<p>Thanks, but I’m still not really convinced it is carpal tunnel. Everyone I’ve talked with IRL has simply had other issues going on. I have absolutely no wrist pain - ever. However, the doc still thinks it is based upon the nerve studies. So on Tuesday I’ve got to make some sort of decision I guess. PT has helped a little, but not as much as I thought it might. They want to continue, so I’ll see. They also don’t think it’s carpal unless it’s more than one issue.</p>
<p>The whole thing is pure frustration to be honest. I’m leaning more and more to the “just learn to live with it” side of things, but that decision includes never being able to do things (like chores or trying on clothes when shopping) pain free again (arm pain, not wrist pain) so I stay on the fence.</p>
<p>Sounds like a 2nd opinion may help. My friend also had good results with accupuncture, deep massage and cupping. They key is a good practitioner of you’re going to try alternative medicine. </p>
<p>I am lucky that I saw a physician just before I developed carpal tunnel. He had me wear the braces day an night for awhile. Now I just wear them when I type at work and only the right hand now. I have several pairs of hand braces at work and life is good. I’ve also been given some exercises by OT and PT friends. A friend developed problems while pregnant and then holding the baby seemed to aggrevate it. She has had good results with massage and acupuncture. </p>
<p>I always think the worst is not knowing exactly what is wrong. Sorry, I can just imagine the frustration. Just in the meantime, if it is your nerve, put a cold compress on it (wrapped in something) to relieve any inflammation. I have a pinched nerve in my neck and cold always helps relieve the pain. Wearing a brace is also a good idea as lamom mentioned. Anything you can do to not irritate/pinch the nerve more is best. </p>
<p>My experience with Carpal Tunnel Surgery was very positive. I had numbness for a long time and put off an evaluation because honestly, I was afraid of the procedure. When I finally went to the neurologist, she urged me to have surgery ASAP to avoid permanent nerve damage. Found a great hand surgeon and the relief was immediate. The recovery was not bad, more like having a deep cut. My hand was sore at the incision. I would do it again in a heartbeat. </p>
<p>I ended up agreeing to the surgery (in Jan/Mar) after a bit more discussion as to why it’s being recommended, so I suppose I’ll see how it goes. If it gets rid of the numbness, it will have been worth it. If not, I’ll give them credit for “best guess” and hope I’m in the 90% without side effects. The radial nerve “stuff” appears to be something different (two issues going on - not just one). If one can be cleared up, perhaps that will make the other one less of an issue by itself (possible if there’s less inflammation - or so I’m told).</p>
<p>I still don’t feel completely comfortable making decisions when I feel I don’t really know the subject well and the decision is irreversible, but I guess many of us have to deal with that in life. It’s just a bit easier telling the car mechanic to do what he feels is right than it is to do the same with medical issues like this.</p>