Ulnar Nerve Compression of the elbow (frustrated!) - Neuropathy Message Board

jaderiver · 06-30-2007, 07:14 AM

Here is some background and symptoms...

Last year in March 2006 I had surgery for ulnar nerve compression on my left elbow. Nerve conduction test was done which showed severe compression. After surgery my symptoms of buzzing sensations, twitching, burning pain improved tremendously. The only symptom left was some mild burning off and on around the incision area but was told it is normal, can take the nerve up to a year to heal. Everything was going fine. About 4-5 months after surgery my left arm was injured, nothing broken, it was sprained or bruised.

Around January 2007 I started to experience the same symptoms prior to my surgery; buzzing sensations,occasional twitching of the palm and little finger, burning pain in the palm below little, ring finger, burning at the elbow. I figured this was temporary but it has stayed, been ongoing for 6 months now.

I was sent for another NC test two months ago which showed mild compression at the elbow.

Since January I have been following conservative treatments that were recommended to me by the neurologist such as wrapping my elbow in a towel at night (jelly roll style) to keep my arm straight, not leaning on my elbow, taking vitamin B6, and physiotherapy. I did go for hand physio but they said there is nothing they can do for me. I do my own physio at home.

My symptoms are slowly becoming worse. I have numbness in my little finger,it's been ongoing for 6 months, it comes and goes, but is more frequent now, worse. With my elbow it feels like someone took an elastic band and tightened it around the elbow. I can bend my elbow but it feels weird, almost hard, difficult to describe.

For the past three weeks, the numbness in my little and now ring finger has increased, occurs more frequently and for longer periods of time.

So this problem has been ongoing for 6 months now.

I did see my family doctor and he said you will probably have to live with this for the rest of your life. I don't think a surgeon will help you. He didn't refer me to anyone.

I did seek a second opinion from another doctor and she said "I'm not really sure." I asked if she could give me a referral. She said "I really don't know if a surgeon would help you."

I wonder if scar tissue is building up and when I asked the doctors mentioned above they said "Probably."

I keep trying everything they tell me to do (conservative methods), but unfortunately I am not seeing a positive difference with this problem.

To see a specialist/surgeon I need a referral.

I emailed a hand surgeon in the USA with the same information as above and this is what he said...

"You should see somebody before the nerve is permanently damaged. You will probably need repeat surgery."

So I feel like I am at my wits end. I am a patient person and will try methods recommended but at the same time none of this is helping me.

Any tips, ideas?

john449 · 07-01-2007, 02:48 PM

I agree with the MD who said you should see a surgeon. What I wonder (not being familiar with protocol in Canada) is why you can't return to the surgeon who did your original surgery? Would think since he has already been involved with your care that he could see you without a referral.
The great advantage to this is that he knows what he did with your nerve the first time. The surgery for a trapped ulnar nerve varies a bit depending on exactly where and how the nerve is compressed in the cubital tunnel and also on the technique preferred by the surgeon to protect the nerve from further injury. But definitely, with your symptoms worsening I would get this seen by someone who can do something about it. Good Luck!!

jaderiver · 07-01-2007, 10:19 PM

Thank you for your help John.

Oh sorry, lol, I forgot to say in my original post that my surgeon, the one who did my operation, retired last summer, about 3 months after my surgery.
After surgery my arm was alot betterI had one follow up with him and the surgeon said my family doctor should be able to continue with the follow ups. I didn't ask for a referral at that time because I figured I was on the road to recovery and the surgeon thought I was making good progress.

I asked my family doctor in regards to him doing the follow ups,and he said "If I feel like it."

I could try to get a copy of the surgery report from the hospital (I have never done this before, but I assume patients can acccess this with a consent form, pay a fee?) and see what type of surgery was done.

And if I manage to get a referral for a new surgeon I could take the copy with me.

I do think I need to see someone, it's just I am experiencing so much trouble getting a referal.

My neighbour suggested I go to the ER and tell them that I am experiencing troubles. She thought maybe the hospital would refer me. I think it is a good possibility but at the same time I feel guilty for going to the ER when I am not severly injured or sick, others that need it more than I do.

jaderiver · 07-05-2007, 01:59 PM

Update...

I got a referral! I headed to a walk in type clinic, told the doctor my symptoms, past surgery etc. He said "I can't do anything for you but I will refer you to someone. He is referring me to a neurosurgeon at the main hospital and if that doesn't work out I will referred to a plastic surgeon."

I know it will take at least 6 months to see the neuro or plastic surgeon but I am just glad I was finally referred.

john449 · 07-08-2007, 08:47 PM

Glad to hear you are getting some attention. Your question about retrieving your surgery records is important now. Down here we can get our records, usually with a small fee for processing. Would definitely recommend you have all pertinent information with you when you see the neurosurgeon especially with the wait (6 months, oh my). Good luck..