Is it CTS or ??? - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

ccpalmer · 03-25-2001, 08:28 PM

When symptoms started in 1993, I had pain in the wrist and fleshy part of the palm. Some numbness, some loss of strength, and I dropped things a lot. My handwriting had worsened, but I could still write about a page before it both hurt too much and became illegible, even to me. I saw a noted local Doctor, who gave be two rounds of cortisone injections, six months apart. They didn't really help. He then said the "S" word: surgery.

I improved my work area and habits, and by 1998 I wasn't even thinking about it anymore. However, in 2000 forearm pain began. My handwriting began to worsen more, and now I can not sign my name. If I take time, I can carefully print a clearly legible message, but signatures or cursive writing is out.

Here's the twist: I am a computer research manager, and I can now, and have always, typed faster than anyone in my department. Typing does not hurt. However, if I type in a poor position, that will cause my arms to hurt.

I sure hope someone has some suggestions. It has really become a problem. Luckily, very few salespersons actually compare the signature on the back of my credit cards with what I am able to scribble on the credit card slip.

Carol · 03-26-2001, 07:23 PM

I,too, had problems with writing. I have Carpal Tunnel in both hands and also surgery on both. Sometimes if I do too much I still have problems with the hand cramping and writing but nothing like it used to be. I just try not to write for too long at a time. I still can type just as fast as I used to. That was not effected. Good luck!

Brookej · 03-26-2001, 07:37 PM

Dear ccpalmer,
I just read your post. I don't know how much help I can be but I am wondering what kind of Dr. you saw. I went to a hand surgery specialist after putting up with increasing pain in my left hand for over 3-1/2 years. I also got an injection in the joint at the base of my thumb and was on Motrin for a couple of months. The conservative treatments didn't work too well and I did have surgery. In my case, it was osteoarthritis - I just plain wore that little but very active joint out. The pain is gone now and my hand is functioning well - stronger than before. I know there are a lot of different conditions that affect the hand and the Dr. I went to was very knowledgeable about the various conditions and how to treat them. Did your Dr. give you a diagnosis? What kind of surgery did he/she say you needed? Did those injections hurt like heck? Mine did! Seems to me like the Dr. should be naming some diagnosis if he/she is proposing surgery. I was just wondering if you saw an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand problems. I don't have CTS as far as I know but something is going on with my right hand - I didn't mention it to my hand surgeon because I just wanted to get my left hand taken care of and my right hand is not bothering enough to go looking for more trouble. From what I understand there are specialized tests that are performed to aide in the diagnosis of CTS. Did your Dr. order any special tests? I wish you luck and I hope you get some relief and regain full function of your hand.
Brookej

ccpalmer · 03-26-2001, 10:45 PM

Yes, I had several tests, including nerve conduction survey, some measurement of how much my hand would swell after heavy use (writing until I couldn't), and the diagnostic of whether or not the injection helped (e.g., if it helped, the I have CTS). The Dr declared it CTS and wanted to do arthroscopic surgery to snip the tendon over the canal to give everything more room.

JB* · 03-28-2001, 06:06 PM

Check my post below under "non-evasive treatment" for carpal tunnel. Active Release Therapy is a type of "massage" that works really well for carpal tunnel(and other myofascia muscle problems). Search, Dr. Leahy, Active Release Therapy for more information. A lot of chiropractors practice it now.