Carpal Tunnel for years. Still hurt - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

carwashidiot · 09-16-2008, 06:35 PM

Had surgery on one. Sent back to work after 2 weeks(at the time I worked for fast food joint). Workmans Comp paid for surgery. Never was able to fully heal and in the process developed carpal in other hand. Nerve tests never bad enough for other surgery. But lots of pain, tingling,etc. Wear braces all the time. Tests never show anything too bad. Now little finger and ring finger on the hand that wasn't operated on are numb. Tried nerve blocks no help. Drs no help. Been on so many different anti-depressants and other drugs. Getting tired of it all. Job I have now doesn't help (wash and detail cars for rental car company). Pain also in shoulders and knees and hips. Wish I could make it all go away. This has been going on for almost 8 years now. Is there any help out there? Or should I just shut up and deal with it like the drs say.

Johands333 · 09-17-2008, 05:13 AM

We put up with a lot of pain, don't we? Well I can tell you what has helped me--some. I love to sew. Knowing that I can't make an outfit in one afternoon is being realistic. I have to spread my work over 2 weeks. I found that if I took breaks in between it helps. You may not be able to do that on your job, but after you clean a car, take a moment and stretch your hands (but not to the point of pain). One doctor told me I could take 2 Aleve each day for pain. But once again, be warned that Aleve can hurt your kidneys over a long period of time. Wear splints on your hands to sleep in. They are a pain, but will help some. Try relaxation techniques on your hands whenever possible. Let your arms hang loose and limp by your sides whenever possible. Hope some or all of this helps you.