carpal tunnel/tendinitis and B6 - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

Havalina · 07-28-2008, 07:42 AM

I have been working at a computer for the past six years and have recently been developing some strain/stiffness in my right hand, presumably from repeated mouse clicking. I am not sure if I am suffering from carpal tunnel, tendinitis or something else. My doctor referred me to a specialist for an EMG but I am not able to afford the $750 out-of-pocket that my insurance is not covering. So I am hoping to self-medicate before I shell out that kind of money. My doctor put me on a month's worth of anti-inflammatory (dicoflunac?). I have also been reading online that such pain is caused by a lack of vitamin B6 and that taking supplements in addition to a B complex vitamin can help cure. Has anyone had success from this kind of treatment? I've only been trying this for a few days and nothing has changed, though I imagine it takes a few weeks to see results. Thanks for your input

comeonnow · 08-11-2008, 02:01 AM

I'm curious about it now too that you have asked. I wish I knew the answer but don't. I'm also having carpal tunnel symptoms and the doctor at the free clinic thinks that's what it is, although I haven't had any tests done. He prescribed an anti-inflammatory med and if I'm not better in 2 weeks, he said I should call and they'd refer me to a specialist. I hate not having insurance ever since my husband lost his job, and now I feel like if we have a problem, there's not much we can do about it, yet I can't live with this pain. I wonder how much the operation for this would cost. DH will be out of school in a year and hopefully be able to get a job that has insurance, but I know I can't wait a year to do something about this, I just can't!

Havalina · 08-11-2008, 07:05 AM

My situation has gotten much worse. My entire arm, up to my shoulder/neck, is fatigued/numb/sore. I went to a physical therapist who seems to think it originated in my shoulder, but I'm certain that my pain is from the repetitive movement of using a mouse. I can barely function at work. I've tried using my left hand and I get too impatient. I'm ready to try massage, chiropractor, acupuncture--anything to get some relief. The antinflammatory meds do nothing. Neither has the B6, but I'm still taking it. I bet it sucks to not have insurance. I work for a small company with mostly people in their 50s (I am 28) so our rates/deductibles are pretty awful, though it's better than nothing. I'm just sitting here on Monday, 9 am, already sore and wondering how in the heck I'm going to get through another week of this. Ugh.

Johands333 · 08-18-2008, 04:42 PM

Havalina,
At the risk of repeating myself, read some of the answers to the questions asked recently on this part of the site. You could have cts. Get up and move around from time to time. Sit up properly. I heard that poor posture can make cts worse. ONe time I read that fresh pineapple, not canned would help and so for a whole month I ate fresh pineapple. I can't say that it helped but only a few days ago I ate some and that day was a good one for me. You might have to start wearing splints to bed. Also, bring a towel to work and put it rolled up under your wrist when you use the mouse. See if that helps. Good luck.

Havalina · 08-20-2008, 10:18 AM

Thanks for the info. I've actually tried implementing many of those suggestions. I know that fresh pineapple contains bromelain, which is an antiinflammatory, and have been taking that as well. I feel like I've tried everything. I'm currently going to physical therapy (on week three). I'm not even sure if it is carpal tunnel or just stemmed from poor posture. I've added a drawer to my desk for my keyboard and mouse and started using therapy putty when my hand gets numb/stiff. It's made a big difference.