Nerve damage;- Possibly in right elbow. Ring and little fingers useless and extremely tender

[DaGordofather]

Hi Guys. I have diagnosed nerve damage in my right arm. Surgery in February that successfully relocated the Ulnar nerve, but my 4th & 5th fingers are no more than useless shadows of their past selves. Numb, usually freezing by feel and by touch, ultra sensitive to touch, temperature. Any one been through this situation? Would love to know . . .

[Horsemadhere]

Yes I have... I had my ulnar nerve relocated August 2014 and I had a revision in September this year. This time I didn't have plaster on following the surgery, just several layers of different bandages which I gradually removed over a ten day period. I have quite a lot of sensitivity in my scar area and pain (more than usual) in my elbow so possibly looking at a steroid injection in there in the new year....

I've got a lot of muscle wastage in my hand, have you..? I've got no real grip with my hand either. Do you have hand therapy?

[DaGordofather in reply to Horsemadhere]

Both hands still look about the same, but my right arm has definitely experienced some shrinkage. Grip is confined to the thumb, index and middle fingers (1st, 2nd, 3rd). Still plenty of (very) short term strength. The other 2 fingers are somewhat useless appendages. I'm scheduled to have an MRI on my elbow early in the new year. The neurosurgeons freely admit that they don't know why the fingers are useless. Hopefully, the MRI will reveal the culprit. We wait . . . .

[Eiram50 in reply to DaGordofather]

I know a little how you feel. All my fingers and thumbs

Have been affected by peripheral RA- I cannot make a fist, hold certain things, squeeze etc. They are always swollen and they can be enormously painful. I'm a total danger in the kitchen!!

[DaGordofather in reply to Eiram50]

In the last 2 weeks, I've started using a compression glove on my hand. The pain starts, but in most cases it stops just as quickly as it started. Worth a low cost try . . .

[DaGordofather in reply to Horsemadhere]

In the last 2 weeks, I've started using a compression glove on my hand. The pain starts, but in most cases it stops just as quickly as it started. Worth a low cost try . . .

[DaGordofather]

Re being a total danger in the kitchen. So am I, but that's more to do with my cooking than anything else. . . . . lol

[Bessieboo1]

Hi, I have a similar problem which has been gradually getting worse over the last 5 years. My left hand is pretty much all clawed with my little and ring finger totally useless. I have repeatedly asked for their removal but knowbody is willing to chop them off in case I have more pain!!! I get them caught on clothing and my dogs regularly catch them! I had ulnar nerve decompression 2 years ago which didn't help so hope you are more successful. My diagnosis apart from the RA is a sick nerve!!!. I would love to know how you get on. Xx

[DaGordofather in reply to Bessieboo1]

Hi Bessieboo1. Now that I've found a forum that is putting me in touch with others in the same boat as myself, I'll post here anytime I get an update and invite you to do the same. Merry Xmas . . . .

[DaGordofather in reply to Bessieboo1]

Will let you know. Scheduled to have a further meeting with Neurosurgery Outpatients in May (remaining fingers crossed) . . . .

[Bessieboo1 in reply to DaGordofather]

Hi, I tried the compression gloves but found them too painful. I have spoken to a new hand surgeon whilst at work and he has agreed to see me on the NHS for a second opinion, he hasn't promised anything surgically but it has given me some hope. Hope you continue getting some relief from the gloves and you have a positive outpatient appointment in may. Sx

[DaGordofather in reply to Bessieboo1]

Sorry the compression gloves didn't work for you. They have worked miracles for me (no shit!). Hope your new surgeon can work a miracle for you. I'm booked in to Neurosurgery Outpatients in Melbourne in mid-May to discuss an MRI that I had on my elbow in February. Only time will tell . . . .

[Bessieboo1]

Hope you have a brilliant Christmas as well. I've asked for new fingers so here's hoping! X