I'll be thinking about you Nitesky! My doctor recommends that I have surgery, but I can't bring myself to do it right now. I told him I have 4 small children and need both hands for my defense! Please let us know how it goes!
CTS is very painful and affects everything we do--- or try to do, lol. I used to be able to get the bottles out of the fridge and pour with one hand, for the last 10 years or so, I'm I two-handed grabber and pourer, this after countless juice, mile, soda bottles when crashing to the floor. It even effects your ability to sleep.
I hope all goes well, Nitesky, and that it provides oyu some relief.
I was told I will need the surgery. The doctor that I have has a very high success rate and the cut they make is so much smaller than when they first started doing it. Recovery process differs from person to person but it could be up to six months.
Out of curiosity, has anyone ever gone the surgical route or have any knowledge of it? My younger sister has a severe enough case of carpal that her doctor is recommending it. She is wary of surgery and wants more info and hear experiences from others first. Anyone have anything to share on this?
A surgeon from the University of Oklahoma recommends these exercies. This site has illustrations for clarity and links for further information on preventing the syndrome and for preventing surgery in people afflicted.
Because I work with computers all day and my hobby/avocation also requires using my hands, carpal tunnel or the other myriad of repetitive movement issues, is a constant concern.
What I found that works for me is a series of hand, arm, shoulder and neck stretches/exercises that can be done in a minute or so (without calling undue attention at work) that keep the wrists, fingers and hands less stressed and more relaxed.
Since the computer, especially your mouse, is the primary culprit, it pays to make little adjustments in your computer position, height of your chair and the kind of mouse you use.
The big secret, I think, is to break the repetitive cycle of movements on a regular basis, every 30 minutes if possible, but at least once an hour.
Definitely, pregnancy can accentuate carpal tunnel symptoms, so much going on in our bodies. The braces do work, I use them when on the computer when mine flares, and at night. The tingling and stinging can wake me up some times. They can be a little awkward when working or typing, but you do get used to it and adjsut.
Those injections hurt! But they do alleviate the pain. I have had quite a bit of success with those, being able to go 2 and 3 years between needing them. Blessed relief in exchange for a few minutes of discomfort? Oh yeah, I will take that any day!
I use a wrist brace too when I am on the computer and sleep with it some nights too. I am right handed but my left hand is the one that really bothers me. It really started when I was preggy and has just not gone away.
I was recently diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel. They gave me steroid injections in my hand and it really seems to help. A little uncomfy when it happens, but not bad after!
I use a wrist brace as well; it's very awkward trying to type with those on. I don't think I'm meant to be typing wearing them, though I just can't keep my paws off the computer.:D
bluejazz, it would depend on your area, but usually between 50 and 100 an hour. You could also check with your chiropractor, more insurance companies are recognizing chiro's now, and many of them employ massage therapists, which would mean tha your insurance should cover a good part of it.
Please let us know how it goes!
