want more answers to some questions before considering it even. Ask to see the x-ray that shows the carpal tunnel and have them show you it. I would be interested in knowing how you got carpal tunnel if you do not do repetitive motions, as you are right that is a primary reason for carpal tunnel. Have they tried anything else to help the problem or is it straight to surgery? All surgeries carry some risk so before I did a surgery I would want to try other things if they have not already been tried. I know this is not much help and has given you more questions than answers, but they are things that popped in my head when reading your post. I wish you good luck whatever you decide to do, and that you feel better soon.