Posted by ChinaCat on August 14, 2002 at 23:46:37:
In Reply to: Newly diagnosed...questions posted by Becky on August 12, 2002 at 04:27:50:
So you've been hearing from some of the "BEST AND BRAVEST"... Wanda and Anna-Karen...
I would second everything they wrote to you.
Here's another thing to consider if you do find yourself faced with surgery...
You may STILL have to do the same time-consuming, inconvenient, uncomfortable, every-single-day kind of physical therapy as you would if you do NOT have the surgery... and from all that I've read, mostly those folks who don't do that kind of P.T. program afterward, also frequently tend to regress.
If I knew way back THEN what I know NOW... I would immediately start babying my hands - IMMOBILIZE -get some massage - change my activities - invest in some good ointments - get ergonomic-smart - improve my diet - drink more water - BACK OFF THE INTENSITY OF MY LIFE!!! There are SO many things that can be done if you take this seriously!
I would mainly lighten up on those activities we all suspect worsens the condition... and we all know what those things are don't we?
See, most of us here only gain the wisdom AFTER the damage is done... I really believe things might have been a little different for me had I used better sense.
Yes, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome untreated will most assuredly get worse - and continuing in that fashion, permanent nerve damage can ultimately be the result (for some that is equal to losing the hand - NO feeling - PERMANENTLY).
You see, you are not just waiting for surgery while you "try everything else"...
... conscientious surgeons will not do the surgery until they feel there is a protocol for it. So what you're doing now is taking advantage of the opportunity to maintain your body best you can to reduce the amount of permanent damage you may face later.
In answer to another question, my pain has always been from the middle of my back up through my neck, all the way down my arms and then focused in elbows, wrists, and intensified through forearm and hand areas. My CTS was the RESULT of another condition I was diagnosed with (thoracic outlet syndrome) but unfortunately, the CTS is more rapidly progressive and damaging, so had/has to be given full attention.
I wish you the very best! I hope your condition calms down on its own... keep reading the board. There are a ton of great suggestions here. And don't forget to share any things that work well for you too. I know I would be grateful.
But for now, I SO hope you'll take it a little easier... baby 'em (that 30 hours sounds KILLER).
Love and Healing Light to you,
ChinaCat
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