I am 23 and was diagnosed last week with bilateral cts. in both wrists. My Dr. immediatly took me out of work for two weeks. Prior to that I had gone in and a differant Dr. (am intern, mr reg Dr. moved) said it was just some sore muscles and told me to wear splints at night. that was maybe 4 weeks ago. I then went back last week because I couldn't do anything with my hands. I would drop everything I picked up, if I could pick it up. This Dr., who is an actual Dr., said it was CTS and was bad to the point where is is pinching on the nerve, explaining that is why I can't do anything. I was taken off of work for 2 weeks, I now have been out about a week, and it is worse. I dont think I can go back to work with it like this. I would be totally useless. typing this is havd and takes a lot of concentration and a lot of deletes. I dont go back to the Dr. until the 23rd, but I am scheduled back at work on the 20th. What should I do.? I am just so fusterated, I can't do anything. I have to have other people open sodas for me, cut my food. my hands are useless and in agony. I can't sleep, I usually end up taking a nap during the day, just because they hurt so bad at night, that I get no sleep. And, they won't do what I need them to do. What can I do, I am at the end of my rope, dreading going back to work on Monday, becasue as things sit right now I can't do it. I type all day at work, this post just took me 45 minutes to stumple through. Is there anything that I can try for pain?

[This message has been edited by CarolynMae (edited 08-15-2001).]

Hi there

The first thing is not to panic. I know that sounds difficult and I think everyone here has been in the same situation. I remember when I had my first problems, my mind was racing and the mugs of tea were ending up on the floor, with the plates etc. I have found that a lot of doctors find it difficult to tell the difference between RSI and CTS. I have been told stories about how CTS is almost inherited and that the typing etc just agrivates a problem that you have, whereas RSI is just the muscles screeming at you. Generally, they both have the same effect.

I found that complete rest, and I mean complete rest, helped so much. That even means no cooking dinner at home, no ringing door bells - anything that requires you to put effort on the wrists. I know you can't face going back yet, I don't know how things operate in the US but if you have a health department or Hr go and talk to them. Try to see the doctor earlier and see if you can get another week off and completely rest. I know that is difficult but it helps. I can't remember if you mentioned any splints, they help by not letting you move your wrists, this also limits what you can do for yourself as well. I have always found anti-inflamitories and pain killers have helped (excuse the typing and spelling my hands aren't too good either at the moment). Once thing I have found recently is "Deep Heat" works nicely or an ibruprofen cream onto the wrists works directly where you need it.

I was slightly younger when I was first diagnosed and I am a PA (so type all day). Be careful and get good advice. I use an erganomic keyboard, mouse wrist supports and I have managed to work without too many problems for the past 10 years. It can be done if you are sensible.

Let us know how you are.

thanks, I have been resting for 2 weeks now, with those wonderful splints on all the time, per doctors orders. I was able to get my leave extended for a couple more days, until my next Dr. visit. I have been resting. sometimes it's hard to "not do" stuff. I apprecate your response though. It's very fusterrating not being able todo the things that were so simple, I too have dropped quite a few cups of coffee. I have heard some stuff about vitamin B, I think I will give that a try as well. I'm nont really into that kind of stuff, but at this point, It cant hurt.

Thanks