The doctor said I have ulnar neuropathies in both my arms, the right one is accute, and I’m loosing use of my R3 and R4 fingers, and will soon loose use of my L3 and L4. It’s going to take a while for them to get better, if they do, and I won’t be able to be online or play whistle much, and if conservative therapies don’t work, I’m bound for surgery. At the very least I’ll have to wear splints on both arms for a long time. I’m not suppose to be online at all, because of this, but I can’t help it. My (mental) therapist is mainly behavioural, and it’s just not working for me. I’m trying to find a congnitive therapist as we speak, to help me get over this internet addiction. I’m also seeing a neurologist now, too for the arms.
I’m in lots of pain, and I’ve slinked into taking the medicines they gave me the other night at the hospital, but they’re some kind of weird anti-inflamatories, and you’re suppost to take them with lots of food, but I can’t do that for obvious reasons, so they give me severe headaches and make my stomach feel like I swallowed broken glass. Woe is me.
Cranberry,
I’m sorry to hear about your neuropathy. I can sympathize because I have ulnar neuropathy at my left wrist, which restricts everything: computer, whistle, driving, not to mention any heavy lifting, etc. I get strange sensations in my left ring and little fingers. Coldness, heat, numbness, tingling, throbbing, etc. I have learned to live with it but it still pisses me off especially when I see my guitar case which I haven’t opened in months.
Hang in there. If it was easy anyone could do it.
Mike
Unless you’re quite unusual, if the splints being recommended are of the hard plastic variety, you’re not likely to tolerate them well. There are options which I (and I believe Jim Stone) use which are much less uncomfortable, and quite a bit less expensive than custom made ones. Jim speaks from both considerable experience and much educated trial and error, and gives carefully considered suggestions.
I get pain in my wrists within just a minute or two of using a conventional flat keyboard. I have no discomfort at all with one of those Microsoft wavy keyboards. I have also had to train myself to use the mouse in such a way that nothing presses against my wrist (bulky sleeves, edge of desktop). This may have no bearing on your situation, but it’s made a big difference for me.
I think this is same in UK as Ulnar nerve detachment. Also known as Tennis and golfers elbow. I have now had it for 21 years but the nerves got really bad 8 years ago. It is my 4th and 5th fingers on each hand that are weak and my elbows feel as if my funny bone is constantly being hit with a hammer. Steroid inkections helped for many years but now nothing. However. I bought in France some very expensive dual purpose splints made by Thusane. They had a shaped bar that goes under the wrist and the palm and another bar that goes along the side of the wrist and along to the thumb which slips into an open top. The under bar locks the loose nerve into place and I can play whistles again. Not so easy to play the lower ones I can manage to play the Low G and am sitting here wearing them to type. I would advise getting at least another opinion. In UK surgery here in Scotts Borders is poor and my friends op didn’t work. I can scan a picture to your e-mail if it is any help. Helps RSI.
Let me guess… Vicodin, aka Hydrocodone bitartrate and Acetaminophen
aka: Anexsia, Co-Gesic, Hydrocet, Lorcet, Lortab, Maxidone, Norco, Zydone
I was given this stuff right after a surgery to have my left thumb re-assembled. Needless to say, I had nothing in my stomach at the time. The vicodin just tore my stomach up something awful. I ended up pitching the lot, and just dealing with the pain in my hand.
Cranberry, I’m so sorry to hear of your condition. Do pay close heed to your physician’s advice. If you haven’t already done so, it would be a very good idea to get an opinion from an Osteopathic Physician (DO), as well. They combine all the knowledge of an MD (allopathic) with additional knowledge of homeopathics.
My thoughts are with you, and hopes for a speedy recovery. I greatly enjoy your presence on the board, and look forward to your return to full fitness.
Cran, whatever therapy you choose, stick with one in earnest for the whole time it’s supposed to apply.
Change method if you feel like it, but don’t mix them half and half. Besides, if they work together, you’d never know which one did actually help so you won’t know where to go next time…
(must be that trip to the moon!)
You are in my prayers.