I just had my EMG done yesterday. The neurologist who did the nerve response test (shocks), and the acupunctune tests (needles), said that I definitely have severe damage to the carpal tunnel nerves in both wrists.

I'm in disbelief, because I already have migraines, fibromyalgia, TMJD, sciatica, and heel spurs! I'm a walking nightmare, and now this. (Hence my member name...)

I've read a lot of your postings here about whether to get the surgery or not, but the ones I've read, everyone had pain. I have no pain, just numbness when I grasp objects (computer mouse, phone, carving knife), and in my sleep, my hands go numb.

The neurologist wants me to follow up with my PCP, and talk about getting the surgery. For now, I have to go buy wrist splints. My question is: if I'm not in pain, should I wait until it gains painful, if it ever will, or go ahead and get it repaired while I'm still in the state of JUST numbness. I'm confused.

Advice, anyone? Thank YOU!

all I can say is, if you wait too long you will do damage that can no longer be repaired......I don't know anyone who hasn't had pain but if you tested positive for severe CT I would go get surgery done because you can eventally lose the use of your hands........

Dear Gal with chronic pain
I agree with Carol. You must get it done. I had CT in both hands and if you don't get it done you may lose the use of your hands or do permanent damage. Don't leave it. You'll be right as rain after they're done. One suggestion. Don't have both done together. You will do damage if you over use your hand after the operation. Both my hands were, sucessful and I'm so glad I had them done.Good luck.

You're telling my story. I found out I didn't have FM, but was hypothyroid with adrenal problems. Carpal tunnel is also a symptom of adrenal problems and thyroid problems. I found a chiropractor that treated the carpal tunnel with a technique called Active Release Therapy. And now that my thyroid and adrenals have been looked after, I have had no reoccurance.
Check on Mary Shoman's thyroid site on about.com about thyroid and adrenal problems. And call around to see if there is a chiropractor in your area who does Active Release Therapy.
JB

Thank you all for your replies.

The PCP's office called yesterday, and they want to me schedule an appointment with a surgeon right away, and not even go back for a follow up with the PCP.

I guess I'll visit the surgeon, and see what he says, after he reviews my EMG results.

I'll probably end up having the surgery, to avoid further complications, as you have advised. But, I WON'T get both hands at once, because I see from the general concensus, that it's not a good idea!

Thank you all, again.

Dear JB,

Thanks for the link. It was VERY informative. I'll have to pour over it more thoroughly when I have a lot of time to spend there.

I did, however, check the Thyroid Test Value Chart, and coincidentally, I just had my T3, T4, TSH, and Thyroxine levels done. According to the site, mine seem to be fine. A few years ago, I had a nuclear scan of my thyroid, where you swallow the radioactive pill, and they scan your throat with the machine.

It's strange, though, because when I went to your link, I fit into almost EVERY category of hypothyroidism, except that my tests came back normal. It make me curious to know how accurate the bloodwork is, and if there's any reason I should be tested further........

Thank you again. It's a very good site!

Hi Gal
You might want to look at the adrenal information. Apparently thyroid and adrenals are closely linked. There's a specific test for that too.
My TSH was in the "normal" range - .4-6. I was at 3.3.
But I was still hypothyroid. When it's down to between 1-2 I feel better. Did you have the Free T4? A low TSH (around 1) and a high normal Free T4 are what you want. If your Free T4 is low normal that's another indication. You didn't mention the Free T4 test only the T4 test which is different. The thyroxine test is for Free T3 (I think)and if it shows that is good then that means your body can convert the T4 to T3.
The difinitive test for hypothyroid is the TRH test. See if you can get that one. If you are swallowing radioactive pills then they might think you are hyperthyroid and I don't know a lot about that. Why not post your results on the thyroid board. There's some pretty knowledgeable people there.
JB

I would agree, with them, get it looked into NOW. My dr told me that once the nerves start getting pinched if they dont get better on their own, it can lead to permanent damage and loss of function. I was just diagnosed. I have two weeks off work ( in the meantime, it has only gotten worse) I can't do anything, I am typing with one finger, can't pick anything up or cut my own food. I am all ready to get the ball rolling for any kind of relief.

Good luck http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thank You!

I have to wait until mid September to see the surgeon, a doc who is also going to inject my heel spur at the same time, then consult with him about CT surgery.

I think I'm going to opt for the surgery. Since I've posted this about the numbness, it's gotten worse, and I've woken up in the middle of the night with pain........

That sounds familiar. Good luck, let me know how it goes, I am trying to learn as much as I can..

Thanks