Just diagnosed with CTS, now what? - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

fedorov5549 · 08-22-2001, 12:44 PM

The past 2 jobs I've had, I've noticed the numbness intensify. I've noticed the numbness before but now it's really bad. Went to see the doctor and he ordered a nerve test. The neurosurgeon says I have severe carpal tunnel in both wrists, the left being the worse. He recommended surgery. I remember I cracked both my wrists and broke a carpal bone in my right wrist. Wondering if an x-ray would show any scar tissue and if that would be the case. Also, how much does surgery cost and what can I expect from it? Thanks group.
JIM
age 27
wausau, wi

CarolynMae · 08-23-2001, 10:55 AM

Ah,, another Wisconsinite!! Greetings. Unfortunatly I am in the same spot your in, being reciently diagnosed. I have been off work for almost three weeks now and just told to take 2 more. If its not improving by then, off to the ortho surgeon they send me. I didn't break anything first though, they may be able to pick that up in an x ray though. Good luck, let me know how it goes.

Thanks

Carolyn
madison, wi

[This message has been edited by CarolynMae (edited 08-23-2001).]

fedorov5549 · 08-23-2001, 11:59 AM

Well, I have been referred to a surgeon to talk about surgery implications. Problem is I just received notification from an office handling my claim for my prior employer and they said it isn't work related. Now I have to contact the state and have them handle it before I can go further. I haven't worked hardly at all since it happened and don't have any money. So I am stuck between a rock and a rock. There should be a carpal tunnel foundation that provides help in these cases.

CarolynMae · 08-23-2001, 02:32 PM

Jim, there really should be somewhere to help us sort this all out. As far as I am aware, it your Dr. says its work related, (they find out about your life, work and habbits and decide) then that is what they have to go on (at least that is what I heard) in Wisconsin. Also, if your current job is the job that aggrevated it to this point, surgery, then it's their problem and you should go through them. I would suggest calling a lawyer. I haven't signed up with one yet, but I talked to a workers comp lawyer yesterday and he was very helpful. Hope this helps. It would be really nice if the one organization that there is to help injured workers (workers comp) actually HELPED the employee. No one should have to go through all of this to get treated when they are in so much pain, it is absolutly insane. I wiish the WC claims reps could live with this for just 24 hours, the pain, the inability to do anything ( I can barely tie my shoes) and the pain and numbness and general hell of trying to aleep. then it probably wouldn't be so bad. My WC rep doesn't know the first thing about CTS. Said it affects the middle, ring and pinky finger (huh?) and that if it is work related, it would have happened over 2 years ago when I started there, like you get it from falling on the keyboard on the first day of work. Sorry, needed to vent a little myself for a sec, the put my claim on suspension pending further investigation, I just got my letter today. Sorry, Im not like a sport nut or overly active outside or work, where else did I get it????? the once in a blue moon game of volley ball or pool, I doubt it? Good luck, keep me informed

Thanks
Carolyn