Carpal Tunnel/ Ulnar Nerve

MOLLYDOG · 05-06-2003, 10:46 AM

Good Morning: Have been reading for awhile but have never written. I am a Dispatcher/Data Entry person for a major utility company in Montana. I am working with Work Comp regarding pain in my arms and hands. They have been puttering around for 9 months and just finally sent me to get an independant evaluation by an oropedic doctor and a neurologist. I also received a nerve conduction test. The test showed carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve compression in both arms but worse in the right. I now have an appointment with an upper extremity surgeon on May 12 in a city 150 miles from where I live. I guess I am wondering if I have to have the surgery. It sounds like many folks are not too happy after they do it. I really like my job and am 51 years old. But on the other side of the coin my arms are killing me and I dont know what else to do? Will I be able to keep my job if I have the surgery? How bout if I say I dont want it? What will work comp do with me then? Many thanks!

Gine2D · 05-06-2003, 02:04 PM

I had CTS for years & did not know what it was. It would wake me at night every 2 hours with pain & numbness in my hands. The doctors did not know what was wrong, just guessed this & that.

Finally in the early 90's a doctor said it may be CTS & sent me for the shock tests. Extreme in one hand & just bad in the other.

I had the surgery. A small 1 inch incision at the base of each palm. They cut the tunnel for more room for the nerves.

It cured the problem in one hand & reduced the pain & numbness in the extreme case hand about 75%.

I still get pain & numbness in that hand, but not as often or as bad as before sutgery.

I wish I had the surgery years earlier, but years ago not many doctors new what to do or the proper surgery to help it.

Make sure your surgen has done many operation for CTS. You do not want to be a learning experience for him.

Good luck,

G

Cadet Janice · 05-06-2003, 05:39 PM

I had my release done back in December and January I have had great results with the surgery. I am now able to use my computer without pain and the only thing that has been a problem is I do not have the hand strenght I once did but it is coming back. Either that or I am getting used to weaker hands. I am not thriled about the scars on my elbos but the ones on my hands/ wrists have healed perfectly you cant even see them.

Janice

MOLLYDOG · 05-07-2003, 03:01 AM

Thanks so much for your input! I have been really concerned about my ability to continue work (which I really want to do for 4 more years!) and about the healing process. Your replys really helped!