Update on My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

[Bcol]

I finally got to see the Orthopaedic/Trauma consultant about my CTS. It was a good visit and he was a lovely man. The outcome was not ideal though. He thinks that due to the obvious muscle loss and the amount of time that the nerves involved have had the pressure on them, that it is very likely that they won't recover and that an operation will only have, at most a 60% chance of success. He also thinks that there is nerve damage or problem in/around my neck which is also exacerbating the problem. He is looking at the options as well as sorting out x-rays in hands and neck. A steroid injection might help and going back on Pred is also a possible option. So, back to the waiting game for appointments but at least things are moving. Need to finish packing now as off to warmth and the sunny Caribbean for a couple of weeks. ☀️☀️🌞

[123-go]

Hello, Bcol. A disappointing outcome for you but your consultant appears thorough and knowledgable. He is looking at you as an individual (bonus!) and I’m sure will come up with an individualised plan. Have a lovely break in glorious sunshine.

[Kendrew]

Must be a relief to have been able to discuss your situation with a two way conversation...which seems to be a frequent rarity these days!....and seems like you've been listened to. Not the conclusion you'd hoped for though unfortunately, but you've hopefully had some of the answers you needed to move forward. Happy holiday.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

hi,

As you say maybe not the outcome you were anticipating, but at least a couple of options to mull over. Hopefully the X-rays may provide answers to firm up those options.

In the meantime, enjoy the warmth and your holiday…and remember all the tips we suggest [even though no longer with PMR nor Pred!] 😊

[Bcol in reply to DorsetLady]

I'll try and be good Mum!!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bcol]

Cheeky!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Ooh - nice for some!! Enjoy!

"The amount of time the nerve have been under pressure ..." - whose fault is that? 🙄

[Bcol in reply to PMRpro]

Guess we can put that one down, partly, to the pandemic. Although waiting for over 13 months for this appointment won't have helped.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bcol]

My point!!!

[Blearyeyed]

The warm weather will help , have you room in your suitcase ? I could do with a break from the cold and damp in Wales.

At least you have answers , and it's good to know that you can tell your GP etc. that you have been recommended to continue steroids , or need steroids at the moment to control non PMR pain too.

Nerve pain doesn't really improve from steroids sadly. If that happening it might help to get a prescription of a low dose medication for nerve pain specifically to take away with you from the GP , like Pregabalin or Duloxetine.

Many people need a combo of medications to control the different types of pain we get at the same time.

A compression sleeve to wear under normal clothes or a thumb support to wear whilst doing certain physical jobs with your hand are really helpful in relieving the pressure on the nerves from the neck to the hand and can help in tease your mobility with less pain.

Bon Voyage , Bee

[Bcol in reply to Blearyeyed]

Hi Bee, don't think he is suggesting going back on Pred at the moment, it's just a possibility depending on other findings. It worked in the past during lockdown but things have probably progressed beyond that stage now. I wearcwrist/hand braces at night and during the day when neccessary and they certainly help. I already have Amitryptyline in case my back gets grumpy but we certainly discussed the others as a possibility. It's a drag and makes some everyday tasks difficult and a lot more fiddly than usual, but hey ho there are many people with a log worse to put up with.p. s. Case is pretty full I'm afraid!!