OT: Carpal Tunnel Info as requested

[Guest guest]

OK....... I'll put down the Duster just for you Roxanne.....

I've had CT since my mid-twenties & just ignored it & tried to manage the symptoms myself... splints to support my wrists.....NASAIDS for infllamation etc....BUT now I wake up at night with totally numb hands, pegging out the clothes is a drama & every time I use secateurs in the garden I get major flares. Opening tins etc has been a problem for decades & my ability to open the safety lids on anyhting is very time-consuming & frustrating (although I'm told.. very Amusing for others to witness!)

Basically CT is when there is increased pressure on the Median Nerve in the wrist. I had a Nerve Conduction test to confirm the degree of Nerve involvement. Now that it has been pointed out to me by the surgeon I can see that the big muscles at the base of my thumbs show clear signs of wasting.

The surgery involves cutting the Transverse Carpal Ligament to free up the nerve. Delicate ,but not rocket science, surgery. It requires a VERY steady hand & gret vision....not one for a Gung-Ho Bone Smasher Surgeon. My bloke specialises in small bone surgery (hands/feet) so hopefull he'll know his way around!

It can be caused by a number of things: tenosynovitis, joint dislocations, fraftures & arthritis.

I've also just found out that I should've had it fixed decades ago... the earlier the surgery the better the outcome. Now I'm just trying to shut the door after the horse has bolted. I don't need any more muscle deterioration... how will I twiddle with valves on O2 tanks if my fingers won't co-operate!

I had a visit with the Anaesthetist yesterday & he doesn't want me to have a General Anaesthetic.. instead he will block my lower arm & I will just have to tolerate the nasty process of having the blood supply to my arm cut-off with tourniquets on my upper arm, for the duration of the procedure. Not a pleasant sensation by his feedback!

He said he could block my whole arm from the neck down but that would mean carting a large load of 'dead meat' about until it wore off .. which takes many hours.

He gave me the choice... neither sounded attractive to me but I'll try & be brave (Lip quivvering here!!!!....... HA!) & go for just the lower arm scheme....

THEN I have to front up a few months later... to have the OTHER hand done... THIS is gunna take a LOT of LINDT for recovery!

Get it looked at sooner rather than later is my new wisdom!

in Oz

> > Subject: Life with A Duster in Hand> To: Breathe-Support , pulmonaryfibrosis > Date: Sunday, May 3, 2009, 12:00 AM> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi Air Family, > >                   > Now I have to warn youse all that I’m gunna be a good HOUSEWIFE this week…> hafta get the Abode into spick n’ span order before the 13th when> I get my first Carpal Tunnel surgery done (I’m losing muscle in both> hands….). I WAS goin’ ta ‘ave the worst one done first BUT ‘eck> that’s my main ACT……. sooooo ………I’m> gunna let the Surgeon Dude (he’s cute n’ worryingly YOUNG!)  practise> on my left hand first… if he botches it… well….. it’s> only my assistant hand not the Main Game! > >                   > So……. no spending hours at this typing lurk for a wee while…> I’ll get back on AFTER …that’ll be about all I’ll> manage for a wee while… the Hubby is gunna get a mighty SHOCK……he’ll> be Chief cook n’ Bottle Washer for longer than he realises! HA! ( I’ve> built up a LOT of Credit on THAT score!) > >                   > There’s a lot to organise now that I’ve put the Brain Cells onta> tha job! Gotta lay out stacks of easy to put on & do up clothes… just> tie up one hand for an hour or so & you’ll get the drift! > >                   > At least I’ve already finished climbing up’ n down Ladders, cutting> the mighty old 8 foot high Bougainvillea Hedge! When I think about it that> HEDGE is probably one contributing factor to the state of my hands … I’ve> been cutting it regularly since 1986! Beethoven is the OTHER culprit…> stretching my hands to play all those massive piano chords….that’s> my story & I’m stickin’ to it!             > > >  I’ll> still be READING whenever I can…..can’t let you lot slip Under the> RADAR… speaking of which has anyone heard how Alaskan Jim is…> I’m worrying about him! AJ are you out there in lurking mode…. Let us> know how you are Friend!          > > >  See you> ASAP, > > Lotsa,                > > >  > > > > in Oz                  > > >  > > IPF:> Fibrotic NSIP/UIP ??> > Reynauds'                 > > > May> 2007 > > > >  >