Hand Clinic

woodbon

Hi,
I've just got back from the hospital where I had my carpal tunnel release surgery. They had been concerned about the nerve problems in my upper arms and neck. The plastic surgeon said that the pain I'm getting in my upper arms shoulders and neck is caused by small nerve entrapments in my arms and neck. He offered to retest the nerves again and more CT and MRI scans to see exactly where the problems are, but also added that he thought surgery would not be wise at this point, as it carries a small risk of damage which would be perminant. I asked if the test would be likely to be useful, at this time and he said no as I didn't want surgery, its best to wait. I agreeed with this and said that I can do most things despite some muscle weakness and I wanted to leave surgery for at least a while.

He explained everything and basically agreed with me, that I have OA and that is not reversable, but wants to see me every six months, so I stay in the loop and can ring if it suddenly gets worse and they will give me an emergency appointment.

He was a consultant and told me to be sure and ring his secretary if nerve pain gets worse. I thought it was good to know that I am informed and encouraged to do what I feel best. I think knowing I can call for help will mean that I will be able to go for much longer without treatment.

I have to say that I feel he has informed me and put me in charge of my own situation and for me, its a powerful feeling! Very good medicine!!! Does anyone else feel similar or am I odd????
Love Sue

marion1952

Hi Sue

That's great to hear you have a surgeon with such good communcation skills as well as surgical expertise!... it makes all the difference, I think, to know that you can call the secretary and have an earlier appointment if need be....

Marion

skezier

Hi Sue,

Glad it was a decent appointment for you. I agree with Marion to have that safety net of an earlier appointment if needed is a great help. I do hope you wont need it though and maybe it could settle down on its own? Luv Cris xx

speedalong

Hi Sue, what a refreshing appointment. Sounds like you have found a gem of a consultant with a good deal of common sense.

Speedy

dreamdaisy

Who is this demi-god? Would he see me too? Please, please, please? I can pretend to have wrong with me the stuff that he treats, I'm sure. Meryl Streep ain't got nothing on me!

Seriously, how wonderful. What a change to hear about something positive on this forum , it's lovely, shame it doesn't happen more often. Consultants do get things right, they do communicate well, sometimes it's the patients who are to blame for not listening. You go girl, he's given you good advice and he has listened to what you had to say and what you want. He has valued your opinion and that can only be a good thing.

Please may I see him? Please? DD

speedalong

Who is this demi-god? Would he see me too? Please, please, please? I can pretend to have wrong with me the stuff that he treats, I'm sure. Meryl Streep ain't got nothing on me!

DD - you sound more yourself today.

Speedy
xxx

Keep them coming.

frogmorton

Hi Sue

Good to hear from you and even better to hear from you sounding so in control.

It sounds as though (maybe for the first time) you are feeling as though you know what is happening and that you will feel able to make decisions yourself. about the arthritis.

You did well there Sue.

Love and hugs

Toni xx

woodbon

Hi, He was nice and started off by asking how I was! When I'd finished he explained everything that was going on with my nerves and that I have multipule impingements caused by arthritus and no 'wear and tear' also, he offered me all the options explaining the pros and cons and left it up to me to decide. The feeling of control was really good and uplifting also he said several times, about making sure I came back if I had a problem and not wait for the appointment. Basically though, just treating me like an equal human being who could understand my body.

I posted because I felt I wanted to share a good experience for once. I've complained enough when things go wrong and will do again!!! lLove Sue

tillytop

Hello Sue
So glad you had such a good appointment! And you are not odd at all - to me feeling informed and (at least somewhat) in control my treatment is so important. I'm so pleased for you!!!
Love Tilly x