caseymay
09-08-2008, 09:58 AM
I have been diagnosed with cts today. I described my aches/pains in hand, fingers and arm; numbness tingling etc.... and gp made diagnosis based on my description
My gp has put me on diclofenac (anti inflammatory) and said to come back in a week or two if the drugs don't work. he will then refer me for tests.
I think this sounds like a positive plan of action, but I wanted YOUR expert opinion being as you guys are the ones with the knowledge - If the drugs don't work - what, in your experience, should I INSIST on so that I get the correct treatment? I want be knowledgable so that I get the proper treatment.
Also, should I continue to use my hand/arm as usual during day despite pain as GP advised or should I rest it????
Thanks SO MUCH!!!
My gp has put me on diclofenac (anti inflammatory) and said to come back in a week or two if the drugs don't work. he will then refer me for tests.
I think this sounds like a positive plan of action, but I wanted YOUR expert opinion being as you guys are the ones with the knowledge - If the drugs don't work - what, in your experience, should I INSIST on so that I get the correct treatment? I want be knowledgable so that I get the proper treatment.
Also, should I continue to use my hand/arm as usual during day despite pain as GP advised or should I rest it????
Thanks SO MUCH!!!
Sponsor
rose4me
09-08-2008, 04:13 PM
Your doctor is following his due diligence for early diagnosis of CT for you. Often your path to recovery or surgery will follow this sequence with a variation or two, depending on how long you've been hurting, the degree of discomfort and if the non-invasive approaches provide relief or not.
You saw the doctor, were given anti-inflammatories, will be seen again, tested, nerve study, MRI, etc, occupational therapy , more testing and if no improvement and significant pain as to disrupt your life is constant, possibly surgery.
As I said, with some variations, the above will give you a small snapshot of what to expect. You should write your questions down and ask if using your affected hand is advised or NOT.
*Your own body will tell you,when enough is enough and that will also be very telling to your physician as to your progress or lack thereof.
You saw the doctor, were given anti-inflammatories, will be seen again, tested, nerve study, MRI, etc, occupational therapy , more testing and if no improvement and significant pain as to disrupt your life is constant, possibly surgery.
As I said, with some variations, the above will give you a small snapshot of what to expect. You should write your questions down and ask if using your affected hand is advised or NOT.
*Your own body will tell you,when enough is enough and that will also be very telling to your physician as to your progress or lack thereof.
caseymay
09-09-2008, 08:32 AM
thanks rose4me - it's good to know gp is doing the right thing. Although he told me to use my arm i am tring not to as the pain is too much. It gets worse thru the day and by the end of last night I was crying with pain. I'll give the nsaids a week then go back if no improvement.