Re: Cubital Tunnel Surgery Next Week.

In Reply to: Cubital Tunnel Surgery Next Week. posted by Martyn on January 06, 2004 at 19:17:57:

: Hi All,

: I've been lurking for a while, but I thought I would show myself as I have got so much good info off this site and maybe I could return the favour.
: I ride a motorbike for a living here in the UK and I've been having problems for a while with my fingers locking up (not good on motorbike). I saw my doctor who said it will take so long using our NHS that it would be better to go private, I had an EMG scan which showed I had a problem in my left elbow and Carpal tunnel in both wrists. I'm having the elbow done first next week which for a 24 hour stay in hospital is costing me £2450.

: If anyone wants more details, let me know.

: Martyn

Hi Martyn
I'm certainly interested to know more about your choice of going private. If you've been lurking, maybe you saw my post which says I also have probs with Cubital TS (mainly left elbow too) & was doing some research about going private. From what you say, my guesstimate of £2000 isn't far out - is that BUPA you're going to?

Why are you staying 24 hours in hosp? Aren't you having it done under local anaesthetic? Are you going to have both wrists done privately too? What was the waiting list time for the NHS? From seeing the consultant, I waited around 6 mths to get my worst hand done on the NHS (Carpal Tunnel).

I've decided to just wait in the NHS queue meantime & if it gets to the intolerable stage, I'll go private (same surgeon). It's a heck of a lot of cash to part with for something which may not be enormously successful (the cubital I mean). I've written a begging letter to the surgeon so will see if that works :-)

Do you think it was all caused by the fact that you ride a bike so much? Vibration? Are you a courier or instructor - something like that? I used to ride a wee Yamaha around London - must've been mad, looking back! :-)

Good luck with the op. I'll be interested to know all the gory details, so please keep posting!

Evelyn