So..I went to the hospital today geared up for the cp procedure. I was seen by a different consultant. He said that it wasn't cp as the pain was towards my thumb rather than in the centre of my wrist. He thinks it's still nerve damage though.
I have a different brace that supports my thumb as well as my wrist. Despite being rather big and unsightly I must admit it does feel better supported. I have been told to completely rest my hand for the next four weeks apart from having weekly physio to massage the nerve (this sounds horrifying to me as even a simple touch sends shock waves down my fingers).
The consultant said that because I had a wrist break only four weeks ago maybe this nerve damage is part of the trauma and will subside by itself. I am obviously glad that I didn't have anything cut open today but I do fear that this is just putting off the inevitable.
I have already had four weeks off work and as I work with small children my Dr will not give me a fit to work note. Another four weeks off could mean my job...
I suppose this will teach me not to fall over!!
Nic
And.... the new brace which at first felt like cotton wool now feels like a vice...
Even though you do not want to do any further damage, is there no "light duties" work you could accomplish to show you want to work. Paperwork, training, advertising....even just making the tea may help others and show the bosses you are committed and worth a longer than usual wait to get you back 100%.
Bosses/managers do appreciate you going back on light duties. Worth a thought.
I offered to do that, Mark. My bosses are happy for me to do light duties but they need a fit to work cert from my GP for insurance purposes. My GP will not give me a fit to work cert, even light duties. So I'm stuck really.
Must be very hard to accept thinking you were due to have an procedure on your wrist only to be told to wear a brace
howard, I was annoyed so much. Why can't they keep you with the same consultant? I had mentally prepared myself for the procedure and I was quite looking forward to a release of the pain. Instead I'm here, useless, with a big, ugly, uncomfortable brace and no real plan of action.
It's only been four weeks since I broke my wrist and I know some people have been putting up with this for years, but already I'm despondant and down in the dumps.
My life has changed very dramatically in the past few weeks and this is very much for the better, but my hand and wrist pain is driving me silly.
Nic
Hi Nic
I'm sorry to hear about your fall and the build up to your operation then be told it's not CTS! I feel for you as it's been 10 weeks since my operation and it's still numb and annoying, I don't know if you read my story but the tests showed I didn't have CTS but when they went in it wash totally squashed I also have arthritis at base of my thumb i am also wearing a brace for work typing with one hand it's not good but I'm alowed breaks and they are not taking my stats into consideration for the near future x I hope this helps x Nic
Thanks for the reply, Nicola (great name, by the way lol). The main problem with my work is that I work with children from 3 months to 13 years old. Some of these children have special needs and manual handling training is essential. My GP is not prepared to give me a fit to work cert as she knows there is no such thing as 'light duties' in childcare. My bosses said I could do paperwork and observations etc but the GP is staying put and without a fit to work cert I am not insured.
I am keeping myself busy as I have just moved house and in fact the extra time to sort things out is quite helpful. But after four weeks away from work..and another four to go I just feel a little out of the loop.
I also suffer with depression, which I have finally managed to keep under control, and fear that this setback may encourage the depression and anxiety to creep back in. I hate feeling sorry for myself, and I've read stories on here of people in a lot worse situations that myself..but still I'm so fed up.
Nic
Haha yes great name x I understand why your doctor is reluctant to let you back to work, I had an operation in September 2013 to help stop my monthly periods but the operation failed so I am now waiting for a date to have a hysterectomy this is making me worried and anxious but will be for the best I think? Ha but I understand depression too x I am here any time you want to talk even if just to get things off your chest you have my email address if not it's ______ xx anytime xx Nic
Emis Moderator comment: I have removed the email address as we do not publish these in the forums. If users wish to exchange contact details please use the Private Message service.
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Has anyone actually thought of doing some nerve conduction studies to sort out exactly how much nerve damage there is?
I think this is a good idea? My surgery has made my hand worse!! I woke up during last night and my whole hand was numb not just my fingers but whole hand ?? Why I thought this operation was to help not make things worse.