Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

[Daisy]

Gem - poor you. Pain like that is horrible because we do so much with our hands.

I get something called De Quervain's tenosynovitis in my thumbs. It's an inflammation of the tendons but not as serious as CTS. I put it down to spending years using a large heavy camera. The pain is in my thumbs and travels over the back of my hand in in to my arm. Rest seems to be the best advice - easier said than done, but if it's really hurting I use Volterol gel and that helps a lot, especially at night.

[Gemini]

Thanks everyone.

Yesterday I made the mistake of pulling the downstairs toilet window closed with my left hand. The pain!!!!
It shot right down my arm and although it has eased a bit since then, it's not good. I think I will leave calling in on my mum until tomorrow, to give it anothers days rest before driving.

[Plantaholic]

That doesn't sound very nice Gemini, perhaps it is time something was done to help you.

[Gemini]

I have a doctors appointment in a couple of weeks time Plant.

[Daisy]

Gem - I think you were wise not to drive. I know you've got an automatic, but even using the handbrake would be painful.

[Gemini]

Yes it is Daisy.
I will try a short drive today to test it out though, as I am collecting GS from school tomorrow. Without the car I need a bus to town, then train to where they live, to collect GS, and repeat in the evening, unless I get OH to come for me, which I'm sure she would if she is free.

[Daisy]

Gem, that’s not an easy journey. I do hope S can help xx

[Gemini]

Yes she is coming to take me home Daisy. It's a good job as GS and I got wet walking to swimming and my fringe is not fit for public transport!!

[Gemini]

My GP agrees with my diagnosis of Carpel Tunnel. She has ordered a splint for me and I am to have an injection. Sadly that Dr doesn't do those, and the earliest appointment with the one who does is March 29th. So soldier on until then!
She said one option was just to rest it. I said I have done that for about 6 or 7 weeks now and although that improves it a lot, it is still painful. It's only OKish because I hardly use it. I am perfecting one handed driving, LOL but you cant go around corners or tackle roundabouts like that!
I opted for the injection. I know it doesn't work for all, but it did for my mum. The splint may help too.

[Daisy]

Well done on your own diagnosis, Dr Gem. I do hope the splint and the injection help, but it's a pity you've got to wait over 2 weeks for it.

Have you thought about using a sling to encourage resting that hand while you're waiting for treatment?

[Gemini]

That's a good idea Daisy.
Sometimes I hold it behind my back to prevent my using it by mistake!

[Daisy]

That's not easy, Gem.

A sling would make you relax the whole arm, which I hope would help. xx

[Gemini]

....and it would look more dramatic Daisy, and so I may get more cups of tea made for me

[Nanto2girls]

Hope the injection and the splint help you.
Not always easy to not use your hand.

[Oma]

Gem I always find the injections work really well in my fingers but they not for everyone ,
I do hope it works for you it will make such a difference if it does
A sling to get sympathy sounds a good idea to me