Thought I might share this with you. I just had that done to my right hand. getting my left one done next friday. Now the neat part. From the time I laid down on the table until I got up was only 4 minutes.And that includes the 2 stitches that I got. There is a new procedure out. Just a little cut and they insert some kind of instrument in and cut the channel for the nerve.It is just a little sore but I can type this with no trouble.Thank goodness for modern medicine. He said that I could do anything that I wanted as long as I didn't get it wet. He does 30 of these every monday and friday. So I guess wet sanding my car is out of the question for a couple of weeks This doctor is great. He even called me tonight to see how I was doing.
Alb

 

Wow... the wonders of modern medicine, huh? That's a good thing! Just get a bag of those thin doctor type latex gloves at Wal-Mart or Home depot - I use them when I'm sponge painting - and you can use your hand without worrying about getting it dirty or wet! It's good there is not much pain. That's really nice that the doc called you at home too... not many do that!

 

Alb, I moved this to the clubhouse for ya, since this is part of your own suspension...
Do keep us posted on your recovery, side effects, alternate problems (if any), etc.

I get Carpal tunnel symptoms sometimes, when sanding, polishing, waxing, or any big projects involving repetitive hand motions.
Nice thing is that the pain would last a few weeks, then vanish.

I was almost ready to have surgery but I was concerned about reduced wrist strength, or other problems.
The doc diagnosed me with just tendonitus and I treat with hydrocodone when needed.

If I get worse, I may reconsider surgery. Looks like the procedure is next to nothing! Hope you get back to a pain-free normal life and let us know how you feel! Sound like you are doing great!

 

Glad to hear you're on the mend. Got to love the advances in medicine they have made in some areas. I had my rotator cuff repaired last year and they did it with four small incisions. Several years ago, it was one 4-5" scar and had longer recoup times.

 

It's good to hear your doing well. Of course after it heals you can get it wet. It will take about about a month to 2 months of good rehabilitation to regain the full strength.
When I had the surgery done it was 2 weeks between surgery, then 3months of rehab. The specialist that applies the nerve testing missed his calling, he could have been an interrogator for who ever he wanted to.. He was the only problem. He burned a nerve at the base of my left thumb.
Sounds like you had some top notch people..

 

wonder if they have this procedure for Plantar Fasiitis. (Carpol tunnel of the feet)

 

If we get this operation done will we all be able to type as well as you??

 

It's wednsday morning and we got hit again with more snow. I acually shovel for awhile without any pain. Hand is doing well. Hope the other one goes more better
Alb

 

You should actually wait untill all the snow settles on the ground and then if it isn't too deep use a broom to sweep it away...if it is above your knees then use a bigger broom or try a small shovel...if it is above your waist then call in the militia if it is wet packing snow then you can try your hand at building an igloo and then use it for a temporary dog house... or snow fort!

 

They do have a nonsurgical alternative for plantar fasciitis. It involves 3 sessions with high frequency ultrasound ["shock-wave"] similar to what they use to shatter kidney stones. p.s. plantar fasciitis is NOT "carpal tunnel of the feet". It is strictly an inflammation of the thick fascia that comprises a supportive band of tissue from the heel to the forefoot,especially in persons with high arches. There IS a tarsal tunnel syndrome but it involves nerve entrapment similar to the carpal tunnel's compression of the recurrant branch of the median nerve in the wrist.Derek

 

Thanks for clearing that up Doc. Unfortunately I have super high arches in my feet and they are causing problems. I had the right foot x-rayed last month and the also found heel spurs and arthritis in a couple toes. Maybe I should just cut them off now? My left knee also has arthritis and a fractured knee cap that I did 20 years ago.
here's a question for ya....I have tendonitis in both shoulders and I think also in the elbows. In the mornings when I awake my elbows really bother me and I notice that they are cold as ice. Not normal for me cause I am usually warm blooded. been noticing my feet being the same from time to time.

 

Wolfie,

Have you tried this stuff. I highly reccomend it.
It works great on my aches and pains.
Just don't get the roll on get the gel cause it's stronger.

http://www.biofreeze.com/

 

It works great.

 

Thanks I will look for it , there's a couple places here that sell that kind of stuff.

 

I have not been able to find it at a drug store. I've bought it on line and at a Chiropratic Clinic. It really is good stuff.

 

Not all drug stores carry it.But the one my wife works at does. So if you want it they are located in Sarver,Pa.
Alb

 

Alb , just mail me some save me from driving 1500 miles

 

Maybe we can get a group rate on it!! LOL!!

 

So what's the actual question ?? Biofreeze is a good product , BUT do a small "test area" first to ensure you're not sensitive to the ingredients and end up with a contact allergic dermatitis...D.

 

If I should just cut my feet off now to pevent further aggrvation in the future

 

Wolfman , You COULD do that , but the cost of converting your Olds to a "hand-operated" unit would be prohibitive!! In the meantime , get your fasting blood sugar , hemoglobin , ferritin , and thyroid checked , and go out and buy some of those "shake-to-activate" heat pac's...They worked great for me ice-fishing this past weekend! Derek

 

It just so happens that I have a hand operated system in the truck. my sister has MS and does not have control of her right leg so she uses one in her van at home in B.C. and brought on out here a couple years ago and had it installed in the truck when it was still dad's , before he passed away. I left it installed for now in case she wants to borrow the truck when she comes to visit. i can drive the truck now without feet if I want to . The tractor would be impossible though. Like everything else I just gotta learn to deal with it. osteoarthritis really sucks though cause it's in my feet and hands , my knee , and worst of all in my spine. Lyrica seems to be effective to a point but the side effects keep me from using it until the evening.I take anti-inflammatory in the morning which helps some with the tendonitis.