Big_Stu Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 [quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1394094773' post='2387786'] I haven't got that far yet, money is an issue. But this is one step. I've edited the OP to include a clarification, and thanks very much for all the posts and PM's, I'll reply properly at lunch time. But for now, hi ho, hi ho... [/quote] Yeah I can understand that, they're not cheap. The only reason I push it is that apart from the ganglion I've been diagnosed with all of your other issues by my GP and she spoke of operations, anti-inflams etc etc. I saw my physio and he fixed one of the issues - the numb fingers there and then in less than 5 minutes - which kinda proved the carpal tunnel was a mis-diagnosis. The tendonitis took three visits but was fixed, none of the problems have ever come back. IF you can - a good sports physio won't string you along, if you can manage an initial diagnosis session they'll tell you whether they can help. I've only found one who was a waste of time & eventually I told him I wouldn't be back. It is a bit of a chance, and an expensive one, but I thought it worth trying to avoid an op. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyratm Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Hello - I was getting wrist pain pretty badly a little while ago. Went to the doctor and was suspected of CTS too. I was told to wear a wrist support (the ones with the metal rod) whilst sleeping to try and keep my wrist in the correct angle. I also was advised to get an ergonomic mouse for work (I work in IT) - so now got a funcy joystick looking thing. Did the nerve tests and found no issues...Until the doctor asked what my hobbies were. I mentioned bass (whilst miming with my hands), to which he said "Hold up, do that again... is that where your right hand sits?" I agreed - quick test found I was somehow trapping the nerve whilst playing! Changed my technique slightly and strengthened my wrists with exercise. Not much pain or issue now! Still get the odd flare up but it's controllable. Hopefully the nerve testing reveals whats wrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigd1 Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 The only way to be sure of CTS or Ulnar nerve problems is a nerve conduction test, as has been pointed out your GP could be wrong, but only this test will sort it for sure. At the end of the day your GP is just that a General Practitioner they are not a nerve specialist or any other specialist. CTS can't be caused by any physical actions, mine have come about due to me being diabetic, but not a diabetics get CTS. Plus you don't need to be diabetic to get CTS. CTS is when you have a type of tube in your wrist, your nerves pass through this tube. If this tube for whatever reason becomes narrowed it causes pressure on the nerves, normally effecting your thumb, index and middle fingers. The condition is normally worse at night and this is when you would have splints to keep your wrists straight. Cortazone (no sure if thats the correct spelling) injections can help. Ulnar nerve is in some ways similar to CTS, again a tube that the nerve travels through. This nerve goes from your neck to your hand down the outside of your elbow. The trapping of the nerve is normally in your elbow area or less commonly at the wrist. This trapping is cause by as my specialist put it rubbish getting lodged against the tube and squashing it. This effects your little & ring fingers. Anybody can get Ulnar nerve problems it can be caused by resting your arm on the edge of the door when driving, putting your elbows on the table, desk when sat at one. I'm not sure about the causes if in your wrist as mine was in my elbow. I have found people seem to get these mixed up with repetitive strain problems, as far as I know RS is a strain and Physio can help with this. I think RS is a tendon problem not nerve (but I might be wrong on that) If playing is causing discomfort of any type, the first thing to do is STOP PLAYING and seek medical advise. It is probably nothing be be sure and get it checked by someone who will know. Hope this is of help As far as I know the above is correct, but I am not medically trained (well I am a first Aider) and is just the information I have been given when having these hand problems myself. Ta very glad BIGd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 [quote name='bigd1' timestamp='1394128054' post='2388258'] The only way to be sure of CTS or Ulnar nerve problems is a nerve conduction test...[/quote] +1 to all the above ^. I had some tingling, numbness, and went through the test (definitely not painful, just pretty uncomfortable and odd sensation; don't be afraid of it...). The diagnosis was positive (strangely, more in the 'less numb' hand...), and I was given the choice of doing nothing, undergoing light surgery or cortisone shots. I chose the latter, and things improved greatly within a couple of days, and have remained fairly stable since. This was several years ago now; I'm hoping to keep it at bay and not have the op. I use a trackball instead of a mouse; that helped a lot. YMMV, of course; we're all different. Get a good diagnostic first, and go from there. Speculation doesn't help much, in my view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 [quote name='bigd1' timestamp='1394128054' post='2388258']I have found people seem to get these mixed up with repetitive strain problems, as far as I know RS is a strain and Physio can help with this. I think RS is a tendon problem not nerve (but I might be wrong on that)[/quote] My issue is when the "people who get these mixed up" are the GPs. Either I've been incredibly unlucky with mis-diagnosises or there's too many doctors prescribing going under the knife before making sure. THIS is why I urge Mel to get a second opinion from someone who doesn't immediately opt for operations or lifelong dependency on drugs. My most recent case of this was being told I needed a carpal tunnel op for persistent pain in my arm. Went to a sports physio for a second opinion & was told it wasn't CT but RSI. I didn't know until then that RSI is - or at least in this case (several experiences doesn't make me an expert). Due to incorrect playing posture the three tendons in my fore-arm had "welded" themselves together. It was mildly painful when she used her fingertips to probe between the muscles in my arm & wiggle them to separate the tendons; two sessions & some exercises & it's cured - no CTS op which wouldn't have worked anyway. A good physio can give you a quick test too, that will tell you which it is, nerve damage or not. Same with my "ulnar nerve" issue that would have needed an op to my wrist for numb fingers. Different GP 200+ miles apart, 10 years apart & different physio that I saw at the same time. He instantly traced it - not to an ulnar nerve issue but to a trapped nerve in my neck, which wasn't even a nerve issue as such but a twisted vertebrae in my neck, which was fixed in 5 minutes - again, no op! Since physio doesn't involve operations etc it doesn't mean you can't go back to the GP route if you find it doesn't work. From the reverse view point it could involve you not being cut open unnecessarily, which could cause inconvenience & pain with no positive outcome.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Sorry to hear this Mel, hope all gets on the road to recovery soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacko Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 I was diagnosed with CTS in 2011 and underwent surgery in my right (plucking) hand in nov 2011. By mid december 2011 I was back gigging and haven't had any problems since. The docs said my left (fretting) hand wasn't as bad so they'd leave it to see how I got on before operating on that one. I'm glad they left it as I was unable to put any weight on my right palm for at least 12 months following that op. As I said - plucking has been fine but I doubt if I'd have been able to put enough pressure on a fingerboard if it had been the other hand. The most painful thing for me was the conductor tests - seemed to me like the nurse was putting a zillion volts up my arms - she told me the student docs like to pllay with the equipment when they've had a few. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Undead Posted May 2, 2014 Author Share Posted May 2, 2014 jacks, sorry for not replying, I've just seen your post. Update for anyone interested. I've seen the consultant, confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists and ulnar nerve entrapment in both arms also - got to have a nerve conduction study to find out where the compression is occurring on that nerve. Definitely needing surgery to correct the whole lot. Oh balls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Telebass Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 Ah, crap. But if it fixes the problem. .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dincz Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 [quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1394058218' post='2387578'] oh balls. [/quote] Balls, bollocks! You've seen the doc and the wheels are in motion. Well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ticktock Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 Hey, you are on the road to getting fixed. That can only be a good thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 Hey Mel, good on you for going to the doctor about it in the first place. Looks like there's a fair chance it can be sorted. Best of luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassTractor Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 Hey Mel, All the best with this! Twas a bad read, but one turning to what seems like well founded hope. You go, girl! Bert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Undead Posted May 3, 2014 Author Share Posted May 3, 2014 Thanks guys seems weird to say this but I'm looking forward to the surgery - not so much that itself but having things resolved will be great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregBass Posted May 3, 2014 Share Posted May 3, 2014 (edited) Mel - I had both wrists done for carpal tunnel syndrome. Both at the same time, just over a year ago. Two weeks in plaster, then the stitches came out and I was back at work. I was also playing again at home, but it was another two months before I could carry my rig in and out. My right was worse, with atrophy of the nerve. That is now fully recovered. The left was not so bad, but I managed to damage it again before the stitches came out. Learn from me - don't try to do too much too soon. Hope it all goes well from here on. Edited May 3, 2014 by GregBass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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