Problems after CTS surgery - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

mernie · 08-31-2001, 02:58 PM

Hi all. I am new to this board and am so happy I found it. I had severe CTS for years probably, but never really knew it. I also have diabetes so alot of the symptoms are the same. Diabetics can have numbness in hands/fingers, etc. But tests showed it was all CTS related. After surgery on both hands last year, I am left w/nerve damage, muscle loss, sore and stiff fingers. Hands were numb almost a year after surgery.

I would like to know if anyone who had problems after the surgery like I have now, if your WC ortho doc agrees that it's related to the CTS surgery or not, that is of course assuming yours is a WC case. In other words, my diabetic doc says I now have arithritis, tenosynovitis and doesn't think it's related to the CTS. But I never had these problems before the surgery. I am at settlement time w/WC and they want me to give up future medical on hands for additional money. Is anyone through the system yet?? Did you keep your medical?? If your having additional hand problems after surgery, is WC paying for the bills?? Anyway, thanks for any input. Mernie

deelytle · 08-31-2001, 08:36 PM

Hi Mernie and welcome to the board,

I too have had problems after my CTS surgery, well at least on my right hand, it never worked and there is nerve damage. I had the same surgery first on my left hand and it worked for about a year but the CT came back because I continued doing the same job. My ortho doc says my problems are related to the CT, not the surgery, and he was upfront with me before either of my surgeries saying that sometimes they work and sometimes they dont. I am being covered by WC and just got to the MMI point and go for a functional capacity test to determine the amount of damage I have and then I guess settling with WC comes next. I have a great lawyer and hope you do also, WC people are very tricky so be careful. I am wondering what everyone's strength is in their hands from that doo-hickey (for lack of a better word) that they have you squeeze..have you had this test done? I wish you luck with your case.

take care,
Darlene

Bamabrneyes2 · 09-02-2001, 02:56 AM

Hi Please don't sign anything until you are sure you are completely satisfied and please get you a good lawyer. when it goes before the judge he can determine whether or not to close your case or make the company keep your W/c open if the Dr. won't help you with this. W/C wants to hurry up and close and then they won't have to pay any more bills and then they can do what they want to with you. Repetitive Motion Injury and CTS can cause you permanent damage and your hands are all you have and you can't get back what you loose. Good luck and God Bless.

mernie · 09-04-2001, 07:41 AM

Thank you both fo your reply's. I do have a good atty, thank God, and I go to court on Sept. 19th. I guess I was just considering the buyout on insurance just to get rid of workmen's comp forever!! But I am left w/a lot of damage on my hands. I was rated at 50% for ins. and 62% for atty side. So they will probably meet in between. I guess I will keep the medical for the little extra they want to give me isn't worth it. My doctor also said in the MMI report I would need further medical care, but I hope not!!!

Deelytle, my strength in my hands now is like 35lbs on one side, and 40 on the other. I used to be 50 and 55lbs. I guess I was wondering if in the future, after settlement, if I need say surgery on a finger since one doesn't bend now, will the WC try to say it's not related to the CTS. What's the sense of having their medical if then they fight you when it's time to use it. Anyway, I really love this board and all the info. Thank you both so much.