Dr says pain not part of carpul tunnel?

[nanciks]

I need help. I was diagnosed with mild carpul tunnel in my right hand two years ago by the nerve conduction test. I wear a splint at night and that has kept it under control until now. Now it is both hands. There is numbness, tingling and worst of all, extreme pain that starts between my elbow and shoulder and goes down to the fingers. It feels like someone is squeezing that upper area as tight as they can and my arm throbs all the way down. It is extremely painful and sleeping is out of the question. I went to a workmen's comp dr two days ago. He thinks it is tendonitis and not carpul because of the pain. Says carpul tunnel doesn't normally have pain unless its very advanced. But this is the same pain and numbness I had two years ago when I was told I did have CT. I am on pain medication and anti-inflamatory meds, braces on both arms and off work for two weeks and then I go back to see him. The pain meds are not even touching the pain. I have a call into the DR but haven't heard back yet. I'm leary of him because he isn't my dr, but worker's comp. Although, he does say he's not ruling out CT. So my questions, does this sound like carpul tunnel? Is there pain associated with that? I've had the right arm problems for 2-3 years but the left arm is new and got painful very quickly, within a few days of initial numbness. Thanks for any help you can give me.

[NancyH]

If you have ulnar nerve compression it can feel like someone taking your blood pressure and didn't let the cuff pressure down. I just had cts and ulnar decompression and tho it has only been a week since the surgery I won't know if it helped for a long while. It can also be a number of other things along with carpal. Most of thos Drs are paid to not allow the claim so you need to push it some. If there is any other medical problems not work related they will side in that direction so be persistent in getting it cared for soon, they denied mine the first time and then ok'd it 2 yrs later and now more damage had to be repaired.

[nanciks]

Thanks for answering Nancy. That's exactly what it feels like, I've told people its like taking your blood pressure and not letting up. Do you know are the causes for the ulnar nerve compression the same as ct and can you have that by itself and not have ct too?

I got a second prescription for pain and its not helping either. I can't believe how bad this is hurting. I guess I should probably call this dr next week and let him know that the pain is still here so they don't think they've solved the problem. Workmens comp will pay up to $500 for another dr of my choice. I'm just not sure how much another one will be able to diagnose without the nerve study and I doubt $500 will cover that. I suppose if I'm not better before the next appointment in two weeks, this dr will run the test. Seems like he should have done it now but I guess that wouldn't be "cost effective".

Thanks,
Nanci

[NancyH]

Have you sided on getting a second opinion yet? I sure would be aggressive in getting an answer before too much damage is done like mine.