Carpal tunnel syndrome - painful

[Herbie72]

Hi all,

For about a year or so, I've occasionally been getting numb fingers, hands and arms (most usually at night) – symptoms which have usually only lasted for a few days or so before disappearing for a few months.

But for the last three weeks, my arms and hands / fingers have been pretty much constantly numb / tingling and it's been really painful. I've booked an appointment with my GP for next week, but googling the symptoms, it looks like I've got carpal tunnel syndrome. I've been surprised at how debilitating it actually is, even making eating / using the phone difficult, as shooting pains run up my arms from my hands.

Diabetes is one of the causes, apparently, plus the fact that I spend my days on the computer / phone. I don't want to go down the steroids route, as they can badly affect insulin absorption (plus other side-effects), and I'd also like to avoid surgery. Has anyone else on here had carpal tunnel syndrome? And if so, did it ever go away? What did you do? Acupuncture? Homeopathy?

I've had trouble sleeping over the last few nights, as both arms become really painful and I seem to be constantly shaking them to get the circulation going again. Any help much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[llandudno1960]

hi yes i had carpel tunnel a couple of years ago the pain gets unbearable at times i used to wear a wrist support especially when i was on computer etc. it did help but eventually the pain got continuous so i gave into a steroid injection i had about three courses that was 2 years ago and ive never looked back seems to of done the trick.hope you get it sorted soon

 

[Kirbster]

Hiya, sorry to hear you're suffering from this, it's not pleasant! I suffered from the condition in both hands for about 15 years because the first doctor I saw about it told me I'd just have to live with it and they might operate when I hit my 50's, this was when I was in my early 20's!! After suffering in silence I couldn't put up with it anymore and saw another doctor who referred me to a neurosurgeon and I ended up having surgery on both hands, about 6 months apart. I've never suffered from it since, the surgery was a God-send and I wish I hadn't left it so long before getting a second opinion.

I hope you get it seen to quickly and efficiently, good luck.

 

[Anonymous]

hi yes i have had both hands with it and also trigger finger in 5 of my fingers have the oparation it is fantastic the numbness and pain goes stright away highly recommended.

 

[m1dpq]

Herbie,

I have suffered from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the past and had both left and right hands operated on. by a gentleman (Mr H***) at South Tyneside General Hospital in the UK..

The pain i had was unbearable, triggered by RSI, after using a computer for many years in different jobs...

The doctors would not give me the steroid injections, as it wouldn't work with the other medications that i was on at that present time.. They did everything from Physiotherapy to Hydrotherapy but although the pain eased for a day or so it came back with a vengance..

Even using wrist supports didn't help.. in the end after so many Doppler Tests, they decided to operate.. Right hand first.. When the surgeon opened it up under Local anthestic (yep wide awake).. he was quite shocked to find that the nerve was partially severed, so they stiched the nerve back together, and did the rest of the op.. after 3 months my hand was like new, but very tired.. it would take upto 6 months to heal properly... physio on the hand followed with exercises and it is still ok now, some 5 years down the line...

However the left hand done by a registrar was not severed just compressed, and although they gave me all the sedation that they could to do it on a local, in the end they had to put me to sleep as i could feel it..

it seemed to have worked at the time but as time progressed the problem with the left hand didn't go away... I have had carpal tunnel nerve in duction tests done but nothing shows, Ulna and Medion tests nothing shows, until an MRI scan done on my neck found degerative Vertabrae empinging on the nerve that runs down my left arm, now they know whats wrong and so do i, but it is a case of wait to see if it sorts itself out or do they operate ???? the risk is too great.. in my case..

In your case i would say go for it... my hands are like talons when i wake up but now i have Rhemutoid arthritis in both hands, so typing anything can be painful but Opiad painkillers do the trick.. but only for so long..

Let us know how you get on..

regards

M1dpq

 

[Herbie72]

Thanks for the replies, all. My appointment with the GP is tomorrow, but ironically the CTS is the best it's been for weeks! Will see how dismissive she is (usually, VERY).

Herbie

 

[Indy51]

Dr Bernstein discusses carpal tunnel on page 25 of this article on diabetic complications:

http://www.diabetes-book.com/articles/bernstein.pdf

Do you find that the painful episodes coincide with higher blood glucose levels?

 

[Stormylady]

Hi Herbie,
How did your GP appointment go? I had surgery in my left hand about 3 months ago now, it came suddenly due to inflammation caused by arthritis, but 99% of the time my hand was completely dead, but painful etc. I had surgery under local anesthetic, I had the tourniquet on for exactly 7 minutes. The numbness, tingling etc was completely gone by 36 hours! It was amazing, I often have problems with healing, not just due to diabetes, but I had no problems at all, I would have refused injections tried that in the right side years ago, and caused me horrendous pain, so would not go that route again. I wouldn't hesitate to have the surgery again if I needed it, but two hands, two surgeries, so no more, lol.
Good luck with what ever you decide, it's not something which you should suffer with, there's plenty of treatment available.

 

[avdyke]

I've had both hands done - the first by general and the second by local anaesthetic. Apart from the sounds and smell, I would recommend the local.

For me, it made a hufge difference in sleeping and working. However, it has reduced the sensitivy of my hands and left me a little more clumsy than I used to be - but, overall, a price worth paying.

Also be aware that it is not a permanent fix. If you continue to work with computers, or whichever your cause may have been, it's likely that some year down the road you will need it doing again

Andrew

 

[Emmerdale]

Good Morning to you all , I had op.on right hand for caqrpal tunnell and at the same time i had achipped elbow bbone and arthritus debris operated on at same time ,that was 3weeks and 2 days ago ,i am just starting to haver the pain easing i am taking Gabapentin 300mg as a nerve pain blockerand wish it would hurry and ease a lot more it really is dreadful cos you dont know what to do with yourself due to the pain but on the bright side it must get easier soon.

 

[Charles1]

I had this condition for several years, very much on and off but most painful at night, sometimes excruciating.
It improved when I had a winter holiday in Florida!
Acupuncture was not helpful and my useless (former) GP suggested a steroid injection, which i declined.
I saw an excellent specialist (Beryl de Souza) at the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, who has now operated on both hands (under local anaesthetic) and I have no more pain.

My stupid GP removed the stitches on one hand too soon and left me with an open wound, which led me to have an emergency restitch and has left a bigger scar.

I would recommend having this operation but make sure you get a good plastic surgeon.

 

[tony48738]

Hi all, Ive had carpal tunnel pain for a while. The same as most people here the pain during the night was unbearable, numbness, pins and needles etc. This pain and feeling slowly started appearing during the day.
I had carpal tunnel release surgery at Bupa Spire Worcester under local anesthetic. Pain reief was instant!! sore for a day or two whilst recovering. I have read people have had issues after surgery, but for me life is back to normal no pain, no symptoms, Best decision i've every made.

 

[Chas C]

I too had this about 7 years ago, and moved from a computer hand move mouse to a fixed mouse with a thumb wheel for scrolling. After a few days the pain went and have been ok since with no more problems. The thumb wheel mice are expensive but worth it.