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lisacreature
Stranger
Reged: 09/13/03
Posts: 16
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Hello,
I have been having severe carpal tunnel problems for an extended period of time. I had nerve conduction tests done, and needle tests done. It was found that I have nerve damage in both median nerves. I'm not sure what the conclusion is for the needle test yet, which would tell me if the damage has extended to the muscle (as I understand it).
I have not heard good things about CTS surgery. I would like to hear from anyone who has CTS, and how you have treated it, and how are you doing. If anyone knows a good physical therapist, pain clinic, or pain doctor in the st louis area, that would be helpful, too.
Also, given the diagnosis of CTS, my physician only ordered the nerve and needle tests, though I had also complained about a constant "crunchy" noise in my neck. I wonder if the pain may be coming from a nerve in the neck area. Is the neck noise significant? Should I press for a neck x-ray?
Thanks for your help!
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pecan
Enthusiast
Reged: 09/09/03
Posts: 264
Loc: KINDA N.W.
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I have had MANY spinal as well as nerve surgeries. Where exactly is the tingling and numbness? Does it go all the way around your hand, or just in the thumb and first 2 fingers. Or do you just have pain. Does your ring and pinkie get numb? The reason I ask is cause if it is carpel tunnel, it is usually just the thumb and two fingers and that is the nerve in your wrist. If it is the ring and pinkie, it is the ulnar(elbow) nerve. If your upper arm tingles and you have pain or numbness down to your thumb,or on the top of your hand, it is in your neck. And I think the "crunchy" thing in your neck should be looked at. It could be that you have a disc out, or bone spurs or cartalidge damage. Any of which could cause the pain and numbness. But if I were you, I would not waste time, or mess around with anything like your neck doing that. It could be nothing, but You really Should have it looked at, and maybe at Least a cervical x-ray, or MRI. This is just My opinion. Good Luck 
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pecan
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lisacreature
Stranger
Reged: 09/13/03
Posts: 16
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Hi Pecan!
Thanks for your response. I'm sorry I have not replied sooner. I would definitely like to hear more from you, you seem very knowledgeable.
My pain is a fiery deep ache in the meaty portion of my thumb, across my wrist, and up the index finger. Sometimes it radiates up to my elbow. Sometimes I do have pain in the ring and pinky finger (though that is rather recent). I CONSTANTLY have electric type shocks when I perform simple hand maneuvers, usually those that invole a grip and turn (opening a jar, turining a faucet knob, turning a key), and I have greatly reduced any of those movements. I also have some numbness occurring in toes. Don't know if it's related. My primary doc suggested carpal tunnel surgery. I am scared. It seems any of these pinched/compressed nerve type injuries are hard to fix. It seems like once you start the surgery process, it's surgery after surgery. How did you start having problems?
Mid-October, I have an appointment with the chief of hand and wrist surgery at Wash. U. in St Louis. He considered one of the best in the country. He's done players for the Rams, the Blues, and the Cardinals! Take care! Sincerely, Lisa
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