carpal Tunnel Syndrome

fortuna

Hi stickywicket
I am typing this in “Word” as suggested am less likely to lose my words.
I don’t understand my symptoms! The right hand which I was sure was carpal T seems to be changing. In the beginning there was lots of pins and needles and stiffness in the fingers, but not thumb, and pain in the wrist. Now the fingers and thumb are all slightly swollen but the pins & needles seem to have gone and I have pain in all joints on movement. Also stabbing pain up to the elbow!
Do we have a CTSyndrome expert on here? Who could maybe offer a view?
fortuna

Boomer13

Hi fortuna, it's nice to meet you;

From your other thread, I gather you have possible RA and CTS? You have been referred to a rheumatologist, but haven't had your appointment yet?

I had carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists, brought on by work and PsA. It was diagnosed by a neurologist after an NCV test. I did not have surgery, mine has improved over time with medical retirement and wearing splints. If I remember correctly, there are two distinct places in the wrist where nerve pressure can cause an unpleasant and painful neuropathy.

If you have RA, I believe one of the hallmarks of the illness is symmetry in joints affected, meaning that you wouldn't have it in one wrist and hand, it would affect both. So it's likely if you have RA, that it is responsible for the inflammation and pain in your joints. Both conditions affect how you move and can cause symptoms to the level of the elbow.

Were splints suggested for you to help with pain? They can be very helpful, keeping in mind that they can cause you to lose muscle tone if you wear them a lot and it's best to have them fitted properly by a professional.

I am not a medical person, or expert. Just a person with CTS and PsA, so best to discuss your concerns with your doctors.

Hope that helps,
xxAnna

jenniet

Hi there.

I was supposed to go into hospital for the operation for carpel tunnel syndrome two days after I was offically diagnosed with RA. The RA consultant told me to cancel and see if it got better with the RA drugs, if not I could always remake the appointment. That was 5 years ago and I haven't needed the op. yet. However everyone is different it's always better to ask the medical professionals.

Jenny.

Boomer13

Jenny highlights what I was trying to say. I don't think I was clear in saying that an inflammatory arthritis may be the reason for your CTS, as it was for me (and Jenny, by the sounds of it).

If you have symptoms of both, best to focus on ruling out inflammatory arthritis like RA, or PsA in my case, before considering other remedies like surgery for CTS.

Best of luck,
Anna

fortuna

Thank you all for your helpful replies. Today started off badly with hardly any sleep. And then just downhill. Just had the biggest battle trying to pull the plastic pull thing on a bottle of olive oil. Eventually managed it with a pair of big scissors (closed) stuck in and twisted. Such little things we take for granted until something like RA or/& CTS hit you.

So full of the grumps I find relief in reading your messages and thoughts.

Anna, My index finger on my left hand is very swollen and painful. Problems there started with a clicking thumb! I t would bend but could only be released by physically pushing it back. Thumb works beautifully now but the finger is bad. I see the Rheumatologist Consultant on Monday and hope for some serious pain relief. As you all know it is so depressing when suddenly even the most simple chore causes huge problems.
But there are so many of you much younger than I and you can still look on the bright side. So I shall try and take a leaf out of your book and keep my chin up.
Cheers fortuna

Boomer13

Yes, it is very depressing not being able to use your hands. Take it easy on yourself, pushing to do things will only make it worse.

I'm wishing you well for your appointment on Monday. Hope you find something that helps with the pain.

Anna

dreamdaisy

I had a double carpal tunnel op in November 2012. I had constant tingling, I could easily drop things and life was generally uncomfortable. I had to have some nerve conduction tests (I cried :oops: ) to confirm the diagnosis and then had both done at the same time to save time. All is better now apart from the arthritis in my hands. DD