My doctor informed me this morning that I have CTS. She gave me a "Cock-Up Wrist Splint" to wear while sleeping at night. It's a mild case but she said she will monitor it over the next 6 months and go from there. Anyone else have any CTS stories?

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How many guns are too many?

I've recently developed what I believe to be CTS in both wrists. I don't see my Doc until March (VA), so I picked up some splints on my own to wear until I can get in.

Fun isn't it.

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Molon Labe!

Had it for years, had the surgery about 20 years ago and been 100% fine ever since. I hear the procedure today is even better.

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Back to back World War Champs.

If you need the surgery, see if you can find a hand surgeon who does it endoscopically. Less pain post op, same success rate as if it were done the 'old fasioned' way and less time under anesthesia. I've seen them done in under ten minutes.

I developed it and badly about 20 yrs ago. Figured it was from years of hammer & chisel engraving.
Computer Aided PD Dispatch (CAD).. 8hrs on a key board for some years didn't help either.

Everyone said surgery, til a Dr found I also was B12 deficient.
He said it could be causing the problem, lets try something before surgery.

Something to do with no matter how much B12 in my diet or suppliments, some enzyme was lacking inside to break it down to be absorbed into the body.

Put me on a monthly B12 shot. The C/T cleared up fully after about 10 months. I could start to feel a difference after about 4 or 5.
Never had that problem again. Still give myself the shot every month.

Worth mentioning. A simple blood test confirms the B12 deficiency or not. Plus it has a lot to do with other health issues.

Many friends have had the surgery. Some successful,,others have had return visits. I'm just glad to have avoid it all together, but sometimes there just isn't any real alternative.

Several years ago, I had CTS in both wrists. Had surgery on one; then the other a few weeks later. After a short while, the right wrist again displayed the symptoms and it was found that the problem was further up the arm. So, had the surgery again on the right wrist. Then all was fine for several years but eventually both wrists started to become uncomfortable. Due to my age (74) I've decided to put up with it rather than go thru the discomfort and inconvenience of the surgery again. I think the electro nerve conduction tests were the worst (most uncomfortable) parts of the procedures. Were I younger, I wouldn't hesitate to repeat the surgeries.

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... ed ...

Have had a lot of hand problems we tracked the carpel tunnel for years finally had surgery (do one at a time for obvious reasons!). Very fast recovery perfect results great surgeon. Only thing I noticed that took a while to heal was a tenderness in my shooting hand but it took a 500 linebaugh to make it hurt and it cured up after a few months.

Since I have had trigger finger surgeries on almost all my fingers end results were great but took awhile for scar tissue to break up.

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Len

I have dealt with CTS in both hands.

I am a professional instrumental musician...this has made my life very, very hard.

I had both hands done. Not at the same time. I found a doctor who dealt with musicians frequently.

The carpal tunnel problems are now much better. My hands are still not 100% but that is because of the arthritis and issues with not having any cartilage in my right hand....I am completely bone on bone in the thumb socket area.

If I still had CTS to deal with on top of this....ugh. Anyway, before, I couldn't even pull my pants, tie my shoes, cook...I would just drop stuff...now I can do those things.

Do NOT have both hands done at the same time.
Keep them moving, but do not try to do too much right away (I either had someone drive me, or had my daughter shift for me if I could not find anyone to drive)

And...FWIW, playing piano is still not comfortable. Winds keep my fingers nimble & exercised, but I still get hand fatigue.

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Soli Deo Gloria

Can you read your own handwriting? That is when I had mine done. Now is the time to do the surgery. Don't have it done in the summer when your wrist gets hot, sweaty, and stinky. I had CTS surgery in 1998 with no problems today.

Only problem was I needed a soft leather glove on my right hand to use the Dillon 550 for about 3 months after the incision was fully healed. Cover your hand in an empty bread bag and you can safely take a shower.

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S&WHF 366

I had both Carpal Tunnel AND Tennis Elbow at the same time, same arm. Got it from painting houses. I was absolutely crippled. Splits, braces, slings, cortisone shots, physical therapy, medication, anti-inflamatorys, ultrasound.....they were doing everything short of surgery. Went on for a year, nothing would work. My father was going through Chemotherapy at the time, and at his Doctor's suggestion, he suggested Accupuncture to help with his nausea. Made him feel better....so I asked my Doctor what he thought it might help me. Why not? It worked. Strange but true. Three treatments a week for three weeks, I was a new man. Seriously. Never had a problem again, that was twenty years ago. Make sure you go to an Accupuncturist that is also an MD. Not only is it not some guy on the street corner with foreign credentials, but if they are an MD, insurance will cover the treatments. I found my MD at a major, local hospital working in the physical therapy department.

I almost hate to tell the story because folks will raise an eyebrow....but it worked for me. Beats surgery, worth a shot. May or may not work, but it certainly won't injure you. Note - I had pins over my entire body, head to toe. I said look....it's my wrist & elbow that hurts...he went on to explain the body's energy flow and blockage and.....well, go figure...eastern medicine that's been around for century's. Just an idea. By the way, this was my shooting arm......