Carpal Tunnel Release surgery both hands right Trigger thumb release still have pain - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

Bamabrneyes2 · 05-09-2001, 04:25 AM

I had carpal tunnel surgery in March and June of 2000 and also right trigger thumb release surgery. I am still having pain and swelling in both hands and tingling and loss of muscle and control of my hands. My employer changed me from working on the assembly line to keying on a computer as a shipping clerk. They paid for my surgeries but the doctor said I reached maxium medical improvement and discharged me. I had to get a lawyer as the company wouldn't do anymore for me but try to get me to quit. I am still having swelling and pain in both hands and the pain by the time I get off goes all the way up to my neck and my shoulders. I hurt so bad that I can't sleep at night. I have lost muscle control in my hands and can't hold anything I keep dropping things and can't hardly do housework much less do things with my 8 year old or even hold him. No other doctor will see me because it is workman's comp. I was very athletic and enjoyed the out of doors. I live with constant pain and wonder if I will ever be normal again. I can't close my hands all the way or grip the steering wheel as I should. My thumb has locked up again. I was given a 42% impairment rating for over all upper extrementies. I was first diagnosised with severe carpal tunnel and was told by the doctor I had irreversable damage. I don't recommend the surgery to anyone. Has anyone had any of these same problems

MaryAnne5 · 05-09-2001, 08:35 AM

It is terrible that your company forced you to work until you had irreversible damage. I do not know the law, I think in Georgia an employer can do the same without penalty. Currently the Supreme Court is deciding what an employer should be required to do to accomodate people in your situation. I had surgery, and have been told to limit lifting and driving etc. The typing seems to be okay. Because I had the surgery, no more damage should occur. If you have a diagnosis of RSD, it can be treated, though it is a permanent/painfull condition. RSD can occur from an injury upon another injury (in your case, an injury you sustained to your arms/hand prior to the surgery for the CTS injury), OR it can develop after surgery. Only you really know when the pain started. If you suffered a long time prior to surgery, with no help from your employer, I say sue them for discrimination, to the max. Or make them retire you with disability payments.Then, sue workers compensation for a one time settlement for the carpal tunnel(after which you should be released from WC.) Check with your attorney to see if upon a final settlement with workers comp. whether Alabama laws will allow your private insurance to pay for your treatment for RSD. (It is a different condition, and in Georgia this is allowed.) I would think the 42% impairment you suffered would enable you to file for SSN disability. I don't think you can work.
My GP is treating me with VIOXX, but I am nowhere near the pain/damage that you are suffering.

Manofjazz · 05-09-2001, 10:53 AM

Hi my name is Jeff, and I suffer from Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome {Both Wrist},Bilateral Ulnar Nerve Compression {Both Elbows},Throacic Outlet Syndrome,and Reflex Synpathetic Dystrophy. I have some information that my help you??? I've been fighting the "Veterans'Administration,U.S. Dept. of Labor," for many years. DO NOT GIVE UP!!! FIRST AND FOREMOST. I've been fighting since 1988, and I started with Carpal Tunnel back in 1972 when the Government {so they say}, didn't really know about "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome," ie. Repetitive Stress Motion... Through, research in the "Law Library," I found that the first record of the Disease was recorded back in the 1800's, and research on cases with the British Code Operator's in the early 1900's. So, it's been around for a very long time. Presently, I was taken out of my U.S. Postal job by the Veterans' Affairs, and place as "Disabled," I can no longer to anything anymore!!! These Occupational Disease attack you body in such a way that you look totally health!!! But, are suffering 24/7 with your "Upper Extremities," from hands being cold,and numb from driving with your upper limbs outstretched or difficulty holding your arms up because of aching...your activities such as grasping or holding objects with hands, or reaching with hands, or writing cause fatigue of your hands...constant pain in upper extremity together with burning sensation of fingers...Extension of extrimity causes fatigue of the limb...Prolonged writing causes a tingling sensation at the fingertips...Driving particularly causes aching of forearm...Essentially, repetitive grasping, pushing, pulling, holding and torguing movements aggravate discomfort. {YOU NAME IT, IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME} Long ago, they being the "System," stated it was such things as Anxiety,Stress,Over Worked lack of this and that...But, later the "True," shows up in great numbers!!! Most, medical professional's still "Challenge," each other on who is right/wrong concerning these Occupational Diseases, and till this day they still are!!!! The Government just wants you to go away - and never return... So, take this to the "Bank," beleive in someone greater than yourself!!! keep family, and true friends close... If, you can a afford a "State or Federal Attorney," who is honest!!! get one. I couldn't do that so I had to go in fighting from the street through HMO'S/VA/OWCP/CASE-RECONSIDERATIONS/HEARINGS/APPEALS BOARDS/EEOC'S/PRIVATE DISABILITY INSURANCE/SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY/AND CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRIES!!! all to get some type of help for this more than serious disablement. I did have a "Right-Carpal Tunnel Release," back in 1994 just because I could'nt stand the pain any longer...It depends on the individual's circumstances case by case... Had to fight for just 20 percent disability from the VA, and that nothing compared to what you will have to endure for the "Rest of you Life". Hang in there, and don't give up the fight. If I could be of any service...Just Let Me Know!!

Regards,

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nancyA · 05-09-2001, 07:59 PM

First off I agree with Jeff. NEVER GIVE UP. When I was diagnosed with cancer and applied for disability. i was denied. it took me a year but i won. its a good thing too because now I have peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome. My neurologist says mine is so severe I can't go wrong with having the surgery to get some relief. so I go on the 25th. to have my left hand done. the main thing is to have good doctors. believe me they are out there. my doctor saw me for the entire year with NO payment. he waited untill i got my case approved. if you have a good doctor they can help you. and maybe you need to apply for disability. i hope this helps

Bamabrneyes2 · 05-10-2001, 12:10 AM

Thanks for all the replies and encouragement and with the Lord's help I will keep trying. Sometimes it is so hard and it is so good to know there are people out there that do care and take the time to reply. My hands are hurting tonight and are swelled and tingling especially below my thumb on the outside of my hands. My Lawyer is good and the company I work for won't do anymore than give me a hard time. They would rather see me quit than do anymore. They are a very large industry and put a lot of money into the community as well as being worldwide. They are self insured with W.C. I don't believe they have really filed under workman's comp. My lawyer is trying to get me a list of four Doctors they were suppose to provide to start with but so far they haven't come up with the list. I saw the Doctor they wanted me to see and had no choice. I want to give up sometimes but I look into the face of my 8 year old and know that I have to keep working and have to help my husband raise this gift from God. The pain goes up my arms to my shoulders and they are so sore. My company didn't offer me anything and refused to let me have anymore treatment that is why I had to get a lawyer. I am not familiar with Alabama W.C. law as I should be. Thanks again for responding and listening.